On June 28, 2025, Sheila Martinez, a civil rights attorney based in Chicago, was awarded the prestigious title of “Attorney of the Year” by the American Bar Association (ABA). This recognition highlights Martinez’s exceptional contributions to civil rights law, with a focus on racial justice, police reform, and fighting systemic inequality. The ABA, which has long been a champion for diversity and justice within the legal profession, commended Martinez for her tireless advocacy, legal expertise, and commitment to bringing positive change to marginalized communities.
A Career Focused on Justice and Equality
Sheila Martinez’s legal career began with a passion for helping those most in need of representation. After graduating from Harvard Law School in 2014, Martinez joined the law firm Smith & Johnson LLP in Chicago, where she quickly gained recognition for her advocacy on behalf of low-income clients and communities of color. Her early work centered around fighting against housing discrimination, unequal access to education, and advocating for stronger protections against police violence.
One of her first major victories was in 2016, when she represented a group of residents in the predominantly Black neighborhoods of Chicago in a case against a major real estate developer accused of displacement and discriminatory housing practices. Through extensive research and a thorough understanding of housing laws, Martinez was able to secure a settlement that not only compensated affected families but also forced the developer to enter into a legally binding agreement to implement fair housing practices in the area.
“I knew this was more than just a case,” Martinez recalled in a recent interview. “It was about ensuring that families who had lived in these communities for generations had the right to remain there. Real change happens when we hold institutions accountable, and that’s the power of law.”
This case became a defining moment in her career and laid the groundwork for what would become a tireless effort to challenge the systems that allow discrimination to flourish.
Landmark Cases and Advocacy for Police Reform
While Martinez’s early career was marked by her work on housing cases, it was her involvement in police reform efforts that solidified her reputation as a rising star in civil rights law. In 2018, she co-founded the Chicago Coalition for Civil Rights (CCCR), a grassroots organization focused on promoting racial justice through legal advocacy and community organizing. The coalition’s work included legal actions aimed at police accountability and the elimination of excessive force by law enforcement officers.
One of the most high-profile cases Martinez handled involved the City of Chicago and its police department. After a string of high-profile police shootings, including the tragic death of Laquan McDonald, Martinez and her team filed a class action lawsuit against the police department, accusing it of systemic racial discrimination, excessive use of force, and lack of accountability.
The lawsuit, which became known as Martinez v. City of Chicago, sought both financial compensation for victims and a court-ordered injunction requiring the police department to reform its practices, including the implementation of body cameras, independent oversight, and new training programs. After years of litigation, the case culminated in a landmark settlement in 2021, which mandated sweeping changes to the department’s operations and placed significant pressure on the city’s leaders to confront police violence.
“It’s not about one case, it’s about building a movement. This work is about holding institutions accountable for their actions and advocating for those whose voices have been suppressed for too long,” Martinez said in a statement after the settlement was reached.
A Passion for Mentorship and Community Building
In addition to her legal work, Sheila Martinez has been dedicated to mentorship and empowering the next generation of civil rights attorneys. As a founding member of the CCCR, Martinez has made it a priority to offer free legal education workshops to students of color, particularly those interested in pursuing careers in law. Her commitment to mentoring is reflected in her role as a professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where she teaches courses on civil rights law, constitutional law, and public policy.
Martinez’s influence extends beyond her direct legal work. Through her leadership in the CCCR, she has trained and inspired numerous young attorneys to follow in her footsteps. Her work as an advocate and mentor has created a network of legal professionals committed to making systemic change and supporting marginalized communities.
“Mentoring young attorneys is a powerful way to make sure the next generation of lawyers continues to challenge injustice,” she said. “We need more attorneys in the fight for social change. I want to make sure they have the tools, the resources, and the confidence to take on these cases.”
Recognition and Impact: The ABA’s “Attorney of the Year” Award
The American Bar Association’s “Attorney of the Year” award is given annually to an attorney who has made an extraordinary contribution to the legal profession and society. In announcing Martinez as the 2025 recipient, the ABA emphasized her unwavering commitment to justice and her remarkable ability to use the law as a tool for social change.
“Attorney Martinez embodies the values that the ABA strives to uphold: integrity, service, and a commitment to justice,” said ABA President Deborah Enix-Ross in a press release. “Through her groundbreaking work in civil rights, she has not only changed the lives of countless individuals, but has set a new standard for what it means to be a lawyer in today’s world.”
Martinez’s award has been hailed by her colleagues and clients alike. “Sheila is not just a fierce advocate in the courtroom; she is a compassionate leader who stands up for justice at every turn,” said William Grant, a fellow attorney at Smith & Johnson LLP. “Her ability to balance legal expertise with a genuine commitment to community empowerment is unmatched.”
Looking to the Future: Continuing the Fight for Racial Justice
As she reflects on her career, Sheila Martinez is focused on the future of civil rights law. Her work continues to push for police reform and racial justice, but she is also turning her attention to issues of environmental justice and economic inequality. Martinez is currently leading an initiative aimed at reforming the juvenile justice system in Illinois, advocating for policies that prioritize rehabilitation over punishment.
“I want to see a world where every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed,” Martinez stated. “The work isn’t finished. We have to keep pushing for reforms that uplift every community and every individual.”
Sheila Martinez’s selection as the 2025 “Attorney of the Year” by the ABA is not only a reflection of her past achievements, but also a promise of the continued impact she will have on the legal profession and society as a whole.
