By: Leilani Pino
On August 22, 2023, the Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago (AABA), Asian American Judges Association of Illinois, South Asian Bar Association of Chicago (SABA), and the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI), all gathered in celebration of Judge Debjani D. Desai’s judicial appointment to the Circuit Court of Cook County. This remarkable display of unity by four diverse groups across the legal community coming together to recognize Judge Desai as an illustrious legal advocate and a cornerstone of each organization was inspiring. Judge Desai currently serves as a long-standing member of each organization, and as the former Treasurer of the AABA and the former President of both the SABA and the South Asian Bar Association of Chicago Foundation. Currently, Judge Desai serves as the Financial Secretary of WBAI.
Remarks recognizing Judge Desai’s accomplishments and her recent success were made by both Honorable Rena Marie Van Tine and Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis. Their sentiments were shared with the room – that Judge Desai is deserving of her recent appointment. Congratulations Judge Desai!
This article was originally published in the WBAI 2023-2024 Year in Review Newsletter on page 45.