Will County Gazette

Will County Associate Judge Ben Braun, who has served in his current position for 11 years and spent 19 years practicing law in the county before that, announced he will run for Will County Circuit Court Judge in 2018.

“The circuit court is one of Will County’s essential government institutions and Will County’s 16 circuit court judges typically hear the higher profile cases, supervise other judges and both select and decide the retention of the county’s 20 associate judges,” Braun said. “I would be honored to have the vote of the people of Will County.”

Braun is seeking to fill the position opened when Will County Circuit Court Judge Daniel Rozak retired this year. He served as an attorney, specializing in family law, both as a partner at Stefanich, McGarry, Wols, and Okrei, Ltd. and in his own firm. In 2006, the Will County circuit judges selected Braun to become an associate judge, making him the sole candidate among approximately 35 to be selected for the honor.

As the Will County Gazette reported yesterday, Braun last week filed $22,500 worth of A-1 contributions (those of $1,000 or more), plus a personal $11,700 loan from Braun to his campaign, with the Illinois State Board of Elections.

“During my 11 years on the bench, I’ve had the opportunity to preside over more than 100 jury trials of criminal cases and over 1,000 bench trials and hearings in criminal and civil cases,” Braun said. “At the trial court level, the judge’s rulings are usually the final word, and I have established a reputation for consistency, fairness and legally sound rulings. Lawyers describe me as efficient and tough, but fair.”