Judge Colleen R. Lawless: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Colleen R. Lawless is a judge for the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois. She was nominated to the bench by President Joe Biden on January 23, 2023, filling the vacancy created by Hon. Sue Ellen Myerscough. The United States Senate confirmed her appointment on March 2, 2023.

Lawless began her judicial career as an associate judge for the 7th Judicial Circuit Court in Sangamon County, Illinois, in 2019. At the time of her appointment, she presided over the Family Division since 2019.

Prior to joining the bench, she was a shareholder at Londrigan, Potter & Randle P.C. in Springfield (2009 to 2018), where her practice focused on employment, banking, and family law matters.

Lawless received a bachelor’s degree from Illinois Wesleyan University in 2005. She then completed a J.D. at Northern Illinois University College of Law in 2009.

Lawless was born in Joliet, Illinois.