From 1.0 GPA to Justice: The Remarkable Journey of John Anderson

By Rachel Barks

John Anderson’s path to becoming a Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court is a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of personal experience. His story, marked by early struggles and profound life events, underscores the human side of the judiciary and the potential for profound growth.

“I was a poor student in high school. I barely graduated; I had a 1.0 GPA,” he reveals.

However, a tragic event reshaped his trajectory: the murder of his uncle, and the killer being found not guilty by reason of insanity. This experience ignited a passion for law and a desire to understand the complexities of the justice system.

Justice Anderson’s educational journey is nothing short of remarkable. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Illinois State University, a Master of Science from the University of Illinois-Springfield, a Juris Doctor from what is now UIC, a Master of Business Administration from Notre Dame, and a Master of Laws from Duke Law School. He also experienced homelessness, living on a friend’s couch, after his parents lost their home to foreclosure. He credits this experience with teaching him, “empathy, humility, and the value of hard work.” His legal career, specializing in commercial and appellate litigation, saw him tackle challenging cases, including representing a bank in the aftermath of the Arthur Andersen collapse, recovering approximately $5 million for his client. “The case was challenging because the defendants asserted a massive array of affirmative defenses,” he recalls.

Justice Anderson acknowledges the profound influence of mentors, particularly Illinois Supreme Court Justice Tom Kilbride, “I was one of his first law clerks, and would not be a judge today but for him.” He also credits lawyers such as Rich Reizen, Dave Rownd, Dave Duffy, and Steve Rotunno.

Transitioning to the appellate court, Justice Anderson sees his role evolving significantly:

“As an appellate judge, my role in shaping legal precedent extends far beyond individual cases, influencing the broader legal landscape and ensuring consistency in the application of the law.”

He aims to bring a unique perspective, drawing on his experience as a trial judge to ensure fair and practical legal interpretations.

One of his key priorities is increasing transparency within the appellate court: “I would like to have more transparency on the appellate court, with lawyers and the general public having increased access to appellate court orders and other documents.”

“Justice Anderson and I started our Judicial careers on the same day in 2010. He presided over one of the more difficult Calls in Will County, and did it well. I am confident he will serve the people of the entire Third District with the same level of dedication,” said Judge Matthew Bertani of the Illinois 3rd District Appellate Court.

Justice Anderson is passionate about community service, particularly addressing homelessness and food security. While judicial ethics prevent him from engaging in pro bono legal work, he actively volunteers with organizations dedicated to these causes. During his time in private practice, he served on the board of directors for the Lawyer’s Trust Fund, where he helped raise and distribute approximately $40 million to legal aid organizations serving disadvantaged groups.

His advice to aspiring lawyers emphasizes integrity, strong writing, mentorship, and respect.

“Integrity is paramount. A lawyer’s reputation is built on honesty, reliability, and professionalism,” he noted.

He also stresses the importance of continuous learning and maintaining a work-life balance, finding solace in travel, writing, movies, and sports.

Justice Anderson’s journey is a powerful reminder that setbacks can be catalysts for extraordinary achievement. His commitment to justice, coupled with his personal experiences, shapes his approach to the law and his vision for a more transparent and accessible legal system.