Justice David K. Overstreet and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced the appointment of Chelsey Elizabeth Clark as Resident Judge in the Second Judicial Circuit, Richland County. Clark’s appointment fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Ray Vaughn and becomes effective April 17th. Her term will conclude December 7th. She is running unopposed for the seat in the November general election.
“I would like to thank Justice Overstreet and the Illinois Supreme Court for this appointment,” said Clark. “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 the 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.
Clark holds both a Bachelor’s degree and a Juris Doctor from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
The Second Judicial Circuit covers the counties of Crawford, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, Wayne, and White.