Director of Court Advocacy
credman@chicagobarfoundation.org
312.554.8356

Cortney joined the CBF in October 2016 and became the CBF’s first dedicated Director of Court Advocacy in November, 2021. In this position, Cortney plays a lead role in the CBF’s growing efforts to make the court system more user-friendly, accessible, and fair for everyone

Prior to becoming Director of Court Advocacy, Cortney served as Senior Program Manager for Illinois JusticeCorps. As Senior Program Manager for Illinois JusticeCorps, Cortney was responsible for overseeing the program’s operations throughout Cook and Lake Counties. Before joining the CBF, Cortney worked for the Greater Chicago Legal Clinic (formerly the Chicago Legal Clinic, Inc.), where she handled both immigration and domestic relations cases.

Cortney earned her law degree and Public Interest Law Certificate from the DePaul College of Law in 2014. During her time at DePaul, Cortney participated in the Asylum and Immigration Law Clinic as well as the Housing and Community Development Clinic. In 2011, she graduated summa cum laude from Bowling Green State University, where she studied both English Literature and Spanish.

Originally from Ohio, Cortney has lived in Chicago since 2011. She currently resides in East Garfield Park with her partner, two dogs, and cat.