- For the biographies and judicial evaluations of judges and associate judges on the bench in the Circuit Court of Cook County, the Illinois Appellate Court, First District, and the Illinois Supreme Court, First District, please click here: A Directory of State Judges in Chicago, 2011 edition.
- For the judicial evaluation report of the Chicago Council of Lawyers, please CLICK HERE
Chicago Council of Lawyers Report on Judicial Candidates in the March 20, 2012 Primary For Vacancies on the Supreme Court and Appellate Court, First District, Countywide Vacancies on the Circuit Court of Cook County, and Subcircuit Vacancies on the Circuit Court of Cook County February 2012
Primary elections for state-court judges will be held on March 20, 2012. To assist the public in evaluating the candidates for judicial office, the Chicago Council of Lawyers has evaluated candidates for vacancies in Cook County.
Attached is the Council’s report of its evaluations of candidates for vacancies on the Illinois Supreme Court and Illinois Appellate Court, First District; for countywide vacancies; and for vacancies in the judicial subcircuits of the Circuit Court of Cook County.
INTRODUCTION
Judicial candidates seeking election must run for specific vacancies. Candidates seeking election to the Circuit Court – which is the County’s trial-level court for both civil and criminal matters — may run in either a countywide or a subcircuit race. Legislation creating the subcircuits provides that approximately one-third of the judges are elected by voters of the entire County, and each of the remaining judges elected by voters runs in one of fifteen geographical districts into which the County has been arbitrarily divided. Once elected, there is no distinction between a “countywide” judge and a “subcircuit” judge. Either kind can be assigned to any judicial post in the County.
The Council rates candidates as “highly qualified,” “well qualified,” “qualified,” or “not qualified.” If a candidate refuses to submit his or her credentials to the Council, that candidate is rated “not recommended” unless the Council is aware of credible information that would justify a “not qualified” rating. Because we believe a willingness to participate in bar association and other public evaluations is a key indicator of fitness for public office, no candidate who refuses to be screened can be found “qualified.”
EVALUATION METHODOLOGY
The criteria for the Council’s evaluations are whether the candidate has demonstrated the ability to serve on the relevant court in the following categories:
- fairness, including sensitivity to diversity and bias
- legal knowledge and skills (competence)
- integrity
- experience
- diligence
- impartiality
- judicial temperament
- respect for the rule of law
- independence from political and institutional influences
- professional conduct
- character
- community service
If a candidate has demonstrated the ability to perform the work required of a judge in all of these areas, the Council assigns a rating of “qualified.” If a candidate has demonstrated excellence in most of these areas, the Council assigns a rating of “well qualified.” If a candidate has demonstrated excellence in all of these areas, the Council assigns a rating of “highly qualified.” If a candidate has not demonstrated that he or she meets all of the criteria evaluated by the Council, the Council assigns a rating of “not qualified.”
We apply higher standards to candidates for the Supreme Court and the Appellate Court. Because these Courts establish legal precedents that bind the lower courts, their work has a broad impact on the justice system. Moreover, qualities of scholarship and writing ability are more important to the work of the Supreme and Appellate Court justices than they are to satisfactory performance as a trial judge.
The Council does not evaluate candidates based on their substantive views of political or social issues. Nor do we take into account the particular race in which a candidate is running or the candidates against whom a candidate is running. We apply a uniform standard for all countywide and subcircuit elections because judges elected through either method can be assigned to any judicial position in the Circuit Court.
As part of the evaluation process, we require candidates to provide us with detailed information about their backgrounds, including any complaints filed against them with the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (“ARDC”) or, where applicable, the Judicial Inquiry Board (“JIB”). If a candidate does not participate in our evaluation process, we are unable to obtain that information. Therefore, we assign those candidates a rating of “not recommended.”
In conducting these evaluations, the Council has participated in a joint investigation and interview process with the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening (“Alliance”). The Alliance includes the following bar associations: Asian American Bar Association, Black Women Lawyers Association, Chicago Council of Lawyers, Cook County Bar Association, Decalogue Society of Lawyers, Hellenic Bar Association, Hispanic Lawyers’ Association of Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association, Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago, Puerto Rican Bar Association, and the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois. The Council’s evaluation process includes:
(1) a review of a written informational questionnaire provided to the Alliance by the candidate, including details of the candidate’s career and professional development and information on any complaints filed against the candidate with the JIB or the ARDC;
(2) a review of the candidate’s written responses to the Alliance’s supplemental essay questionnaire;
(3) interviews of judges, attorneys, and others with personal knowledge about the candidate, including those who have and those who have not been referred to the Alliance by the candidate, and not restricted to Council members;
(4) a review of the candidate’s professional written work, where available;
(5) an interview of the candidate done jointly with the Alliance;
(6) review of any information concerning the candidate provided by the ARDC;
(7) a review of any other information available from public records, such as the Board of Election Commissioners and prosecutorial agencies; and
(8) an evaluation of all the above materials by the Council’s Judicial Evaluation Committee; and
(9) submission of the proposed evaluation and write-up to the candidate prior to its public release, to provide an opportunity for comment, correction, or reconsideration.
