2025 State of the Court Recap: Chief Judge Kendall Addresses NDIL
The Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter hosted the 2025 State of the Court Address on Tuesday, July 8th, at the Chicago Bar Association, bringing together more than 90 attorneys, judges, and members of the legal community. Chief Judge Virginia M. Kendall delivered her first official report as Chief Judge of the Northern District of Illinois (NDIL), providing key updates on case statistics, community programs, and challenges facing the judiciary.
For attorneys and law firms practicing in the Northern District, the 2025 State of the Court served as an essential forum to learn about current trends, resources, and priorities within the federal court system.
New Judicial Appointments and Filing Trends
Chief Judge Kendall began the address by congratulating the newest appointees to both the District and Magistrate benches. She emphasized the critical role these judges will play in maintaining the efficiency and integrity of the Northern District of Illinois.
A major focus of the discussion was on recent filing trends. Chief Judge Kendall noted that criminal filings are down compared to prior years, a shift that may impact practitioners handling federal criminal defense and prosecution. She also addressed developments in Bankruptcy Court filings, underscoring the need for attorneys to remain flexible in the types of cases they may encounter in the coming year.
For Illinois attorneys, these trends highlight the importance of monitoring filing data to anticipate changes in case loads and practice areas. Staying informed about federal court statistics not only helps firms adjust their strategies but also ensures they can continue to provide effective representation.
Unique Court Resources Supporting Defendants
Chief Judge Kendall highlighted several innovative programs offered by the Northern District of Illinois that go beyond traditional sentencing and support the rehabilitation of criminal defendants.
One such program is the James B. Moran Second C.H.A.N.C.E. Re-Entry Court Program, designed to assist individuals transitioning back into society after incarceration. She also discussed the Nurturing Fathers Program, which equips participants with the skills to build stronger family relationships, and the Resources Fair through the Probation Office, which connects defendants with services that promote stability and reduce recidivism.
These initiatives reflect NDIL’s commitment to providing holistic support for defendants, addressing not just legal outcomes but also long-term success in the community. For defense attorneys and firms, awareness of these resources is invaluable. Leveraging such programs can improve client outcomes while demonstrating the court’s dedication to fair and rehabilitative justice.
Civic Engagement and Naturalization Efforts
Another highlight of the 2025 State of the Court was the Northern District’s role in civic engagement. Chief Judge Kendall reported that 28,351 individuals were naturalized as U.S. citizens between July 2024 and May 2025, with ceremonies taking place both at the courthouse and in communities across Chicago.
Beyond naturalization, the Court has remained active in outreach efforts. Heritage month celebrations foster inclusivity, while the Cristo Rey High School intern program provides valuable opportunities for students to gain firsthand exposure to the legal system. In addition, the 2025 Excellence in Pro Bono and Public Interest Service Awards Event recognized attorneys and law firms making significant contributions to access to justice.
For attorneys practicing in Illinois, these initiatives underscore the NDIL’s leadership not only in administering justice but also in building stronger connections with the community. Participating in pro bono work, supporting civic programs, and mentoring the next generation of legal professionals are all ways lawyers can align with the Court’s mission and values.
Protecting the Judiciary Amid Growing Threats
Chief Judge Kendall also addressed a pressing concern: the rise in hostility and threats toward the judiciary. Citing a recent Chicago Daily Law Bulletin report, she noted that attacks on judges are escalating both in the political arena and within courtrooms.
“We are definitely in uncharted waters right now,” she stated. “Our judges are under attack simply for doing their job, simply for applying the law to the facts and discerning the outcome and providing clear and reasoned explanations for their decisions.”
To address these challenges, Chief Judge Kendall emphasized her commitment to working closely with the U.S. Marshals Service to ensure the safety and security of judges in the Northern District of Illinois.
For practitioners, this message serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting judicial independence and the rule of law. Ensuring the safety of the judiciary is critical to maintaining public trust and the fair administration of justice.
Why the 2025 State of the Court Matters
The 2025 State of the Court provided Northern District attorneys and law firms with timely insights into the priorities, resources, and challenges shaping federal practice in Illinois. From new judicial appointments and filing trends to groundbreaking defendant support programs and the pressing need for judicial protection, Chief Judge Kendall’s address underscored the evolving landscape of the NDIL.
For attorneys, staying engaged with updates from the Court is vital for both professional growth and effective client representation. Events like the State of the Court Address, along with other FBA Chicago Chapter CLEs and programs, offer invaluable opportunities to connect with the judiciary, remain informed, and contribute to the strength of the legal community.
The Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter encourages all practitioners to continue participating in these events to stay current on developments within the Northern District of Illinois. To explore future professional development and networking opportunities within the Chicago Chapter, please check out our upcoming events!
Following the program, attendees enjoyed connecting with colleagues and members of the judiciary. Explore our photo gallery below for highlights from the 2025 State of the Court Address.
