2025 District Court Judges Meet Chicago Chapter Members

On September 11, 2025, the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter hosted a special lunchtime program titled “Meet the New District Court Judges.” Held at the Chicago Bar Association, the event provided attendees with an opportunity to hear firsthand from the 2025 district court judges of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (NDIL).

Moderated by Elizabeth Ekl, Partner at Burns Noland LLP and Vice President of the FBA Chicago Chapter, the discussion centered on judicial perspectives in federal practice. The judges shared insights on topics such as summary judgment, Daubert motions, and other critical aspects of pretrial litigation. Attendees also earned 1.0 hour of CLE credit (pending approval) while gaining valuable context on the professional experiences shaping the NDIL’s newest members of the bench.

Introducing the 2025 District Court Judges

The Northern District of Illinois has long been recognized as one of the nation’s most active and influential federal trial courts. The 2025 district court judges represent a diverse and distinguished group of legal professionals whose collective experience spans prosecution, private practice, government service, and corporate counsel work.

The panel included Hon. Georgia N. Alexakis, Hon. Jeffrey I. Cummings, Hon. Jeremy C. Daniel, Hon. Sunil R. Harjani, Hon. Lindsay C. Jenkins, and Hon. April M. Perry—each bringing unique insight into federal adjudication and courtroom management. Together, their backgrounds reflect both continuity and innovation in the administration of justice in the Northern District of Illinois.

Hon. Georgia N. Alexakis

Judge Georgia Nick Alexakis, confirmed to the Northern District of Illinois in 2024, brings a blend of experience from the private sector, government, and consulting to the federal bench. A Harvard University and Northwestern Pritzker School of Law graduate, she began her career at the Boston Consulting Group before clerking for Judges Marsha Berzon (Ninth Circuit) and Milton Shadur (NDIL).

Judge Alexakis’s career includes time as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of Illinois, as well as a partnership at Bartlit Beck and later at Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP, where she focused on white-collar defense and government investigations. Her analytical background, combined with practical experience in both prosecution and private defense, positions her as a judge with a deep understanding of complex litigation and corporate accountability.

Hon. Jeffrey I. Cummings

Judge Jeffrey Cummings was appointed to the NDIL in 2023 after serving as a U.S. Magistrate Judge since 2019. A graduate of Michigan State University and Northwestern University School of Law, Judge Cummings began his career clerking for Judge Ann Claire Williams before becoming a co-managing partner at Miner, Barnhill & Galland, P.C., a firm known for its commitment to civil rights and public interest law.

Over the course of his three decades in practice, Judge Cummings has litigated high-profile cases involving employment discrimination, voting rights, and racial equity. His background also includes serving as counsel to Barack Obama before Obama’s election to the U.S. Senate. On the bench, Judge Cummings is noted for his attention to fairness and for his measured rulings in both civil and criminal matters, emphasizing professionalism and preparation among advocates.

Hon. Jeremy C. Daniel

Judge Jeremy Christen Daniel, confirmed in 2023, offers a background that bridges military service, prosecution, and private practice. A graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University and Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Judge Daniel served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and later on active duty, earning the rank of First Lieutenant.

Following his clerkship with Judge Virginia Kendall, he joined Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP before becoming an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of Illinois. In that role, he handled complex fraud and financial crimes prosecutions, including high-value embezzlement cases tied to the Washington Federal Bank for Savings. His transition from trial advocate to judge reflects a disciplined, case-focused approach shaped by both military precision and prosecutorial experience.

Hon. Sunil R. Harjani

Judge Sunil R. Harjani, confirmed as a district judge in March 2024, previously served as a U.S. Magistrate Judge for five years. A Northwestern University graduate with both his B.A. and J.D., Judge Harjani’s legal career reflects a steady rise through federal public service.

He has held roles as Assistant U.S. Attorney and Deputy Chief of the Securities and Commodities Fraud Section, as well as Senior Counsel at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Judge Harjani also teaches White Collar Crime and Federal Civil Discovery at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, sharing his deep understanding of complex financial litigation and regulatory compliance. His judicial service is marked by intellectual rigor, efficiency, and a strong focus on courtroom clarity.

Hon. Lindsay C. Jenkins

Judge Lindsay Carole Jenkins, confirmed in early 2023, brings nearly two decades of prosecutorial and academic experience to the federal bench. A graduate of Miami University and Cleveland–Marshall College of Law, she served as a law clerk to Judge Solomon Oliver Jr. before joining Jones Day and later spending 15 years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Chicago.

During her tenure with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, she rose to become Chief of the Violent Crimes Section. She played a key role in significant prosecutions, including the corruption case against Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett. Judge Jenkins also contributed to the Department of Justice’s investigation into the Chicago Police Department’s use-of-force practices. She has since taught trial advocacy at Loyola and Northwestern, where she emphasizes integrity, preparation, and community engagement as essential traits of effective advocates.

Hon. April M. Perry

Judge April Michelle Perry, confirmed in November 2024, brings a diverse portfolio of experience spanning prosecution, corporate governance, and public ethics. A Northwestern University double alumna, she earned both her B.S. and J.D. magna cum laude before clerking for Judge Joel Flaum of the Seventh Circuit.

She spent over a decade as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, where she led prosecutions in narcotics, gangs, civil rights, and hate crimes. Later, she served as Chief Deputy State’s Attorney and Chief Ethics Officer for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Before her appointment to the bench, she held senior legal roles at Ubiety Technologies and GE HealthCare, focusing on global investigations and compliance. Judge Perry’s wide-ranging experience underscores the NDIL’s tradition of appointing jurists with both legal acumen and a commitment to public accountability.

2025 District Court Judges Represent the Future of the Northern District of Illinois

The 2025 district court judges of the Northern District of Illinois represent a generation of jurists defined by professionalism, diversity, and dedication to public service. Collectively, they bring a balance of prosecutorial insight, defense experience, corporate awareness, and community involvement to one of the busiest federal trial courts in the nation.

By sharing their experiences and philosophies with the FBA Chicago Chapter, Judges Alexakis, Cummings, Daniel, Harjani, Jenkins, and Perry provided attorneys with an invaluable glimpse into the perspectives shaping modern federal practice. Their paths to the bench demonstrate the range of excellence within the Northern District, where law, leadership, and integrity continue to set the standard for justice in 2025 and beyond.

To join the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter for networking like this one, explore our upcoming events!