Nichole C. Patton
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: Former prosecutor
Record
Appointed to the Circuit Court in 2018 and elected in 2020; assigned to the Law Division, presiding over civil trials including medical malpractice and commercial litigation, after earlier serving in the County Division. Injustice Watch reports that in 2025 she ran unsuccessfully against Chief Judge Timothy Evans in an election among judges, and that she was president of the Chicago Bar Association from June 2025 to June 2026. A judge stays on the bench with a yes from 60 percent of voters.
Background
Cook County assistant state's attorney handling involuntary mental health commitment cases (2010-2018), and an administrative hearing officer for the Village of Matteson (2010-2015); earlier a solo practitioner (2003-2010), a law firm associate and insurance company staff attorney (2001-2003), and an assistant state's attorney (1996-2001). Law degree from UIC Law (formerly John Marshall Law School) (1996).
Compiled from public sources: