Beyond the Bench is a monthly feature to get to know more about judges and justices in the Illinois Courts, beyond their legal duties.
Name: J. Imani Drew
Title: Associate Judge
Circuit or Judicial District: 21st
Circuit
Where is your hometown? What do you remember or like most about it?
Chicago. I most enjoy the lakefront, museums, city-wide and neighborhood festivals, and the diversity of experiences it offers.
What is your favorite movie? Why?
An all-time favorite is Lady Sings the Blues, a movie that portrays the life story and music of iconic jazz legend Billie Holiday—her triumphs, her tragedies, her love affair with Louis. Romantically memorable is the scene where Billie (played by Diana Ross) first sights Louis (played by Billy Dee Williams) walking down stairs.
What advice do you have for students taking the bar exam this year?
Of Course, preparation is key. Study smart. Research the various strategies for taking the exam then apply and implement the ones that work best for you. On the day of the exam, after sitting down in your exam seat, take that deep breath, relax, and tell yourself “you’ve got this.”
What is your favorite type of cuisine?
A recent favorite is West African vegetarian dishes. One dish I find particularly delectable is called Red Red (African stewed black-eyed peas) sprinkled atop with gari.