CHICAGO (WAND) - Justice P. Scott Neville Jr. has been appointed as the new Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court.
This appointment makes him the second Black Chief Justice in Illinois history and the 123rd Chief Justice overall.
He will serve a three-year term, succeeding Justice Mary Jane Theis.
Chief Justice Neville was officially sworn in on October 24, marking a historic milestone in Illinois judicial history.
In his new role, Chief Justice Neville emphasizes the importance of accessible and fair justice. He aims to make Illinois courts a national model for fairness and transparency, saying that the court system should be both equitable and approachable for all residents.
Public trust in the courts “requires justice that is accessible, procedures that are understandable, and support services that meet the needs of litigants,” Chief Justice Neville said. “I will also work to make the Illinois courts a national model, safeguarding the constitutional promise of equal justice without regard to who a person is, where they live, or what resources they have so all litigants are seen and heard.”
Before joining the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Neville built a long and distinguished career in law. He served as a civil rights attorney, and was the first Black law clerk for a Cook County Appellate Justice. He was appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court in 2018 and has served in various judicial roles since 1999.
Chief Justice Neville earned a Bachelor of Arts from Culver-Stockton College and a Juris Doctor from Washington University School of Law. He resides in Chicago with his wife, Sharon J. Neville.
Copyright 2025. WANDTV. All Rights Reserved.
