Member Spotlight

Hon. Perla Tirado

Circuit Court Judge // Circuit Court of Cook County

Please provide a description of your practice.

Currently, I am assigned as a Judge to a Civil Jury Room in the First Municipal District. Aside from presiding over jury trials, I hear various types of pretrial motions once they are transferred to my courtroom.

Why are you a member of the WBAI?

I became a member of WBAI because I deeply value being part of a community that empowers women to grow, thrive, and fully realize their potential. I’ve always believed that no matter where you are in your professional journey, there’s always room to learn, evolve, and be inspired. WBAI fosters that kind of growth by bringing together women who uplift, encourage, and support one another. I have experienced this first hand through the WBAI’s Civil Litigation Committee. Through this community, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with incredible women who share a commitment to helping each other discover, refine, and expand our unique strengths. It’s been both enriching and motivating to be surrounded by people so dedicated to growth and collaboration. 

What do you think is the best way to empower women in law?

I believe the best way to empower women in the legal profession is by helping them recognize their unique strengths, nurture them through mentorship and collaboration, and ultimately apply them with confidence. The legal world can be demanding, and imposter syndrome is something many of us face. But when women come together to share their stories and support one another, we begin to see that there isn’t one formula for success. Every lived experience contributes something valuable. In a strong, intentional community, those experiences become tools for growth—and a source of encouragement for others to step into their full potential.

What are you most looking forward to in the following year, personally/professionally?

There’s so much I’m looking forward to this year, both professionally and personally. I’m excited to write articles on civil procedure. I’ve always enjoyed learning and I plan to enroll in a certificate program focused on AI, ethics, and its impact on the legal field. On a personal note, I’m focused on supporting my son as he enters junior high and starts preparing for high school. It’s a big transition, and being present for him during this time is important to me.

Tell us something interesting about you.

I always welcome talking philosophy with anyone over coffee. While I love serving as a judge and find great purpose in that role, I’ve always felt a strong pull toward academia. One day, I hope to pursue a PhD in philosophy and write about the role of humanities and philosophical ideas in law and society.

I’ve been shaped by my Jesuit education, both in high school and college. The Jesuit emphasis on the humanities and service to others has influenced every decision I’ve made in my professional life. I’ve always believed in the power and necessity of the humanities. They help us understand ourselves and each other—and I worry that future generations may drift away from them in favor of faster, more technical solutions. I hope to contribute to a meaningful conversation about why we must continue to nurture the humanities, even as technology advances. There’s space for both, and I believe we can—and should—strive for a future where they exist side by side.

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Hon. Perla Tirado is currently assigned as a Judge to a Civil Jury Room in the First Municipal District.