(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- In a historic decision, Fourth District Appellate Justice Lisa Holder White has been appointed to fill Justice Rita B. Garman's seat on the Illinois Supreme Court.
She will be the first black woman to serve on the state’s highest court.
Garman, who announced her retirement effective July 7, 2022, has served on the Supreme Court since 2001.
“There is no doubt that I have had the role of a lifetime, a privilege to serve the people of the state of Illinois as a member of the court system at every level,” Justice Garman said.
“But this is the right time for me to step back from my public role and allow someone else to assume this all important position. Thank you for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Illinois.”
Justice Lisa Holder White began her career as an Assistant State’s Attorney for Macon County before going into private practice while also serving as an Assistant Public Defender for Macon County.
In 2001, Justice Holder White was sworn in as an Associate Judge in the Sixth Judicial Circuit, the first Black Judge in the circuit.
In 2013, she was sworn in as the first Black Justice on the Illinois Appellate Court, Fourth District.
“Being appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court is the honor of a lifetime. I am humbled by the confidence Justice Rita B. Garman and the entire Court have placed in me,” Justice Holder White said in a statement.
Holder White’s term will take effect on July 8 and run through December 2, 2024.
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