Illinois judges are increasingly being recognized for their dedicated work in courtrooms throughout the state. Here are some of the recent honors received by Illinois judges:
- Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice P. Scott Neville, Jr., was honored on February 20, 2026, by the Chicago Bar Association as one of the recipients of the Earl B. Dickerson Award at the Dickerson Award luncheon in Chicago. The award recognizes and honor minority lawyers and judges whose careers at the bar emulate the courage and dedication of Dickerson in making the law the key to justice for all in our society.
- Cook County Chief Judge Charles S. Beach, 12th
Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Daniel L. Kennedy, 16th Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Robert K. Villa, and 19th Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Daniel B. Shanes will be recognized on March 5, 2026, by the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI) as the honorees of the Mary Heftel Hooton Award at the WBAI’s 27th Annual Judicial Reception. The Heftel Hooton Award honors judges who advance the cause of women lawyers. Also celebrated at this reception will be 18th Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Bonnie M. Wheaton, who is an honoree for the Myra Bradwell Woman of Achievement Award by the WBIA. The Bradwell award is named for the first woman to pass the Illinois bar and celebrates exceptional attorneys who illuminate their respective fields with outstanding prowess and dedication.
Have you recently received an award? Please let us know at
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