Michael Cabonargi appointed as At-Large Circuit Judge by Illinois Supreme Court in Cook County

The Illinois Supreme Court has recently declared Michael Cabonargi as the At-Large Circuit Judge for Cook County, a decision announced by Justice Joy V. Cunningham. This appointment comes as a result of the retirement of Judge Mary Ellen Coglan, with Cabonargi set to assume his position starting June 13, 2025, until December 7, 2026.

Michael Cabonargi brings a plethora of experience to this new role, having previously served as the Regional Director of the Great Lakes Region for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In this capacity, he oversaw operations in multiple states including Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, as well as 34 indigenous tribal nations. Prior to this role, Cabonargi served as a commissioner on the Cook County Board of Review from 2011 to 2022, where he played a pivotal role in reviewing property assessments within the county.

His legal expertise is underscored by his tenure as a senior attorney and prosecutor in the Division of Enforcement at the Chicago Regional Office of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission between 2005 and 2011. Furthermore, Cabonargi’s early legal career included serving as a law clerk to United States District Court Judge William J. Hibbler in Chicago from 2000 to 2002 and working as an attorney at Bell, Boyd, and Lloyd, LLC.

Education-wise, Cabonargi holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University of Ohio and a Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois College of Law. Apart from his legal endeavors, he is actively involved in professional organizations such as the Loyola Academy Bar Association, the District 39 Educational Foundation, and the Milan Committee of Chicago’s Sister Cities Program.

The appointment of Michael Cabonargi signifies a significant addition to the judicial landscape in Cook County. With his diverse background in law, public service, and community involvement, Cabonargi is well-equipped to uphold justice and serve the residents of Cook County effectively. The Illinois Supreme Court’s decision to appoint Cabonargi reflects their confidence in his abilities and dedication to the pursuit of justice within the region.

As he assumes his role as an At-Large Circuit Judge, Michael Cabonargi is poised to make a positive impact on the judiciary system in Cook County and contribute to upholding the rule of law and justice for all residents. His appointment marks a new chapter in his distinguished career, one that is filled with promise and the prospect of making meaningful contributions to the legal system in Illinois.