Judge Jennifer Clifford named chairperson of state Supreme Court Committee on Domestic Violence
From news release
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Judge Jennifer Clifford has been named as the chairperson of the newly formed Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Domestic Violence.
The committee is tasked with reviewing and making recommendations on matters that affect domestic violence, human trafficking and the court system.
“Through neutral and informed approaches, the courts can better serve the needs of survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking,” Clifford said in a news release. “I am humbled by the court’s decision for me to guide this new statewide committee.”
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Clifford has served as an associate judge in the 17th Judicial Circuit, which serves Boone and Winnebago counties, since Dec. 3, 2018. She is assigned to the circuit’s Domestic Violence Coordinated Courts Division, where she presides over felony and misdemeanor offenses. She has served as the chairperson of the 17th Judicial Circuit Court Family Violence Coordinating Council since February.
“Her dedication, initiative and years of experience educating stakeholders working in the justice system make Judge Clifford a natural fit for this leadership role,” 17th Judicial Circuit Chief Judge John Lowry said in a news release. “The 17th Judicial Circuit is honored to have Judge Clifford represent us on this committee.”
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Prior to taking the bench, Clifford served as an assistant state’s attorney in the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office from 1998 to 2018. She received her undergraduate degree in rhetoric and English from the University of Illinois in 1993, and her Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois in 1998.
