The swearing in of Reginald Mathews as a new associate judge Monday morning brings an African American back to the Lake County Circuit Court bench for the first time in two years.
Mathews is also the third high-ranking member of the the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office to be selected as a judge this year, bringing a period of reorganization to that office.
Mathews prosecuted a number of high-profile murder, drug and gang cases during his tenure, most recently holding the title of chief of the office’s Gang and Narcotics Division.
“I would rather be judged by the content of my character than the color of my skin, but I realize there was a void,” Mathews said Monday, referencing the retirement of Lake County’s first and only black judge prior to Mathews, George Bridges, in early 2016.
“It’s a great day, not only for myself and family, but also my old community,” said Mathews, who grew up in North Chicago. “I hope what I do will bring opportunities for others.”
Mathews stressed that, as his oath stated, he plans to uphold the letter of the law equally for all.
After Bridges retired, some defense attorneys said they felt more diversity was needed on the Lake County Circuit Court bench.
“I think it’s a great thing for Lake County, primarily because Reggie is a great attorney,” defense attorney Lawrence Wade said Monday. Wade, who is half African American and half Puerto Rican, has been among those seeking more diversity.
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Wade added he would also like to see more defense attorneys appointed to judgeships.
State’s Attorney Michael Nerheim said Monday he was pleased to see Mathews sworn in as the county’s newest judge.
“He’s going to be an excellent judge,” Nerheim said. “He’s one of the hardest working and most ethical people I know.”
Defense attorney Jed Stone, another proponent of increased diversity among local judges, also lauded Mathews’ selection. “It’s always good to have more diversity on the bench,” Stone said.
Bridges acknowledged upon his retirement that his role as both the first African-American police chief in Waukegan and judge in Lake County Circuit Court is a legacy, and the community will notice his absence.
“We live in a world where race is still an issue. I know my retirement leaves a void,” Bridges said. “People feel comfortable seeing someone who speaks their language. Someone who looks like them.”
Mathews was chosen from 33 applicants as the fourth new associate judge elected by the court’s circuit judges in private ballot votes.
In February, former Assistant State’s Attorney Stephen DeRue, chief of the office’s Domestic Violence Division, and Jacquelyn D. Melius, an attorney with the Libertyville firm of Dudley & Lake, were selected as new associate judges by the court’s circuit judges.
Then in March, Ari P. Fisz, former chief of the felony trial division with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, was appointed as an associate judge.
The four new judgeships were open due to three retirements and one promotion from associate judge to circuit judge.
Nerheim said Monday he has selected successors for DeRue, Fisz and Mathews in the state’s attorney’s office.
Replacing Mathews as new chief of the Gang and Narcotics Division is veteran Assistant State’s Attorney Eric Kalata. Assistant State’s Attorney Scott Hoffert is stepping into DeRue’s previous position as chief of the Domestic Violence Unit, and Assistant State’s Attorney Kenneth LaRue has been selected as the new chief of the Felony Division, replacing Fisz.
Nerheim said the depth of leadership and experience in his office allowed him to make the appointments from within, which will allow other members of the office opportunities for advancement as well, he said.
“They are all experienced, good people and I know they will do well,” Nerheim said of the new division chiefs.
Mathews was sworn in Monday morning by Chief Judge Jay Ukena.
“Mr. Mathews possesses the ability to be a talented jurist who will ensure, in the years to come, that the court continues its mission to provide access to justice for all who may come before it,” Ukena said. “Mr. Mathews brings a great wealth of knowledge and diversity of thought related to our justice system, and an in-depth understanding of the community at large.”