When the candidate is a sitting judge, the Council places special importance on interviews with attorneys who practice before the judge, particularly those who were not referred to the Council by the candidate. Most evaluations are based on information gathered and interviews held during the past few months. In cases where the Alliance evaluated candidates within the past five years, the Alliance requested updated information, but did not investigate or interview candidates again for the March 2012 primary, instead relying on the earlier results.
In evaluating candidates, the Council expresses written reasons for its conclusions, while abiding by promises to protect the confidentiality of its non-public sources. Without knowing the reason for a recommendation concerning a candidate, the public cannot use the bar’s evaluations intelligently to draw its own conclusions.
It should be noted that a lawyer might be performing well or even very well without being qualified to be a judge. A good lawyer may be unqualified to be a judge, for instance, because of a narrow range of prior experience, limited trial experience, or limited work doing legal research and writing. A lawyer may have the temperament and intelligence to be a judge without yet having worked in a position that would allow the candidate to demonstrate that capacity. Similarly, a candidate may have an outstanding resume but lack the temperament or patience to perform well as an even-handed or respectful judge. Accordingly, it should be recognized and expected that we will rate some good lawyers “not qualified.”
David C. Adams – Not Recommended
David C. Adams did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds him Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.
Gregory E. Ahern Jr. – Qualified
Gregory E. Ahern Jr. was admitted into practice in 1995, and has been an Assistant State’s Attorney his entire career. He became a first chair in 2004, handling felony trials. As lead trial counsel, he reports that he has brought 15 cases to a jury verdict. In addition, he has litigated 26 appellate cases. Mr Ahern is described as having good legal ability and is hardworking with an even-keeled temperament. He is considered ethical and is praised by opposing counsel as being honest and well-prepared. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Judge Thomas R. Allen – Qualified
Thomas R. Allen was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2011. From 1990 to 2010, he was a partner with Chapekis Marcus Allen & Chapekis. From 1986 to 1990, he was a sole practitioner doing criminal defense, real estate, and litigation. From 1987 to1992 he was a Panel Attorney for the Federal Defender Program and from 1976 to1986, he served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. He served as a Chicago Alderman from 1993 to 2010.
Judge Allen is considered to have very good legal ability with substantial litigation experience in both civil and criminal law matters. As a judge he is praised for his decisiveness his ability to facilitate settlements, his communication with jurors, and his courtroom management skills. He is reported to have an excellent temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Judge Larry Axelrood – Well Qualified
Judge Larry Axelrood became an Associate Judge in 2005. He has been assigned to the Second Municipal District since 2008. From 1989 to 2005 Judge Axelrood worked as a sole practitioner specializing in criminal defense. From 1985 to 1989, he served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney.
Judge Axelrood participates in a program “What Teens Need to Know.” This program is presented at area high schools to teach teenagers about the legal consequences of certain decisions. In June 2010, Judge Axelrood was given the Honorary Chairperson Award by the Alliance of Illinois Judges. He is the author of three published novels.
Judge Axelrood is considered to be a very good jurist, with a good grasp of the law and an even demeanor. He is considered to be hard-working and is adept at handling the requirements of presiding over two specialty court calls, Veterans Court and Mental Health Court, in addition to hearing felony criminal matters in the Criminal Division. He communicates well with defendants and is praised for his courtroom management. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Robert P. Babbitt – Not Recommended
Robert P. Babbitt did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds him Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.
