CBA Record September-October 2026

City University of New York, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree. She earned her J.D. at the University of Illi nois Chicago Law School. Upon gradu ation, she joined the Illinois Attorney General’s Office as an Assistant Attorney General. In that role, she gained valuable litigation and governmental experience while developing a reputation for profes sionalism and legal skill. She developed significant expertise in healthcare law, serving as Associate General Counsel and Civil Litigator at Loyola University Chicago. Justice Cun ningham also served as Senior Vice Presi dent, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of Northwestern Memorial Healthcare, one of the nation’s premier healthcare systems. She also served as law clerk to the late Illinois Appellate Court Justice Glenn T. Johnson. In 1996, Justice Cunningham entered the judiciary when she was sworn in as an Associate Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Assigned to the Civil Trial Division, she presided over a wide range of cases and was known for her fairness, preparation, judicial temperament, and commitment to the rule of law. She remained deeply committed to the judiciary. In 2006, she was elected to the Illinois Appellate Court for the First District. Her colleagues recognized her leadership abilities as she served on numerous committees dedicated to judi cial education, performance evaluation, and diversity within the court system; she ultimately served as Chair of the Court’s Executive Committee and Co-Chair of its Diversity Committee. Clifford, founder and senior partner of Clifford Law Offices who established this award in 2024, said, “Justice Cun ningham approaches every case with intellectual rigor, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to justice. Her thoughtful opinions reflect not only a pro found understanding of the law but also an appreciation for the real people whose lives are affected by every decision.” In 2022, Justice Cunningham was appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court, where she has worked to improve judicial administration and strengthen public

Pictured at the 2026 CBA Annual Meeting: CBA President Trisha M. Rich, Justice Joy V. Cunningham, and CBA Immediate Past President Judge Nichole C. Patton.

F ew jurists in Illinois have traveled a professional path as diverse and accomplished as Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy V. Cunningham. Her career spans four decades in healthcare, private practice, public service, trial courts, appellate courts, and, ultimately, the highest court in the state. Along the way, she has broken barriers, earned widespread respect within the legal community, and established herself as one of Illinois’ most influential legal leaders with a lifelong commitment to public service. It is for these reasons that Justice Cunningham was honored with the 2026 CBA Robert A. Clifford Champion of Justice Award. The award is bestowed each year on a person who has embraced the highest principles of integrity and traditions of the legal profession, demonstrated superior professional competence, and dedicated one’s self to preserving judicial independence. Kerry Peck, Managing Partner of Peck Ritchey, LLC, and CBA Past President (1999 2000), said, “Joy is the perfect recipient for the Champion of Justice Award. Her depth of experience as a member of the judiciary has solidified her commitment to the rule of law. She demonstrates compassion, grace, and fairness in all circumstances. Joy is a true ‘champion of justice.’” Born and raised in New York, Justice Cunningham pursued higher education at the Justice Joy V. Cunningham: Winner of the 2026 CBA Robert A. Clifford Champion of Justice Award By Pamela Sakowicz Menaker

10 September/October 2026