Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois Honors Longtime Judge, Northbrook Woman

Cook County Judge Grace Dickler, a longtime Northbrook resident, was honored recently for her efforts advancing alternative dispute resolution.

Judge Dickler received the Leadership Award in Alternative Dispute Resolution at the Tenth Anniversary Celebration of the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois (CLII).

During the event, held June 22 at The Park Grill in Chicago's Millennium Park, CLII co-president Amy Robinson praised Judge Dickler's "well-earned reputation as a fair-minded and highly qualified judge."

"She has gained widespread respect," Robinson noted. "That is what makes this recognition so especially significant. It’s not about the award—it’s about the caliber and the vision of the individual receiving the award."

After receiving her Bachelor’s degree from DePaul University, Judge Dickler graduated from Northwestern University School of Law in 1978. She then worked for the Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation for one year, spent two years in private practice and then spent a year as a supervising attorney with Travelers and Immigrants Aid.

Judge Dickler’s judicial career started in 1982 when she became an Administrative Law judge for the Illinois Human Rights Commission. In 1986, she became a Federal Immigration Judge, and in 1988 she was appointed as an associate judge in Cook County.

In 1991, she was assigned to the Domestic Relations Division, and in 1999 she was assigned to initiate the Domestic Relations Calendar in Skokie. In 2006, Judge Dickler was elected as a circuit court judge in the 12th Judicial Sub-circuit.

In January 2010, Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans appointed her to be the first presiding judge of the newly formed Domestic Violence Division, and in 2011 she was appointed the presiding judge of the Domestic Relations Division.

Early on in the Domestic Relations Division post, she initiated an Alternative Dispute Resolution Advisory Committee to research ways in which increased ADR processes may be helpful.

"It is a gift to our organization to have someone of Judge Dickler's stature take a leadership role in the exploration of ADR in the family law arena," Robinson said. "We are so thankful for the initiatives she is taking."

CLII was formed in 2002 by a small group of professionals. They were committed to a collaborative spirit that helped divorcing couples focus on a good future for all of those affected by divorce, including and most especially the children.

CLII’s statewide membership has risen to 160 fellows and is composed of attorneys, mental health professionals and financial specialists. For more information about the organization, visit http://www.collablawil.org.

To learn more about the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, visit http://www.collaborativepractice.com/