Julie Line Bailey – Qualified
Julie Line Bailey was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1990. She is in private practice focusing on property and casualty subrogation. She has spent most of her legal career doing litigation as a private practitioner. She spent a short time at the beginning of her career doing appeals as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. She reports handling 60 appellate cases. Ms. Bailey is considered to have good legal ability and is reported to be a well-respected lawyer in the area of subrogation and insurance liens. Her career involves substantial in-court motion practice in addition to bench and jury trials. She is reported to have a good temperament. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Mark Battaglia – Not Qualified
Mark Battaglia was admitted to practice in 2000. He served for five years as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. He is now in private practice doing criminal defense, family law, and personal injury matters. Mr. Battaglia is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council is concerned that he lacks sufficient experience in more complex litigation matters. The Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Gideon A. Baum – Qualified
Gideon Baum was admitted to practice in Illinois on November 5, 1992. From November 1998 to present, he has worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, primarily in the Juvenile Division. From January 1994 to November 1998 he served as Legal Counsel/Analyst for Senate Democratic Staff. He was in private practice in 1993. Mr. Baum is considered to be knowledgeable about juvenile law matters. He is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. He is involved in a court program to supervise and train newer prosecutors. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Deidre Baumann – Not Qualified
Deidre Baumann was admitted to practice in 1992. She has spent her career in private practice with a small firm or as a sole practitioner. She handles civil litigation primarily, in both state and federal courts. She reports acting as lead counsel in 12 civil and 8 criminal cases. She also reports having significant appellate experience. While many respondents had a favorable impression of her litigation experience, a significant number questioned whether she had been knowledgeable enough in the cases they had opposed her. Ms. Baumann has been the subject of unfavorable written opinions by two judges. Most respondents say that she has a good temperament. While Ms. Baumann appears to be a respected attorney by many, there are attorneys who question her level of knowledge in some of her cases. On balance, the Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Judge Michael I. Bender – Qualified
Judge Michael I. Bender was admitted to practice in 1991. He was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2008. Before being appointed, he was with a firm concentrating in family law. He has served as an assistant corporation counsel for the Village of Skokie and was a sole practitioner for 10 years. He clerked for Illinois Appellate Court Justice Allen Hartman after graduating law school. As a lawyer, Mr. Bender was reported to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council, in 2007, was concerned, however, that he lacked sufficient experience in complex litigation matters. Since being appointed to the bench, he has been assigned to Traffic Court, but has also presided over misdemeanor criminal bench trials and motions, misdemeanor criminal jury trials, and civil trials and motions in the First Municipal District. Respondents in general praise his judicial abilities, saying that he has done a good job grasping new concepts, understanding the issues, managing the courtroom, and having a good temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Judge Helaine Berger – Not Qualified
Judge Helaine Berger became an Associate Judge in 1997. She has been assigned to the Child Protection Division since 2008. From 1983 to 1997, Judge Berger was in private practice doing general litigation. Judge Berger is considered to be a smart, hard-working jurist with a good grasp of juvenile law. Some lawyers say she has a good temperament, but many complain that she is too often dismissive of the lawyers before her. Many lawyers say that she is thorough and carefully reviews prepared orders. But other lawyers say she can make inconsistent rulings, and sometimes makes decisions that are outside her jurisdiction. On balance, the Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Jennifer Blanc – Not Qualified
Jennifer Blanc was admitted to practice in 1999. She is in private practice focusing on bankruptcy, probate, and real estate. She is very active in community service. Ms. Blanc is considered to be knowledgeable about her area of practice and she is to be commended for her community work. However, her practice is narrow and she lacks sufficient litigation experience to be a judge at this time. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Carl B. Boyd – Not Qualified
Carl B. Boyd was admitted to practice in Illinois in October 1991. Mr. Boyd has been a general practitioner with the same firm for 19 years doing bankruptcy and torts litigation. He has participated with the Rainbow Push Legal Clinic and the Chicago South Community Development Organization. Mr. Boyd is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council is concerned, however, that his actual trial work is limited. On balance, the Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Judge William Boyd – Well Qualified
Judge William Boyd became an Associate Judge in 1998. He was in private practice from 1983 to 1998 doing family law, probate, and general litigation. Judge Boyd taught as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Chicago-Kent College of Law from 2003 to 2007, and was also a Guest Lecturer at the University of Chicago Law school from 2006 to 2010. He was the recipient of the Lincoln Award presented by the West Suburban Bar Association on April 30, 2010, the recipient of the Samuel Berger Award presented by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Illinois Chapter on April 17, 2010, recipient of the Charles Freeman Award presented by the Illinois Judicial Council on September 26, 2006, and recipient of a Service Award from the Union Baptist Church on November 21, 2000.
Judge Boyd receives uniformly high praise for his legal knowledge and ability. He is considered to have an excellent temperament and is praised for his ability to manage a high volume courtroom where he presides over often complex matters. He is reportedly exceptionally hard-working. Although Judge Boyd has not published legal articles, he has served as adjunct faculty/guest lecturer at area law schools. He is praised for the quality of his written opinions. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Appellate Court.
Judge Tommy Hoskin Brewer – Qualified
Judge Tommy Hoskin Brewer was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2010. He was admitted to practice in 1976. Before becoming a judge, he was in private practice, specializing in criminal defense. He has been a sole practitioner since 1996. From 1976 to 1981 her served as a special agent for the FBI. He was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney from 1981 to 1985 and worked as a trial attorney and Deputy Chief in the Massachusetts Attorney Office from 1985 to 1989. He was the Chief Administrative Law Judge for the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation from 1991 to 1993. Mr. Brewer is reported to have good legal ability and good temperament. He has substantial litigation experience in a a variety of matters. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Mary Margaret Burke – Not Recommended
Mary Margaret Burke did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds her Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.
