Judith C. Rice named Acting Presiding Judge of Domestic Violence Division

In a press release issued just before Christmas, the Office of Cook County Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans announced that Judge Judith C. Rice has been appointed Acting Presiding Judge of the Domestic Violence Division.

Rice is is the first African-American to hold this position, according to the court's statement.

"Judge Rice is an excellent judge and has spent many years as a dedicated public servant," said Judge Evans. "I am confident that she will succeed in this new leadership role as we continue to expand services and access in the Domestic Violence Division."

Rice was elected to a 7th Subcircuit vacancy in 2014. She faced no opposition in the general election. After winning the Democratic Party nomination for that seat in the primary, Rice was appointed to fill the vacancy she was seeking. She faced no opposition in the general election.

Before being elected to the judiciary, Rice served in executive positions at BMO Harris Bank, rising to the position of senior vice president and head of community affairs and economic development. Earlier in her career, Rice served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney and as an assistant corporation counsel for the City of Chicago. She was director of the Department of Revenue between 1993 and 1995. Rice was elected Chicago City Treasurer after serving as the first female commissioner of two key city agencies -- the Department of Water from 1996 until 1999 and the Department of Transportation from 1999-2000.

Rice replaces Judge Raul Vega, who is retiring after almost 20 years on the bench. Vega was appointed head of the Domestic Violence Division in 2018.

Vega's retirement will create a second vacancy in the 6th Subcircuit. Maybe.