The Illinois Fourth Judicial Circuit has announced the unanimous election of Circuit Judge at Large Martin Siemer as the new Chief Judge for the circuit. Judge Siemer’s three-year term will begin on July first. He will replace Chief Judge Douglas Jarman who opted against seeking another term as chief judge.
The Illinois Fourth Judicial Circuit includes Marion, Clinton, Fayette, Clay, Effingham, Christian, Jasper, Montgomery and Shelby Counties.
The Chief Judge among other responsibilities has general administrative authority over the courts in the Fourth Circuit and assigns the judges within the circuit. There are currently 19 judges in the circuit. 12 are elected circuit judges and seven are appointed associate judges who can preside in any of the nine counties. The Chief Judges office is located in the Fayette County Courthouse in Vandalia.
Judge Siemer was first elected as a Circuit Judge in 2014 and retained in 2020 for a second six-year term. Before assuming the bench in 2014, Judge Siemer spent 20 years in private practice with offices in Effingham and Casey. He’s also been active in various professional and community organization. Judge Siemer and his wife of 30 years reside in Teutopolis and are the parents of four children.
Judge Siemer says he is humbled to be trusted with this responsibility by his fellow judges and looks forward to service as Chief Judge.
Judge Jarman says Judge Siemer is a respective, effective judge and a proven leader who will continue to guide the Fourth Judicial Circuit’s criminal and civil justice system with excellence.