Carlos Claudio – Not Recommended
Carlos Claudio did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds him Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.
Judge Michael R. Clancy – Qualified
Judge Michael R. Clancy was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2011. He was admitted to practice in 1989. Before becoming a judge, he served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney from 1990 to 2002 where he was a well-respected first chair felony prosecutor. From 2002 to the present he has been in private practice doing criminal defense work. He is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. He has substantial litigation experience in more complex matters. He is praised for his fairness and for being hard-working. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Gerald Patrick Cleary III – Qualified
Gerald Patrick Cleary III has been a lawyer since 1989. He is currently a partner at SmithAmundsen, doing a variety of civil litigation. He leads the firm’s aerospace practice and also represents municipalities and corporations in civil rights matters. From 1990 to 1997 he was an associate attorney at Querrey & Harrow doing civil litigation. Mr. Cleary is considered to have good legal ability and an excellent temperament. He is praised for being exceptionally knowledgeable, hard-working, and fair. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Judge Maureen E. Connors – Well Qualified
Judge Maureen E. Connors was appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2010. She became an Associate Judge in 1988 and was elected to the bench in 1994. She was in private practice before taking the bench. She was an assistant general attorney at the Chicago Park District from 1983 to 1988 and was an attorney with Klafter & Burke from 1979 to 1985.
Judge Connors receives high praise both as an Appellate Court judge and as a trial jurist. She is praised for her knowledge of the law. She asks pointed questions during oral argument and her opinions are praised as well-reasoned and well-written. She was praised for her temperament as a trial judge and her ability to manage her courtroom. She gave ample time for parties before her to argue their cases and then made prompt rulings. The Council finds her Well Qualified for the Appellate Court.
Christine Cook – Qualified
Christine Cook was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1990. She is an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney doing appellate work. She worked from 2003 to 2008 as an Assistant State’s Attorney at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office in the Complex Narcotics Division, from 1997 to 2008 as an Assistant State’s Attorney for the Criminal Appeals Division, and from 1994 to 1997 as an Assistant State’s Attorney for the Criminal Prosecutions Bureau in Markham, IL. Ms. Cook is reported to have good legal ability and most respondents praised her temperament. The Council is concerned about her lack of jury trial experience. However, she has substantial complex motion practice experience and frequently appears in court. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Judge Joy Cunningham – Well Qualified
Judge Joy V. Cunningham was elected to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2006. She was elected as an Associate Judge in 1997 and served for three years before leaving the bench. From 2000 to 2006 she was Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary at Northwestern Memorial Healthcare. She served as Associate General Counsel for Loyola University from 1986 to 1996. Her legal career also included private practice and she served as a judicial law clerk to Glen Johnson of the Illinois Appellate Court. She is a past president of the Chicago Bar Association. She was a guest lecturer at Loyola University School of Law in 2008 and 2009. She does a considerable amount of teaching which requires extensive preparation of written materials which she provides to others in the judiciary in the context of seminars, conferences or reference materials. She has won numerous awards from 2005 to 2011.
Judge Cunningham was praised as a good practitioner and as a solid, hard-working jurist with good legal ability and temperament. As a trial judge she heard both civil and criminal law matters. As an Appellate Court Judge, she continues to be praised for her work ethic and temperament. She reportedly asks good questions during oral argument and writes well-reasoned opinions. The Council in 2006 found her Well Qualified for the Appellate Court and finds her Well Qualified for the Supreme Court.
Kevin Patrick Cunningham – Qualified
Kevin Patrick Cunningham was admitted in 1992. He is a sole practitioner and a prosecutor for the Village of Oak Lawn. From 1992 to 1998 he served as an Assistant State’s Attorney and from 1998 to 2001 did criminal defense and personal injury litigation for a private firm. As lead trial counsel, he reports taking 31 criminal and two civil cases to a jury verdict and around 100 to a bench verdict. He has litigated three appellate cases. Mr. Cunningham is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. He is considered to be a skilled practitioner who is hard-working and conscientious. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Daniel R. Degnan – Not Recommended
Daniel R. Degnan did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds him Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.
