| Judge Sandra R. Otaka Judicial Experience: In July 2000, the Illinois Supreme Court appointed Judge Sandra Otaka to the Circuit Court of Cook County. Judge Otaka spent a few months presiding over cases in Traffic Court. Judge Otaka was quickly transferred to the Child Protection Division. There she presides over cases for children have been abused or neglected. Legal Experience: Judge Sandra Otaka began her legal career at the law firm of Sidley & Austin. She then worked for the US Environmental Protection Agency. She became Section Chief managing a team of attorneys and staff that enforced laws protecting our environment. The Illinois Supreme Court appointed her to the Committee on Character and Fitness. She was one of 50 judges and attorneys appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to the Special Commission on the Administration of Justice. Sandra also served on the Judicial Inquiry Board as a member and Chair. There she worked with the Board and staff to investigate and prosecute judicial misconduct. Recently, US Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor convened a conference on the Independence of the Judiciary. Judge Sandra Otaka was one of a select group of one hundred attorneys and judges in the nation invited to attend. Education: Sandra Otaka graduated Phi Beta Kappa from UC Berkeley with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She graduated from UCLA School of Law in 1987. Awards: Judge Otaka has received numerous awards for her legal work and her work in the community. Family: Judge Sandra Otaka resides with her 15 year old son, Jeffrey, in Chicago. |
