In Memoriam

Honorable Lana C. Johnson

Judge Johnson served as a Judge in the Juvenile Justice Division from 2012 until her passing in February 2023.  Prior to becoming a judge, she served as a public defender for more than 20 years where she rose to become one of the first black women in the homicide division where she was known for her strong closing arguments to jurors.

Judge Johnson was passionate about music and animals.  She was a big fan of house music, and you could often find her on the dance floor of Chicago’s hottest clubs.