Restoring Lives: A Reception for the Federal Problem-Solving Courts Foundation
Join the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter and the Federal Problem-Solving Courts Foundation on April 22, 2025, for Restoring Lives: A Reception for the Federal Problem-Solving Courts Foundation. This in-person event will take place from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Union League Club, Crystal Room, located at 65 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, Illinois.
Enjoy cocktails and appetizers throughout the evening while supporting a vital cause. The Federal Problem-Solving Courts Foundation provides critical funding for the NDIL Restorative Justice Courts and offers direct grants to participants for rent, utilities, medical expenses, and other essential needs, helping them build stable, crime- and drug-free lives.
A short program will take place at 6:15 PM, lasting approximately 15-20 minutes. Hon. Susan E. Cox (ret.), Executive Director of the Foundation, will introduce Hon. Ruben Castillo (ret.), who will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. Judge Castillo will acknowledge sponsors, donors, judges, and distinguished guests while discussing the history and mission of Second Chance Court, the Foundation’s impact, and its goals for the future.
Registration | Speakers | Bios | Sponsors | Donors
Registration
Secure your spot for Restoring Lives: A Reception for the Federal Problem-Solving Courts Foundation on April 22, 2025, at the Union League Club, Crystal Room, Chicago. Join legal professionals, community leaders, and supporters for an evening of networking, impactful stories, and a shared commitment to second chances.
Enjoy cocktails and appetizers throughout the evening, with a short program at 6:15 PM highlighting the Foundation’s mission and impact.
Don’t miss this opportunity to support life-changing programs. Register today!
Registration | Speakers | Bios | Sponsors | Donors
Speakers
Hear from distinguished leaders and advocates dedicated to restorative justice at Restoring Lives: A Reception for the Federal Problem-Solving Courts Foundation. Our speakers will share powerful stories and insights into the impact of federal problem-solving courts and the role the Foundation plays in transforming lives.
Featured Speakers:
Hon. Susan E. Cox (ret.) – Executive Director, Federal Problem-Solving Courts Foundation, and Introductory Comments
Hon. Ruben Castillo (ret.) – Former U.S. District Judge, Northern District of Illinois, and Master of Ceremonies
Harold Crowder – Second Chance Court 2025 Graduate
David Wells – HR Manager & Enterprise Account Executive, Advocate for Workforce Development in Under-Resourced Communities
Christina Farley Jackson – Deputy Defender, Federal Defender Program for the Northern District of Illinois
Geoffrey M. Meyer – Appellate Chief, Federal Defender Program for the Northern District of Illinois
Yelena Duterte – Assistant Professor of Law & Director of the Veterans Legal Clinic at UIC Law
These speakers will provide firsthand accounts of the Foundation’s impact, the success of problem-solving courts, and the importance of continued support. Join us to be part of this meaningful conversation.
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Bios
Learn more about the distinguished individuals speaking at Restoring Lives: A Reception for the Federal Problem-Solving Courts Foundation. Each of them brings invaluable experience and dedication to justice reform, rehabilitation, and second chances.
Hon. Susan E. Cox, Magistrate Judge, Northern District of Illinois
Hon. Susan E. Cox served as a Magistrate Judge from 2007 until her retirement in 2023. During her time on the bench, she served on the James B. Moran SECOND CHANCE Reentry Court for ten years and founded the Veterans Treatment Court. Prior to the bench, Judge Cox was a federal prosecutor, a member of the Federal Defender panel, and a law clerk to Judge Wayne R. Andersen. She also worked in private practice in several firms including her own. Judge Cox volunteers as the Executive Director and Chairman of the Board of the Federal Problem-Solving Courts Foundation.
Hon. Rubén Castillo, Former U.S. District Judge, Northern District of Illinois
Hon. Ruben Castillo served as a United States District Judge for twenty-five years, including six years (2013-2019) as Chief Judge. He was the first Latino to serve in both of these roles in the Northern District of Illinois. In addition to his judicial duties, Judge Castillo served as Vice-Chair of the United States Sentencing Commission for several years. Judge Castillo was instrumental in creating the James B. Moran SECOND CHANCE Reentry Court and served on that court for many years until his retirement. He also helped to create the felony pre-trial diversion court, SOAR court, which is named for him. Judge Castillo’s illustrious career includes service as a federal prosecutor and litigator at several notable law firms, including Jenner & Block, Kirkland & Ellis and Akerman. Judge Castillo taught trial advocacy at the Northwestern Pritzker School of law for thirty years and received five teaching awards. Judge Castillo currently serves on the Board of the Federal Problem-Solving Courts Foundation.
