Timothy Evans, Chief Judge – Cook County Circuit Court

Elected chief judge in September 2001 by unanimous vote of the circuit judges, Evans is the administrator of one of the largest unified court systems in the world. He oversees approximately 400 judges and 3,000 employees within the court’s eight divisions and six districts, which handles more than 2 million cases filed annually.Judge Evans’ nearly 40-year career in public service began in 1969 when he joined the City of Chicago’s Law Department as an assistant corporation counsel. He later joined its Department of Investigations where he rose to deputy commissioner. In 1973, Evans was elected to the Chicago City Council representing the 4th Ward, a position he held for the next 18 years while also maintaining a private practice.

In 1992, Evans won election to the Cook County judiciary as a circuit judge. Within three years of joining the court, he was appointed the presiding judge of the Domestic Relations Division. Five years later in 2000, he was appointed presiding judge of the Law Division where, he served until his election as chief judge.

During his tenure as chief judge, Evans has expanded court services to children with innovative programming that provides a safe haven for children whose parents or guardians are attending court. He places great emphasis on expanding opportunities for women and minorities at the court’s executive management level, appointing the first Hispanic American as presiding judge of the 4th Municipal District, and the first woman as presiding judge of the prestigious Chancery Division.