In a formerly rare move that’s a sign of unusual times at the Justice Department, a panel of federal judges in Chicago has approved Andrew Boutros’ appointment by the Trump administration as U.S. attorney in Chicago.

Boutros, 47, a former federal prosecutor, was selected by the Trump administration to serve in the powerful law enforcement post after a search process run by Republican U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood of Peoria. He was appointed as an interim U.S. attorney — which means he was not confirmed by the U.S. Senate — for a 120-day term that began April 7.

The order to approve the appointment beyond the 120-day term, which would have ended Aug. 5, was entered on Thursday by U.S. District Chief Judge Virginia Kendall after the full court met in executive session Monday.

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