United States Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Cummings was sworn into the federal judiciary on January 29, 2019. He assumed the bench on February 1, 2019. As a Magistrate Judge, he is responsible for a variety of duties in federal civil and criminal cases.

Judge Cummings received a B.A. from James Madison College at Michigan State University with a double major in public policy studies and graduated with high honors and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Judge Cummings received his J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law and graduated cum laude and as a member of the Order of the Coif.

Judge Cummings began his legal career as a law clerk for Judge Ann Claire Williams of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Judge Cummings then worked at the law firm of Miner, Barnhill & Galland as an associate and partner. During his years in private practice, Judge Cummings represented clients in state and federal courts at the trial and appellate levels and specialized in cases involving employment discrimination, civil rights, and whistleblower protection.

Judge Cummings also served as a Hearing Officer for the City of Chicago’s Commission on Human Relations and Police Board. Judge Cummings is also a former board member of Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Since 2019, Judge Cummings has sat on the Board of Directors for the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association.