Trailblazing justice passes the torch to another

Posted on September 29, 2022

Retired Justice Rita Garman (left) and Lisa Holder White (right) who replaced her on the high court. The two jurists attended a reception Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at the McLean County Law and Justice Center. (Photo courtesy 25 News)

BLOOMINGTON – The torch was passed in Bloomington Wednesday from one trailblazing jurist to another.

The McLean County Law and Justice Center was the scene where outgoing Illinois Supreme Court Justice Rita Garman met with the public, accompanied by her chosen successor, Justice Lisa Holder White.

McLean County is part of District 4, they region they represent on the state’s highest court.

Both women said they were optimistic about the future of women in law.

“When I became a judge in Illinois, I was one of eight women out of more than 900 judges in Illinois. Now, at least one third of the judges in Illinois are women,” said Garman.

Justice Holder White joined the Illinois Supreme Court in early July, taking over for Garman who decided not to seek retention for a third, 10-year term on the high court. Garman served as a judge for 48 years, and was Illinois’ longest serving judge.

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