Becoming the First Black Woman Judge in DuPage County: The Honorable Judge Chantelle Porter

On December 12, 2022, Supreme Court Justice Mary Kay O’Brien appointed Chantelle Porter as the first Black woman judge and first Black circuit judge in DuPage County.¹ Judge Porter is fully aware of the significance of this opportunity to serve the DuPage community noting, “I’m very honored. I think a diverse bench that reflects the citizens we serve is always a positive. I’m just happy that our county is growing and moving forward to reflect all that we serve. My goal is to be a good and fair judge for all of DuPage.”

Judge Porter graduated from the Ohio State University, with a bachelor of science in political science and government, and DePaul University College of Law. Prior to her current position, Judge Porter worked as a family law attorney at A. Traub & Associates. As an attorney at a firm owned by a woman of color, Judge Porter stated, “[h]aving a work environment that allowed me to be myself was so valuable. I was able to thrive without dealing with competition, microaggressions, implicit bias, etc., or other things that might have held me back. It was an environment that affirmed me as a black woman and saw me for who I am. All I had to worry about was being a good lawyer and serving my clients. It allowed me to just focus on the work.”

However, although her work environment was supportive, as a young, female lawyer of color, Judge Porter still faced outside challenges and had to stay focused to persevere. “As a young black female attorney, it was important that I set myself up to succeed. I would often get questioned if I was a litigant and would be passed over. It is a lot of pressure to know that I had to overcome bias and stereotypes before even presenting my case. I made sure to assert myself, speak up, make myself known to opposing counsel and the judge, and know my case and the law. I knew I had no room for error,” Judge Porter said.

In order to obtain this prestigious appointment, Judge Porter believes she had to maintain the highest reputation amongst the various judges, attorneys, and community members throughout DuPage County. Judge Porter noted that “[f]ocusing on excelling in my legal practice is most important to becoming a judge. Also, being a good lawyer and knowing and understanding the law. Finally, building a good reputation and making positive connections with colleagues and judges.”

One way that Judge Porter earned her reputation was through her participation and leadership in state and local bar associations. Judge Porter explained, “I am a huge supporter of bar associations. My involvements with DuPage County Bar Association, DuPage Association of Woman Lawyers and Illinois State Bar Association were so valuable. It allowed me to network and make connections. It allowed me to find mentors and peers that I could work with in enhancing my practice. I think being an active member of bar associations really helped give me exposure to more attorneys and judges that might not be in my practice area.”

For any young attorneys interested in becoming a judge, Judge Porter recommends that you do the following, “Focus on your current practice. Learn and absorb as much as you can. Find good mentors. Take opportunities to write articles, attend conferences, serve on committees, and present at CLEs.”

The ISBA Standing Committee on Racial & Ethnic Minorities & the Law congratulates the Honorable Judge Chantelle Porter and the County of DuPage on a her-storic achievement.