To celebrate Black History Month, we’re recognizing diverse voices in the judiciary to uplift and inspire others in the community. The following features Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White and her thoughts on Black History Month, diversity, and more.
Hometown: Decatur, Illinois
College/Law School: University of Illinois College of Law, Urbana-Champaign
District or Circuit: Justice on the Supreme Court of Illinois from the Fourth Judicial District
What inspired you to pursue law, and eventually, become a judge?
Ultimately, my parents are responsible for me becoming an attorney. My parents saw certain attributes in me that led them to encourage me to be an attorney. They noticed that I was a good listener, someone to whom people liked to talk, quite persuasive, sympathetic, and solution oriented. When I considered their suggestion, the thought of being an attorney and having the opportunity to help others with whatever challenge they might be facing appealed to me. Early on, during my time as a private attorney, the opportunity to handle various types of cases in front of different judges throughout Central Illinois gave me an appreciation for the important and impactful role judges play in society. My first divorce case involving a custody dispute landed me in the courtroom of now retired Presiding Judge of Macon County, John Greanias. He impressed me with his knowledge of the applicable law, his communication skills, his treatment of the litigants and the attorneys, his firm but fair attitude, and his overall control of the courtroom. After concluding and winning that case in front of Judge Greanias, I knew I wanted to be a judge so I, too, could serve my fellow citizens as a member of the judiciary.
When you reflect on your career, what accomplishments are you most proud of?
While I appreciate the many awards and recognitions I have received over the course of my soon to be 24 years as a judge, I am most proud of my strong work ethic and how, as a Judge, I have been able to maintain a courtroom environment where every person who comes before the court is treated with dignity and respect. Achieving justice, whatever that may look like in each individual case, is always the goal. That environment and that goal have allowed me to protect victims, provide some second chances, and hopefully serve as an example of what a good judge looks like and does.
What is a challenge you’ve had to overcome in your career?
We all face challenges or hardships. However, I do my best to view any challenge I face as an opportunity. In my time on the bench, I have faced complex cases, hard decisions, and uncertainty. In each circumstance, I remind myself of what a privilege it is to serve as a judge and make the decision the law requires. After all, adherence to the rule of law provides the stability and protection our society deserves and needs.
Who do you consider to be a strong Black leader who has influenced your life?
I grew up in a very close-knit family-oriented home. My parents, Marvin and Corinne Holder, were my first and most influential examples of Black leaders. Whether that example stemmed from my father proudly working multiple jobs to support our family, my parents working together to make my mother’s dream of owning her own beauty salon a reality, or seeing my mother decide to go to college at the age of 50 and become a teacher and then obtain her master’s degree and become a school principal. My parents showed the importance of hard work, dedication, honesty, integrity, and being responsible. My parents have lived their lives in a manner that demonstrated for me everything one needs to do to be successful.
Why do you think it’s important to discuss and recognize diversity, both on the bench and in everyday life?
Every individual is the sum of their life experiences. By inviting different people to the table, we increase the amount and nature of the knowledge and experience we have at our disposal to analyze and solve problems. As you move through the levels of the judiciary in Illinois, the number of people deciding your case increases. At the Circuit Court level there is one person making the decision. However, at the highest level, the Supreme Court of Illinois, you have seven individuals, each with his or her own professional and personal life experience, weighing in to hopefully reach the right decision. In my opinion, diversity helps to improve our chances of considering every angle and getting to a well-informed and reasonable resolution.
What is one of your favorite traditions or customs of your culture/family? (Ex. Food, Special Event, etc.)
Christmas with my entire family is my favorite occasion. Just this past Christmas, my husband and I hosted the family for Christmas in our home. We were thrilled to have everyone in my immediate family— my parents, my two sisters and their families, our children, and our daughter-in-law join us for the holiday. My family has a strong faith in God and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, while gathering together to enjoy an outstanding home-cooked meal, play games, and sing Christmas carols is something I look forward to every year.