Beyond the Bench is a monthly feature to get to know more about judges and justices in Illinois, beyond their legal duties.
Name: Kerrie Maloney Laytin
Title: Circuit Judge
Circuit or Judicial District: Circuit Court of Cook County
It’s football season! Who are you rooting for?
The Bears, of course! Also, Indiana University, which my son currently attends. They are 11-0, with excellent prospects of making the Big Ten Football Championship Game and the College Football Playoffs.
What is your favorite dish at Thanksgiving?
For many years now, we have ordered a deep-fried Cajun turkey over the internet – it’s easy and delicious! You’ll never go back to dry regular turkey.
Do you have any Thanksgiving traditions?
Movie marathons!
Do you like shopping on Black Friday/Cyber Monday? Why or why not?
I am not a fan of crowds, so I avoid shopping in person whenever possible. Internet shopping is the way to go! Nowadays, it’s nice that so many stores are spreading out their sales over the weeks leading up to Black Friday/Cyber Monday – more time for deals and less pressure to spend money on a single day!
What TV show are you watching right now? Would you recommend it?
I was one of the few people to miss the Breaking Bad phenomenon while the show was airing. We are streaming it now on Netflix, and I’m sorry I’ve waited this long! Lots of excitement. Can’t wait to see how it turns out.
Do you have a ritual or habit that you do before getting to work or starting on a trial?
I am a tea drinker, so every morning I pick up an Earl Grey from Starbucks. Starts the day off on a calming note.
Who is your role model in life and/or in your career?
My role model is the judge I clerked for immediately after law school, the late-Hon. Robert P. Patterson, Jr., of the Southern District of New York. He was dedicated to justice, down to earth, respectful to all, and always looking for the best in everyone, especially those before him who were at their lowest moments. He is the example I strive to follow of what it means to be an honorable public servant – with our privileged positions comes the great responsibility of serving others as our first priority whenever we take the bench.