Lisa Holder White facts for kids

Lisa Holder White was born in 1968 in Decatur, Illinois. She is a talented lawyer who has made history in Illinois. Since July 2022, she has served as a justice on the Illinois Supreme Court. This is a very important role!

Before joining the Supreme Court, she was a judge on the Illinois Fourth District Appellate Court from 2013 to 2022. She also worked as a trial judge in the Illinois Sixth Judicial Circuit Court from 2001 to 2013. Lisa Holder White is the first Black woman to ever become a justice on the Illinois Supreme Court.

Early Life and Education

Lisa Holder White grew up in Decatur, Illinois. She studied political science at Lewis University, graduating with high honors in 1990. She then went on to study law at the University of Illinois College of Law, earning her law degree in 1993.

Becoming a Lawyer

After finishing law school, Lisa Holder White started her career helping people in Macon County. She worked as an assistant state's attorney, handling many different types of cases. Later, she became an assistant public defender. In this role, she helped people who were accused of crimes and also represented young people who had been abused or neglected. Before becoming a judge, she also worked in a private law firm in Decatur.

Becoming a Judge

In 2001, Lisa Holder White became an associate judge in the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court. This was her first step into being a judge. In 2008, the Supreme Court appointed her as a circuit judge in the same court. She was then elected to that position in November 2010.

In 2012, she was chosen to serve on the Fourth District Appellate Court. She officially started this new role on January 14, 2013. This was a big moment because she became the first African American person to serve on that court. She was later elected to this position in November 2014.

Joining the Supreme Court

On May 10, 2022, Lisa Holder White was appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court. She took her oath of office on July 7, 2022, and officially started her new role on July 8, 2022. This appointment was historic because she became the first African American woman to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court.

Community Involvement

Lisa Holder White is involved in several important groups and organizations. She is a member of:

• The Decatur Bar Association
• The Illinois Judges Association
• The Community Foundation of Macon County Board
• The Millikin University Board

Personal Life

Lisa Holder White is married to her husband, James. They have two children together. She is a member of the Republican political party.

See also

• List of African-American jurists
• List of first women lawyers and judges in Illinois