By: Leilani Ana-Maria Pino
On July 8, 2025, the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association hosted its annual State of the Court. This year, Chief Judge Virginia M. Kendall for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois presented her first official address.
In her address, Judge Kendall welcomed the recently appointed District and Magistrate Judges. She provided key data for the successful programs uniquely implemented to foster support and change in the criminal justice system which includes the James B. Moran Second C.H.A.N.C.E. Re-Entry Court, the Nurturing Fathers Program, and the Probation Office’s Resources Fair. Most significantly, Judge Kendall highlighted the new changes for the district’s new website that now offers streamlined information and more accessibility to the public. Judge Kendall closed the address by asking the members of the district to serve their community in and out of the courtroom. The WBAI is proud to support Judge Kendall on her elevation to Chief Judge of the third-largest district court in the United States. As a previous recipient of the WBAI’s Leadership Award and the Distinguished Service Award, Judge Kendall continues to improve practice in the federal court.
This article was originally published in the WBAI Fall 2025 Newsletter on page 65.