David M. Carlson, Circuit Judge

From 2014 to 2024, David served as a Circuit Judge in the 12th Judicial Circuit of Will County, Illinois. During this time, he presided over the felony/criminal division, which is the second largest in the state. In this role, he directed the administration of court activities, including Grand Jury sessions and managed a docket exceeding 8,000 cases monthly. Davod was responsible for overseeing courtroom proceedings from pretrial motions through to sentencing. He also led a committee that introduced technological advancements within the criminal justice system, including virtual court applications. His leadership was recognized by voters in the 2020 General Election, where he was re-elected with 73.41% of the vote. His practice areas includes criminal defense and personal injury.

Before his time as a Circuit Judge, David served as an Associate Judge from 2013 to 2014, handling a diverse array of cases, ranging from family law to civil and criminal matters. Prior to his judicial roles, from 2005 to 2013, he co-founded Carlson, Zelazo & O'Dekirk, LLC, a law firm based in Joliet, Illinois. His practice at the firm covered a broad spectrum of litigation, including criminal, civil, and administrative cases in both State and Federal courts. During this period, David successfully tried numerous cases and represented the local transportation agency, PACE, in various legal matters.

From 2001 to 2005, David worked as an Assistant State's Attorney in Will County, where he focused on prosecuting gang-related crimes within the Organized Crime Unit. His extensive caseload included narcotics, organized crime, and homicide cases. He also gained valuable experience in insurance defense and commercial litigation while practicing at Bullaro & Carton in Chicago from 2002 to 2003, handling cases involving transportation-related torts, asbestos/mesothelioma claims, and federal diversity jurisdiction.

Earlier in his career, David served as a "711" Attorney in the City of Chicago's Department of Law from 2000 to 2001, where he prosecuted various municipal violations, including railroad code infractions. In 1998, he worked as an Administrator in the Illinois Comptroller's Office, leading community outreach efforts and overseeing the development of a database to monitor Cemetery and Funeral Home Trust Funds across the state. His career began in 1994 as a Probation Officer for the Cook County Circuit Court, where he specialized in Intensive Probation and Home Confinement, supervising convicted felons within the community.

• Illinois Judges Association
  
  Will County Bar Association

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David M. Carlson has been a Premium Member since September 10, 2024.
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