Judge Jenkins Chambers Lunch Recap
On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, the Federal Bar Association (FBA) Chicago Chapter hosted an exclusive Chambers Lunch at the Dirksen United States Courthouse, providing a unique opportunity for professional interaction with Hon. Lindsay C. Jenkins. Held from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. in Judge Jenkins’s Jury Room on the 21st floor, the event welcomed 10 FBA members for an engaging hour of discussion and connection over lunch.
This event was specifically designed to create an intimate environment where attendees could engage directly with Judge Jenkins in a relaxed, informal setting. By limiting attendance to just 10 members, the FBA ensured a close-knit atmosphere that facilitated meaningful dialogue and in-depth interaction with the judge. The participants enjoyed a complimentary meal from Corner Bakery, with menu selections curated in advance by the event organizers. The nominal registration fee of $25 included the cost of lunch.
Judge Jenkins’s Extensive Legal Background
Judge Lindsay C. Jenkins provided attendees with an overview of her extensive career in the legal profession. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1977, she holds a Bachelor of Arts from Miami University and earned her Juris Doctor, summa cum laude, from Cleveland–Marshall College of Law in 2002. She began her legal career as a law clerk for Judge Solomon Oliver Jr. of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, where she served from 2002 to 2004. Following her clerkship, she joined the law firm Jones Day as an associate from 2004 to 2006.
From 2006 to 2021, Judge Jenkins served as an assistant United States attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. During her tenure, she held several leadership roles, including Deputy Chief and later Chief of the General Crimes Section, eventually becoming Chief of the Violent Crimes Section. Her work in these roles involved prosecuting a wide range of federal crimes and contributing to significant legal outcomes. She then transitioned to private practice, joining Cooley LLP as a partner from 2021 to 2023, where her focus was on white-collar crime and complex litigation. In addition to her legal practice, she taught trial advocacy and legal courses at Loyola University Chicago School of Law and Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law.
Insights from Judge Jenkins’s Judicial Service
Judge Jenkins was appointed to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois by President Joe Biden. She received her commission on February 24, 2023, and was sworn in on February 27, 2023. During the Chambers Lunch, Judge Jenkins shared insights into her transition from practicing attorney to federal judge, detailing the challenges and responsibilities of her current role.
She discussed her experiences presiding over high-profile cases and shared perspectives on key rulings, such as her April 2023 decision to uphold the Protect Illinois Communities Act, an assault weapons ban, and her handling of a case involving parental rights related to a school district’s facilitation of a student’s gender transition.
Key Takeaways from the Chambers Lunch with Judge Jenkins
Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with Judge Jenkins, asking questions about her experiences and viewpoints on current legal issues. The discussion covered her notable prosecutions, including her involvement in the high-profile case of Chicago Public Schools Chief Barbara Byrd-Bennett, who pleaded guilty to accepting bribes in exchange for awarding no-bid contracts. Judge Jenkins also reflected on her work as part of the team investigating force practices by the Chicago Police Department, emphasizing the impact and challenges of such investigations.
The event provided FBA members with a comprehensive understanding of Judge Jenkins’s career and judicial philosophy. The small group size allowed for a rich exchange of ideas, with discussions spanning her career progression, her approach to complex legal questions, and her contributions to both the courtroom and the broader legal community.
The Chambers Lunch with Judge Jenkins exemplified the FBA’s mission to create exclusive, high-value experiences for its members. This event underscored the importance of direct engagement with members of the judiciary, offering participants invaluable professional insights and the chance to deepen their understanding of the legal system.
For those who missed this opportunity, the FBA Chicago Chapter encourages members to stay updated on future events, including additional luncheons and interactions with notable judges and legal professionals. These gatherings are carefully curated to enhance professional growth, facilitate meaningful connections, and provide insights into the workings of the judicial system. Check the FBA Chicago Chapter event calendar and sign up early to secure your spot at these popular events.
