Celebrating Hispanic Contributions to the Law
In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month (which runs annually from September 15th through October 15th), join us for Celebrating Hispanic Contributions to the Law at the Everett McKinley Dirksen United States Courthouse. This complimentary CLE program will be hosted by the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Each year, Hispanic Heritage Month offers a special time to pay tribute to the accomplishments and cultural richness of Hispanic and Latino attorneys, judges, and legal professionals. These individuals have advanced the pursuit of justice throughout their careers. It is an opportunity to recognize the diverse perspectives and experiences that enrich our courtrooms and communities. This month also allows us to celebrate those who have profoundly contributed to American jurisprudence. Their contributions span litigation, judicial service, and systemic advocacy.
Join us on Thursday, September 17, 2026, for an engaging discussion of accomplishment and legal acumen with:
Hon. Rubén Castillo, Former U.S. District Chief Judge, Northern District of Illinois
Hon. Sonia Antolec, Judge, Illinois Court of Claims
Hon. Alfredo Maldonado, Associate Judge, Circuit Court of Cook County
Susana A. Sandoval Vargas, Midwest Regional Counsel, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund
The primary program runs from 3:00-4:00PM, and offers 1 hour of CLE credit (pending approval). Immediately following the program, attendees are welcome to network and continue the conversation at a complimentary reception.
Meet the Panelists of Celebrating Hispanic Contributions to the Law
Hon. Rubén Castillo
Former U.S. District Chief Judge
Northern District of Illinois
Hon. Rubén Castillo served as a Federal Judge for the Northern District of Illinois from 1994 to 2019, including six years as Chief Judge. Appointed by President Clinton, he presided over numerous noteworthy cases, several resolved by the Supreme Court, and served as Vice Chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission under Presidents Clinton and Bush. He was designated a Member of the Judicial Conference of the United States. Before the bench, he worked in the U.S. Attorney's Office and practiced at Jenner & Block and Kirkland & Ellis. Judge Castillo has taught trial advocacy at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law for thirty years and is known for skillfully settling complex disputes, including the Oprah Winfrey copyright case.
Hon. Sonia Antolec
Judge
Illinois Court of Claims
Hon. Sonia Antolec has served as a Judge at the Illinois Court of Claims since March 2021. She currently serves as Chief Legal Officer at The 1937 Group and has taught trial practice at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Her background includes legal hiring leadership at the Cook County State's Attorney's Office and Chief of Rules and Compliance at the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. She has also served as an Adjunct Professor, Moot Court Coach, and Director of Policy at The Mom Project, focusing on diversity and inclusion. Antolec holds a J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and a Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from DePaul University.
Hon. Alfredo Maldonado
Associate Judge
Circuit Court of Cook County
Hon. Alfredo Maldonado has served as an Associate Judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County since 2014. He hears felony cases and presides over the criminal division's Men's Mental Health Court. Judge Maldonado is a member of several Illinois Supreme Court committees, including the Special Advisory Committee for Justice and Mental Health Planning. Before joining the bench, he spent fifteen years with the Cook County Public Defender's Office.
Susana A. Sandoval Vargas
Midwest Regional Counsel
Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF)
Susana A. Sandoval Vargas is Midwest Regional Counsel at the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF). She provides direct representation, impact litigation, and outreach for low-wage Latina immigrant workers across the Chicagoland area, helping them defend their workplace rights. She previously served as a Judicial Extern for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Sandoval Vargas earned her J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law and a bachelor's degree in Political Science and Spanish from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Register for Our Hispanic Heritage Month Program
Register for Hispanic Contributions to the Law on Thursday, September 17th at the Everett McKinley Dirksen United States Courthouse. In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, this program is co-hosted by the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Sign up today!
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