Harry D. Leinenweber, a respected U.S. District Judge from Joliet who served for nearly four decades, has passed away at the age of 87. Known for his calm temperament and impeccable knowledge of the law, he presided over high-profile trials including R. Kelly's federal criminal trial. Chief Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer expressed deep sadness at his passing, highlighting Leinenweber's role as a friend, mentor, and model jurist. Colleagues and former jurors praised his fairness and dedication to his job, noting his active schedule and commitment to the judiciary. Leinenweber's legacy as a compassionate and respected judge is remembered by many in the legal community.
Senior U.S. District Judge Harry D. Leinenweber is remembered as a compassionate "favorite judge" whose tireless work ethic kept him active in the court until his death Tuesday. https://t.co/5tu02dPCUp
Hear from Chief Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer on the passing of Judge Harry Leinenweber @nbcchicago https://t.co/47xsXB6jaj
“He wasn’t in it for the money…He loved what he did, and he said, ‘I’m gonna do it as long as I can.’ I really think he got everything out of his life. And he really had very few regrets.” U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber dies at 87 Story w/@rap30 https://t.co/j5t0YewR5m
I had the honor of appearing before the Hon. Harry Leinenweber many times over the course of my career as both an AUSA and in private practice. It was always a pleasure. He was a judge who clearly loved his job, even after many years on the bench and he respected litigants. https://t.co/YJtja2sioX
Judge Harry Leinenweber was respected for his knowledge of the law and his reputation for fairness. I always knew that he would bring that reputation to every assignment. He never disappointed. https://t.co/mjN2s5lkHZ
One of Chicago's Judicial Giants: Judge Harry Leinenweber, who presided over the recent R. Kelly and ComEd bribery trials, has died at 87. "He was the coolest judge I've ever seen, on TV or off TV." w/ @Sneedlings: https://t.co/BtNzyFbwtZ https://t.co/klH3FrMlAF
U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber kept a very active schedule before announcing an illness earlier this year, presiding over the high-profile trials of singer R. Kelly in 2022 and the “ComEd Four” political corruption case last year. https://t.co/cAwjIxPg1A
🇺🇸 One Of Chicago's Judicial Giants ▫Judicial giant Harry D. Leinenweber dies at 87: 'He was the coolest judge I've ever seen, on TV or off TV' ▫@Sneedlings @SeidelContent ▫https://t.co/LSy98jKNz1 👈 #frontpagestoday #USA @Suntimes 🇺🇸 https://t.co/OdCvejFT0v
Leinenweber presided over a number of high-profile cases, including R. Kelly's federal criminal trial last year. https://t.co/807FAsD2YX
Harry Leinenweber, renowned Chicago federal judge, dies at 87 https://t.co/kYP3PxORgo https://t.co/sfGA6s4Sj4
U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber dies at 87 https://t.co/lktbjzhYNL
He was a very special member of the judiciary whose temperament was largely unmatched and a testament to fairness for those who contend the judiciary is lawfare. With great sadness, RIP Harry. https://t.co/B4rtn98PWG
Judicial giant Harry D. Leinenweber dies at 87: 'He understands ordinary people and has great common sense' https://t.co/MQO2NTTT7S
Harry D. Leinenweber, the legal giant from Joliet who served as a federal judge for nearly four decades, has died at 87. "He was so cool and level-headed," a former juror who served in his courtroom said tonight. "He was the coolest judge I've ever seen, on TV or off TV. https://t.co/7vZvp6Wkth
I had the distinct pleasure of watching Harry Leinenweber in the latter part of his career, handling a heavier case load than many judges in their 50s and always staying above the fray, even when lawyers were acting like they were in a Greco Roman wrestling match. RIP
U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber, the Joliet native who served in the Illinois legislature before being nominated to the federal bench by President Ronald Reagan, has died at the age of 87, according to his family. https://t.co/twBb2fdRm0
Chief Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer: “Judge Harry D. Leinenweber was a friend, mentor, and model jurist. My colleagues and I are deeply saddened by (his) passing. We hope for comfort and peace for his family. We thank his family for sharing him with us for over 39 years.” https://t.co/2bqWF4TBGS
U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber dies at 87 https://t.co/Btnag1qWTs @jmetr22b & @rap30
U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber dies at 87. Known for his calm temperament, Leinenweber was respected by lawyers on both sides as a considerate jurist with an impeccable knowledge of the law. story w/@rap30 https://t.co/j5t0YexoUU
JUST IN: U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber, the Joliet native who served in the Illinois legislature before being nominated to the federal bench by President Reagan, has died at the age of 87. Leinenweber had announced an illness earlier this year story tk https://t.co/pf2VQ0rx1q
Harry D. Leinenweber, the legal giant from Joliet who served as a federal judge for nearly four decades — and presided over some of Chicago’s biggest trials of late — has died at age 87. https://t.co/Vo0EzCGYEb
Judicial giant Harry D. Leinenweber dies at 87: 'He understands ordinary people and has great common sense': https://t.co/BtNzyFbwtZ
"Judicial giant Harry D. Leinenweber dies at 87: 'He understands ordinary people and has great common sense'" @Sneedlings & @SeidelContent report. https://t.co/WzqrYLCw9A