IJA – PRO BONO COMMITTEE – August 2025 Spotlight
“For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required.” Luke 12:48. This is the life principle of Judge Toya T. Harvey, the IJA Pro Bono Committee’s spotlighted judge of the month.
Judge Harvey is a Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, currently assigned to the Law Division, Jury Trial Section in the Richard M. Daley Center. Since her appointment to the bench, she has been active in the work to improve access to justice, continuing education for judges and building trust and confidence in our judiciary. Judge Harvey serves, not only as a member of the Illinois Supreme Court Judicial Education Conference, but also as a member of the faculty, as well as a course supervisor and co-chairman for the Professional Responsibility training track. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Judges Association and additionally serves as the Co-Chairman of the Chicago Bar Foundation Pro Se Advisory Committee.
Judge Harvey is not merely a public servant. She is a proven leader who works diligently to forge the paths of leadership for others in her community. She is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and also a member of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. Various boards in the Greater Chicago Area continue to reap the benefits of her resolve and leadership abilities, such as the Family Christian Healthcare Center, where she serves as the board’s vice chairman, FQHC, and also Life Choices We Make, a juvenile diversion organization, for which she serves as an executive board member.
As if her resume were not already full, Judge Harvey also holds memberships in the American Bar Association, Illinois Judges Association, Illinois Judicial Council, Cook County Bar Association, and National Coalition of 100 Black Women. Frequently recognized for her generosity of service, Judge Harvey is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the Illini Soroptimist International 2018 Woman of Distinction Award, the Cook County Bar Association’s 2017 Judicial Award, and the TLOD LPCC 2019 Crown Jewel Award. She is a frequently sought after community speaker and mentor and is a faithful member of Cornerstone Christian Center. Recognized as an All-American Athlete, Judge Harvey enjoys sports, fishing and reading, but her greatest joy is being the mother of two outstanding young ladies who, like their mom, are committed to leadership and service, Morgan and Taylor.
The IJA Pro Bono Committee applauds you Judge Toya Harvey — You Make Us All Proud!