By Gabrielle Dillon
Judge McDade has accomplished more than most in his career. He’s had the opportunity to make decisions in monumental cases and be recognized by the country’s best and brightest. McDade has much to be proud of but he only wants the best version of justice for the people he serves.
Local Federal Judge Strives to be the Best
Aggressive legal advertising is what encouraged Joe McDade to first become a judge. Although he knew as a boy that he would become a lawyer he went much farther than that. Appointed as the first African American judge on the bench in the 10th circuit, the Bradley graduate said, “It wasn’t planned. I was reacting to circumstances.”
Those circumstances were advertising. In 1960’s, lawyers began to use ads to sell their services at lower rates just like any other commercial goods. This new form of advertising began to directly affect McDade, as the ads were targeting his main audience: clients who needed legal counsel in things such as family law, criminal law and bankruptcy.
The booming advertising movement among lawyers forced McDade to choose.
“I either had to join them and start advertising or suffer the financial consequences,” he said.
So he decided not advertise.
“It went against my principals. I don’t think lawyers were selling the same type of wares you buy in the open market. We were more professional. We were doing a service. So the thought popped in my mind that maybe I could be a judge.”
McDade applied to become an associate judge in 1982 and got the job. However, as an associate he was not a presiding judge over the court. He wasn’t satisfied with just that; he wanted the best job: a full circuit judge. As a circuit judge, McDade would be able to conduct trials and make judgments.
“I ran for election as a circuit judge in 1988 and won. That movement really reflected my desire to be the best.” Mcdade’s hunger to be the best was reflected in his work on the bench.
“I was apprehensive; I wanted things to be right. It was uncomfortable for me if I didn’t feel like something was the best choice.”
His ruling in the 1996 Mitsubishi Motors sexual harassment case is one example of his commitment to making the best decisions. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the EEOC sued the company on behalf of 300 female staff members who maintained they had experienced repeated harassment at the Mitsubishi headquarters in Normal, Ill.
Judge McDade ruled that the EEOC could in fact bring a pattern practice case against the motor company regarding sexual harassment. His ruling became the blueprint for the EEOC, who now use it as a routine way to build sexual harassment cases against large companies. McDade said he is proud of his work but maintains that being a judge has its challenges.
“Being a judge is lonely. Many of the groups I’ve been invited to join is simply because I am a judge, but even through all of that, I am happy. I’ve lived a full life.”
The former Bradley athlete is also content with his job, but there are still some things he’d like to change. As a judge there are mandatory sentences that must be given to offenders who commit a particular crime. Mandatory sentencing was enacted by the United States congress in 1952. After the new legislation was passed judges were forced to make decisions based on protocol rather than decisions based on the individual and their needs sending offenders away for an upwards of 15 to 20 years. These minimum sentences have led to overcrowded jails and unbearable costs to citizens who pay taxes.
“It’s caused a disproportionate amount of Blacks and Hispanics to be placed in jail for things like drug trafficking. The law needs to be changed,” he said.
After 22 years of service as a judge, he is still thinking of ways that the best decisions can be made for the people. Although McDade has endured many obstacles including, losing both parents at a young age and being raised by his grandmother, with very little McDade has triumphed in many different facets of his life and attributes it to the lessons he’s learned.
Today, McDade serves as a federal judge for the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois; receiving his nomination for the seat from former President George H.W. Bush in 1991. As Judge McDade gets older he continues to work and offers this bit of advice.
“Do everything in confidence and be the best. My confidence was once limited. I missed opportunities because of that. I know now that with confidence you will go further.”
Who is Judge McDade off the bench?
Want to know about Judge McDade? Watch as some who are closest to him explain his personality and all of the makings of this extraordinary man. From the advice he’s given to how he gives back to the city of Peoria!