Illinois Supreme Court Justice Thomas L. Kilbride has announced an application process for appointment to a second Circuit Court vacancy in the Ninth Judicial Circuit.

The vacancy will be created by Chief Judge James B. Stewart's retirement, which takes effect on October 1, 2015. Chief Judge Stewart has been a judge since 1986 and served as chief judge of the six-county circuit since 2012.

Justice Kilbride's announcement comes about two weeks after he gave notice of an application process for an upcoming vacancy that will be created by the August 20, 2015 retirement of Circuit Judge Steven R. Bordner.

Under the Illinois Constitution, judicial vacancies are filled by Supreme Court appointment. Justice Kilbride will make a recommendation to the Court after applicants undergo an evaluation and screening process.

Notice of both vacancies has been posted at courthouses within the Ninth Judicial Circuit, which includes Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Knox, McDonough and Warren counties. The application form and instructions may be obtained by visiting the Supreme Court’s website at www.illinoiscourts.gov and following the instructions on the “Latest News” scroller announcing the Ninth Judicial Circuit vacancy.

Applicants must submit one original and the requisite number of copies of the application and other documents as instructed in the application packet. To be considered for the vacancy created by Chief Judge Stewart's retirement, all documents must be received in Justice Kilbride’s office no later than 11:30 a.m. on Monday, August 20, 2015.

The deadline to apply for the Judge Bordner vacancy is 11:30 a.m. on Monday, August 10, 2015. Any applicant who files for the Judge Bordner vacancy may simply submit a letter to Justice Kilbride's attention indicating their desire to be considered for appointment to the Judge Stewart vacancy.

Applicants seeking appointment to the vacancies must be admitted to practice law in Illinois, live in the Ninth Judicial Circuit and be in good standing with the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission or any other respective disciplinary bodies.

Other qualities an applicant must possess include: a demonstrated reputation for integrity and good character; a demonstrated commitment to equal justice under law; outstanding legal ability and competence; and the appropriate demeanor, character and temperament.

The person appointed to fill the vacancy will serve until December 5, 2016 or as otherwise ordered by the Supreme Court.