December 3, 2025
For the first time in 24 years, we have a new Chief Judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County: Judge Charles S. Beach II.
As the Circuit Court starts an exciting new chapter, we thank Judge Timothy C. Evans for his leadership and dedication to access to justice throughout his tenure as Chief Judge. Judge Evans leaves a strong legacy of making the Circuit Court more fair and accessible for all litigants. The Resource Center for People Without Lawyers and the Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt program are just two of many examples of the many advances in access to justice under his leadership as Chief Judge.
Chief Judge Beach brings his own strong commitment to improving access to justice and modernizing the court system to his new role. Chief Judge Beach outlined three governing principles as he was sworn in that underscore his deep commitment to these values:
- Justice — Justice demands a system that is transparent, predictable, and fully accessible to every resident, regardless of their station.
- Fairness— Relentless action in seeking out and dismantling any barriers, visible or invisible, that impede equal treatment in our courtrooms.
- Kindness to Others — Treating every defendant, every victim, every witness, and every person who walks through our doors not just as a case number, but as an individual whose life hangs in the balance.
“Our job is not merely to process cases. It is to deliver justice — fairly, efficiently and with respect to every person who comes through our doors,” Chief Judge Beach said.
The CBF congratulates Chief Judge Beach on his new leadership role and look forward to working with him to continue to advance access to justice in the Circuit Court.