In a recent turn of events, two local bar associations are voicing their concerns over the Illinois Supreme Court’s decision to recall retired Cook County Judge James R. Brown to help alleviate a backlog of cases. Judge Brown, who served on the bench for 18 years before retiring in December 2020, has been handling traffic matters at the Daley Center since his return in December 2025.
The Cook County Bar Association, known as the nation’s oldest bar association of Black lawyers and judges, has publicly opposed Brown’s appointment due to a column he wrote for John Kass News in September. The association argues that Brown’s column, titled “His Judgement Cometh and That Right Soon,” and his subsequent appearance on Kass’ podcast violate the Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct. However, supporters of Brown point out that he was not a judge or judicial candidate when the column was published.
In his column, Brown expressed his belief in a renewed faith in the American justice system and criticized what he perceived as political interference and “progressive prosecutors” who he claimed violated their oath to uphold the law. The Cook County Bar Association took issue with several statements in the column, including remarks about demonizing Trump supporters and accountability for progressive prosecutors.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers, a non-traditional bar association focused on aiding disadvantaged populations, also published a letter calling for Brown’s removal on similar grounds. They deemed Brown’s column and podcast as “wildly inappropriate” for a member of the judiciary and suggested they contravened the Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct.
Despite these objections, it is worth noting that in 2014, all bar associations in the county recommended Brown for retention when he last ran for office. The Chicago Council of Lawyers specifically commended him for being a diligent and fair judge with a good demeanor.
It remains to be seen how the Illinois Supreme Court will respond to these calls for Judge Brown’s removal. The controversy surrounding his appointment highlights the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the ethical obligations of judicial office. As the legal community grapples with these issues, the public’s trust in the justice system hangs in the balance.
