Dirksen United States Courthouse (Ken Lund / Flickr)

Robert Dow, the federal judge who has handled numerous major cases including the Chicago Police Department’s consent decree and the ongoing criminal case against Ald. Ed Burke, will be stepping down from his role before the end of the year to take on a new position in Washington D.C.

The Supreme Court this week announced that Dow has been appointed to serve as counselor for Chief Justice John Roberts, meaning Dow will effectively act as his chief of staff, working with court officers on various policies and initiatives.

“I am grateful to Chief Justice Roberts for the opportunity to serve him, the Supreme Court, and the judicial branch in this new role,” Dow said in a statement Monday.

Roberts said he’s “pleased” Dow accepted his invitation, adding that he’s “well prepared to take on these new responsibilities.”

Dow, who has served as a federal judge since late 2007, will begin his new role Dec. 5. During his time on the bench in Chicago, Dow has overseen high-profile cases including the lawsuit against the CPD which led to mandated reforms under the consent decree and the ongoing corruption case against longtime Ald. Ed. Burke.

That case is set to go to trial next year.

In a statement, a spokesperson from the Northern District of Illinois said the court “recognizes the need for continuity in case management and will take prompt steps to reassign cases as necessary.”

“We are proud that Judge Dow’s talents have been recognized,” Chief Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer of the Northern District of Illinois said in a statement, “and will miss him as he takes on this new challenge and fulfills an important service to our nation.”

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