Kwame Raoul

Kwame Raoul is a lifelong resident of Chicago’s Hyde Park/Kenwood community and currently serves as the Attorney General of Illinois. Born to Haitian immigrants, he has spent his career ensuring that justice, fairness, and opportunity extend to all Illinois residents. His leadership reflects deep commitment to protecting victims, reforming the criminal justice system, and defending civil and voting rights across the state.

Kwame earned his Bachelor’s degree from DePaul University and his Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law. He began his legal career more than 25 years ago as a prosecutor in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office before serving as a labor and employment attorney for the City Colleges of Chicago. His early experience shaped his balanced approach to law enforcement and justice reform.

In 2004, Kwame was appointed to the Illinois Senate, succeeding former Senator Barack Obama. During his legislative tenure, he became a respected negotiator and reform advocate, leading efforts to abolish the death penalty, require background checks for private gun sales, and pass landmark voting rights protections. His record reflects a consistent focus on fairness, accountability, and effective governance.

As both a prosecutor and reformer, Kwame Raoul has championed policies that make Illinois “smart on crime.” He has advanced diversion programs, juvenile record expungement, and law enforcement reform, including police training and body camera standards. He also sponsored initiatives combating gun violence, addressing the opioid crisis, and protecting survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

Beyond criminal justice, Kwame worked to expand opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses, protect student-athletes, and close pension ethics loopholes. His legacy continues to reflect a lifelong dedication to justice, integrity, and equality for all.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney General, Attorney General’s Office, Illinois
• Member, Illinois State Bar Association

Licensed State

• Illinois

Education

• Chicago-Kent College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• DePaul University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges