CBA Record July-August 2026

Leadership Profiles

Indeed, Justice Wilson’s technological expertise remains cen tral to his career in service to the courts and the profession. In 2014, after completing over 120 hours of coursework on DNA technology, the Frye standard on scientific expert testimony, and other emerging technologies, he achieved the judicial des ignation of an Advanced Science and Technology Adjudication Resource (ASTAR) Fellow. As an ASTAR Fellow with an ele vated understanding of approaching scientific evidence from the judicial perspective, he is qualified to serve as a resource for other members of the judiciary handling complex scientific cases. Notably, Justice Wilson relied on his ASTAR training when evaluating the admissibility of probabilistic DNA genotyping using computer software, called STRmix, in the Circuit Court of Cook County case of People v. Morgan . Litigants continue to reference his order in Morgan when arguing on the admissibility of evidence procured with STRmix. He again called upon his ASTAR training when presiding over a landmark environmental enforcement case addressing the operation and environmental impact of Trump Tower Chicago’s cooling water intake system, finding Trump Tower failed to report accurate water use, lacked proper permits, and violated state and federal laws and regula tions on minimizing impact on wildlife, when it daily drew mil lions of gallons of water from the Chicago River . Justice Wilson’s appointment to the First District is timely, given the current technological landscape. Throughout his career, he has remained dedicated to exploring how courts can use technology responsibly and effectively. “We are long past the point where digital tools are novelties,” he observes. Rather, “they are integral to how courts ensure access, efficiency, and transparency.” Wilson likewise believes that artificial intelligence offers many benefits as a tool to assist courts in identifying trends, streamlining processes, and expanding access to justice. How ever, he cautions that the ethical use of AI is essential within the court. As he puts it, “We must remain clear-eyed about the limits. AI can help us see patterns, but it can’t feel the weight of a decision.” Judges will always bear the responsibility to exercise judgment “to balance competing interests, safeguard constitu tional principles, and consider human consequences.” Humans, he contends, remain integral to the judicial process.

thing, no matter what.” And each stage has presented its own challenges: from learning the shorthand of the judiciary as a newly appointed trial judge, to feeling the gravity of consequen tial decisions when deciding criminal matters, to deciding mat ters on appeal that are less-settled, more nuanced, and require deep deliberation for the sake of posterity. Justice Wilson’s roles through each stage of his career depict various iterations of leadership—from managing a practice, to supervising and mentoring judges, teaching, and serving as presi dent of the Illinois Judicial Council. “I’ve come to define leader ship as the quiet work of uplifting others. A good leader listens first, decides with integrity, and leaves institutions stronger than they were found,” he notes. “My goal has always been to foster environments where people can thrive, where processes are clearer, and where justice is not merely delivered, but delivered well.” Closing Thoughts for Lawyers at All Career Stages Justice Wilson encourages lawyers, especially young lawyers, to set goals and plan their careers. He also recommends that they remain flexible and open to opportunities that they could not otherwise imagine or anticipate. In his experience, opportunities may appear simply because an attorney shows up. “Someone is always paying attention to see who has integrity, who is doing their best. Doing the right thing can pay off, but not always in the way you expect. So, get out there, get out of your comfort zone. Take calculated risks. Be ready for those opportunities.” In reflecting on how his career has enabled him to synthesize disparate strengths and pathways, Justice Wilson looks back and comments, “Technology gave me the tools to analyze systems; the law gave me the purpose to improve them.” As for serving as a trial court judge, and now sitting on the Illinois Appellate Court, he says, “The judiciary has given me the privilege to apply both technology and the law in service of the public, the profession, and the continuing pursuit of justice.”

Leadership Lessons: “The Quiet Work of Uplifting Others”

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Each stage of Justice Wilson’s career resulted from a natural pro gression borne of diligent work dedicated to “doing the right

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