Anna M. Benjamin is a shareholder at Meyer Capel and a member of the firm’s litigation team, with a primary focus on family law and complex civil disputes. She brings almost two decades of experience as both a trial lawyer and a judge, giving her clients a practical, informed perspective on how cases are evaluated, litigated, and resolved.
Before returning to private practice, Anna served for over eight years as an Associate Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court in Champaign County. In that role, she presided over a wide range of civil matters. Her judicial experience included marital property valuation and division, custody and parenting issues, child support and maintenance, orders of protection, adoptions, juvenile matters, guardianships, estate litigation, administrative review, municipal court, and election disputes. This first-hand knowledge of courtroom decision-making allows her to assess risk, develop efficient litigation strategies, and advocate effectively for her clients.
Prior to her judicial appointment, Anna practiced family law and civil litigation as a shareholder at Meyer Capel, representing clients in both trial and appellate courts. She also served as a court-appointed mediator and guardian ad litem, helping families resolve disputes both inside and outside the courtroom. That experience continues to inform her approach to resolving cases strategically, whether through negotiation or litigation.
Education
Anna earned her bachelor’s degree with honors from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2004 and her Juris Doctor, with honors, from the University of Illinois College of Law in 2008, where she was a Lincoln’s Scholar. In law school, she was a member of Trial Team and the Moot Court Board, received the Best Advocate Award, and earned honors in legal writing.
Community and Civic Engagement
Anna was appointed to the Guardian ad litem Education Committee of the Illinois Supreme Court Judicial College and most recently served as its Vice-Chair. She has served on the Boards of Directors for the Illinois Judges Association and Illinois Judges Foundation. She is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association Family Law Section Council and the Champaign County Bar Association. Anna regularly teaches across Illinois on family law topics and teaches trial advocacy at the University of Illinois College of Law.
Personal Interests
Outside of the practice of law, Anna enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and photography.
Awards and Recognition
Central Illinois Business Magazine's Forty Under 40 Award (2017)


