Hon Vicent F. Cornelius is a leader of the legal profession and the broader community. Raised in Joliet in the modest home of a teacher, Judge Cornelius was elected to serve as the 140th president of the Illinois State Bar Association, making history as the first African American to hold office. He was also the first African American to serve as Chancellor of the Academy of Illinois Lawyers and as president of the Illinois Bar Foundation. In 2018, he was elected to serve as Circuit Judge of the 12th Judicial Circuit Court.
Judge Cornelius is a seasoned board director, serving on governors’ commissions, legislative committees, and Supreme Court commissions, as well as university, hospital, corporate and religious institution boards. He built his career and reputation by defending the rights of Illinois citizens and representing megaministries to storefront churches. For his efforts he was recognized by Best Lawyers in America, the National Bar Association, Leading Lawyers, and Super Lawyers, to name a few. He is a frequent keynote speaker.
Judge Cornelius holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of St. Francis where he was an Academic All American basketball player. He received his Juris Doctor Degree from the Northern Illinois University College of Law where he later served as chairman of its oard of vistors. He has been honored with the distinguished and outstanding alumni awards respectively from both universities. Judge Cornelius has been married to his wife Zina for thirty-two years and he is the proud father of two adult children.