James E. Shadid

James Edward Shadid (born September 27, 1957) is a former United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois, serving from 2011 to 2025. In April 2025, he was appointed as president of Bradley University.

Early life and education

Shadid was born in 1957 in Peoria, Illinois. His father was George Shadid, who eventually became sheriff of Peoria County, Illinois, and an Illinois state senator. Shadid earned a Bachelor of Science from Bradley University in 1979 and his Juris Doctor from University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, then known as the John Marshall Law School, in 1983.

Career

Shadid was in private practice from 1983 to 2001, additionally acting as part-time public defender in Peoria County from 1986 to 2001 and a commissioner of the Illinois Court of Claims from 1996 to 2001. He was primarily in felony court, with other work in misdemeanor and civil court.

Federal judicial service

On May 27, 2010, President Barack Obama nominated Shadid to replace Judge Michael Mihm on the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois. He received his commission on March 10, 2011. He assumed senior status on September 27, 2024. Shadid retired from active service on April 1, 2025.