Judge Toomin reached out to 101 public agencies and attorneys general throughout the state. Many rejected the request and others were not able. The judge said he then turned to those in private practice.
WATCH: Dan Webb speaks on appointment as special prosecutor in Jussie Smollett case
Dan Webb speaks after being appointed special prosecutor in Jussie Smollett case
Toomin has known Webb with Winston and Strawn professionally for 50 years and believes he is the "understandable choice" to take on this case. Webb has handled many high profile cases.
In fact, this will be the sixth time that Webb has been tapped to take on the role of special prosecutor. He's been selected by Judge Toomin before to investigate the death of David Koschman, who was punched and killed by former Mayor Richard M. Daley's nephew Richard Venecko in 2004.
WATCH: Timeline of key moments in alleged attack on Jussie Smollett
Jussie Smollett case: Timeline of key moments in alleged attack on 'Empire' actor
Webb has even been retained by the City of Chicago in a previous case. Webb also currently represents Ukrainian Oligarch Dmitry Firtash, who is the subject of an extradition fight by the U.S. to bring him to Chicago in a racketeering case.
For his first order of business, he plans to request the appointment of a grand jury. Then he plans to follow the facts.
"The truth is, I have to go where the facts go and I cannot let politics dictate where I go and how I make decisions," Webb said. "I intend to expedite everything, but the facts will take me where they take me."
Webb said he'll look at the investigations already conducted by other agencies and interview witnesses. He said he plans to reach out to Smollett's attorneys, but Webb wouldn't disclose if Smollett will be interviewed.
WATCH: Video shows Jussie Smollett with rope around his neck
CPD releases hours of video in Jussie Smollett case
Webb learned of his appointment about three weeks ago while on vacation at Disney World with his family. He said he plans on offering his services to the county pro bono, with the exception of out-of-pocket fees.
A petition for a special prosecutor to investigate state's attorney Kim Foxx and her handling of the Jussie Smollett case was filed after Foxx dropped all 16 felony counts the actor faced for allegedly staging a racist and homophobic attack in January.
After countless hours of police investigation, authorities concluded the attack was a hoax. As special prosecutor, Webb can investigate Smollett, who could face charges once again and look into how the case was handled by Foxx.
WATCH: Individuals facing same charge as Jussie Smollett watch case closely
Individuals facing same charge as Jussie Smollett watch case closely
In court, Smollett's attorneys objected to not only the appointment of a special prosecutor, but one that is now in private practice. Smollett himself continues to maintain the January incident was not a hoax.
In response to Webb's appointment, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office released a statement saying, "While the court previously concluded that our office had no conflict of interest in this case, public trust is paramount to our work. We pledge our full cooperation to the special prosecutor appointed today to review this matter.
"We are proud of the dedicated women and men of the Cook County State's Attorney's Office who work hard every day on behalf of victims and communities affected by crime. As we continue our focus on efforts to increase public safety and reduce violence, we remain committed to justice, transparency, and fairness for those we serve.
Fraternal Order of Police President Kevin Graham was also in court Friday, saying many of his members are eager to see the special prosecutor's findings.
"We hope that the special prosecutor looks into not just the Smollett case, but into the conduct of the prosecutor's office here," Graham said.
Previous coverage:
Jussie Smollett case: Hearing held on Chicago's lawsuit against 'Empire' actor
'Empire' filming in Chicago near Jussie Smollett alleged attack site
Jussie Smollett: Judge dismisses motions by 'Empire' actor's attorneys
Jussie Smollett: Attorneys decline special prosecutor role in actor's case, report says
Jussie Smollett news: 'Empire' actor's attorneys argue against special prosecutor, want judge replaced
Jussie Smollett's attorneys argue for Chicago lawsuit to be moved to federal court
Chicago police release investigative files, video of alleged staged attack on 'Empire' actor
Judge orders special prosecutor to review Jussie Smollett case
RELATED: 911 calls released of Jussie Smollett reporting alleged attack
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