Ford County Judicial Evaluations and Advisory Polls

Lisa Holder White (Highly Recommended)

Justice Lisa Holder White received her undergraduate degree from Lewis University and her law degree from University of Illinois College of Law and was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1993. She previously served as an Associate Judge and Circuit Court Judge in Decatur (Macon County), as well as an Appellate Court Justice in the 4th Judicial District. Prior to becoming a judge, she served as an Assistant State’s Attorney, Assistant Public Defender, and private practitioner handling a wide variety of criminal, family, probate, adoption, and juvenile matters. Justice Holder White is active in numerous professional associations, the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.), and her church.

The committee investigated Justice Holder White’s credentials in litigation experience, professional experience, health and age, legal knowledge and ability, integrity, sensitivity to diversity and bias, judicial temperament, diligence, punctuality, impartiality, professional conduct, and character. Justice Holder White possesses the professional experience, temperament, and integrity required of an Illinois Supreme Court Justice.

Using the criteria and process above, the Illinois State Bar Association finds that Justice Lisa Holder White is highly recommended for the position of Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court.

Eugene Doherty (Recommended)

Justice Eugene Doherty received his undergraduate degree from Northern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1983. Justice Doherty received his law degree from Northern Illinois University College of Law in 1989.

Justice Doherty worked with Holmstrom & Kennedy, PC in Rockford in civil litigation from 1991 until he became a judge in 2007.

Justice Doherty began his service as a Circuit Court Judge in the 17th Circuit in Winnebago County in June 2007 and served as Chief Judge for that Circuit from 2018 to 2021. He was appointed to the 4th District Appellate Court in July 2022 where he currently presides. He has been a guest instructor at the Northern Illinois University College of Law and has lectured and presented continuing legal education programs throughout his career. He has been a contributor of articles for legal journals.

The Judicial Evaluation Committee Outside Cook county of the Illinois State Bar Association has investigated and considered Justice Doherty’s credentials, experience and the opinions of the attorneys who have appeared before him with respect to litigation experience, professional experience, health, age, legal knowledge, legal ability, integrity, sensitivity to diversity, sensitivity to bias, judicial temperament, diligence, punctuality, professional conduct, and character and he has achieved high marks in all areas. He has been described as a person of great integrity and ethics.

Using the criteria and process noted above, the Illinois State Bar Association finds that Justice Eugene Doherty is recommended for the position of Justice of the Appellate Court for the 4th Appellate District of Illinois.

Amy Lannerd (Recommended)

Justice Amy Lannerd received her undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in finance in 1998. Justice Lannerd received her law degree from the University of Denver in 2001 and was also admitted to the Illinois bar in 2001.

Justice Lannerd worked with Lewis, Longlett & Lannerd in Quincy in general practice from 2001 until she became a circuit judge in 2016. Justice Lannerd began her service as a Circuit Court Judge in the 8th Circuit in Adams County in April 2016. She was appointed to the 4th District Appellate Court in December 2022 where she currently presides. Justice Lannerd has been on her church (Christ Lutheran Church) council for 3 years and has served on the risk management committee there. She is also a sustaining member of the Quincy Service League and has a pending application to rejoin Rotary International (as her club had ceased operation for a couple of years).

The Judicial Evaluation Committee Outside Cook County investigated Justice Lannerd’s credentials in litigation experience, professional experience, health and age, legal knowledge and ability, integrity, sensitivity to diversity and bias, judicial temperament, diligence, punctuality, impartiality, professional conduct, and character. Justice Lannerd has had varied assignments as a judge. Justice Lannerd is described as having a respectful and courteous attitude with those who practice in front her and her legal acumen is “on point” as she is always prepared, understands the issues and asks pointed questions.

Using the criteria and process above, the Illinois State Bar Association finds that Justice Amy Lannerd is recommended for the position of Justice of the Appellate Court for the 4th Appellate District of Illinois.

Robert J. Steigmann (Not Recommended for Retention)