Perla Tirado
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 public defender
Record
Elected in 2020; hears civil jury cases, including evictions and personal injury lawsuits, in the First Municipal District after hearing consumer debt cases in the Early Resolution Program and eviction cases. Injustice Watch reports that some bar associations found her not qualified in 2020, citing a lack of experience with complex litigation, and that she is one of two judges updating the civil jury bench book, a resource guide for other judges. A judge stays on the bench with a yes from 60 percent of voters.
Background
Supervising attorney at Beyond Legal Aid, formerly Community Activism Law Alliance (2016-2020); private practice in criminal defense, traffic, immigration, family law, and civil cases (2007-2016); Cook County assistant public defender focused on traffic and domestic violence cases (2005-2007). Law degree from DePaul University (2005).
Compiled from public sources: