Name: Athena James Frentzas
Title: Associate Judge
Circuit or Judicial District: Circuit Court of Cook County
Would you rather go on a relaxing beach vacation or an adventurous trip exploring a new place?
I love to do both. I need a few days to relax on the beach and then I’m ready for an adventure to see all the sights in a new city or country. I love trying new food and learning about the culture of the place I’m visiting.
Which three famous people would you invite to a dinner party?
My dinner guests at this party would be Plato to delve into the statement of the unexamined life is not worth living, any of our founding fathers to discuss whether they would do anything different if they knew the current political climate both here and throughout the world, and lastly I would invite George Sphrantzes, who was a Byzantine historian of whom I am told is an ancestor of ours.
What’s the best career advice you ever received?
My father gave me the best advice ever. When I was 10 years old, he told me I can be anything I want to be, because in this country we have the opportunity to follow our dreams. He also said, dream big. I have followed his advice and have passed it on to my children too.
What is a misconception people have about judges? Why do you think people assume this?
I think that the biggest misconception people have about judges is that we don’t care about the people before us in court. That they are just another number to us. Many times I think about the people before me and the struggles they might be going through that brought them to court long after I have handled their case in court. I constantly think about how to be more thoughtful and compassionate when addressing people in court because I know that my words can make a difference in their day or maybe their life.