This month, the Illinois Appellate Court lost two long-serving justices: Justice Thomas E. Hoffman and Justice Thomas M. Welch. Both justices had distinguished careers serving the public and upholding the Illinois and United States Constitutions.

Justice Hoffman passed away on July 4, 2025. He served on the First District bench since 1993.  Justice Hoffman was first appointed as an associate judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County in 1984, and before that, was a City of Chicago attorney and worked in private practice.

Justice Welch passed away on July 7, 2025. He served on the Fifth District bench since 1980.  Justice Welch first served as a Circuit Court Magistrate from 1965 to 1971, then as the Madison County Assistant State's Attorney from 1971 to 1972, and also worked in private practice.

You can read more on these two men's distinguished careers and funeral arrangements on the Supreme Court's website:

First District Appellate Court Justice Thomas E. Hoffman Passes Away

Fifth District Appellate Court Justice Thomas M. Welch Passes Away