The Illinois Supreme Court announced on Mar. 27 the appointment of Chelsey Elizabeth Clark as Resident Circuit Judge in the Second Judicial Circuit, Richland County. Clark will fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Ray Vaughn, with her term beginning April 17 and ending December 7, 2026.
Clark is currently running unopposed for the seat in the November general election. In a statement, she said, “I would like to thank Justice Overstreet and the Illinois Supreme Court for this appointment. It is an honor to serve the citizens of Richland County, and it is a privilege and responsibility I do not take lightly.”
Clark has served as Richland County State’s Attorney since 2024 and previously worked as an assistant state’s attorney in both Lawrence and Richland counties. She began her legal career at Clark Law Office in Olney focusing on family law, estates, and probate matters.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and earned her Juris Doctor from Southern Illinois University School of Law.
The Second Judicial Circuit includes Crawford, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, Wayne, and White counties.
