Justice Sanjay T. Tailor, a seasoned jurist with more than 20 years on trial and appellate courts, was sworn in to the Illinois Supreme Court on January 30, becoming the first Asian American to serve on the state’s highest judicial body. The ceremony, held in Chicago, was conducted by Chief Justice P. Scott Neville and attended by Justice Tailor’s wife, three children, and dignitaries including Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. Local television channels broadcasted the event live.
In his remarks, Justice Tailor expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the Illinois judicial system serves all citizens fairly and equitably.
Justice Tailor’s judicial career began in 2003 as an associate judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County, a role he held until 2021. In January 2021, he was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court as a circuit judge and presiding judge of the Circuit Court’s County Division, becoming the first Asian American presiding judge in the state. The following year, he was elected Cook County Circuit Judge with 81 percent of the vote. In 2022, he joined the Illinois Appellate Court, First District, serving as presiding judge of the Sixth Division and participating in the Workers’ Compensation Commission Division.
Before his judicial tenure, Justice Tailor practiced law as an associate at Chapman and Cutler and later as in-house counsel for the First National Bank of Chicago. He holds a Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences from the University of Delaware. Justice Tailor also taught Illinois civil procedure at Loyola for two decades.
Beyond his courtroom duties, Justice Tailor has been active in legal education and community service. He serves as a board trustee of the Illinois Judicial College, is a past chair of the India Committee of the ABA Section of International Law, and is a founding director of the South Asian Bar Association of Chicago. He has held leadership roles in community organizations, including past president and board director of Apna Ghar, supporting Asian American survivors of domestic violence, and served 25 years on the board of Impact for Equity, addressing racial, economic, and social injustice in Chicago.
Justice Tailor’s appointment marks a historic milestone, reflecting both his professional achievements and long-standing dedication to equity, education, and community service in Illinois.
