A Conversation with Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II

The Future of the Circuit Court of Cook County

A Conversation with Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II:

The Future of the Circuit Court of Cook County

Thursday, December 3 | 11:30 a.m. | Union League Club of Chicago

Join Lincoln Forum for a timely conversation with the Honorable Charles S. Beach II, Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, as he approaches his first year leading one of the largest unified court systems in the world.

Sworn in as Chief Judge on December 1, 2025, Judge Beach became the Court’s first new Chief Judge in more than two decades. He has served on the Circuit Court since 2017 and previously held leadership roles overseeing the Traffic and Pretrial Divisions. He had a successful career in private practice before that.

Chief Judge Beach will discuss his priorities for the Circuit Court, including improving court operations and access to justice, strengthening transparency and public trust, and ensuring that the Court continues to respond effectively to the evolving needs of the judiciary and the communities it serves.

Trisha M. Rich, President of The Chicago Bar Association, will moderate the conversation, providing an opportunity to explore the administration of one of the nation’s largest court systems and Chief Judge Beach’s vision for its future.

Presented in partnership with the Union League Club of Chicago State and Local Government Subcommittee and The Chicago Bar Association, with POLITICO serving as media partner.

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