Judge Michael Ian Bender

Experience

Currently serves as a Circuit Court Judge of Cook County, Illinois, in the Domestic Relations Division.

Previously practiced civil, criminal, state and federal litigation, in the following areas, jurisdictions, and capacities:

Cook County Circuit Court Divisions: Chancery, Criminal, Domestic Relations, Law, Probate, and 5 Municipal Districts
Other Courts and Agencies: United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern and Western Divisions; Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; 2nd Judicial Circuit, Jefferson County; 11th Judicial Circuit, Livingston County; 16th Judicial Circuit, Kane County; 17th Judicial Circuit, Boone and Winnebago Counties; 18th Judicial Circuit, DuPage County; 19th Judicial Circuit, Lake and McHenry Counties; State of Illinois Department of Professional Regulations; and State of Illinois Secretary of State, Administrative Hearings Department
Approved to represent minor children before the Circuit Court of Cook County, Domestic Relations Division

LITIGATION EXPERIENCE

Judge, Circuit Court Cook County, Illinois Currently serves in Domestic Relations Division	2008-Current
Member, Nadler, Pritikin & Mirabelli, LLC. Litigation Practice	2004-2008
Partner, Law Firm of Bender & Bender Litigation Practice	1993-2004
Judicial Clerkship, Illinois Appellate Court Justice, (1st District) Reviewed circuit court records, advised Justices of law and facts, drafted proposed orders and opinions	1991-1993
Externship, Circuit Court of Cook County, Law Division, Motion Court Aided in research and analysis of 735 ILCS 5/2-615 and 2-619 motions to strike, as well as summary judgment motions	Summer 1990

HONORS

Distinguished Service Award The John Marshall Law School Alumni Association	2006
Resolution Recognizing President Bender's Commitment to Governmental Fiscal Responsibility Skokie Park District Board of Commissioners	2005

GOVERNMENTAL EXPERIENCE

Public Administrator of Cook County	2003-2008
President, Skokie Park District Board of Commissioners Elected by Board of Commissions for two (2) terms	2003-2005
Commissioner, Skokie Park District Elected in the 2001 Consolidated General Election	2001-2005
Assistant Corporation Counsel, Village of Skokie Prosecuted for Village	1997-1999
Board Member, Centre East Metropolitan Auditorium & Office Building Authority Board (North Shore Center for the Performing Arts)	1997-1999
Administrative Assistant, Cook County Board of Commissioners Aided in administrating Cook County government, management of $2.2 billion budget, and drafting of legislation	1994-1995

SOCIETAL ACTIVITIES

Executive Board Member, Holocaust Memorial Foundation of Illinois	Current
Member, Retention Committee for Cook County Judges	1995-2008
Co-Chairperson, Chicago Bar Association Interfaith Law Committee	2000-2004
President, Decalogue Society of Lawyers	1995-1996

EDUCATION

LL.M., INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LAW, with honors The John Marshall Law School	2005
J. D., cum laude The John Marshall Law School Honors: Associate Managing Editor, The John Marshall Law Review	1991
B.S., Liberal Arts and Sciences University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana	1988