Commissioner's Details

Clarence M. Darrow is the chief judge of the 14th Judicial Circuit consisting of Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Whiteside Counties. Prior to being elected chief judge in 2022, Judge Darrow served as deputy chief judge from 2019 to 2022, and as the presiding judge of the Rock Island County Civil Division from 2014 to 2022. He serves on the Conference of Chief Judges, is a former member of the Court Guidance and Training Committee for the Access to Justice Commission and several boards serving his local community. Judge Darrow was elected circuit judge in 2010. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Darrow served as Mercer County Public Defender from 2007 to 2010. He also maintained a private law practice from 1999 to 2010 with the Law Offices of Clarence Darrow.

Judge Darrow earned his law degree from the University of Illinois College of Law and his M.B.A. from the University of Illinois College of Business in 1996. Prior to commencing his legal career, Judge Darrow served as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps from 1995 to 1999. In 1992, Judge Darrow graduated from Marquette University, cum laude. Judge Darrow is a lifelong resident of Rock Island where he and his wife raised their six children.