By: Ashmar Mandou
Compassion. Honesty. Fairness. All facets rooted within experienced litigator Jennifer Ballard, who is currently running for judge in the Seventh Judicial Subcircuit of Cook County. “I feel that my extensive experience working as a litigator and my dedication to my community help propel my decision to run for judge of the Seventh judicial Subcircuit of Cook County,” said Ballard. “I am ready for the opportunity to serve my community in a greater capacity and restore trust within the legal system.” Ballard is currently a partner at Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP where she concentrates her efforts in the areas of labor and employment. Ballard’s tenacious spirit has certainly earned her many accolades, including “Super Lawyers Rising Stars” list in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. In 2009, Ballard was recognized as one of the Top 100 Under 50 Diverse Executive and Emerging Leaders by DiversityMBA Magazine. Not only has Ballard shined in court, but her passion for giving back supersedes her numerous awards. “Nothing means more to me than being able to go back into my community and give my time. That is what motivates me to do better and I hope to be an example for my community,” said Ballard.
Ballard currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI) and the Women’s Bar Foundation (WBF). Previously, Ballard served as a co-chair for the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening. During her downtime, Ballard is dedicated to community service and mentorship. Since 2013, Ballard has served on the Board of Directors for the Center for Conflict Resolution (CCR), a non-for-profit organization that provides free mediation services to low-income individuals in Cook County as a substitute to expensive litigation. Ballard also served as a mentor in connection with North Lawndale College Preparatory that challenges high school seniors to improve their critical thinking skills and writing for college-level work. Ballard earned her B.A. magna cum laude in Economics at Spelman College. Ballard received her law degree with a certificate in Health Law from Loyola University School of Law. “My heart is in it. I would like for the community to know, if elected, whoever enters my courtroom will be treated with the upmost respect and receive fair treatment. I am here to serve for the community, not against the community,” said Ballard. To date, Ballard has received a plethora of endorsements from the Cook County Democratic Party, Hispanic American Labor Council, Latinos of Berwyn/Cicero Organization, Cicero Voter Alliance, State Representative Lisa Hernandez, Mayor Larry Dominick, Alderman Chris Taliaferro, and Cicero Township Committeeman Charles Hernandez. If you would like to vote for Jennifer Ballard punch #244 on the ballot.
