On Monday, February 17, 2025, the Wednesday Journal reported that Pamela McLean Meyerson had officially retired from her role as a judge in the 11th Subcircuit of the Cook County Judicial Circuit Court. Meyerson concluded her decade-long judicial career on January 31, 2025, reflecting on her commitment to fairness and the challenges she faced throughout her tenure.

Meyerson stated her motivation for becoming a judge was rooted in her desire to provide the kind of judicial experience she would seek if she were a litigant. She emphasized the importance of treating cases seriously, understanding the law, and ensuring fair treatment for all parties involved. Over her career, she served briefly in traffic court before overseeing thousands of foreclosure cases during the 2010 economic crisis. Eventually, she transitioned to the chancery division, where she dealt with a variety of civil disputes, including property line disagreements and class action lawsuits.

Throughout her time on the bench, Meyerson recognized the difficulty of maintaining objectivity in legal decisions. She noted that judges are required to adhere to the law as it stands, which can be challenging. Despite the pressures of her role, she never recused herself from a case due to concerns about her objectivity.

Meyerson’s path to law was not traditional; she had no family background in the legal profession and lacked role models in that field. Her decision to pursue a legal career stemmed from a desire to advocate for those unable to represent themselves. This drive was further strengthened when she faced her own health challenges during her college years.

During her freshman year at the College of DuPage, Meyerson was diagnosed with Hodgkin disease, leading to significant medical treatments that altered her college experience. Despite these challenges, she persevered and later transferred to DePaul University, where she earned a degree in business administration with top honors. A pivotal class in business law influenced her decision to switch her career focus to law, as she recognized her aptitude for writing and argumentation.

Meyerson met her husband, Charlie, under unique circumstances involving a minor car accident in 1978. Their relationship blossomed following the incident, and they married shortly after she graduated from the University of Chicago Law School in 1983. Following her graduation, Meyerson worked in commercial litigation at two Chicago law firms, while also engaging in pro bono work.

In 1989, seeking a better work-life balance with two young sons at home, she left her firm to start her own practice, which was atypical at the time. Meyerson ran her firm from home for nearly 20 years before entering the judicial arena. She initially ran for a judicial position in 2010 but was unsuccessful. After another attempt in 2012, she was appointed to a judicial vacancy in 2013 and subsequently elected in 2014, securing re-election in 2020 with a notable 78% of the vote.

During her career, Meyerson managed an overwhelming caseload, particularly in the foreclosure arena where she was responsible for thousands of cases simultaneously. She often referred unrepresented individuals to case managers who could assist them in reinstating mortgages or negotiating settlements, aiming to provide support during difficult times.

In December 2016, Meyerson was reassigned to the chancery division, where she continued to address a wide array of civil cases until her retirement. Now that she has stepped down from the bench, Meyerson is looking forward to expressing her views on contemporary issues, particularly concerns regarding democracy and the rule of law in the country.

Meyerson plans to spend more time with her grandchildren and engage in hobbies such as gardening, cooking, and traveling. She also intends to reconnect with her community, having previously held various leadership roles in local organizations, including the League of Women Voters and Festival Theatre. However, she has decided to take a six-month break to relax before re-engaging with her community activities.

 

 

Source: Wednesday Journal