Illinois JusticeCorps Fellows begin year of service with inspiring conversation on leadership and access to justice - September 2026

By Jenna Kearns, Program Director, Illinois JusticeCorps

The Illinois Bar Foundation and The Chicago Bar Foundation recently welcomed the 2026-2027 Illinois JusticeCorps Fellows during their AmeriCorps swearing-in ceremony, marking the beginning of a year dedicated to service and expanding access to justice across Illinois.

As part of the ceremony, Justice Rena Marie Van Tine of the Illinois Appellate Court, First District, administered the oath of service alongside Judge Jorge L. Ortiz, Chair of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice. Following the swearing-in, the judges participated in an engaging question-and-answer session with Fellows, offering insight drawn from their own experiences in the legal profession and on the bench.

What stood out most was the depth and thoughtfulness of the discussion. Fellows asked candid questions about building careers in the legal profession as people from underrepresented backgrounds, including how the judges' experiences as people of color have shaped their leadership, service, and commitment to justice. They also explored the role judges can play as champions for access to justice and sought advice on advancing meaningful change within complex institutions.

Justice Van Tine and Judge Ortiz responded with remarkable candor, sharing personal experiences, lessons learned, and practical advice. Their willingness to engage openly created a meaningful opportunity for Fellows to see leadership, mentorship, and public service in action.

One Fellow reflected on the impact of the conversation:

"Judge Ortiz and Justice Van Tine have advanced fair and equal access to justice through their support of JusticeCorps and by the values they live by. As a fellow change-maker, I asked how we can navigate adversity in our efforts to create change. Their response was simple: by remaining committed to our AmeriCorps oath, we persevere."

-Sandy Ruiz, Winnebago County Fellow

That message resonated powerfully with the Fellows as they embark on their year of service. The AmeriCorps pledge calls members to "get things done" for America by strengthening communities and helping others. For Illinois JusticeCorps Fellows, that commitment is reflected in their work assisting court users, reducing barriers to justice, and supporting a court system that is accessible to all.

For many Fellows, the conversation reinforced that access to justice work is not only about helping people navigate the legal system. It is also about building a legal profession and justice system that reflects and serves the diverse communities of Illinois. The session set an inspiring tone for the year ahead and underscored the importance of creating spaces where emerging leaders can engage in honest conversations with members of the judiciary about service, inclusion, perseverance, and justice.