By: Leilani Ana-Maria Pino
On April 22, 2025, the Chicago Bar Association hosted its annual Vanguard Awards Luncheon honoring individuals within the local legal profession who have made significant contributions to make the law more accessible to the community at large. The honorees are selected by the local bar associations who have insight into the changemakers deserving of this prestigious award. This year, the WBAI nominated the Honorable Mary Colleen Roberts (Ret.) in recognition of her ongoing efforts advancing equity and improving support in the legal profession.
Judge Roberts is a founding member and former President of the Alliance of Illinois Judges, an organization aimed at promoting LGBTQ+ resources to fellow judges and mentors of law students. This organization has an open membership to all Illinois judges in its efforts to promote its mission. Judge Roberts also helped plan and the founding judge for Access to Community Treatment Court. This court program was developed as an evidence-based drug treatment court to support those charged with non-violent felonies who have substance use disorders. Judge Roberts first presided over the Access to Community Treatment Court which has since supported individuals who successfully completed community drug treatments with dismissal of their charges and lower rates of recidivism.
The WBAI proudly supports Judge Roberts for her commendable contributions promoting inclusivity and helping those battling addiction to access treatment and support. Through her initiatives, Judge Roberts is enabling and protecting opportunities for those navigating the legal system.
This article was originally published in the WBAI Spring 2025 Newsletter on page 67.