November 2026

Dear Community Partners, 

The leaves are changing, and we hope you’ve had a chance to get outside and enjoy them. Even a short walk this time of year is worth it.

Thanksgiving is coming up on November 26. We hope you get to spend it with the people who matter most, enjoying good food, good company and lasting memories. Thank you for all you do for the families in our community.

A quick reminder: our office will be closed Wednesday, November 11, for Veterans Day, a court holiday. We’ll be back Thursday, November 12.

We're proud of what we've achieved as a community and grateful for each of you.

FY2026 Budget Hearing

October 30

We presented our FY2027 budget before the Cook County Board of Commissioners Finance Committee, reaffirming our commitment to fiscal responsibility and modernization.

We remain focused on spending wisely and operating efficiently while finding new ways to better serve the public. Our priority is to deliver responsive public service and measurable value for every public dollar entrusted to us.

Thank you to the Board of Commissioners for the opportunity to share our progress and priorities.

Domestic Violence Awareness Walk

October 28

Honored to speak at the annual Words of Hope Domestic Violence Resource Fair and Awareness Walk during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The 20-minute walk symbolizes the heartbreaking reality that 20 people per minute experience physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the U.S.

Thank you to the Domestic Violence Multidisciplinary Team, including the Chicago Police Department and Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, for organizing this meaningful event and bringing our community together to support survivors.



For resources and support, visit WINGS Program, Inc.: wingsprogram.com

Polish American Heritage

Month Celebration

October 27

We were proud to celebrate Polish American Heritage Month and the rich traditions of our Polish American community! Congratulations to our honorees: Justice Aurelia Pucinski, Lucja Ociepka, Jolanta Skrzypek, Michael C. Cudzik, the Chicago Society of the Polish National Alliance, and the Polish American Chamber of Commerce.

Thank you to keynote speaker Kathy Bojczuk and Master of Ceremonies Daniel Pogorzelski for helping make this celebration special! We were delighted to welcome Consul Michał Arciszewski and enjoy performances by Nina Romek and the Polonia Polish Folk Song and Dance Ensemble.

A special thank you to Kasia’s Deli, Montrose Market, and Ideal Bakery for providing delicious food for our celebration, and to our Polish American Heritage Month Committee and everyone who celebrated with us!

Connections for Abused Women

and their Children Gala

October 23

Supporting CAWC - Connections for Abused Women and Their Children. CAWC does important work helping individuals who need housing, counseling, and support. Congratulations to Judge Judith Rice for being recognized for her work in the domestic violence space. Check out their website to learn more and support their efforts:

https://www.cawc.org/

The Advocates Society

October 22

Thank you to the Advocates Society for the invitation to your Annual Judges Night event. The Advocates Society is a non-profit Polish-American bar association of attorneys, judges, and legal professionals serving the Chicago metropolitan area.

Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs

October 19

We were grateful to attend the Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs Government, Military, and Veterans Resource Fair at Brookfield Zoo Chicago!

Cook County is home to more than 130,000 veterans, and we’re grateful for opportunities like this to connect them with valuable resources and support.



Learn more about resources available to veterans and their families by clicking the link below.

Greater Chicago Food Depository

October 15

We were grateful for the opportunity to tour the Greater Chicago Food Depository and learn more about their work supporting our neighbors across Cook County.

In fiscal year 2026, their programs provided 99 million meals, and their free grocery partner network supported 2.2 million household visits. Thank you to their staff and volunteers for helping ensure our communities have the food they need!

Help make a difference by volunteering or donating: chicagosfoodbank.org.

National Docketing Association Conference

October 13

It was a pleasure to present at the 12^th Annual National Docketing Association Conference. Thank you to the National Docketing Association for welcoming us and giving us the opportunity to connect with docketing professionals and share more about the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County!

Italian American Heritage Celebration

October 13

Staff gathered for a special lunch to celebrate Italian American Heritage Month. It was wonderful to hear employees share stories about their Italian heritage and family traditions while enjoying a meal together.



Thank you to the Italian American Heritage Month Committee and everyone at the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County who helped make this celebration possible!

Women Making a Difference

October 12

We were honored to join fellow women leaders for the “Women Making a Difference” panel at Moraine Valley Community College. It was a wonderful opportunity to share our experiences and reflect on the importance of women’s leadership and community service. Thank you to Palos Park Mayor Nicole Milovich-Walters for bringing us together and inspiring more women to make a difference in their communities!

