To mark Black History Month, the Illinois judiciary is highlighting diverse voices, including Justice Freddrenna Lyle of the First District Appellate Court. Justice Lyle shared her experiences and perspectives on her career, diversity in the legal profession, and the importance of recognizing Black history.
Justice Lyle grew up in Chicago, Illinois. She attended the University of Illinois Chicago Circle Campus and The John Marshall Law School before joining the Illinois Appellate Court in the First District.
When asked about her motivation to pursue a legal career and eventually become a judge, Lyle said, “My Uncle, who was a teacher, jokingly told me as a young child that I should be a lawyer since I liked to ‘argue so much.’ After graduating with a Bachelor’s in English and African History, I found my way back to law as a career. From there, my legal career took me to City Council and ultimately to the bench.”
Reflecting on her achievements and challenges throughout her career, Lyle stated: “I am honored to sit on the Illinois Appellate Court as I was honored to sit in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois. I am the first Judge in my family, and my law license has afforded me career opportunities beyond my Ancestors’ wildest dreams. I am most proud when people tell me that I’ve helped them, their friends, or family. Some recall me as a young, idealistic lawyer, while others remember me as a founder of a nonprofit that served over 9,000 youth during my time on the Chicago City Council. When as judges, we can exercise our lawful discretion in ways that help people reclaim their dignity, maintain their homes, and repair their lives, these are true accomplishments.”
She also spoke about facing obstacles due to assumptions based on her appearance: “As a trial attorney walking into a courtroom and having court personnel tell you to sit down and wait for your attorney, that was a special kind of challenge. By virtue of their gender, height, surname or race daily there were others who were cloaked with the presumption that they were qualified and entitled to be in certain spaces; but you short black woman had to prove your qualifications every single time you spoke.”
For those starting out in law or considering it as a profession today—including advice she would give her younger self—Lyle emphasized service: “The law offers a rewarding career with diverse opportunities. From litigation to legal education, a law degree can open doors to unexpected experiences. While demanding it can be personally and financially rewarding. I strongly advise finding time to volunteer at legal clinics as there’s significant unmet need for legal assistance. Volunteering provides valuable real-life experiences for new lawyers and should remind them that character and worth aren’t determined by finances.”
Justice Lyle recounted an early experience that shaped her perspective: “As a young lawyer the Cook County Bar Association addressed certain egregious police brutality incidents by holding public hearings at the University of Chicago. The room was packed citizens testified and The Chicago Defender Newspaper did a front-page article. For months the Black community praised CCBA as its champion.”
Discussing role models who influenced her path within law—many from Chicago’s own legal community—she said: “So many people fed into my success… In courthouse hallways lawyers like Sam Adams and George Howard would stop me and give me trial tips… Hon. Cornelius Toole told me if ‘there was no law make law’ and Justice R Eugene Pincham once asked me ‘Why do you think people elected you if not to make hard decisions?’ They all gave me advice!”
On why Black history should be discussed both within courts and society more broadly she explained: “Simplistically the answer is you can’t be what you can’t see… Black history is World History… We tell them [children] of their ancestor’s contributions to build their resilience and self-worth… Having jurists on the bench from diverse backgrounds gives citizens a sense they may be better heard… It increases confidence of public in Courts… because our Courts depend upon voluntary compliance it is crucial we maintain that confidence.”
Family reunions are among her favorite traditions: “Family Reunions — we were not allowed to write our stories now we search them out through genealogical pursuits… it is tremendously important children know their families scattered across states…”
She concluded with this message: “Good Judges rule reflectively not reflexively!”
