McHenry County judge honored for Illinois State Bar Association work

WOODSTOCK – A McHenry County Judge has been honored by the Illinois State Bar Association.

Circuit Judge Michael Chmiel received the organization’s Board of Governors Award. According to the association, “The award recognized Judge Chmiel for his long-standing and exemplary contributions to the association and the legal profession.”

Chmiel as been active on the ISBA’s Committee on Law Related Education for the Public. Since taking the chairmanship, he helped to keep afloat the ISBA’s High School Mock Trial Invitational. He also helped organize the association’s “Bringing the Courtroom to the Classroom” initiative, a collaboration with the Illinois Judges Association that trains lawyers and judges to give presentations about civics and the legal system to students throughout the state.

“What we hope to do, though all of this, is to continue to educate the public on civics and the court system in Illinois,” Chmiel said.

Chmiel has been on the local bench for 10 years. He presides over civil cases. He also was recognized this year with an award from the Illinois Judges Association.