CBA Record May-June 2026

CBA NEWS

dedication, and integrity that Earl B. Dickerson modeled throughout his life. This year’s honorees stand firmly in that tradition,” said CBA President Judge Nichole C. Patton. Andrea Bonds has been practicing law since 2005 and is the co-founder and managing partner of Bronzeville Law Group, LLC, where she focuses on criminal defense and personal injury liti gation. Before opening her own practice, she worked for the Cook County Public Defender’s Office as an assistant public defender and at Prairie State Legal Ser vices as a staff attorney. Bonds is also a hearing officer for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, representing municipalities in violations hearings, and is president of the Rich Township High School Board of Education. Judge Arnette R. Hubbard (Ret.), a pioneer for Black women in the legal field, became a lawyer at a time when women comprised only 3% of American lawyers. Black women were fewer still. She spent 28 years as a lawyer before becoming a judge. In 1979, Judge Hub bard became the first female president of the Cook County Bar Association, and in 1981 became the first female president of the National Bar Association. A passion ate proponent of civil rights, particularly voting rights, she has been recognized by numerous professional and civic orga nizations; these include the Operation PUSH Service Award, the NAACP Juan ita Jackson Mitchell Award, the Cook County Bar Association Legends Award, and the American Bar Association Mar garet Brent Award. Cannon Lambert, Sr., is a partner at Karchmar & Lambert, P.C. As a highly skilled, well-respected trial attorney, he handles a diverse range of cases that often

Congratulations to the 2026 Dickerson Award honorees. Pictured from left: CBA President and Circuit Court of Cook County Judge Nichole C. Patton; Andrea Bonds, Bronzeville Law; Chief Illinois Supreme Court Justice P. Scott Neville, Jr.; Amy Lambert (accepting on behalf of Cannon Lambert, Sr., Karchmar & Lambert); Judge Arnette R. Hubbard (Ret.); and Circuit Court of Cook County Circuit Court Judge Tracie Porter. 2026 Earl B. Dickerson Awards By Ann Glynn, CBA Public Affairs Director

T he Chicago legal community gath ered to celebrate four attorneys who received the Earl B. Dicker son Award. The awards honor the legacy of Earl B. Dickerson, one of the CBA’s first African American members, who devoted his life and career to helping others achieve equality and justice. This year’s honorees are Andrea Bonds,

Bronzeville Law Group, LLC; Judge Arnette R. Hubbard (Ret.); Cannon Lambert, Sr., Karchmar & Lambert, P.C.; and Chief Justice P. Scott Neville, Jr., Illinois Supreme Court. “Since 1990, this award has recog nized lawyers and judges from the full spectrum of our diverse legal commu nity whose careers embody the courage,

8 May/June 2026