Michael J. Zink grew up in Elmwood Park only blocks from the City of Chicago.  His mother was a schoolteacher and his father worked for nearly 50 years at WBBM-TV Chicago.  Michael’s early career began as a union stock clerk at Osco Drug (UFCW-Local 880) and as a clerk at the Oak Park Chamber of Commerce.

During the summer after his first year of law school, Michael demonstrated an exceptional work ethic that would define his career, juggling three jobs to finance his legal education.  That summer he served an internship at the Office of U.S. Senator Richard J. Durbin, served an additional internship as a government watchdog at the Citizen Advocacy Center, and continued to work as a member of UFCW-Local 880 as a stock clerk at Osco Drug.  Michael later clerked at Asher, Gittler, Greenfield & D’Alba, one of America’s leading law firms representing unions and workers, clerked at Romanucci & Blandin, among the nation’s top law firms in representing the catastrophically injured, and interned at the Illinois Department of Labor.  These experiences provided him with invaluable insights into government, advocacy, and labor policy.

Zink went on to graduate from the DePaul University College of Law, having previously earned an undergraduate degree cum laude in economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as an Edmund James Scholar.  As an attorney he conducted more than 100 bench trials and litigated hundreds of Circuit Court cases throughout Cook County.  Michael also earned prominent leadership roles in the Illinois State Bar Association, the Chicago Bar Association, and the Advocates Society.

His contributions extend beyond the courtroom, publishing many legal articles, teaching and moderating many Minimum Continuing Legal Education courses, and conducting many media interviews to educate the public about new and existing laws.  Michael also is an established community leader, serving as President of East Lake View Neighbors for over 5 years and connecting neighbors with their elected officials to foster a more transparent and accountable system of government through one of Lakeview’s largest neighborhood organizations. Among many other community leadership roles, he also serves on a Subcommittee for the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice and also serves as a regular coordinator and preparer of meals for homeless individuals at Lincoln Park Community Services.  Michael also maintained an unwavering commitment to progressive activism, serving on the Housing Policy Committee for President Obama’s 2008 campaign.

Encouraged by colleagues in the judiciary, Michael seized a unique opportunity to continue his passion for public service when, in November 2024, the Illinois Supreme Court appointed him to fill a 20th Subcircuit vacancy created by the retirement of Associate Judge David E. Haracz. Since taking the bench, Michael has served with integrity and thoughtfulness, gaining invaluable experience and reaffirming his deep commitment to equal justice. He began his judicial service in the Traffic Division and now presides over civil matters in the First Municipal Division.

Michael is a uniquely progressive voice in the judiciary, boldly declaring his dedication to rejecting the implicit bias embedded in our legal system. His nuanced understanding of the system’s disproportionate impact on people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those facing poverty, addiction, and mental health challenges shapes his vision for a fairer, more compassionate court. He is committed to a legal system that delivers justice equally and offers meaningful opportunities for rehabilitation.

A longtime resident of Lakeview, Michael shares his life with his wife, Amanda, and daughter, Emaline. He dedicates his free time to community leadership and cherishing moments with family and friends. For Michael, happiness is sipping an old-fashioned while listening to Amanda and Emaline recount their days—preferably with Beatles deep cuts playing in the background.