Experience & Leadership

Career defined by Public Service and Legal Advocacy

James Murphy Aguilú has provided over two decades of legal, administrative, and community advocacy service to individuals in Cook County. Throughout his entire career, he has demonstrated a commitment to ethical decision making, accountability and service to the public.

Judicial Advocate

Presently Judge Murphy Aguilú provides public services as a member of the Circuit Court of Cook County. He works hard to be fair and impartial while providing respectful treatment to each person appearing in his courtroom. In addition to being fair and impartial, he believes that it is important for judges to act professionally and to provide equal access to the courts.

Judicial Philosophy

In terms of his philosophy as a judge, he firmly believes that it is important for him to:

• Be Fair

• Provide Accountability

• Act Professionally

• To Provide Equal Access to Justice

Community Advocate & Public Leader

Prior to becoming a judge, Mr. Murphy Aguilú was employed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County in two capacities. First, he worked as both Chief of Staff and Inspector General. As such, he was able to address issues related to efficiency in court operations, public access to the courts, ethics, and transparency. Second, he worked as part of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) where he assisted in investigating police misconduct and addressing police accountability concerns for the City of Chicago.

Advocate & Trial Lawyer

Mr. Murphy Aguilú first started working as a lawyer when he became an Assistant State's Attorney. After leaving the state's attorney's office, he entered into private practice with Murphy-Aguilu Law, Ltd. and later with O'Brien & Murphy-Aguilu. During this time he gained experience in many areas of the law including criminal law, civil litigation, trial advocacy, government oversight, ethics and compliance and court administration.

Educator & Community Advocate

Judge Murphy Aguilú graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in history and political science and went on to earn his juris doctorate from the University of Wisconsin Law School. Prior to attending law school, he had already begun mentoring young attorneys through teaching at various institutions. This continued after graduation from law school as he has taught as an assistant professor and adjunct professor. Throughout his education and employment history, Judge Murphy Aguilu has maintained membership in several bar associations including:

• The Chicago Bar Association

• The Illinois State Bar Association

• The Puerto Rican Bar Association

• The Women's Bar Association

• The North Suburban Bar Association

Lifelong Dedication to Public Service

Whether advocating for clients in the courtroom or working behind the scenes as a public administrator or advocate for the people of Cook County, Judge James Murphy Aguilú has spent his entire career committed to serving others. Today, he continues to serve based upon the principles that have led him throughout his life; fairness, integrity, accountability, professionalism and respect for everyone.