Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy V. Cunningham was awarded the 2026 Robert A. Clifford Champion of Justice Award on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Chicago Bar Association (CBA) Annual Meeting in Chicago.
Justice Cunningham was presented the award by outgoing CBA President Judge Nichole C. Patton of the Cook County Circuit Court. The award, which Judge Patton said is the highest award bestowed by the CBA, was initiated in 2024 by Bob Clifford, founder and senior partner of Clifford Law Offices.
The Robert A. Clifford Champion of Justice Award is given each year to a person in the legal profession who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the CBA, the legal profession, clients, and the community. The award also stands for one who has embraced the highest principles of integrity and character, adhered to the traditions of the legal profession, demonstrated superior professional competence, and advocated for preserving the independence of the judiciary and protecting the rule of law.
“Justice Cunningham’s leadership extends far beyond the courtroom. She has served as a mentor, an advocate for diversity within the legal profession, and a champion for equal access to justice. Her professionalism, humility, and tireless work ethic have inspired generations of lawyers and judges to pursue excellence while never losing sight of the human dignity at the heart of our legal system,” Clifford said. “Her remarkable career stands as a testament to what judicial excellence truly means: independence, wisdom, courage, and service. Justice Cunningham has strengthened the judiciary, elevated the legal profession, and is leaving an enduring legacy of fairness and public trust. She is a role model whose influence will continue to shape the administration of justice for years to come.”
For further information, contact Clifford Law Offices Communications Partner Pamela Sakowicz Menaker at 847-721-0909 (cell) or pammenaker@cliffordlaw.com.
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy Cunningham and Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, at the 2026 Chicago Bar Association Annual Meeting.