A new judge will preside over Peoria County’s 10th Judicial Circuit Court.
Chris Doscotch has been an attorney for 25 years, primarily focusing on worker’s compensation cases. He replaces Jodi Hoos, who vacated the bench when she became state’s attorney.
Doscotch said he will use his experience in private law to guide his judgeship — as well as the mentorship of the other judges.
“It’s different being a judge than being a litigant," he said. "You have to learn the ropes on the rules, how you manage a docket, the law, where to go — I mean the logistics — everything. And they’ve been just great. I would say it’s a community or a village effort.”
Doscotch said he intends to follow Hoos’ example.
“I hope to carry on with being fair-minded, even-handed to all the litigants," he said. "Move your docket. Be respectful to opponents."
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Thomas Kilbride delivered the oath of office. Kilbride said Doscotch’s compassion and intellect that made him an easy choice for the bench.
Doscotch graduated from Knox College before studying law at Southern Illinois University. Before that, he served in the Illinois Army National Guard.
Because Doscotch did not have any law partners to take over his firm, he had to close the practice to be sworn in as judge.
He said it’s bittersweet to be leaving the staff that helped him represent more than 6,000 clients over his career.
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