To celebrate Black History Month, we’re recognizing diverse voices in the judiciary to uplift and inspire others in the community. The following features First District Appellate Court Justice Freddrenna Lyle and her thoughts on her career, diversity, and more.
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
College/Law School: University of Illinois Chicago Circle Campus/The John Marshall Law School
District or Circuit: Illinois Appellate Court, First District
What motivated you to pursue law, and eventually, become a judge?
My Uncle, who was a teacher, jokingly told me as a young child that I should be a lawyer since I liked to “argue so much.” After graduating with a Bachelor’s in English and African History, I found my way back to law as a career. From there, my legal career took me to City Council and ultimately to the bench.
When you reflect on your career, what accomplishments are you most proud of? What challenges have you had to overcome?
I am honored to sit on the Illinois Appellate Court as I was honored to sit in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois. I am the first Judge in my family, and my law license has afforded me career opportunities beyond my Ancestors’ wildest dreams. I am most proud when people tell me that I’ve helped them, their friends, or family. Some recall me as a young, idealistic lawyer, while others remember me as a founder of a nonprofit that served over 9,000 youth during my time on the Chicago City Council. When as judges, we can exercise our lawful discretion in ways that help people reclaim their dignity, maintain their homes, and repair their lives, these are true accomplishments.
As a trial attorney walking into a courtroom and having court personnel tell you to sit down and wait for your attorney, that was a special kind of challenge. By virtue of their gender, height, surname, or race, daily there were others who were cloaked with the presumption that they were qualified and entitled to be in certain spaces; but you short, black woman had to prove your qualifications, every single time you spoke.
What advice would you give to your younger self and those starting their legal career today?
The law offers a rewarding career with diverse opportunities. From litigation to legal education, a law degree can open doors to unexpected experiences. While demanding, it can be personally and financially rewarding. I strongly advise finding time to volunteer at legal clinics, as there’s a significant unmet need for legal assistance. Volunteering provides valuable real-life experiences for new lawyers and should remind them that character and worth aren’t determined by finances.
Can you share a memorable experience in your career that has influenced your perspective on the legal system?
As a young lawyer, the Cook County Bar Association addressed certain egregious police brutality incidents by holding public hearings at the University of Chicago. The room was packed, citizens testified, and the Chicago Defender Newspaper did a front-page article. For months the Black community praised the CCBA as its champion.
Who do you consider to be a strong Black role model in your life? What advice did they share with you?
So many people fed into my success. From my experiences as a “baby lawyer” walking into the DuSable Museum for a Cook County Bar Meeting, lawyers and Judges freely gave advice and counsel. In courthouse hallways, lawyers like Sam Adams and George Howard would stop me and give me trial tips. Judge Odas Nicholson told me about the dress and demeanor expected of a young Black female lawyer. Hon. Cornelius Toole told me if “there was no law, make law” and Justice R. Eugene Pincham once asked me, “Why do you think people elected you, if not to make the hard decisions?” They all gave me advice!
Why do you think it’s important to discuss and recognize Black History and diversity, both on the bench and in everyday life?
Simplistically the answer is, you can’t be what you can’t see. How then do we create whole and healthy children? We do that by telling them the truth. Black history is World History. Black History certainly is American History. We tell them the true history of Africa; the influence of the Moors in Europe; and the incredible contributions made by Black people in every aspect of life in these United States. We tell them of their ancestor’s contributions to the world, to build their resilience and self-worth. We recognize and spotlight Black History regularly, to reaffirm our right to full participation in this Country.
The value of having people of different backgrounds and ethnicities work together is immeasurable. In addition to the sharing of experiences, cultures, and values, it also fosters a recognition that each person within those groups is different and unique, thereby rebutting stereotypes. Additionally, having jurists on the bench from diverse backgrounds gives citizens a sense that they may be better heard and understood. It increases the confidence of the public in the Courts and because our Courts depend upon the voluntary compliance of its citizenry, it is crucial that we maintain that confidence.
What is one of your favorite traditions or customs of your culture/family?
Family Reunions -- we were not allowed to write our stories and now we search them out through genealogical pursuits. It is tremendously important that we the children in our families know their families who are scattered across the states and interview their elders.
Is there anything else you’d like to share on this topic?
Good Judges rule reflectively not reflexively!