The Illinois Judges Association (IJA) proudly welcomes Honorable Patrice M. Ball-Reed as its President for the 2026–2027 year. A respected jurist, accomplished attorney, dedicated educator, and tireless community leader, Judge Ball-Reed brings decades of legal experience and public service to her new leadership role.
Her presidential theme, “Judicial Excellence on the Bench and in the Community,” reflects her lifelong commitment to both the administration of justice and meaningful civic engagement. Throughout her distinguished career, Judge Ball-Reed has exemplified the belief that judges play a vital role not only in the courtroom, but also in strengthening the communities they serve.
Judge Ball-Reed currently serves as an Associate Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, and her Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School, now known as the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law.
Her legal career began in private practice as an Associate with Washington, Kennon, Hunter and Samuels in Chicago. She then dedicated 14 years to public service at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, where she served in several leadership positions, including Assistant State’s Attorney in Child Support Enforcement, Supervising Trial Attorney, and Supervising Attorney in the Property Tax Division.
Judge Ball-Reed later made history as the first Black Illinois Deputy Attorney General for Child Support Enforcement under Attorney General Lisa Madigan. In 2008, she was appointed as an Associate Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Her judicial assignments have included Traffic Court, the Domestic Violence Civil Division, and currently the Housing Court Division, where she presides over matters involving building code violations for the City of Chicago and Cook County and reviews administrative hearings.
Beyond her judicial service, Judge Ball-Reed has been a leader in numerous bar associations and legal organizations. She is a Fellow of both the American Bar Association and the Illinois State Bar Association. Within the Illinois Judges Association, she serves as Co-Chair of the Education Committee and has been an active contributor to judicial education initiatives throughout the state.
Her record of leadership includes serving as President and Founding Member of the Black Women Lawyers Association of Greater Chicago, President of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois, and President of the John Marshall Alumni Association. She currently serves as the first Black President of the Illinois Judges Foundation, continuing her commitment to advancing access to justice and supporting the judiciary.
Judge Ball-Reed’s influence extends well beyond the legal profession. She is an active member of numerous civic and community organizations, including the NAACP Chicago Westside Chapter, the National Council of Negro Women Chicago Midwest Chapter, and Top Ladies of Distinction Chicago West Loop Chapter. Through these organizations, she has consistently championed education, mentorship, leadership development, and community service.
As President of the Illinois Judges Association, Judge Ball-Reed will focus on promoting judicial excellence through education, professional development, community outreach, and collaboration. Her theme, “Judicial Excellence on the Bench and in the Community,” recognizes that public trust in the judiciary is strengthened when judges demonstrate excellence in their judicial responsibilities while remaining engaged and visible in the communities they serve.
Under her leadership, the Illinois Judges Association will continue its mission of supporting judges throughout Illinois, advancing judicial education, fostering public confidence in the courts, and building meaningful connections between the judiciary and the communities it serves.
Judge Ball-Reed’s remarkable career reflects a steadfast dedication to justice, service, and leadership. The Illinois Judges Association looks forward to an exciting year under her presidency as she inspires judges across the state to pursue excellence both on the bench and in the community.
Judge Ball-Reed is married and the proud mother of three children and grandmother of four grandchildren. Her commitment to family, community, and public service continues to serve as an inspiration to colleagues throughout Illinois and beyond.
