Ashley Greer Shambley announces candidacy for Cook County Circuit Court

Longtime public defender emphasizes fairness, empathy, and commitment to justice

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Ashley Greer Shambley, a veteran public defender in Cook County, Illinois, has announced her candidacy for the Circuit Court of Cook County in the First Judicial Subcircuit. Shambley, who has over 15 years of legal experience, is running to fill the Carl A. Walker vacancy. She has pledged to bring her expertise in criminal defense, as well as her commitment to treating every person with dignity and respect, to the bench.

Why it matters

Shambley's candidacy represents an opportunity for the Cook County Circuit Court to have a judge who has extensive experience working directly with the community and understands the real-world impact of judicial decisions. As a public defender, Shambley has seen firsthand how courtroom rulings can profoundly affect families and neighborhoods, reinforcing her belief that judicial discretion must be exercised carefully and with empathy.

The details

Shambley currently serves as an Assistant Public Defender in the Multiple Defendant Homicide Task Force Unit, where she has acted as lead trial attorney on a wide range of complex, high-stakes cases. Prior to that, she worked as an associate at the Law Offices of John F. Lyke and in the Civil Division of the Cook County Public Defender's Office. Shambley is also deeply involved in the legal community, serving in leadership roles with the Cook County Bar Association, the Black Women Lawyers' Association, and the Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

  • Shambley announced her candidacy on February 9, 2026.

The players

Ashley Greer Shambley

A longtime public defender in Cook County, Illinois, who is running for a judgeship on the Circuit Court of Cook County in the First Judicial Subcircuit.

Carl A. Walker

The previous judge whose vacancy Shambley is seeking to fill on the Cook County Circuit Court.

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What they’re saying

“I am running for judge because I care deeply about the people and communities our courts serve. I believe the justice system functions best when judges bring experience, fairness, and humanity to the bench.”

— Ashley Greer Shambley, Candidate for Cook County Circuit Court (blogspot.com)

“Courtroom decisions do not happen in isolation. They have real and lasting effects on families, neighborhoods, and the broader community. Courts should be places where the law is applied fairly, people are treated with dignity, and public trust is strengthened.”

— Ashley Greer Shambley, Candidate for Cook County Circuit Court (blogspot.com)

What’s next

Shambley will continue campaigning for the judgeship, with the election scheduled for later in 2026.

The takeaway

Shambley's candidacy represents an opportunity for the Cook County Circuit Court to have a judge with extensive experience in criminal defense and a deep commitment to fairness, empathy, and the fair application of the law. Her background and judicial philosophy suggest she would bring a valuable perspective to the bench.