For more than 20 years, Renata Stiehl has built a career at the intersection of public service and community impact. Renata is the Senior Division Attorney for the Domestic Violence Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County, one of the busiest and most emotionally complex divisions in the country. In this role, Renata trains judges, leads court-based programming, and spearheads systemic change in the domestic violence division. Her work, though often unseen, ensures dignity and increases access to justice for domestic violence survivors during some of the most vulnerable times of their lives.
A near-constant presence at the domestic violence courthouse, Renata strives to make equal access to justice not just theoretical but attainable for all. She does this through a unique blend of everyday service and visionary systemic reform work. Renata often serves as a liaison between the judiciary and the communities impacted by domestic violence, educating judges on the real-world impact of landmark legal changes such as the Pretrial Fairness Act and Karina’s Law. She was also instrumental in creating and implementing the Litigant Services Associates Program, which helps self-represented survivors prepare petitions for orders of protection and connect with other services, and the After Hours Program, which empowers survivors to reach a judge for emergency relief almost 24 hours a day.
Renata’s commitment to ensuring access to justice for domestic violence survivors predates her time with the Domestic Violence Division. Prior to joining the Division, Renata had an impactful career in legal aid, providing direct services at leading domestic violence organizations such as Ascend Justice, Life Span, and the Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program of Metropolitan Family Services. The same skills and qualities that made her a successful legal aid attorney, including her creativity, legal expertise, and boundless empathy, have remained with her throughout her career as a public servant.
Renata is truly an unsung hero who leads with humility, compassion, and principle. She has made significant and enduring contributions to improving access to justice throughout her career, making her an ideal recipient of this year’s Justice Thomas L. Kilbride Public Service Award.