Jim Wexstten was appointed to the Fifth District Appellate Court by unanimous vote of the Supreme Court of Illinois. Prior to his appointment, he served for over 18 years as a Circuit Court Judge - a trial judge - making thousands of decisions in our local county courthouses. Now Jim wants to use his experience and common sense to continue to work for us as an Appellate Court Judge. Click Thumbnail to Watch Wexstten Biography Child Advocate Darla Wexstten Southern 30 Adolescent Center Darla and Jim Foster Parents The Hopkins Legacy Compassion 30 years in the legal profession helping people Received the highest national rating on legal ability, faithful obedience to ethical standards and professional reliability and diligence. 18 years as an elected Circuit Court Judge from 12 counties • Twice elected Chief Circuit Judge • Elected 5 times by the people • Received a 96.63% bar poll rating in 2000 Appointed by the Supreme Court • To teach Circuit and Appellate Judges throughout Illinois • To write articles used by Illinois judges • To the Legislative Committee of the Illinois Supreme Court • To the Future of the Courts Committee • To the Illinois Judicial Conference Statewide Appointments • Legislative Committee on Juvenile Justice which redrafted the Illinois   Juvenile Code • Co-chair of the Illinois State Bar Association Committee on “Funding   Our Courts” in an effort to remove the burden of funding trial courts   from the backs of county taxpayers • Facilitator Judge of the Judicial Performance Evaluation Program • Original member of the Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee Concerned about Children and Families • served 8 years on the Board of Directors of Prevent Child Abuse   Illinois, 3 years as President • Founder of the Southern Thirty Adolescent Center which provides   emergency shelter for abused and neglected children • Speaker and lecturer for the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic   Violence Past President of the 1000+ membership of the Illinois Judges’ Association Married to Darla; 3 daughters - Elizabeth, Bria and Erin; 6 grandchildren Member and Elder of Grace Community Church Paid for by Committee to Elect Wexstten 5th District Appellate Judge