Joliet Lawyer Named New Will County Public Defender

JOLIET, IL — A Joliet criminal defense lawyer with 31 years experience has been named the new Will County Public Defender, replacing Gerald Killian who announced his retirement in January.

On Monday, Will County Courthouse officials announced the appointment of Michael J. Renzi as Will County Public Defender.

Renzi obtained his bachelor's and his master's degrees from Governors State University. He obtained his law degree from IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1989.

Since 1990, Renzi has practiced law and worked as an assistant public defender with the Will County Public Defender's Office as an Assistant Public Defender since 1990.

Renzi also maintained a private law practice in downtown Joliet.

“I congratulate Mike Renzi on his appointment. His years of experience, temperament and legal knowledge make him an outstanding choice. I look forward to working with him and wish him the best of luck in his new role," New Will County Chief Judge Dan Kennedy announced Monday.

During a December interview, retiring Will County Chief Judge Richard Schoenstedt told Patch that he had not inquired nor been approached about taking over as the next Will County Public Defender. Several courthouse officials told Patch that Schoenstedt's name had been under consideration for replacing Killian.

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