
The nation’s oldest association of African-American lawyers and judges in the country.
For over 100 years, the CCBA has aggressively supported the civil, political, and economic rights of the Black community and its members.
Advocating for equality and justice
A Message from Our President
For over a century, the Cook County Bar Association (CCBA) has stood at the forefront of advancing the civil, political, and economic rights of Black communities and its members. Born out of exclusion from local bar associations, a bold group of Black attorneys founded the CCBA on December 18, 1914, and held meetings at the Wabash YMCA on 38th Street in Chicago. From defending Black residents during the 1919 Chicago race riots, hosting legal clinics and community forums, supporting national civil rights organizations, and creating fair and impartial evaluations of judicial candidates, our legacy has been one of courageous advocacy and service. That is why the theme for the upcoming bar year, Rooted in Legacy. Rising in Power, resonates deeply. It honors our past, energizes our future, and reflects our enduring commitment to justice, unity, and progress.
It is with great humility and a profound sense of purpose that I step into the role as the 111th President of this historic organization. I stand on the shoulders of the fearless leaders who came before me—leaders who guided the CCBA with tremendous vision, integrity, and resolve. Throughout my career in public service, I have remained grounded in the belief that “to whom much is given, much will be required.” My leadership experience extends throughout the CCBA, Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, Illinois State Bar Association, National Bar Association, American Bar Association, NAACP, Advisory Council for the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, and other local organizations in the city of Chicago. As a catalyst for justice, I believe in sowing seeds of hope, trusting they will cultivate meaningful growth amongst our peers and within our communities.
This year, my priorities include:
Cultivating meaningful relationships with community stakeholders;
Increasing access to justice;
Strengthening the pipeline of success for the next generation of lawyers; and
Providing quality professional development resources for our members.
Thank you for visiting our website and your continued investment in CCBA’s mission. Your presence and partnership are vital as we expand our impact in communities that need us most.
Our community is counting on us.
In progress and unity,
Antonio C. Lee
111th President
Cook County Bar Association
The Lawyer Referral Program
The Cook County Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Program connects community members with quality legal representation across a multitude of areas of law. Whether you are in need of an attorney or are a practitioner wishing to sign up to be a part of the Referral Program, get connected here.
Since its inception, the Cook County Bar Association (the “CCBA”) has been at the forefront of legal issues of concern to the Black community.
During the 1919 Chicago race riots, CCBA members defended Black residents who were unlawfully arrested and initiated civil lawsuits for damages. For over 100 years, the CCBA has aggressively supported the civil, political, and economic rights of the Black community and its members. Through organized activities and individual contributions from its members, the CCBA has held various legal clinics and community forums at various sites and is supported by renowned civil rights organizations including Rainbow PUSH, local chapters of the NAACP, and other local groups and churches. The CCBA Foundation provides legal information, resources, and referrals through its monthly legal clinics.
Membership has it’s benefits.
Build your network
Add valuable members of the Cook County legal community to your address book.
Get career guidance
Get advice from one of our various mentorship and enrichment programs.
Learn new
skills
Learn new skills through our robust CLE offerings. Free to all members!
Current Events
donate today
Contribute to CCBA
The Cook County Bar Association provides educational programming for both its members and the community at large. Help support our mission with a contribution today.