On June 8, the investiture of Ed Underhill took place at the Supreme Court of Illinois building, 160 N. LaSalle St., as he became the newest Cook County judge to be sworn in.
The Honorable Joy V. Cunningham swore in Underhill as his husband, medical professional Liam Nolan, held the bible. (Illinois Supreme Court justices P. Scott Neville Jr. and David K. Overstreet also sat on the bench during this event.)
Attorney and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Marcelino Garcia was the event's master of ceremonies. "It's always good to have the support of people [who] you love as you venture into other [opportunities]," he told the crowd of Underhill's family and friends. He also congratulated Nolan "on this new phase of your life."
Attorney Michael K. Burke delivered remarks that resonated with many in attendance: "It's not to be taken lightly that the swearing-in occurs in June—just as it should not be taken lightly that gains in justice for the LGBTQ community, [or] for any of us, are not eternally guaranteed. Democracy demands much from 'we, the people'—and vigilance is just one such demand. … So this chapter in your life, Ed, is filled with meaning and immense, new responsibilities in which your decisions will affect the lives of thousands as well as the fundamental building blocks of society: law and order, opportunity, equity and fairness.
"I know I speak for every one of us when I say, 'Congratulations, Ed.' We're proud of you. Never forget this moment."
After being sworn in, Underhill commented, "The themes of my remarks are basically two things: acknowledgement and [thanks]. These themes overlap to a large degree." He then thanked a list of people, including Nolan and the Illinois Supreme Court, saying of the latter, "I appreciate the trust [it] has placed in me." Underhill added, "I promise that I will do nothing that will disappoint this court—or my parents … or my stepmother."
Last month, Underhill was appointed to the position to fill the at-large vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Timothy P. Murphy, effective Dec. 5, 2022. Underhill's appointment will conclude Dec. 2, 2024, following the November 2024 general election. Underhill—who had previously run twice for judge, in 2016 and 2018—was a senior partner and chair of the commercial litigation practice group at Masuda, Funai, Eifert & Mitchell, Ltd., where he has worked for almost four decades.
A post-event reception took place at Petterino's, 150 N. Dearborn St.
