CBA Mourns Passing of Judge Blanche M. Manning

The Chicago Bar Association mourns the passing of the Honorable Blanche M. Manning, retired judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.  Judge Manning was a courageous barrier breaker.  She faithfully served the People of the State of Illinois as a state court prosecutor and attorney for the U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission.   She continued her service to the People as a Cook County Circuit Court Judge and Illinois Appellate Justice, before President William J. Clinton appointed her to the Federal Bench. 

Judge Manning was a scholar, a justice advocate, and an accomplished musician who played in many jazz bands.  Judge Manning reinvented the term, “renaissance woman.”  She was a mentor and friend to many lawyers and judges, and we will truly miss her exuberant passion for the law and for life. May she eternally rest in peace.

--Maryam Ahmad, CBA President