Judicial Responsibilities
Tracie assumed office as a Circuit Court Judge on November 12, 2021, presiding over cases in the Traffic Division at the Richard J. Daley Center in Chicago. Her focus includes minor traffic violations and Class A Misdemeanor matters, showcasing her commitment to maintaining justice at a community level.
Legal Associations and Accolades
Active Participation
Tracie is a prominent figure in various legal associations, including the Illinois Judges Association (IJA), the Illinois Judicial Council (IJC), and the International Association of Women Judges. Her engagement reflects a commitment to the legal community and a desire to contribute to its growth and effectiveness.
Favorable Ratings
Tracie has earned favorable ratings from esteemed organizations like the Chicago Bar Association and the Alliance of Bar Associations, attesting to her competence and dedication as a jurist.
Community Involvement
Philanthropy and Unity
Beyond her judicial duties, Tracie is known for her active involvement in the community. Her dedication to supporting family and friends, coupled with a passion for fostering unity among people from diverse backgrounds, underscores her commitment to positive change.
Landmark Decision on Trump’s Candidacy
Legal Ruling
Judge Tracie Porter made headlines with a significant ruling, ordering the removal of Donald Trump’s name from the Republican primary ballot for March 19th. This decision stemmed from objections raised by five Illinois voters, citing Trump’s actions during the January 6 Capitol riot as disqualifying under the 14th Amendment.
Legal Challenges
While Judge Porter’s ruling is on hold for an appeal process, it adds to the legal challenges facing Trump’s candidacy. The appeal, claiming the decision as unconstitutional, reflects the complexity of the case.
Early Life and Education
Illinois Roots
Tracie, born in 1968, grew up in the Englewood neighborhood on Chicago’s south side, fostering a deep connection to her Illinois roots.
Academic Excellence
After graduating in the top ten percent of her class at Whitney M. Young High School, Tracie pursued a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Business at Cornell College. Her commitment to academic excellence laid the foundation for her legal journey.
Legal Education
In 1991, Tracie embarked on her legal education at Drake University Law School, earning her Juris Doctorate Degree in 1994.
Career Trajectory
Diverse Legal Experience
With an impressive 28-year career, Tracie began as a respected lawyer, later becoming a law professor. Her expertise spans transactional and litigation matters, including business contracts, real estate, estate planning, probate, entertainment law, and fashion law.
Judicial Appointment
Tracie reached a pinnacle in her career on November 12, 2021, when the Illinois Supreme Court unanimously appointed her as an At-Large Cook County Circuit Court Judge.
Academic Contributions
As a Tenured Professor of Law, Tracie has shared her knowledge globally, focusing on crucial topics such as the 2007 mortgage crisis, the school-to-prison pipeline, voter rights, and mortgage short sales. Her influential law review articles, including one on mortgage short sale transactions, have impacted legal decisions in the Illinois Third Appellate District.
Tracie Porter’s journey exemplifies dedication to justice, community engagement, and a commitment to legal education. Her impact extends far beyond the courtroom, leaving an indelible mark on the legal landscape and inspiring future generations in the pursuit of justice.
