Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Rita B. Garman announced Monday the appointment of longtime Associate Judge Timothy J. Steadman to Resident Circuit Judge of Macon County in the Sixth Judicial Circuit.

Judge Steadman has been an associate judge in the Sixth Circuit since February 1995. He will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge Lisa Holder White to the Illinois Appellate Court, Fourth Judicial District.

The appointment is effective July 25, 2014 and terminates December 5, 2016, when the position will be filled by election.

The Supreme Court is given the authority under the Illinois Constitution to fill judicial vacancies by interim appointment until the next election cycle.
As an associate judge, Judge Steadman has heard a myriad of cases including violent felonies; and cases involving juveniles, drug court, family law, misdemeanors and property forfeitures. He also has adjudicated small claims and juvenile abuse and neglect cases.

Judge Steadman was previously evaluated by a Sixth Judicial Circuit Screening Committee and found to be extremely well qualified.

Before being selected as an associate judge, he was an assistant state's attorney for Macon County. Judge Steadman also served as an assistant state's attorney for Champaign County from 1983 to 1983 and was in private practice with the Decatur firm of Burger, Fombelle, Zachry, and Rathburn in 1987 and 1988.

Judge Steadman received his juris doctor from The John Marshall Law School in January 1981. He received his Bachelor of Arts from DePaul University in February 1978.