Judge Chantelle Porter
Circuit Court Judge – 18th Judicial Circuit, DuPage County, Illinois
Judge Chantelle Porter is a distinguished member of the judiciary in the 18th Judicial Circuit of DuPage County, Illinois. She was unanimously appointed as a Circuit Court Judge by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2022 and elected to a full term in 2024. Her appointment and election reflect the trust placed in her legal expertise, leadership, and dedication to justice.
Judge Porter currently serves as a Juvenile Court Judge, handling all matters of child protection and juvenile justice. In this role, she brings compassion, fairness, and deep legal knowledge to cases involving some of the most vulnerable members of society.
A proud graduate of The Ohio State University, Judge Porter earned her Bachelor of Arts before obtaining her Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago. Her legal career has been shaped by a deep and unwavering commitment to children, families, and vulnerable populations.
Judge Porter began her career at the Cook County Public Guardian’s Office, where she represented over 200 children in the foster care system. This early experience cemented her dedication to child advocacy and gave her a profound understanding of the child welfare system. She later brought her expertise to the DuPage County Public Defender’s Office, where she led the Juvenile Division, providing critical legal support and direction to attorneys working on behalf of young people.
Following her work as a public defender, Judge Porter served as a Guardian ad Litem in DuPage County, representing children in both dependency court and domestic relations cases. She ensured that children’s voices and best interests were central to judicial decisions during complex family disputes.
In private practice, Judge Porter was a partner at A. Traub & Associates, where she continued to focus on family law and child advocacy. Her work in both public and private practice reflects her comprehensive legal skill and steadfast commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of families.
Beyond the courtroom, Judge Porter is a respected leader in the legal community. She mentors young attorneys, contributes to legal education initiatives, and advocates for reform in the juvenile justice system. Her work on statewide and local committees—including initiatives related to bias-free child welfare practices, restorative justice, and mental health support—demonstrates her drive to make systemic change.
Judge Porter’s career exemplifies integrity, compassion, and dedication to justice. She continues to be a source of inspiration and a powerful advocate for families and children throughout Illinois.
