Carla Barnes Becomes First Black Woman On 11th Circuit Bench

By EDITH BRADY-LUNNY & DANA VOLLMER 

McLean County Public Defender Carla Barnes has been appointed as the first Black woman to serve as a circuit judge in Illinois’ 11th Judicial Circuit.

Barnes fills the vacancy created by Judge Scott Drazewski’s recent retirement. It’s her second attempt at being appointed to the bench in the circuit that covers McLean, Ford, Livingston, Logan, and Woodford counties.

“I started with the public defense’s office 19 years ago. I have enjoyed serving our clients as I worked my way up from traffic court to major felonies. During my six years as chief public defender, I’ve always said I have the best job in the county,” Barnes said.

On her appointment as a circuit judge, Barnes said, “I’m honored to have been chosen…

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