It is with great sadness that the death of Matthew J. Maurer is announced.
Matthew J. Maurer (“Matt”) was born May 21, 1961 in Springfield, Illinois. Matt graduated Griffin High School in 1980. He graduated Sangamon State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business in 1984. Matt earned his Juris Doctorate in 1987 from the University of Illinois.
Matt’s first job after graduation was at the Sangamon County’s State’s Attorney as an assistant state’s attorney in the traffic and misdemeanor division. Matt served as an assistant public defender in Sangamon County from 1989 until 2010. During his time as a public defender, Matt also operated his own law firm, initially Fuiten, Miller & Maurer and then the Matthew J. Maurer law firm. In 2010, Matt joined the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office as the First Assistant State’s Attorney.
On September 9, 2013, Matt was appointed an associate judge for the 7th Judicial Circuit in Sangamon County.
Matt’s legal career included extensive experience in criminal cases at both the trial court and appellate court levels. Matt had also extensive experience in administrative hearings with the Department of Human Services (previously known as the Department of Rehabilitation Services) where he represented individuals throughout the State of Illinois who were denied benefits or services.
As a quadriplegic since age thirteen (13), Matt’s work ethic knew no bounds. Matt’s longtime friend and trial partner, Jay Elmore, says, “Matt was a great man. He overcame tremendous adversity to achieve so much professionally and personally. He was a friend to many and will be missed. We were lucky to know him.”
Matt’s disability never impeded his abilities as an attorney. Matt was often the first into the county building and last to leave. Litigants and attorneys were always assured that Judge Maurer would be prepared for each and every dispute that was presented to him. The positive impact Matt made to the legal community in Springfield and throughout the State of Illinois will never be forgotten.
Matt is survived by his wife, Kris and his children, Shad and Jenna.