Judith RiceJudith Rice

Judith C. Rice was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1988 and elected to the Circuit Court of Cook County in 2014 and retained in 2020. In 2019 she was assigned to Domestic Relations and is currently its Presiding Judge managing the operations of ten domestic violence courtrooms and fifteen judges.

Judge Rice also serves as a rotating judge for both civil and criminal domestic violence cases and hears after-hours orders of protection. She is described as knowing the law well and is always ready to provide a fair hearing asking relevant questions. Those interviewed report that Judge Rice brings sensitivity to diversity and bias to the bench once immediately addressing a litigant’s derogatory remark.

ISBA finds Judge Judith C. Rice qualified to serve as a justice to the Illinois Appellate Court – First District.