Today I am profiling retired Judge Ray McKoski, an IJA member for 40 years. Although retired from the bench since 2010 Ray remains active in the IJA and continues to teach courses on ethics, civil procedure, appellate advocacy, evidence and jury selection at UIC Law and is a frequent lecturer to judges at judicial seminars. He has authored a book on judicial ethics, Judges in Street Clothes: Acting Ethically Off– the– Bench and has a second book being published this July David Davis, Abraham Lincoln’s Favorite Judge.
Having tried numerous cases on behalf of the Illinois Attorney General and the Lake County State’s Attorney, including arguing before both the Illinois Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court, Ray was persuaded to apply for an Associate Judge position in 1985. In 1991 he became a circuit court judge, a position that he held until he retired in 2010. Being a lawyer was a childhood dream of Ray’s and for him becoming a judge was the pinnacle of a career in the law. Integrity and a continuous desire to do the right thing were traits that Ray admired in judges that he appeared in front of as well the opportunity to look at a case objectively and not just as an advocate.
Upon becoming a judge Ray eagerly took part in the IJA activities which continue today even 15 years after his retirement from the bench. He sees the IJA as a protection for the independence of the judiciary, a professional organization to speak on behalf of judges and to advocate for judges, as well as an avenue for judges to be part of their community through in school programs, educational and social events.
Currently Ray continues his strong passion regarding judicial ethics through his writings and lecturing at UIC Law and to judicial groups around the country. He recently was named the recipient 2025 Adjunct Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching by UIC Law.