Jewish Chicago Magazine
Jules Cantor
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Jules has fond memories of his late father—his hero—wrapping him up as a boy under his tallit and holding him close on Yom Kippur.
How proud his father would be of his son today.
Jules has built a distinguished legal practice at Kirkland & Ellis LLP focused on complex litigation and investigations.
He also maintains a robust pro bono practice representing families seeking asylum and incarcerated individuals pursuing civil rights claims.
In addition, Jules serves as a member of the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) Midwest Regional Board and as a Co-Chair of the region’s Leadership Development Task Force. Helping to cultivate the next generation of leaders in our community, he previously chaired the ADL’s Midwest’s Associate Board and Glass Leadership Institute.
“His dedication to protecting vulnerable communities reflects the Jewish principles of tzedek (justice) and tikkun olam (repairing the world),” said his friend.
Age: 33
Primary gig: Partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP
On the side: Pitcher/Infielder for the Chicago Hounds Baseball Club, avid Cincinnati and Northwestern sports fan.
A Jew who inspires you: I’m inspired by my late father, Randy Cantor (z”l). My dad was my best friend and role model. He was an extraordinarily selfless person and a tireless worker who was singularly focused on family. He was an unassuming but universally respected leader in the Cincinnati Jewish community. He attended minyan every Sunday and served as Head Usher for the High Holidays at our synagogue. He was also the best little-league coach, Cincinnati sports commiserator, and car-singing duet partner I could have asked for.
How do you Jew in Chicago? I am fortunate that my core group of Chicago friends includes the people with whom I grew up in Jewish spaces and with whom I developed my religious and cultural Jewish identities. I find that we draw on those formative experiences all the time, and that they have strongly shaped the people we have become. More tangibly, I host and lead an annual and growing Passover seder that regularly includes Jewish and non-Jewish friends from every stage of my life.