About Judge Nichole C. Patton

 A New Chapter in Court Leadership
Experienced. Visionary. Ready to Serve as Chief Judge.

Judge Nichole C. Patton serves in the Law Division – Trial Section of the Circuit Court of Cook County, where she presides over complex civil matters, including personal injury, medical malpractice, premises liability, and nursing home neglect. Appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2018 and elected in 2020, she became the first African American woman elected in the 15th Judicial Subcircuit, marking a historic moment in Cook County’s judiciary.

With more than 25 years of legal and judicial experience, Judge Patton has served in three divisions of the Circuit Court — Law, County, and Municipal — and has consistently demonstrated a commitment to fairness, professionalism, and public service. She is widely respected for her integrity, legal knowledge, and leadership both on and off the bench.

A Trailblazer in Law and Service

Before joining the bench, Judge Patton served with distinction in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, including in the Special Prosecutions Bureau – Mental Health Unit, where she advocated for some of the county’s most vulnerable residents. She also operated her own successful law firm, representing clients in real estate, estate planning, litigation, and arbitration. Earlier in her career, she worked in civil defense litigation, handling complex personal injury and medical malpractice cases.

Her service extends beyond the courtroom. Judge Patton is the current President of The Chicago Bar Association, where she previously served on the Board of Managers and co-chaired the Association’s 150th Anniversary Celebration. In 2023, she received the CBA Vanguard Award for her leadership and commitment to diversity in the legal profession.

Mentor. Educator. Advocate.

Judge Patton teaches Trial Advocacy at the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Law, shaping the next generation of trial lawyers and reinforcing the critical role of preparation and ethics in courtroom practice. She previously taught Criminal Justice and Juvenile Justice at Prairie State College and continues to mentor law students, clerks, and new judges across the state.

She has also championed access to justice through her service on the Chicago Bar Foundation Board, as Co-Chair of Pro Bono Week, and as a member of the Pro Se Advisory Committee — always advocating for equity in legal access and resources.

Committed to Community

Judge Patton’s leadership is deeply rooted in community service. She has served on the boards of the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Respond Now, and The Lawyers Club of Chicago, where she is Past President. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and The Links, Incorporated, where she continues her life’s work of service, sisterhood, and civic engagement.

Grounded in Family and Faith

A daughter of Chicago’s South Side, Judge Patton is a proud product of Alabama State University, Chicago State University, and the UIC School of Law. Her journey from journalism student to courtroom leader reflects her deep belief in public service and perseverance. She is married to Marty Patton and the proud mother of three children — Michael, Sydney, and Myles.