Judge John L. McGehee: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Hon. John L. McGehee is a circuit judge for the 14th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois in Rock Island County. He was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2019, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Lori R. Lefstein (Ret.).

The 14th Judicial Circuit Court includes Henry, Mercer, Rock Island, and Whiteside Counties.

During his judicial tenure, McGehee has presided over the Civil Division.

Prior to his appointment, he was the State’s Attorney for Rock Island County, having been elected to the post in 2012. He was re-elected in 2016. During his tenure there, McGehee served as an elected member of the Board of Governors of the Illinois Office of the State’s Attorney Prosecutor for the Third District.

Before becoming a prosecutor, he was a partner and owner at McGehee, Olson, Pepping & Balk, Ltd. since 1989. The firm was established by his father, N. Layne McGehee, in 1959. He also served as the village attorney for Port Byron.

McGehee received a B.A. at Augustana College in 1983. He went on to complete a J.D. at Drake University Law School in 1989. McGehee was admitted to practice in Illinois (1989) and Iowa (1989).

He has been involved with the Rock Island County Health Board and the Silvis Economic Development Commission.

McGehee attended United Township High School in East Moline, Illinois.

He is registered as a Democrat.