Attorneys

The Honorable William R. Penn
Of Counsel, Joliet Office
wpenn@obkcg.com

The Honorable William R. Penn (retired) served as an Associate Circuit Court Judge in Will County from 1983 to 1986. He was elected full Circuit Court Judge in 1986 and served with distinction from that time until his retirement in December 2000. During his judicial career, Judge Penn was instrumental in implementing gang awareness programs and was cited by the Department of Public Aid for his achievements in the enforcement of child support. As judge, he was rated "most highly qualified" by an Illinois State Bar Association poll.

Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Penn was engaged in the general practice of law for thirty years, including an extensive municipal law practice. Judge Penn represented several school districts, cities, villages, townships, and other municipalities in Illinois, as well as nine fire protection districts. As a trial attorney, Judge Penn was a member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers' Association and was admitted to the trial bar of the United States District Court. He was a past President and Secretary of the Will County Bar Association.

Judge Penn attended the University of Illinois and earned his law degree from John Marshall Law School in Chicago in 1951. He served in the U.S. Marine Corp from 1951 to 1953. He was a member of the Judicial Administration Division of the American Bar Association and a graduate of the National Judicial College.

Judge Penn is a member of the Leadership Council of the Joliet Regional Area of the Greater Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer Association. Judge Penn is also a member of the Diocesan Review Committee of the Diocese of Joliet. Judge Penn serves "of counsel" to the firm in its Joliet office.