Maureen Leahy Delahanty – Qualified
Maureen Leahy Delahanty has been a lawyer since 1992. She has served as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney throughout her career. Since April 2007 she has been the coordinator of the preliminary hearings room in the Markham courthouse. Lawyers report that Ms. Delahanty is considered to have good legal ability. A few lawyers complained about her temperament, but she is generally considered to be a knowledgeable prosecutor who does her job well. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Kent Delgado – Qualified
Kent Delgado was admitted to practice in 1996. He is currently a partner with Delgado and Tiernan, PC doing criminal defense, probate, and immigration law. From 1996 to 2007, he served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. He reports handling 25 criminal jury trials, 1 civil law jury trial, more than 500 criminal law bench trials and 6 civil law bench trials.
Mr. Delgado has substantial trial experience in more complex matters. He is respected for his knowledge of the law and for his litigation skills. He is considered to have good legal ability and temperament, and he is praised for his willingness to mentor other attorneys. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Judge Mathias Delort – Well Qualified
Judge Mathias Delort was elected as an Associate Judge in 2007. From 1998 to 2007, Judge Delort was an Associate and Shareholder practicing Local Government, Education and Election Law at Robbins Schwartz et al. From 1988 to1998 he was an Associate and Partner at Odelson & Sterk Ltd., and from 1985 to 1988 he worked as a sole practitioner with a general practice. Judge Delort is currently assigned to the Circuit Court of Cook County, Chancery Division, Mortgage Foreclosure/Mechanics Lien Section, and presides over Calendar 61. He has served in the Section since May 2007. He is a primary author of the benchbook for judges in the foreclosure call. He is also the author of several IICLE chapters for lawyers.
As a practitioner, Judge Delort has extensive experience in municipal and election law at the trial and appellate court levels. He was well-respected as an able and well-prepared practitioner with good legal ability and temperament. As a jurist, he reportedly listens well and responds clearly and decisively. He is respected for his knowledge of the law and for his excellent temperament. He issues written opinions which he posts to Westlaw. He continues to write and lecture extensively. The Council finds Judge Delort Well Qualified for the Appellate Court.
Steve Demitro – Not Recommended
Steve Demitro did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds him Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.
Michael Joseph Dickman – Not Qualified
Michael Joseph Dickman was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1990. Since 2008 he has been an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney, where he prosecutes child abuse and neglect cases. He has served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender in the juvenile law area, and has been in private practice. From 1996 to 2007, he was employed as a hearing officer in child abuse and neglect matters. From January to May 2008, he worked as a research staff attorney for the Illinois Appellate Court. Mr. Dickman is reported to be a knowledgeable attorney with good temperament. The Council is concerned that Mr. Dickman’s legal practice has been very narrow and that he does not have substantial litigation experience in complex matters. On balance, the Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
John H. Ehrlich – Well Qualified
John H. Ehrlich was admitted to practice in 1988. He has worked in the City of Chicago Law Department since 1994 and has been Chief Assistant Corporation Counsel in the Torts Division since 1999. Prior to that, he was in private practice handling commercial litigation matters. Mr. Ehrlich has served as an adjunct professor at Northwestern University School of Law since the fall of 2003. Mr. Ehrlich has excellent legal ability and extensive legal experience. He has handled significant, high profile cases on behalf of the City of Chicago, both as plaintiff and defendant. He has a very good temperament. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Mark Vincent Ferrante – Well Qualified
Mark Vincent Ferrante was admitted to practice in Illinois on November 9, 1983. From April 1991 to the present he has worked at the Law Offices of Mark V. Ferrante as the owner of the firm. His practice focuses on personal injury matters. He has served in the Chicago Department of Law. He received a Pro Bono Service Award from the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and the Federal Bar Association. Mark Ferrante is highly praised for his legal ability, his professionalism, his attention to detail, and temperament. He has substantial litigation experience in more complex matters and has written and lectured for the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Judge Ellen L. Flannigan – Not Qualified
Judge Ellen L. Flannigan was admitted to practice in 1988. She was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2006, where she presides over cases in Traffic Court. Before being appointed to the bench, she was in private practice including serving as a partner with Mora Baugh Waitzman & Unger between 1993 and 2006 doing commercial litigation and securities law. Judge Flannigan is considered by many to be doing a good job in Traffic Court. Most respondents praise her legal ability and say that she is knowledgeable about traffic law matters. All report that she has a good temperament. Judge Flannigan provides no written opinions as a judge and her recent published works are limited to co-authoring a Circuit Court Protocol for Driving on a Suspended License cases and security law updates for clients when she was in private practice. The Council is concerned that she does not yet have the breadth or depth of experience, nor has she demonstrated her analytical writing ability. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Appellate Court.
