Chief Judge Andrew Gleeson honored with NAACP Outstanding Legal Advocate Award

Twentieth Circuit Chief Judge Andrew J. Gleeson has been awarded the prestigious Outstanding Legal Advocate Award by the East St. Louis Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The honor was presented during the organization's 72 Annual Freedom Fund Awards Banquet, held on October 11, 2026.

The annual gala, themed "We the People," gathers community leaders, civil rights advocates, and public servants to celebrate outstanding achievements in social justice, equality, and community empowerment. Chief Judge Gleeson was recognized for his unwavering dedication to equity within the judicial system, his commitment to public service, and his impactful leadership in the legal community.

For Chief Judge Gleeson, the recognition carries deep personal significance as an East St. Louis native.

"Receiving the Outstanding Legal Advocate Award from an organization as historic and impactful as the NAACP is a profound honor, but it is infinitely more special because it comes from East St. Louis," said Chief Judge Gleeson. "This is the community that raised me, the place where I grew up, and the city that truly made me who I am today. To be recognized by my hometown is deeply humbling. The theme 'We the People' reminds us that our legal and judicial systems must serve everyone with equal fairness, dignity, and respect. I share this recognition with all those who work daily to ensure justice is accessible and equitable for every member of our community."

Chief Judge Gleeson was honored alongside fellow distinguished community leaders, including former Congressmen Jerry Costello, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Under Chief Judge Gleeson's leadership, the court has continually sought to strengthen community trust, improve judicial efficiency, and uphold the core principles of civil rights and equal protection under the law.