Dan Balanoff is a lifelong advocate for civil rights, community-based legal service, and progressive change. From his activism for progressive causes to his leadership in government reform and legal education, Dan brings the values, experience, and integrity we need in our courts. He’s running for judge to expand access to justice, confront systemic bias, and ensure every person is treated fairly under the law.
From a young age I was taught that every person deserves fair and equal treatment under the law, and that until justice is truly equal for all, we must continue the fight to make it so. This principle has guided my lifelong commitment to civil rights and progressive activism. In this critical moment when hard-won rights are under attack and constitutional protections are being eroded, we cannot afford to be silent. We must elect judges with a proven track record of standing on the front lines in defense of civil rights.
We need progressive judges in our courts who reflect the values, energy, and urgency of this generation. I am committed to bringing that energy to the bench, expanding access to justice, confronting systemic bias, and ensuring our courts serve those who need them most. Throughout my life I’ve been a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive freedom, immigrant justice and civil liberties for all, especially for communities historically marginalized by our legal system.
My journey in law began with a family legacy of service, inspired by my grandmother Judge Miriam Balanoff, who founded our neighborhood law practice in the 1970s. For nearly two decades, I’ve carried forward her mission by providing accessible and compassionate legal representation to a diverse working-class community on Chicago’s Southeast Side, helping families navigate complex legal challenges and ensuring vulnerable clients, especially seniors, receive critical support. My practice is more than a profession; it’s a lifelong commitment to standing with people in their moments of greatest need
As First Assistant Commissioner at the Cook County Board of Review, I ensured homeowners and small business owners paid only their fair share of property taxes, overseeing reductions for thousands of Chicago residents and driving nationally recognized reforms for fairness, transparency, and access. During my time at the Board, I prioritized inclusive hiring practices, building a majority-women staff, doubling the number of minority hires, and expanding access to education and professional advancement opportunities.
I am deeply committed to mentoring and educating the next generation of attorneys and legal professionals. Whether judging national law student competitions for the American Bar Association, or sharing practical insights as a featured speaker at CLE seminars and national conferences, I view each opportunity as a way to invest in the future of our profession. Most recently I partnered with the Chicago Bar Association and the Women’s Property Tax Association to train practicing attorneys on effective trial strategies in property tax litigation.
I led a litigation defense team defending County values at the Property Tax Appeal Board that significantly reduced a backlog of over 100,000 property tax appeal cases. This effort not only improved efficiency, but also resulted in substantial savings for individual homeowners, many of whom saved thousands of dollars on their property tax bills. The initiative was honored with a National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award for excellence in government service.