The Hon. Donna L. Cooper is a circuit judge of the Juvenile Justice Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. She was elected to the bench in 2008 and re-elected in 2014. Cooper is the first and only black Judge Advocate General of the Illinois Army National Guard
Before pursuing a legal career, Cooper graduated with a B.A. from Northwestern University. She then went on to earn her J.D from DePaul University School of Law.
After earning her law degree, Cooper worked as a staff attorney for the Illinois Industrial Commission from 1981 to 1985. She then worked as Assistant Public Defender for the Cook County Public Defender’s Office until 1992. Cooper then went on to become the Assistant General Attorney for Chicago Park District from 1992 to 1995. From there, she was hired as Assistant Corporation Counsel for the city of Chicago. In 2003, Cooper was deployed in Iraq to serve as Judge Advocate General for the Army National Guard. Before taking the bench seat, Cooper served as an attorney for the Illinois National Guard from 2004 to 2008.
In addition to her services to the court, Cooper is “qualified” or “recommended” by 10 major bar associations. She has also served as a volunteer and a mentor for the State of Illinois Lincoln's Challenge Program, the Cook County Bar Association's Legal Explorers, and the Southwest Women Working Together "Read With Me" program. Cook is an active member of the St. Joachim Church and also founded her neighborhood block club.
Cooper is a registered Democrat.