Beyond the Bench - May 2026

Beyond the Bench is a monthly feature to get to know more about judges and justices in Illinois, beyond their legal duties.

Name: Michael B. Betar

Title: Associate Judge

Circuit or Judicial District: Nineteenth Judicial Circuit

Baseball season is here! Who do you root for?

Chicago Cubs.

What is your favorite album and why?

Derek and the Dominos, theLayla album. The interaction between Duane Allman and Eric Clapton is unmatched, especially on the "Key to the Highway" track.

What canceled TV show do you wish could come back for one more season?

The Sopranos.

What TV game show do you think you'd excel at?

Wheel of Fortune.

What is your favorite restaurant? What is your go-to order?

The Backyard Steak Pit in Gurnee. My go-to order is the ribs.

If you could have one beverage on tap in your home, what would it be?

A quality Pinot Noir.

Given your experience as a judge, what career advice would you give your younger self?

Do the best work you can all the time, and the rewards will come.