Harold Crowder, Second Chance 2025 Graduate
After serving a lengthy prison term, Mr. Crowder joined and graduated from Second Chance Reentry Court this year. He is a father of three children and works as a machine operator.
David Wells, SOAR Graduate
David Wells is an HR Manager specializing in talent acquisition and employee development. He creates job opportunities on film production sets for individuals from under-resourced communities in Chicago. In addition, as an Enterprise Account Executive, he helps companies streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and support sustainable production. Committed to uplifting young, disadvantaged Black individuals, David emphasizes integrity, hard work, and patience as the foundation of true success. He is passionate about countering negative influences in Black communities by demonstrating that success comes from contributing value to the world.
Christina Farley Jackson, Deputy Defender, Federal Defender Program for the Northern District of Illinois
Christina Farley Jackson is the Deputy Director of the Federal Defender Program (FDP) for the Northern District of Illinois. She has been with the FDP since 2002, previously serving as a Staff Attorney. She has advocated for, and defended, hundreds of individuals in the district court and on appeal. She has served as a member of the Second Chance Reentry Program in the Northern District of Illinois, and assisted individuals on supervised release as they reintegrate to the community after serving a term of incarceration. Currently, she is a member of the Sentencing Options that Achieve Results (SOAR) program in the Northern District of Illinois, which provides an alternative to incarceration for individuals charged with a federal crime, through treatment, sanction alternatives, and incentives that reinforce positive behavior.
Geoffrey M. Meyer, Appellate Chief, Deputy Defender, Federal Defender Program for the Northern District of Illinois
Geoffrey M. Meyer joined the Federal Defender Program in 2012 as a staff attorney and currently serves as the Chief Appellate Attorney. He also helps staff the Northern District of Illinois’s alternatives to incarceration program, known as the Sentencing Options that Achieve Results (or “SOAR”) program. Before joining the FDP, Geoffrey worked as an assistant public defender with the Lake County Public Defender. At the beginning of his legal career, he clerked in the Office of Staff Law Clerks at the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and in the chambers of Judge James B. Moran in the Northern District of Illinois.
Yelena Duterte, Assistant Professor of Law & Director of the Veterans Legal Clinic at UIC Law
Yelena Duterte joined the UIC School of Law in 2019 as an Assistant Professor of Law and the Director of the Veterans Legal Clinic. Prior to joining UIC, Professor Duterte taught and directed the Veterans Legal Clinic at Syracuse University College of Law.
In clinic practice, Professor Duterte represents veterans with lower than honorable discharges to assist them in obtaining healthcare, disability compensation, and upgrading their discharge. She regularly publishes law review articles and opinion pieces regarding veterans, the law, and how our country can serve veterans more equitably.
Each of these individuals plays a vital role in supporting rehabilitation and second chances. Join us to hear their inspiring stories firsthand.
Registration | Speakers | Bios | Sponsors | Donors
Sponsorship Information
Support the Federal Problem-Solving Courts Foundation and make a lasting impact by becoming a sponsor of Restoring Lives: A Reception for the Federal Problem-Solving Courts Foundation. Your sponsorship helps fund essential services for participants, including housing assistance, medical expenses, and other critical needs.
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Sponsorship Tiers:
Platinum – $10,000
Gold – $5,000
Silver – $2,500
Bronze – $1,000
Interested in sponsoring? Contact Hon. Susan E. Cox at fedcourtfoundation@gmail.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Registration | Speakers | Bios | Sponsors | Donors
Donor Information
Your support helps change lives. By donating to the Federal Problem-Solving Courts Foundation, you provide critical funding for housing assistance, medical expenses, and other essential needs that help participants build stable, crime- and drug-free lives.
Donor Benefits:
As a token of appreciation, donors receive complimentary tickets to Restoring Lives: A Reception for the Federal Problem-Solving Courts Foundation. To claim your tickets, please contact Hon. Susan E. Cox at fedcourtfoundation@gmail.com.
How to Donate:
Make a difference today by contributing online or through the QR code below:
Scan in your banking app to pay:
Your generosity directly supports participants in Second Chance Court, SOAR Court, and Veterans Treatment Court, empowering them on their journey to success. Thank you for making an impact!
Registration | Speakers | Bios | Sponsors | Donors