Thomas William Flannigan – Not Qualified
Thomas Flannigan has been a lawyer since 1983. He has a Master’s degree in International Relations. After clerking with Illinois Supreme Court Justice William Clark, he served as an attorney with the firms of Arvey Hodes and Freeborn & Peters, concentrating on international business transactions and litigation. He worked as an attorney in Japan in 1988 and between 1991 and 1992. Since 1990, he has been a sole practitioner focusing on civil litigation, intellectual property matters, and estate planning. He has had a limited number of cases go to trial but has been involved in other aspects of complex civil litigation matters. The Council has found Mr. Flannigan to be Qualified to be a Circuit Judge. He is considered to have good legal ability. But a successful candidate for the Supreme Court Justice should have a broader range of experience and must demonstrate the analytic thinking through either work as a trial or appellate court judge or comparable experience. The Council finds Mr. Flannigan Not Qualified for the Illinois Supreme Court.
Michael Angelo Forti – Qualified
Michael Angelo Forti was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1980. He is currently the Deputy Corporation Counsel for the Constitutional and Commercial Litigation Division of the Chicago Department of Law. He has served as the Chief Assistant Corporation Counsel of that Division. From 1994-1999 he was Chief Assistant Corporation Counsel at the City of Chicago Law Department, and from 1980-1994 he was an Associate and later Partner at Bell Boyd and Lloyd, now K&L Gates. Mr. Forti is considered to have good legal ability. He is reported to be a thoughtful, organized, and well-prepared lawyer with a professional demeanor. While serving in a supervisory role, he also maintains a trial court practice where he appears as lead counsel in more complex matters. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court
Deborah J. Fortier – Not Qualified
Deborah J. Fortier was admitted to practice in 1977. Since August 2011 she has been a special counsel to the Cook County Health Hospital System. From 2007 to 2008 she was an assistant director of Cook County Department of Planning and Development. From 2004 to 2007 she was the Deputy Chief Legal Advisor for the Cook County Recorder of Deeds. From 2003 to 2004 she served as a hearing officer for the Illinois Department of Employment Security. From 1999 to 2002, she was in private practice doing legal research and from 1992 to 1999, she supervised the fee arbitration program for the Illinois State Bar Association. She is a past president of the Cook County Bar Association. Ms. Fortier reports having no litigation experience. She is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for her research abilities. She is reported to have a good temperament. The Council is concerned, however, that she lacks sufficient litigation experience in more complex matters. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Harry J. Fournier – Not Qualified
Harry J. Fournier was admitted to practice in 1997. He is currently a sole practitioner and has been a sole practitioner for most of his legal career. His work experience involves real estate matters and buying/selling businesses. He has little litigation experience. Mr. Fournier is considered to be knowledgeable in his area of practice, and is reported to have good temperament while being a zealous advocate for his clients. He is active in community affairs. The Council is concerned, however, that he does not have sufficient litigation experience of any kind. His career involves transactional matters. On balance, the Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
John Terrence Gallagher – Qualified
John Terrence Gallagher was admitted to practice in 1988. He has been a sole practitioner since 1996. He tries cases in both state and federal courts. From 1994 to 1996 he worked at the Law Office of Edward R. Vrdolyak where he represented clients in criminal matters, and from 1992 to1994 he worked at Augustine, Kern, & Levens where he litigated civil matters, mostly contract cases with some injury cases. He worked in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps between 1988 and 1992. Mr. Gallagher has substantial litigation experience and is considered to be a solid practitioner. He is reported to have a good temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
William Gamboney – Qualified
William Gamboney was admitted to practice in 1977. After spending a few years in private practice, he served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney between 1979 and 1994. He has been a sole practitioner since 1994. He reports acting as lead counsel in one civil jury, 50 criminal jury trials, 10 civil bench trials, and hundreds of criminal bench trials. He has handled 25 cases on appeal. Mr. Gamboney is considered to be a skilled criminal defense lawyer with extensive experience in state courts. He is praised for his demeanor and honesty. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Judge Celia Louise Gamrath – Qualified
Judge Celia Louise Gamrath was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2010. She was admitted to practice in 1994. Before becoming a judge, she was a partner at Schiller DuCanto and Fleck where she handled family law litigation, complex motion practice, and appeals. From 1994 to 1997, she served as a judicial law clerk in the Illinois Appellate Court. The vast majority of her cases settled before trial, but she did substantial numbers of evidentiary and dispositive motions. She reported handling about 50 appeal cases. Judge Gamrath is exceptionally active in bar association activities and has published numerous articles in legal texts. Lawyers report that as a lawyer, Judge Gamrath had good legal ability and was considered to be a zealous, ethical advocate who is hard-working. She has a good temperament and is praised for her community service. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Judge Rodolfo Garcia – Well Qualified
Judge Rodolfo Garcia was appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2003. He was elected to the Circuit Court in 1996. From 1983 to 1996, Judge Garcia worked as a sole practitioner with concentrations in criminal defense and immigration. From 1981 to 1983, he worked as an Assistant Illinois Attorney General in the Criminal Appeals Division. In March 2011, he was appointed to fill the elected spot of retiring Appellate Court Judge Michael J. Gallagher. He is presiding Judge of the Sixth Division. In 2007, Judge Garcia was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to the Committee on Jury Instructions (Civil) where he continues to sit. In 2005, he was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to the Criminal Law Edit, Align, and Reform Commission.
