The state and federal court systems are over 200 years old. Since our founding, the law has been administered, interpreted and shaped by individuals elected and appointed to serve as judges. AABA was the first organization to recognize that the Asian American population had grown significantly since the 1800’s with rapid expansion in the late 19th and mid 20th century, but that there were no Asian Americans judges. Today, Asian Americans are the fastest-growing racial group in Illinois.

Shortly after forming AABA, its leaders advocated for representation on the bench to reflect the growing Asian American population in Illinois. AABA leaders met with Mayor Richard M. Daley, Chief Judge Harry Comerford and numerous politicians to highlight the lack of Asian Americans in the Illinois judiciary.  Thanks to these efforts, Associate Judge Lynne Kawamoto became the first Asian American judge in the state of Illinois when she was appointed Cook County Associate Judge in 1991.

In 1996, Kenneth Moy became the first elected Asian American judge in Illinois, serving in the DuPage County Circuit Court.

Former AABA VP Sandra Reiko Otaka became the first Illinois Supreme Court appointee to the bench in 2000, and in 2002, she became the first Asian American judge elected in Cook County.  

Through AABA’s encouragement, lobbying and support, former AABA President Rena Marie Van Tine became the first female Indian American judge in the United States when she was appointed Cook County Associate Judge in 2001.

In January 2010, Young B. Kim was the first Asian American to join the federal bench in the Seventh Circuit when he became a Magistrate Judge.  At the end of the year, Edmond Chang became the first Asian American to serve as a United State District Judge in Chicago.

In 2014, Laura Liu became the first Asian American appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court, a position she held until her untimely passing in 2016.

In 2020, the Asian American Judges Association of Illinois was formed. 

In 2021, Sanjay Tailor was named the first Asian American presiding judge in the State of Illinois.

In 2022, John Lee became the first Asian American to serve as a Circuit Judge on the United States Court of Appeal for the Seventh Circuit.

As of the fall of 2025, there are 28 Asian American state judges and six Asian American federal judges.