Preckwinkle Nominates Veteran Public Defender to Head the Law Office
A 23-year veteran of the Public Defender Law Office of Cook County is Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s choice to replace outgoing Cook County Public Defender, Abishi Cunningham, who headed the Law Office for the past six years.
Preckwinkle nominated Amy Campanelli to serve as the new Cook County Public Defender at a recent Board of Commissioners meeting.
Campanelli currently is Deputy of Suburban Operations for the Law Office, where she manages more than 150 assistant public defenders, supervisors, chiefs, support staff and investigators and oversees all specialty/therapeutic courts.
“I am pleased to nominate Amy Campanelli to this critically important position. Our criminal justice system relies on the vigorous defense of the accused by the men and women of the Public Defender’s Office. Throughout her nearly 30 years practicing law, Amy has proven herself to be a relentless advocate for her clients. She is passionate about the work of the Public Defender’s Office, and fully committed to our ongoing efforts to reform the County’s criminal justice system,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
In addition to her current role, Campanelli has experience in all divisions of the Public Defender’s Office, including Juvenile, Felony Trial, Capital and Homicide Cases and serves as the office liaison between all suburban police departments, the Cook County Department of Corrections and the Sex Offender Management Board for the State of Illinois. She is a mental health specialist and has conducted numerous trainings for attorneys. Campanelli received her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and her JD from the Kent College of Law.
“I have dedicated my life to representing the indigent accused and I know that fairness and justice are the most critical components of our criminal justice system,” said Campanelli. “I am humbled to be able to do this great work and am grateful to President Preckwinkle for trusting me to lead this office of well-trained, compassionate, and courageous attorneys, investigators and administrative staff who fight for justice every day.”
Campanelli was one of three finalists identified by a search committee appointed by President Preckwinkle in Dec. 2014 to help select Cook County’s next Public Defender.
Preckwinkle said of outgoing Cunningham. “There is no doubt that serving as the Public Defender is a tough job and I am grateful to Abishi Cunningham for his service and his partnership over the past 6 years. I wish him all the best on his future endeavors.”
Commissioners are expected to consider Campanelli’s appointment during the April 1 County Board meeting.
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