On Monday morning, the Northern District lost a great judge and a better man when Judge Hibbler unexpectedly passed away at the age of 65.  Chief Judge Holderman issued a touching statement and the Tribune ran a strong obituary.  The following quotes from those two documents explain Judge Hibbler’s importance to the Northern District of Illinois both legally and personally:

  • Chief Judge Holderman:  “Bill was an outstanding jurist, a warm and personable human being, a true gentleman, and a wonderful colleague. We will miss him greatly, and our hearts go out to his entire family.”
  • Judge Ann Claire Williams (7th Cir.):  “He was a man of such warmth, compassion and depth that when word spread of his passing there was so many sad faces around the courthouse . . . . He had such a strong sense of fairness. He connected with people from all walks of life.”
  • U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald:  “He was a wonderful judge and wonderful person, who treated everyone who appeared before him with great respect.”

Judge Hibbler will be missed by those of us that had the opportunity to practice before him.  My condolences go out to the Hibbler family and all of his friends and colleagues at the Northern District.