Judge Garcia is praised for being well-prepared for oral argument and for issuing well-reasoned, well-written opinions. He is considered to have very good legal ability and temperament. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Appellate Court.
Nicholas Geanopoulos – Qualified (Evaluated to fill a vacancy in 2006)
Nicholas Geanopoulos has practice law since 1983. He has been an associate with the Vrdolyak Law Group since 1992. From 1983 to 1992, he was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Mr. Geanopoulos is a solid practitioner with good legal ability and substantial trial experience. He has a good temperament. The Council finds him Qualified to fill a vacancy.
Judge William Edward Gomolinski – Qualified
Judge William Gomolinski has been a lawyer since 1986. He was appointed to the Circuit Court in July 2007. As a judge he works in traffic court. As an attorney, he was a partner in small firms with general practices, although much of his work was in domestic relations where he had substantial litigation experience. Judge Gomolinski is praised for his court management skills and for his temperament. He has received good marks for his legal ability and temperament as a lawyer before he took the bench. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Nicholas George Grapsas – Qualified
Nicholas George Grapsas was admitted to practice in Illinois on May 13, 1988. He is currently in private practice. From 2000 to 2008 Nicholas worked at Quinlan & Carroll Ltd. as an Associate and Partner, and from 1992 to 2000 he served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Mr. Grapsas is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He has substantial litigation experience and is praised for his litigation skills. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Judge Deborah Gubin – Well Qualified
Deborah Gubin was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2010. She served for ten years as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender, both as a trial attorney and as a supervisor. She also was General Counsel for the Illinois Department of Financial Institutions and did administrative and compliance work. She spent nearly 20 years as a sole practitioner. She has also been Deputy General Counsel and Chief Administrative Law Judge for the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. She has taught trial advocacy at Loyola Law School.
As a lawyer, Judge Gubin had extensive criminal and civil experience and was considered to be an excellent trial attorney. As a judge, she is praised for her ability to handle a high volume court call. Those lawyers appearing before her praise her for her courtroom demeanor, for being especially hard-working, and for the quality of her opinions. The Council finds her Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Joanne Guillemette – Not Qualified
Joanne Guillemette was admitted to practice in 1987. She is currently an attorney with the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, working as the Assistant Director of the Expedited Child Support Department. She was an Administrative Coordinator in the Office of the Chief Judge between 2001 and 2006. Between 1995 and 2000 she was a sole practitioner in private practice. Prior to that, she worked for two years in the Office of the Illinois Attorney General. She was Chief of the Child Advocacy Division and an Assistant Attorney General in the Consumer Protection Division. She spent one year as Regional Counsel for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and three years as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Lawyers report that she has good temperament and her integrity is unquestioned. She reports having litigation experience. However, some lawyers question whether she is capable of the more demanding court calls. Overall, she has not demonstrated sufficient experience in complex litigation matters to be a judge. The Council finds her Not Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.
Michael J. Halloran – Qualified
Michael J. Halloran has been a lawyer since 1986. He is a career Cook County Assistant Public Defender. Mr. Halloran is considered to be a good lawyer who is a zealous, but fair advocate for his clients. He has a good temperament and substantial bench and jury trial experience. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Judge Kay Marie Hanlon – Qualified
Judge Kay Marie Hanlon was elected to the Circuit Court in 2004. She is currently assigned to a felony trial courtroom in the Third Municipal District. Judge Hanlon was admitted to practice in 1985. Prior to election, she was in private practice focusing on criminal defense and family law. From 1985 to 1987, she served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney where she did both trial and appellate work. She teaches on-line classes. Judge Hanlon is praised for her legal knowledge and ability. She is reported to be exceptionally hard-working with a good temperament. She is also praised for her courtroom management skills and for the quality of her written opinions. The Council finds her Qualified for the Appellate Court.
