McLean County is getting a new public guardian.
The role allows an attorney to serve as the legal representative for people with disabilities who do not have qualified and willing family and friends to manage their affairs and person.
Dan Deneen has had the job for 18 years. Deneen will step down Dec. 4, though he said in a news release he will continue to practice law and help the office.
Robert Porter will take the post under a temporary appointment from Gov. JB Pritzker which will need legislative approval to become permanent. Porter will also help in situations in which hospitals and nursing homes need quick assistance or when families and factions have a dispute over care.
Deputy Guardian Maureen Schiller will continue to assist Porter as will Deneen.
Porter said over the last five years he's developed a niche expertise through assisting Deneen in many cases and enjoys helping people through that part of the legal profession.
"I am both honored and humbled to begin service as the Public Administrator and Public Guardian of McLean County this December. I am particularly grateful to Bloomington Attorney Dan Deneen for his mentorship and for recommending that I succeed him in this role," said Porter on a post.
Porter is a partner in the firm of Costigan and Wollrab. He graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University and the University of Illinois law school. He also practices in the area of municipal law, real estate, civil litigation, and estate planning and administration.
