In this episode of Reimagining Law, we talk to Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Anne M. Burke. Chief Justice Burke discusses how the judiciary has adapted to the pandemic, the Court’s increased collaboration with communities across the state, and how the Court is promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the judicial branch.
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Timestamps
- 0:37 – What major changes have you made to the judiciary as a result of the pandemic?
- 2:08 – Which changes may become a permanent part of the way we serve the public moving forward?
- 3:28 – Do you think collaboration across the state will continue once the pandemic passes?
- 4:51 – Is the court more integrated with the community as a result of the pandemic?
- 6:39 – What has surprised you the most about being the Chief Justice during this time?
- 8:12 – The Court recently announced the hiring of a Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer—a new position for Illinois and possibly a first for state courts across the nation. What is the significance of this new position?
- 10:53 – What is the significance of the life and career of Ruth Bader Ginsberg and why is it important that women serve on the bench?
- 14:41 – How can we better support women in the legal profession and on their way to the bench?
- 17:00 – Why do you think issues like civility, professionalism, and diversity and inclusion are important at this time and moving forward?
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Chief Justice Anne M. Burke
Anne M. Burke was born on Feb. 3, 1944, in Chicago. She received her B.A. degree in education from DePaul University in 1976 and her J.D. degree from IIT/Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1983.
She was admitted to the Federal Court, Northern District of Illinois, in 1983, the United States Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit in 1985, and certified for the Trial Bar, Federal District Court in 1987. In that same year, Governor James Thompson appointed her Judge to the Court of Claims and, in 1991, she was reappointed by Governor Jim Edgar.
In April 1994, she was appointed special counsel to the Governor for Child Welfare Services. In August 1995, she was appointed to the Appellate Court, First District. In 1996, she was elected to the Appellate Court, First District, for a full term.
Justice Burke is a member of the American, Illinois State, Chicago, and Women’s Bar Associations, and the Illinois Judges’ Association.
Connect with the Illinois Supreme Court
- Website: http://illinoiscourts.gov/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/illinoiscourts
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Supreme-Court-of-Illinois-221671197850949
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/illinois-supreme-court/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBc2kE0mWb6XTXqQ6LnudLg
About Reimagining Law
The Reimagining Law video series explores how legal and judicial professionals are adapting the delivery of services to meet the unique needs of today’s consumers. Reimagining Law is produced by the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism. This episode was recorded on October 15, 2020.