Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Court’s adjourned at month’s end for Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary Jane Theis.

She has been a judge for forty years, including the last fifteen on the state’s highest court. That includes one term as chief justice.

An Illinois Supreme Court news release says Theis became interested in the judiciary at a young age, slipping into her father’s courtroom to watch him at work.

“I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to serve,” Justice Theis said in the release. “It has been my foremost goal to further the Court’s mission of providing access to equal justice, ensuring judicial integrity and upholding the rule of law.”

Succeeding her on an interim basis will be Appellate Justice Sanjay Tailor, who will be Illinois’ first Asian-American Supreme Court justice.

“I am grateful to Justice Mary Jane Theis and the other justices of the Illinois Supreme Court for
their confidence and trust in appointing me Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court,” Justice Tailor
said in the same release. “I also look forward to continuing the work of the Illinois Supreme Court to ensure that our system of justice serves all people fairly and equitably.”

Justice Theis’ retirement is effective Jan. 29. Justice Tailor’s appointment to a three-year term is effective Jan. 30.