Mary Jane Theis, a prominent figure in Illinois’ judicial system, has announced her retirement from the Illinois Supreme Court effective January 29, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned over four decades. Theis’ judicial journey began shortly before the infamous Operation Greylord scandal, which exposed widespread corruption within Cook County’s judiciary and resulted in approximately 100 indictments and numerous convictions, including judges. This pivotal moment in Illinois history shaped Theis’ commitment to integrity and ethical standards throughout her extensive service, which included her time as chief justice from 2022 until renewing her position as a regular justice last year.
As one of five Democratic justices on the seven-member Supreme Court, Theis has left an indelible mark, as reflected in her appointment of 1st District Appellate Court Justice Sanjay T. Tailor as her successor. Tailor’s appointment is notably historic as he becomes the first Indian American to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court. Expressing gratitude for Theis’ leadership, Tailor affirmed his commitment to ensuring justice is equitable for all citizens.
Theis, who broke significant gender barriers by becoming just the fourth woman on the Illinois Supreme Court and the fourth female chief justice, emphasized the moral responsibilities judges hold in their roles. A Chicago native born in 1949, she drew inspiration from her father, Cook County Judge Kenneth R. Wendt, and pursued her legal education at Loyola University Chicago and the University of San Francisco.
Throughout her tenure, Theis has been involved in landmark rulings, including the 2023 decision affirming a critical provision of the SAFE-T Act that eliminated cash bail in Illinois, which aimed to modernize the state’s criminal justice approach. She also authored a significant opinion in the 2012 case of People v. Wrice, which addressed wrongful convictions and police misconduct, ultimately leading to the exoneration of a man who had served three decades in prison.
Theis’ dedication to justice and ethical conduct has garnered wide recognition, with Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul applauding her unwavering leadership. As she prepares for retirement, her legacy is expected to influence the Illinois legal landscape positively for years to come, demonstrating the profound impact a dedicated judge can have on the integrity of the judiciary and the pursuit of justice.