Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Judge Ayala-Gonzalez

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we're recognizing diverse voices in the judiciary. The following features Circuit Judge Laura Ayala-Gonzalez of the Circuit Court of Cook County and her thoughts on her career, diversity, and more.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the judicial branch?

Becoming a judge was a common dream amongst some of the most experienced criminal trial attorneys at the George N. Leighton Criminal Courthouse. As a criminal trial attorney, prosecutor, and supervisor, I was in a courtroom daily. In the process, I learned valuable lessons from some of the finest judges in this country who not only became my mentors, but now are members of my extended family.

As a first-generation Mexican American daughter raised by a single mother and her grandparents, I was taught that education was the key to success, happiness, and a better future. While my mother worked as a cosmetologist seven days a week to provide for our family, my grandparents helped raise me. Even though they could not help me with schoolwork, they provided me with stability and security in our home. Given the escalation of crime in our communities, my grandparents taught me to listen and stand up for myself and others when possible. "Doing the right thing," as they put it, is what led me to become a lawyer.

I chose to become a Cook County Assistant State's Attorney not only to serve as the voice for victims, but also to ensure fair dispositions for all parties. My dedication to public service is one that cannot be shaken. I have devoted my entire career to public service, with a primary focus on criminal law. As a former Felony Criminal Division Wing Supervisor for the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, I supervised, trained, advised, and evaluated 18 felony trial assistants assigned to six felony courtrooms at the George N. Leighton Criminal Courthouse. I ensured that all cases were prosecuted ethically, efficiently, and fairly. Over the course of my prosecutorial career, I tried more than 100 felony jury trials.

After 17 years as a Cook County State's Attorney, I embarked on my personal journey to the bench. With my family, mentors, and trusted friends along with my diverse professional background at my side, I knew I had a well-rounded foundation that cemented my decision to run for a countywide judicial vacancy.

The pinnacle of public service is to serve communities as a judge. My whole career, I wanted to make a difference. Now, I use my experience both as a public servant and as a member of the community to make rulings that I hope inspire confidence, faith, and security in our justice system.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job? What is the most rewarding?

In the felony criminal division, managing a high-volume call can be daunting; however, the most difficult part of my job is ensuring that self-represented individuals understand how to navigate court procedures to obtain a fair trial and disposition of their case.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is knowing that no matter what the outcome, every person that has appeared before me either as an accused, victim, witness, juror, attorney, or staff feel respected, heard, and treated fairly and with compassion. Some of the best moments arise when individuals successfully complete their drug treatment program and/or first-time offender gun offender probation and they are thankful for the opportunity in avoiding a felony conviction so that they can have a better future.

Who do you consider to be a strong role model in your life? What advice did they share with you?

One of my greatest role models is my grandmother. My grandmother was born in Oaxaca and later moved to Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México, where she met my grandfather. As a strong indigenous Oaxacan, whose family fought for México's independence in Ciudad Juárez, she learned all about war, politics, and the true value of freedom at a very young age. Every election year, my grandmother would learn about the candidates, attend rallies, and assist in voting efforts. She made sure to teach her grandchildren all about the process and the importance of the right to vote. One of the hardest lessons for her to teach was how to deal with defeat, loss, or disappointment. When I failed, she would immediately bring me aside and ask me what I was going to do about it. She prompted me to identify what went wrong, make a different plan, and try again until I succeeded. Giving up was never an option. As I pass on her grit, passion, devotion, love, integrity, work ethic, and authenticity to my kids, I am always reminded of her. To this day, she is the fiercest woman I have ever met. I was lucky to have her as a grandmother.

What is one of your favorite traditions or customs of your culture? (Ex. Food, Special Event, etc.)

Our most cherished tradition is our annual Christmas Tamalada! It is a yearly tradition that my mother has kept since the passing of my grandmother in the 1990s. All my family, including my two younger sisters and their families, spend the afternoon and evening making our favorite tamales while sharing stories, listening to music, and remembering our abuelos.

How has your heritage shaped who you are?

Living in El Paso, Ciudad Juárez, and Guadalajara in my early childhood instilled in me a deep appreciation for my culture, values, and traditions. Understanding that I share a similar journey to so many allows me to empathize with the sacrifices and choices people make to give their families a better life. My husband and three sons are my light, strength, pride, and purpose. My oldest son just took the bar exam, my middle son just began his first year in law school, and my youngest is still in college-but he believes our family needs a doctor!

I believe that being a fluent Spanish speaker is one of the most important parts of my heritage. Spanish was my first language, and it became my third major in college. I have shared the importance of the language and our culture in my three sons, who are all bilingual, and I hope they will pass that gift on to their own children. My fluency in Spanish has been pivotal in every role that I have had in our justice system; even more so now as a judge in a felony courtroom.

My Mexican American heritage has shaped my deep commitment to paving the way for Latinx students who are interested in attending law school or pursuing careers in government. I mentor students from high school through law school and attorneys in both the public and private sector who are considering a career change or exploring the possibility of becoming a judge.

I strongly believe in helping as many people as I can, as they are our future. If I can open a door, provide guidance, or simply let someone know that their goals are possible, I consider that a privilege. I hope that those I mentor will, in turn, pay it forward by helping others. To me, that is one of the most meaningful ways to honor my heritage and the sacrifices that helped shape who I am.

Why is diversity important on the bench?

To strengthen public trust in the judiciary, it is essential that the judicial system reflects the diverse communities it serves. A genuine understanding of the challenges faced by minorities enables judges to better appreciate the circumstances of those who appear before them. We can promote diversity on the bench by actively recruiting and mentoring minority lawyers and law students. Additionally, we can support aspiring judges by providing information and guidance about the judicial selection process. Engaging with younger minority students - whether through school visits, community events, or mentorship programs - can inspire early interest in the legal profession. Most importantly, giving students the opportunity to meet minority judges and learn about their experiences and career paths can serve as powerful motivation to pursue careers in law.

Is there anything else you'd like to add on this topic?

Never Give Up. ¡Si Se Puede!