Illinois Supreme Court Justice and Kankakee-native Thomas Kilbride was back in Kankakee (Thursday) to administer the attorney's oath to 27 new lawyers representing the 3rd Judicial District.

A bar admission ceremony was held in the 3rd Judicial District at Kankakee Community College. It's believed to be the first time the Illinois Supreme Court held a bar admission ceremony in Kankakee. Previous ceremonies have taken place in Ottawa, Joliet, Rock Island and Moline.

Justice Kilbride, who's a graduate of Bishop McNamara High School, presided over the ceremony, welcoming members of the class, their families and friends.

Presiding Justice Mary McDade of the 3rd District Appellate Court at Ottawa and KCC President John Avendano (Av-in-DON-O) also offered remarks.

Area judges from Kankakee and Iroquois Counties were also guests, along with Appellate Court Judge Mary K. O'Brien.

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