Beyond the Bench – September 2026

Beyond the Bench is a feature to get to know more about judges and justices in Illinois, beyond their legal duties.

Name: Judge James T. Derico Jr.

Title: Associate Judge

Circuit or Judicial District: Circuit Court of Cook County

Football season is here! Who are you rooting for? Do you participate in a fantasy football league?

I am rooting for my alma mater University of Notre Dame. I do not participate in a fantasy football league.

Do you have any Labor Day traditions?

I usually get together with my family for a cookout on Saturday or Sunday and then with a small group of friends on the actual holiday.

What are you looking forward to this fall?

Notre Dame Football!

What is your zodiac sign? Do you identify with it?

I am a Libra; however, I am not a big follower of the zodiac. Although people often say that I have many of the attributes of a Libra.

If you had a whole day to do anything you wanted, what would you do?

Read, nap and watch MS-NOW! LOL

If you could change one thing about the legal profession, what would it be?

More free legal assistance for those who cannot afford it.