Pro Bono Spotlight Archives - Illinois Judges Association

Judge Maryam Ahmad

The IJA Pro Bono Committee is pleased to spotlight the Honorable Maryam Ahmad, associate judge serving the Circuit Court of Cook County, and her expertise

Judge Tiana Blakely

This month, the IJA Pro Bono Committee is proud to spotlight the Honorable Tiana Ellis Blakely, circuit court judge in the Sixth Municipal District of

Previous recipient of the Rock Island County Bar Association’s Volunteer Lawyer of the Year Award in “Recognition of Outstanding Commitment to Serving the Legal Needs of the Poor,” Judge Tionn Fambro Carter has been a shining star both on the bench and in the community.

Judge Joel Chupack

When you meet Cook County Judge Joel Chupack, you immediately feel his warm personality and his compassion for others. Judge Chupack has been on the

Justice Cynthia Cobbs

Justice Cynthia Cobbs’s introduction to the court system was as a clinical social worker who had to appear in cases involving court involved children. She continues to bring her strong sense of taking care of our most vulnerable citizens to her work as a judge. At the same time, she is truly out there as a judge—bringing her terrific energy and contagious laugh to many places in the legal community.

Associate Judge Katherine Legge

Judge Katherine Legge has served as an Associate Judge on the Tenth Judicial Circuit of Illinois since 2023. Prior to that, she was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of Illinois (2016-2023). Before that, Legge served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office (2016) and the Tazewell County State’s Attorney’s Office (2011-2016). Legge received her B.S. from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (2007) with highest honors and her J.D., cum laude, from the University of Illinois College of Law (2011).

Associate Judge Alicia Washington

This month, the Illinois Judges Association Pro Bono Committee spotlights Associate Judge Alicia N. Washington for her dedication to serving others, whether inside or outside the courtroom.

Judge Washington’s kind and infectious energy is evident the moment you meet her – and while she would never admit it herself—she devotes that energy to tirelessly helping those around her. Judge Washington currently chairs the Committee on Judicial Education for the Supreme Court of Illinois, leading the state’s efforts to keep a well-informed and educated judiciary.

Circuit Judge Christen Bishop

This month, the Illinois Judges Association Pro Bono Committee spotlights Circuit Judge Christen Bishop for her enduring commitment to public service and pro bono work.

Judge Bishop has dedicated her legal career to public service, starting in 1995 as a Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney, and continuing today as a Circuit Judge of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit. While her efforts could fill pages, this spotlight will focus on her leadership in the areas of restorative justice and with youth that have improved access to justice and the public good.

The Honorable Toya T. Harvey

IJA – PRO BONO COMMITTEE – August 2025 Spotlight “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required.” Luke 12:48. This is