In 1986, A.J. enrolled at Loyola University in Chicago, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, a major in English and minors in Philosophy and Political Science.  In June 1993, A.J. graduated from Chicago-Kent Law School.  On November 4, 1993, A.J. began his law practice with McKeown, Fitzgerald, Zollner, Buck, Hutchison & Ruttle.  On January 1, 1999, A.J. was promoted to partner and has a real estate and business law practice.  With regard to his real estate practice, A.J. represents clients in residential and commercial sales and purchases, zoning issues and commercial leases.

A.J. has been active in the Joliet and Will County community since returning to the area to practice law.  In 1996, he co-sponsored the building of the 13^th Will County Habitat for Humanity home and served on the Family Support Committee.  A.J. has also been a VIP Host for the Easter Seals Telethon for the past 5 years and last year was asked to anchor a 2-hour spot as Master of Ceremonies during the telethon.  A.J. has been active with the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry.  From 1996 to 2001 he served on the steering committee for the community leadership school.  In January 1999, he was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Joliet Region Chamber and for the years 2000 and 2001, served as Vice Chair.  In 2002, A.J. served as Chair-Elect and in 2003 as Chair of the Board.  In October 2004, the Joliet Area Young Professionals, a division of the Chamber, recognized A.J. as the first recipient of the Young Professional of the Year Award.  In 2001 and 2002, A.J. chaired the Diplomats Committee for the Will County Center for Economic Development and he recently sat on the Diplomats Committee.  A.J. has also been active with his alma mater, Joliet Catholic Academy serving on the Alumni Board from 1994 to 2002.  He served as Treasurer in 1996-97, Vice President from 1997 to 1999 and President from 1999-00 to 2000-01.  A.J. also served for three years as Community Division Chair for the YMCA Annual Sustaining Campaign which solicits funds from the area to allow underprivileged children and families to attend the YMCA.  A.J. has volunteered his time with the Joliet Grade Schools Foundation for Educational Excellence and recently served as the Vice President of the Foundation Board.  He is also a past member of the Joliet Rotary Club.  He was Sergeant at Arms for 2003-2004.

A.J. was appointed State Senator (D-Joliet) in January 2005 to represent the communities of the 43^rd Senate District which encompasses a northwestern portion of Will County.  Senator Wilhelmi serves as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Agriculture & Conservation Committee.  He is also a member of the Senate Housing and Community Affairs, Local Government and Appropriations II and III committees. 

A.J. lives in Joliet with his wife, Michelle, and their daughters, Maycen and Laine.

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