Akija Trotter is a zealous advocate currently serving in the misdemeanor division of the Will County Public Defender’s Office. She is an alumna of the illustrious Hampton University where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and the University of Illinois (formerly The John Marshall Law School) where she obtained her Juris Doctor degree. Ms. Trotter was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2021, and she takes great pride in the opportunity to advocate for favorable client outcomes.
Prior to joining the Will County Public Defender’s Office in 2024 she gained extensive experience serving marginalized communities. Ms. Trotter began her legal career in the non-profit sector representing post-conviction petitioners in sealing and expungement hearings. In her role as the Lead Attorney for the Criminal Record Relief division at the Westside Justice Center, she helped countless petitioners successfully seal and expunge their criminal records. As an Attorney serving on the “Disrupting the School to Prison Pipeline Project” at Legal Aid Chicago, Ms. Trotter represented juveniles in school discipline cases and advocated against student expulsion, creating opportunities for youth to continue their education. As a Legal First Responder with The Joseph Project, she acted as a first point of contact for survivors of human trafficking connecting survivors with pro bono legal services. Ms. Trotter also routinely volunteered with the Cannabis Equity Coalition as an Attorney in the Criminal Record Relief division and she currently serves as a volunteer Attorney in the Social Justice Ministry of Progressive Baptist Church.
Ms. Trotter has a well-established track record of amplifying the voices of the marginalized and disenfranchised, so it was fitting for her to join the Will County Public Defender’s Office to ensure access to justice for indigent individuals who otherwise would not be able to afford legal counsel.
When she is not advocating for her clients, she prioritizes her dog mom responsibilities, holistic wellness, and self-care. As a South Florida native and Cook County resident she greatly enjoys all the Chicagoland has to offer.