A Meaningful Way for CCL Attorneys to Get Involved

The Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) is currently seeking volunteer investigators for the 2026 judicial retention cycle. This presents an excellent opportunity for newer attorneys connected with the Chicago Council of Lawyers to gain hands-on experience in the judicial evaluation process.

For attorneys who are relatively new to practice or new to CCL, serving as a judicial investigator is a substantive and impactful way to become engaged in bar activities. Volunteers will:

• Participate in the judicial evaluation process
• Develop investigative and analytical skills
• Engage with leaders across multiple bar associations
• Gain deeper insight into judicial performance standards
• Contribute to maintaining public confidence in the courts

This type of professional service strengthens both your practice and the broader legal system.

About the 2026 Judicial Retention Cycle

Interviews for the 2026 retention class are anticipated to begin on April 20, with assignments ideally confirmed by March 31, 2026. The initial focus is on jurists seeking retention for the first time. After all of these assignments are made, we would then concentrate on the rest of the Class.

The interview schedule will be concentrated and efficient:

• Mondays through Thursdays (no Fridays)
• Primarily scheduled during the noon hour
• Target completion of initial interviews by May 20, 2026

Judges may be invited to appear before Alliance member bars based on the following five-point criteria:

1. Seeking retention for the first time;
2. Did not participate in the last evaluation (election or retention);
3. Was rated unfavorably by any Alliance bar;
4. Was controversial within the last six years;
5. If the investigation uncovers something that the judge needs to address

Conflict of Interest Guidelines

To preserve the integrity of the evaluation process, investigators may not:

• Investigate or interview a judge whose retention campaign they have supported
• Participate if they, or their firm, have an active case before that judge

If you have information that would assist an assigned investigator, you are encouraged to share it and provide contact information.

A Timely Opportunity to Serve

Assignments are time-sensitive, and volunteers are encouraged to step forward promptly.

If you are interested in participating, please contact ISBA directly regarding available assignments.

Alliance of Bar Associations For Judicial Screening – 2026 Retention Class

• 1 – 35: These jurists are seeking retention for the first time.
• 26 – 67: These jurists have been through retention before.

If you are familiar with any of these judges and can speak on their suitability to remain on the bench, please advise…providing contact information for the investigator.)

Updated list as of March 2nd, 2026

Investigators are needed for the following retention judges who will be interviewed: