Legal Luminaries

In partnership with the Illinois Judges Foundation, the Illinois Bar Foundation presented the first-ever Legal Luminary Awards in 2018, honoring exemplary individuals from the bench and bar for their career-long dedication to advancing the profession and their many contributions to the legal community.

2025 Legal Luminaries

  • Hon. Ruben Castillo, Ret. (U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois)
  • Hon. M. Carole Pope, Ret. (Illinois Appellate Court, 4th District)
  • Hon. Lloyd A. Karmeier, Ret. (Illinois Supreme Court)

2023 Legal Luminaries

  • Hon. Andreas Matoesian, Ret. (Circuit Court of Madison County)
  • Hon. Ilana D. Rovner (U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit)
  • Richard L. Thies (Webber & Thies, awarded posthumously)
  • Hon. Rita B. Garman, Ret. (Illinois Supreme Court)
  • James D. Montgomery (James D. Montgomery & Associates)
  • Hon. Milton S. Wharton, Ret. (Illinois Appellate Court, 5th District)

2018 Legal Luminaries

  • Justice Philip J. Rarick, Ret. (Illinois Supreme Court 2002-04)
  • Hon. Carole K. Bellows (Circuit Court of Cook County)
  • Harvey B. Stephens (Brown Hay + Stephens)