Joan E. Powell
Judge up for retention, on the Chicago ballot November 3, 2026. Incumbent.
Circuit Court of Cook County
Ratings
- Chicago Bar Association: Qualified
- Illinois State Bar Association: Yes
- Injustice Watch: Notable reversals
Record
Appointed to the Circuit Court in 2006 and elected in 2008; sits in the Law Division, presiding over civil trials. Injustice Watch reports that in 2025 the appellate court vacated a $43.8 million jury verdict in a car crash case she heard and ordered a new trial before a different judge, finding she should have questioned jurors one by one about a blog post by the plaintiff's attorneys. She told Injustice Watch she followed the Illinois Supreme Court jury instructions and now polls jurors individually when issues arise. A judge stays on the bench with a yes from 60 percent of voters.
Background
Cook County assistant state's attorney in the complex litigation division (2000-2006); earlier a law clerk for two Cook County circuit judges (1996-2000) and a solo practitioner in contract, family, and elder law (1992-1996). Law degree from UIC Law (formerly John Marshall Law School) (1992).
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