FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DeKalb, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University College of Law is proud to announce the appointment of 1992 alumna Mary Linn Green as associate judge for the state of Illinois 17th Judicial Circuit. Judge Green will fill the vacant seat created by 1978 alumnus Judge Ronald J. White, who was elected circuit court judge in November, 2008.
"I am very pleased and honored to be selected to the associate judge position. I have always been committed to the Rockford area, and look forward to serving the citizens of this community as a judge," said Green when she was informed of the decision.
Honorable Janet R. Holmgren, Chief Judge of the 17th District and a 1985 alumna also commented on Green’s appointment by saying, "Mary Linn's prior professional experience in the nursing field and her 17 years of experience as a talented and well-respected trial attorney makes her a tremendous addition to the court system."
Prior to her judicial appointment, Judge Green had been a partner at Hinshaw & Culbertson since 2003, where she concentrated in the areas of health law and medical malpractice defense. From 1992 to 2003, she was an associate and later a partner at Kostantacos, Reuterfors, McWilliams, Brandt & Green, P.C. in Rockford. In addition to her legal experience, Judge Green began her professional career as a nurse at Loyola University Medical Center and has held numerous positions in health care.
Judge Green's background in nursing gives her a unique perspective in dealing with people from all walks of life, and in the best and worst of circumstances. "She'll be a wonderful judge who uses common sense as well as the law in making decisions, but only after she has fully listened to those before her, insuring during the decisional process that folks who have difficulty communicating their thoughts are nevertheless truly heard," remarked College of Law Professor Emeritus Jeffrey Parness.
Professor Parness was proud to hear the news of his former student who often serves as a guest speaker in his Illinois Civil Procedure and Civil Claim Settlement Law classes. He also added, "Her long career in nursing will mean she will dispense compassionate justice after which the parties as well as their lawyers will understand why she did what she did."
A native of Rockford, Illinois, Judge Green received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from College of St. Teresa, Winona, Minnesota and her Master of Science degree in Nursing from Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois. In 1992, she earned her law degree (cum laude) from Northern Illinois University College of Law and also was the recipient of the Outstanding Woman Student Award.
Judge Green is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, and Winnebago County Bar Association where she has served on its Board of Directors. She has been involved on numerous boards in the community and an active alumna, including serving ten years on the College of Law Alumni Council as a member and Vice President.
Judge Green will be sworn in on March 6, 2009. She joins a distinguished list of more than 60 fellow graduates who serve in the judiciary including six in the 17th Judicial Circuit.
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For more information, contact:
Melody Mitchell
Alumni Events & Public Relations
(815) 753-9655 or mmitchell@niu.edu