Justice Barbara Gilleran Johnson

           Justice Barbara Gilleran Johnson retired from the Second District Appellate Court in 2008 after 21 years on the bench. Justice Johnson was the Presiding Judge in the 2^nd District. She had previously served in the Circuit Court of Lake County as a presiding judge in civil, criminal and juvenile courtrooms. She currently serves as the vice president of the Illinois Judges Foundation.

Prior to joining the bench, Gilleran Johnson served both as an Assistant Illinois Attorney General as Chief of the Crime Victim’s Division and an assistant States Attorney in Lake County as Chief of the Juvenile Division specializing in the prosecution of felony and juvenile trial litigation. Her legal background includes the general practice of law as a partner in a local Waukegan law firm.

           Barbara Gilleran Johnson has participated both professionally and individually in the community. Some of the highlights include a member of the Judicial Speaking Bureau, lecturer at judicial conferences, and instructor in awareness and prevention conferences for child, domestic, sexual and drug abuse. Gilleran Johnson was an instructor for the College of Lake County and taught Juvenile Law and Introduction to Criminal Justice.

           Barbara’s emphasis is directed towards serving her profession in her areas of expertise in a manner to benefit the community.  She has served on numerous boards including: Governor’s Citizen Task Force regarding the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services, American Business Women’s Association, Past President of the Y.M.C.A., past member of Safe Place (prevention of domestic violence), Lake County Council against Sexual Abuse and many other organizations.

           Gilleran Johnson continues to serve as a mentor with the Illinois Judicial Mentor Program and the Lawyers Assistance Program (LAP). Justice Johnson has published several law review articles and is a contributing author to Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education.

           Barbara currently is a member of the Board of Directors for Delta Star, Inc, a 100 year old company that originated in Chicago and currently located in Lynchburg VA and San Carlos, CA. Delta Star is an employee-owned ESOP corporation producing electrical power transformers. As Chairman, she is responsible for overseeing pension, ERISA and all litigation matters.

           Justice Barbara Gilleran Johnson has two married sons, Ryan, an attorney and township administrator for Warren Township, and Brandon who is the project manager for Forest City Construction. She is the proud grandmother of Ella and Brody.