Latest News

Hamilton County’s “Lawyer in the Library” Program Scheduled for October 17

Hamilton County’s “Lawyer in the Library” program has been scheduled
for October 17, with additional dates already set through the end of this
year. The program, which will take place at the McCoy Memorial Library
located at 130 South Washington Street, McLeansboro provides a
licensed attorney for twenty-minute sessions to assist individuals with
free legal coaching, document review, questions regarding electronic
filing, and referrals. These free services are made possible by grant

Richland County Circuit Court Awarded Technology Grant for Second Consecutive Year

Second Circuit Chief Judge Melissa Morgan is proud to announce that Richland County Circuit
Court has been awarded a Technology Modernization Grant for the second consecutive year.
The grant program, funded by the Illinois Supreme Court and the Administrative Office of the
Illinois Courts, was offered to county court systems in the State for technology upgrades to
modernize the delivery of court services. Richland County Circuit Clerk Zach Holder and
Richland County Resident Judge Ray Vaughn applied for the grant and were awarded just over

“Lawyer in the Library” Program to Begin in Olney on October 17

Second Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Melissa Morgan is proud to
announce the Second Circuit’s “Lawyer in the Library” program will begin
in Olney at the Olney Public Library on October 17. The program
provides participants with free legal coaching, document review, and
referrals regarding civil issues. These services are made possible
through a grant from the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access
to Justice and the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts that seeks to

"Lawyer in the Library" Program to Begin in Shawneetown this Month

Second Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Melissa Morgan is proud to
announce the Second Circuit’s “Lawyer in the Library” program will begin
in Gallatin County this month. The program consists of a local attorney
meeting one-on-one with individuals and providing them with free legal
coaching, document review, e-filing, and referrals regarding civil issues.
These services are made possible through a grant from the Illinois
Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice and the Administrative

2nd Judicial Circuit receives Access to Justice grant

Second Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Melissa Morgan is proud to announce the Circuit has been awarded an Access to Justice grant for the second consecutive year. The grant is made possible by the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice and the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts and seeks to fund programs aimed to assist self-represented litigants.

Free Introduction to Court Reporting Classes Offered in the Second Circuit

The Second Circuit is pleased to announce that the free “First Steps” Introduction to Court Reporting Classes will be offered at two locations within the Circuit for those interested in a career in court reporting. The Illinois Court Reporting Services (ILCRS) launched a website in 2019 to introduce the class and since that time, the interest in learning more about this career field has grown. The free classes will be led by Second Circuit Court Reporter Supervisor Amy Scott and taught by local Second Circuit Reporters.

Official Court Reported Honored for Distinguished Career Spanning 36 Years

Official Court Reporter for the Second Judicial Circuit, Traci Ackman, announced her retirement after 36 years of service and was recently recognized at the courthouse for her distinguished career. A native of Robinson and graduate of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Ackman began her employment with the Circuit on October 1, 1986. She officially retired March 1, and was honored for her dedication and commitment to the administration of justice throughout the Second Circuit.

"Lawyer in the Library” Program Accepting Appointments for Spring

The Second Judicial Circuit’s “Lawyer in the Library” program is set to continue this spring.
Appointments are being scheduled now for March, April, and May at the West Frankfort Public Library
located at 402 East Poplar Street, West Frankfort. The program was initiated in September 2022, and
provides a licensed attorney for twenty-minute appointment periods to assist individuals with free legal
coaching, document review, assistance with electronic filing, and referrals to additional services. These

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