About Judge Erin Hannigan
Experience, preparation, and respect for the rule of law.
Judge Erin Hannigan is currently serving as a Circuit Judge in the 17th Judicial Circuit, having been appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court. She brings two decades of courtroom experience and a strong record of public service to the bench.
"As a judge, my focus is on running a courtoom that is prepared, efficient, and respectful. A court of the people where due process is honored, decisions are grounded in the law, and every participant is heard. I believe judicial independence, impartiality, and integrity are essential to the fair administration of justice."
Professional experience
- 20 years of trial and courtroom practice in Winnebago County
- Courtroom experience across the full spectrum of trial-level cases, from routine matters to the most serious felony proceedings
- Experience in criminal law, local government, and complex litigation
- Provided training and mentorship to new attorneys on courtroom procedure, trial preparation, and effective advocacy
- Supervised administrative attorneys and ensured administrative compliance with city codes
- Former Chair, Criminal Law Section — Winnebago County Bar Association
- Member, Illinois Local Government Lawyers Association
- Member, Illinois Defense Counsel
Community involvement
- Rockford Community Relations Commission
- Winnebago County Bar Foundation
- Rockford Area Arts Council
Judicial principles
- Making procedures clear, even when outcomes are difficult
- Apply the law without personal beliefs or preferences
- Respecting the gravity of judicial decisions for all parties
- Dignity and respect for all participants
- Decisions grounded in the law and the facts of each case
- Understanding that courts exist to serve the community fairly
- Recognizing the real-world impact of judicial decisions
Record & Experience
Experience across high-stakes criminal trials and community-impact civil litigation—bringing balance and preparation to the bench.
17+ years: Public Defender
Extensive trial experience in Winnebago County, handling matters ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, including homicide.
Assistant City Attorney II
Civil enforcement and community-impact litigation for the City of Rockford, including cases affecting neighborhoods and public safety.
Balanced perspective
Experience across criminal and civil courtrooms supports careful, neutral decision-making grounded in the law and the facts.
Judicial Principles
These themes reflect core judicial responsibilities—fair process, preparedness, professionalism, and respect for every person in court.
Fair and impartial
Apply the law consistently, avoid bias, and ensure every party is heard.
Prepared and efficient
Maintain an organized courtroom that respects time while protecting due process.
Respectful courtroom
Professionalism and dignity for jurors, litigants, witnesses, and attorneys.
Events
Add verified meet-and-greets, community events, and volunteer days. Keep listings current.
5:30-8:30 PM
Community Meet & Greet
Prairie Street Brewing Company - 200 Prairie St. Rockford, Il • Brief remarks + meet-and-greet.
Individual: $25
Supporter: $250
Organizer: $500
Advocate: $1,000
Cash Bar and Food!
TBD
All are welcome.
Volunteer
Sign up to help with outreach, yard signs, and voter education.
How you can help
- Door-to-door canvassing
- Phone/text outreach
- Yard signs
- Host a small gathering
- Election-day support
Tip: keep volunteer messaging focused on civic participation and voter education.
Sign up
Contribute
Contributions are handled by the campaign committee. Use only the committee’s official payment and mailing information.
By check
Make checks payable to: Friends of Erin Hannigan
Mail to: P.O. Box 11, Rockford, IL 61105
Tip: if your treasurer requires donor details (name, address, occupation/employer), include them with your contribution.
Online
Venmo: @hanniganforjudge
Contact
Use committee contact information. Do not publish personal addresses.
Friends of Erin Hannigan
Email: info@friendsoferinhannigan.org
Mailing address: P.O. Box 11, Rockford, IL 61105
Request a yard sign
Email the committee with your address (or nearest cross streets) and we’ll coordinate delivery.
Don’t post addresses publicly. Handle requests privately.