Nominations for two awards to be conferred by the Illinois Supreme Court's Commission on Access to Justice close on November 2

The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice (ATJ Commission) is seeking nominations for two awards, the Jeffrey D. Colman Access to Justice Award and The Hon. Thomas L. Kilbride (Ret.) Judicial Access to Justice Award. These awards are designed to recognize and celebrate exceptional contributions to increasing access to the court system by improving the experience of litigants.

The Jeffrey D. Colman Access to Justice Award will be given to a lawyer, paralegal, or courthouse employee who has made a significant or meaningful contribution to improving access to our court system for litigants who are self-represented, limited English proficient, disabled, or otherwise vulnerable.

The Hon. Thomas L. Kilbride (Ret.) Judicial Access to Justice Award will be given to a member of the judiciary who has made a significant or meaningful contribution to increasing access to the court system by improving the experience of litigants.

Nominations must be made by November 2, 2026, and must be submitted via an online form. Interested persons can learn more about either award, and access the online nominating form, by clicking on either of the links above.

Award winners will be announced in December and a reception to celebrate the awardees will be held in the spring.