Reunion Weekend 2026

Distinguished Alumni Award

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes alumni who are outstanding in their career/profession and/or have a long standing record of contribution to the school, or civic/charitable causes. Award started in 1985 ~ see history of recipients here

Judge Sebastian Thomas Patti ‘71

Judge Patti attended Pembroke-Country Day School for thirteen years graduating with the Class of 1971. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1975 from Duke University and a Juris Doctor in 1978 from the University of Kansas School of Law.

He has served our country on the federal and state/local level with equanimity and honesty for his career spanning several decades.

Most recently, he was recalled by Order of the Illinois Supreme Court, and assigned to the Circuit Court of Cook County for the period of December 15, 2025, to December 07, 2026. He was a U.S. Immigration Judge with the U.S. Department of Justice from September 2018 - September 2025.

From 2011 to 2018, he was presiding judge with the Domestic Violence Division, Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois. From 2010 to 2011, he was a judge with the Chancery Division, Circuit Court of Cook County. From 2009 to 2010, he was a judge with the Illinois Appellate Court in Chicago. From 1998 to 2009, he was a supervising judge with the Housing Section, Circuit Court of Cook County. From 1995 to 1998, he was a judge with the Circuit Court of Cook County. From 1979 to 1995, he was a regional counsel for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Chicago. Judge Patti is a member of the Kansas Bar and the Illinois State Bar.

Professional Career

• US Department of Justice (Feb 2022 - Sept 2025)
• Circuit Court Judge (1995 - 2018; December 2025 - December 2026)
• Assistant / Associate Regional Counsel (1979 - 1995)

Education

• University of Kansas School of Law (1975-1978)
• Duke University (1971-1975)
• Pembroke-Country Day School class of 1971