Biography

Judge McWilliams, serving her third term, was elected to the bench in 2004 after being in private practice where she litigated both criminal and civil cases. The Chicago Bar Association has said of her – Judge McWilliams "has presided over many complex cases and is highly regarded for her integrity, work ethic, excellent demeanor, and knowledge of the law." She is currently assigned to the Law Division, Jury Section where she currently presides over personal injury jury tort trials, including medical malpractice, construction and complex toxic tort litigation. Since 2013 she has been supervising judge of the Cook County Asbestos Docket.

The American Board of Trial Advocates Illinois named Judge McWilliams Judge of the year in 2015 for her many years of service as an outstanding trial judge and her distinguished public service. She earned her JD from John Marshall Law School. 

Areas of Practice

• Presides over Personal Injury
• Medical Malpractice
• Construction and Complex Toxic Tort Litigation