Program Manager for Illinois JusticeCorps
mboykin@iljusticecorps.org
312.736.1780

Mercedes joined the CBF in January 2022 and currently serves as a Program Manager for Illinois JusticeCorps. The JusticeCorps program enhances access to justice for the growing number of self-represented litigants in the courts by empowering and training college students and recent college graduates to volunteer is courthouses to help people without lawyers navigate the court system.

As a Program Manager for Illinois JusticeCorps, Mercedes is responsible for overseeing all JusticeCorps operations for the Circuit Court of Cook County and the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Court in Lake County. In addition, Mercedes works on many other of the CBF’s advocacy initiatives, including working with the Illinois legislature and advocacy efforts with the courts for policies to promote access to the justice for all. The JusticeCorps program contributes to these CBF advocacy initiatives by making the courts and legal system more user friendly for people without attorneys.

Mercedes earned her law degree from Northern Illinois University College of Law in 2021. During her time at Northern Illinois University, Mercedes participated in the Prisoner’s Rights Project. In 2016, she graduated from Rockford University, where she studied both Psychology and Sociology.

Mercedes lives in Cherry Valley, Illinois with her husband, her dog, and her cat. As a self-proclaimed foodie and coffee connoisseur, Mercedes loves going to find new restaurants and cafes to try. In her spare time, she also loves spending time with her family and working out.