Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Judge Yu

This May, we're recognizing diverse voices in the judiciary in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The following features Circuit Court of Cook County Judge William Yu.

Hometown: Chicago

College/Law School: Oberlin College/UIC Law

District or Circuit: Cook County/Domestic Relations

What inspired you to pursue law, and eventually, become a judge?

My initial inspiration was my experience at the Chicago Commission on Human Relations, Advisory Council on Asian Affairs. The Commission was established, in part, to investigate discrimination claims against protected classes under the Chicago Human Rights and the Chicago Fair Housing Ordinances. I was able to observe the adjudicative process from intake to hearing and learn how the ordinances were enforced. Witnessing how strong advocacy for those in need can have a meaningful impact on their lives fomented my desire to pursue a career in law.

After law school, I worked in private practice for over twenty years with an emphasis in professional liability and commercial litigation. I always knew in the back of my mind that I wanted to return to my roots and serve the public again as I did at the Commission. Becoming a judge was the perfect way for me to accomplish that.

When you reflect on your career, what accomplishments are you most proud of? What challenges have you had to overcome in your career?

As a young lawyer, my proudest moment was winning my first jury trial in Federal Court against a team of seasoned trial attorneys. My greatest accomplishment was becoming the first Korean American judge at the state level in Illinois in 2018.

One of the biggest challenges I faced as a young attorney was the lack of diverse representation in my career path. It might sound like an obvious answer, but being one of the "first" meant that I was a minority in most of my professional experiences. Not having a support network of people who looked like me and had shared experiences was difficult. It drove me to continue to show up and participate in organizations like the Asian American Bar Association. I hope that my challenge will make it easier for the next generation.

Who do you consider to be a strong role model in your life? What advice did they share with you?

My dad. He was a man of few words, but he often expressed that education and hard work were the keys to success and respect in this country especially as a minority.

How has your heritage shaped who you are today?

My father was allowed to immigrate from Korea in 1961 due to his profession. This was fairly early on in the Korean immigration wave to the United States. He and his colleagues who immigrated around the same period always had high expectations for their children to take advantage of the opportunities that existed in the United States. I heard many stories of the difficulties inherent to growing up in war-torn Korea, including gaining admission to professional schools. These stories made me appreciate the sacrifices my parents made to provide me with the opportunities that are available here.

What advice would you give to those starting their legal career today?

Learn how to cultivate relationships within your organization and across the profession. This will help you avoid pitfalls and advance in your career, as well as open doors to other opportunities. Always safeguard your reputation in the community as it is one of your most valuable assets. Find activities outside your practice of law that you are passionate about and find time to dedicate to those pursuits.

Why do you think it's important to discuss and recognize diversity, both on the bench and in everyday life?

We as judges are first and foremost public servants. In order to effectively serve the entirety of the public we should strive to access all available resources - especially the amazing diversity of our judiciary. There is no doubt that the collective diverse backgrounds and viewpoints of the judiciary are a strength that we can draw upon to help us shape our rulings with a more complete understanding of how they may impact the litigants that appear in our courtrooms.

From a community perspective, it is largely the same concept. It is impactful to have points of view and insights from diverse demographics as it will foster new ideas through collaboration.

What is one of your favorite traditions or customs of your culture/family? (Ex. Food, Special Event, etc.)

On New Year's Day Koreans celebrate by eating a rice cake/dumpling soup (tteok mandu guk) to symbolize starting the year with a fresh slate, longevity and prosperity.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

It is okay for Asian Americans to pursue non-STEM related fields! Asian American lawyers always joke that we disappointed our parents by not becoming doctors. The next generation of Asian American lawyers have a vibrant and evolving network in this legal community that can guide them.