Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP’s Joel Bruckman Appointed to Judicial Screening Committee by the Supreme Court of Illinois

Press Release

July 31, 2026

CHICAGO (July 31, 2026) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (“SGR”) is pleased to announce that Partner Joel B. Bruckman has been appointed to the Judicial Screening Committee for the First Judicial District (Cook County) by Justice Sanjay T. Tailor of the Supreme Court of Illinois.

Justice Tailor announced the formation of the standing Judicial Screening Committee on July 27, 2026. The Committee evaluates applicants seeking appointment to judicial vacancies within the First Judicial District (Cook County). Under the Illinois Constitution, judicial vacancies on the Circuit and Appellate Courts are filled on an interim basis through appointment by the Supreme Court of Illinois until the next judicial election.

Bruckman's practice focuses on complex commercial litigation involving emerging technologies, with an emphasis on data privacy, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. He advises clients on regulatory compliance, cybersecurity incident response, internal investigations, and related litigation. His experience counseling clients on evolving legal and regulatory issues, combined with his litigation background, complements the Committee's work evaluating candidates for judicial appointment.

Bruckman has long been active in the Illinois legal community. He recently served as President of the Decalogue Society of Lawyers and previously served as Chair of the North Suburban Bar Foundation. He has also held leadership roles in numerous bar associations, civic organizations, and public service initiatives, reflecting his longstanding commitment to the legal profession and the administration of justice in Illinois.

"I am incredibly honored by Justice Tailor's appointment to the Judicial Screening Committee," said Bruckman. "The Committee serves an important role in helping ensure that judicial appointments are based on integrity, experience, and professional qualifications. I appreciate the opportunity to serve alongside such a distinguished group and look forward to contributing to this important process."

Bruckman's appointment reflects his professional accomplishments and SGR's longstanding commitment to public service and leadership within the legal profession. The Firm is proud to support attorneys who serve the courts, the legal community, and initiatives that strengthen the administration of justice throughout Illinois.

View the Illinois Courts announcement here: https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/News/1762/Justice-Sanjay-T-Tailor-announces-formation-of-judicial-screening-committee/news-detail/

About Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP
Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP is a full-service, international law firm that advises regional, national and global businesses on a wide range of legal matters. The Firm’s more than 400 professionals provide legal counsel in more than 50 specialized practice areas, including corporate transactions, litigation, intellectual property, aviation, banking, real estate, insurance/reinsurance, construction, employment law, international, and employee benefits and executive compensation. Founded in 1893, Smith Gambrell has 15 domestic and international offices, including Atlanta; Austin; Charlotte; Chicago; Houston; Jacksonville; London; Los Angeles; Miami; Milan; Munich; New York; Southampton; Tampa; and Washington, D.C.