It's a Wrap!

2026 Second Chance Summit

October 10

Last month, we came together at Kennedy-King College for our Second Chance Summit (SCS) to help people take steps toward a fresh start and a future filled with hope.

A heartfelt thank you to the attorneys and everyone who helped make this day possible, including Cabrini Green Legal Aid and the Cook County Public Defender's Office for their instrumental support and Safer Foundation for sharing information and resources. We were also pleased to welcome Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. Your support and dedication made a difference for those seeking a second chance.

Picnic Under the Picasso

October 7

A little time to connect with colleagues over lunch! Our office employees enjoyed “Picnic Under the Picasso” at Daley Plaza, the joint tenant appreciation event for the Richard J. Daley Center and 69 West Washington. Thank you to the organizers for bringing everyone together!

Nigeria Independence Day Celebration

October 6

Grateful to have been invited as a special guest of honor for the Nigerians in Diaspora (NIDOA) Chicago's Nigeria Independence Day Celebration. Thank you to NIDOA Chicagoland for including us in this special occasion and bringing our community together to celebrate Nigerian culture and heritage!

National Docketing Association Visit

October 5

We were pleased to welcome members of the National Docketing Association to the Daley Center for a tour of the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect and share a closer look at our office’s work. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

Visions of Justice Art Contest

October 1

Our office was pleased to attend the “Visions of Justice” Cook County Art Awards and Safety & Justice Archive launch. It was great to see Cook County Commissioner Jessica Vásquez and join colleagues from across Cook County for this special event. Thank you to President Toni Preckwinkle, ConTextos Chicago, and everyone who helped bring this event together.

From the Archives

Did You Know?

A piece of Chicago’s musical history lives in our archives.



Fannie Bloomfield Zeisler was one of the most celebrated pianists of her time. Her 1925 will offers a glimpse into her life beyond the stage, including gifts to local charities and fellow musicians.

Be sure to follow us on social media to learn more about our Archives Department.

Disclaimer: This document is part of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County's Archives, which date back to 1871.

The Archives Department of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County was established to collect, preserve, and make available to researchers the non-current, pre-electronic records created by the Cook County Court system.

Click on this link to explore the media coverage of all the happenings at the Clerk of the Circuit Court's Office. Stay informed and engaged with the latest updates and stories about our efforts to enhance public service and accessibility.

Press Coverage

Upcoming Events

Want to know where we'll be next?

Follow this link to explore.

Upcoming Event Highlight

Have old documents or electronics taking up space?

Join us for Community Shred & Recycling Day! Bring documents for secure disposal, electronics for recycling, and expired or unwanted prescription medications.

Saturday, November 7, 2026

10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Thornton Township Hall parking lot

333 E. 162nd St., South Holland, IL 60473

Shredding will not take place on-site. Documents will be transported to the Sheriff’s Office and shredded under surveillance.



We look forward to seeing you there!

Beyond the Courthouse

Our work doesn't end at the courthouse. This past month, our Community Outreach team stepped outside the courthouse walls to meet residents where they are—answering questions, sharing resources and putting a friendly face on the services our office provides every day. From local events to neighborhood gatherings, here's where we showed up:

Bring the Clerk's Office to

Your Community

If you know of an event the Clerk's Office should attend, please email us at publicrelations@cookcountycourt.com.

To invite Clerk Mariyana T. Spyropoulos to your event 

Click here.

Want to Know What's Going on Around Cook County?

We've got the scoop! Click the links below to stay in the loop on everything happening in your neighborhood and across the county.

Employment Opportunities

Join our amazing team and make a difference in communities across the county. Click below to learn more and apply.

Circuit Court Services

The Clerk of the Circuit Court is dedicated to serving the community with a variety of services. Click below to learn more.

Need Help Navigating the

Justice System?

Call: The public can receive help on filings and court matters by contacting the Clerk's Call Center at (312) 603-5030, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

WebChat: The Clerk's website now offers a customer service through WebChat. Users can reach Call Center Clerks for general questions or assistance anywhere on the site. The WebChat box is located at the footer of every page. Service is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Stay Connected with Us

Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date with the latest news, events, and initiatives from the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Our platforms are a great way to stay informed, engage with our community and learn more about how we are working to enhance transparency, accountability and accessibility in our justice system.

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