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Beyond the Bench - June 2026 | State of Illinois Office of the Illinois Courts

Beyond the Bench - June 2026

6/23/2026

Beyond the Bench is a monthly feature to get to know more about judges and justices in Illinois, beyond their legal duties.

Portrait of Linda Davenport

Name: Linda Davenport

Title: Justice, Appellate Court of Illinois

Circuit or Judicial District: Third District

What are you looking forward to this summer?

I love to travel to Sicily, so I plan to spend more time there this summer.

What is your “song of the summer?

“Someone Like You” – Van Morrison

What was your favorite family tradition growing up? Have you created one of your own?

My mother taught me a generations-old recipe for stuffing at Thanksgiving and each year my daughters help me make it. A new tradition is incorporating the Italian tradition of 7 fishes on Christmas Eve.

What is your favorite fast-food restaurant?

I hesitate to admit it, but White Castle.

Do you have any pets?

A rescue dog, Toby, and my two grand dogs who currently are living with me.

What is your favorite part of your job?

The amazing clerks I have that work with me every day.

When you reflect on your career, what accomplishment are you most proud of?

I was the first woman to be elected President of the DuPage County Bar Association after 117 years, and the swearing in by Governor James Thompson was one I will never forget.