Justice Joy V. Cunningham and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced the appointment of James Murphy-Aguilu as a Circuit Judge in the 10th Subcircuit of Cook County.

 Mr. Murphy-Aguilu was appointed to fill the 10th Subcircuit vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Gregory Wojkowski. The appointment is effective July 7, 2023, and will conclude December 2, 2024, following the November 2024 general election. 

“James Murphy-Aguilu has an impeccable reputation both within and outside the legal community. As a lawyer, he has distinguished himself by his knowledge of the law, integrity, calm demeanor, and a strong desire to ensure that everyone has access to the legal system,” Justice Cunningham said. “He has earned the respect of his peers and colleagues over a number of years. He will be an excellent addition to the Circuit Court of Cook County.” 

Mr. Murphy-Aguilu has worked in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County since January 2021, first as Inspector General and since December 2022 as Chief of Staff. Prior to this, he served as a deputy chief administrator for the Civilian Office of Police Accountability and as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office and was a solo practitioner at Murphy-Aguilu Law, Ltd. 

“I am extremely humbled and honored to be selected by the Supreme Court of Illinois for this appointment to the Circuit Court of Cook County,” Mr. Murphy-Aguilu said. “I sincerely thank the many people who have mentored, supported, and believed in me throughout my life and career. I intend to serve the county with the respect, dignity, and principle that are synonymous with the Illinois court system.” 

Mr. Murphy-Aguilu earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin - Madison and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Wisconsin Law School. He served as an assistant professor at Ashford University from 2012 to 2014 and as an adjunct professor at Kaplan University from 2009 to 2013. 

His professional affiliations include the Chicago Bar Association, the Puerto Rican Bar Association, the Women’s Bar Association, the North Suburban Bar Association, and the Illinois State Bar Association, where he is a member of the Committee on Racial and Ethnic Minorities and the Law.