Russell William Hartigan – Qualified
Russell William Hartigan was admitted to practice in 1976. He has been in private practice throughout his career with extensive personal injury litigation experience. He reports acting as lead counsel in 45 civil jury trials and in numerous arbitrations. He has personally handled fifteen cases as principal appellate counsel and argued orally eight of these in the U.S Court of Appeals, the Illinois Appellate Court, and the Illinois Supreme Court. He is active in bar association activities, and currently is on the Illinois State Bar Association Board of Governors. He has published articles on civil practice matters and is active in community affairs. Mr. Hartigan is reported to have good legal ability and a very good temperament. He is praised as a hard-working, conscientious, and knowledgeable practitioner. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Elizabeth Mary Hayes – Not Qualified
Elizabeth Mary Hayes was admitted to practice in 1986. In 2010 she became an Assistant Cook County Public Defender involved in misdemeanor matters. From 1994 to 2007 she was a Hearing Officer in the Child Protection Division. From 2007 to 2010 she worked in the Child Protection Division as a court coordinator. She was a staff attorney with the Illinois Guardianship & Advocacy Commission, Legal Advocacy Services from 1987 to 1993. The Council is concerned that her legal career lacks sufficient experience with litigation matters in more complex cases. Much of her work has been administrative in nature. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Mary Brigid Hayes – Qualified
Mary Brigid Hayes was admitted to practice in 1989. She has served since 1993 as an Assistant Public Guardian at the Cook County Public Guardian’s Office. She is currently doing appeals and courtroom support work. She has been responsible for litigation in her other positions within the Public Guardian’s Office. From 1996 to 1997, she practiced in the Probate Division. From 1997 to 1999 she was assigned to the Special Litigation Unit, and has handled wrongful death cases. She left the office in 1999 for family reasons and returned to the office, where she has been doing appeals and courtroom support work for the past nine years. She served as an Assistant Illinois Attorney General from 1991 to 1992, but resigned after refusing to prepare a brief asking the Illinois Supreme Court to affirm the conviction of Rolando Cruz. She informed her supervisor that she could not argue that Cruz received a fair trial. Cruz was later exonerated and she received a Commitment to Justice Award from the Chicago Council of Lawyers for her actions. Ms. Hayes has had an active litigation practice. She currently handles numerous appeals and prepares annual caselaw updates for the lawyers in her office. The Council finds her Qualified for the Appellate Court.
Stanley Hill – Qualified
Stanley Hill is widely reported to be a knowledgeable and tenacious lawyer, although the Council’s current investigation turned up an issue that warrants special mention. In 1994, Mr. Hill was held in contempt by Judge James B. Zagel for professional misconduct, a ruling that was upheld by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. In reported opinions, the district judge found, and the appellate court agreed, that Mr. Hill acted at trial with the specific intent to prejudice a fair and impartial proceeding by refusing to abide by the rulings of the court. Nevertheless, the balance of the Council’s investigation leads it to conclude that the passage of time and sufficient seasoning likely have tempered the approach to litigation reflected in those judicial opinions.
Based on the totality of its investigation, therefore, the Council finds Mr. Hill Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Judge Pamela E. Hill-Veal – Not Qualified
Judge Pamela E. Hill-Veal was appointed as an associate judge to fill a vacancy in 2004. Her current caseload involves small claims, breach of contract, and insurance matters. Prior to becoming a judge, she had been in private practice dealing mostly with domestic relations matters. She has been an administrative hearing officer with the Chicago Department of Administrative Hearings, and was a Civil Service Board member of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. She was as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender for one year early in her legal career. She has served as an Associate Professor at Chicago State University.
Lawyers report that Judge Hill-Veal is doing an adequate job in her current assignment which involves less complex matters. She is a diligent jurist. However, the Council is concerned that she lacks the sufficiently broad legal experience in more complex matters necessary to be a judge on the Illinois Appellate Court. As a judge she does not prepare written opinions and has not in any other way demonstrated the ability to write analytically through substantive legal writing and analysis – an ability that the Council requires of any Appellate Court candidate. The Chicago Council of Lawyers finds Judge Hill-Veal Not Qualified for the Illinois Appellate Court.
Judge Kevin W. Horan – Qualified
Judge Kevin W. Horan was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2010. He was admitted to practice in 1979. Before becoming a judge, he was a partner with the law firm of Rock Fusco LLC. He served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney from 1979 to 1987. He then entered private practice with Rock Fusco & Garvey Ltd and became partner in 1991. Mr. Fusco is considered to have good legal ability and has substantial experience in more complex litigation matters in both state and federal courts. He is praised for his professionalism. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Hon. Nathaniel Howse, Jr. – Qualified
Judge Nathaniel Howse, Jr. was appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2009. He was elected to the Circuit Court in 1998. Prior to assuming the bench, he practiced about 22 years in small law firms and as a sole practitioner. He is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. As a trial judge, he was praised for his courtroom management skills and for being knowledgeable about the variety of subjects involved in his court call, including election law, mental health adjudications, and tax deeds. He is considered to be a very good jurist and is praised for the quality of his written opinions. The Council finds him Qualified for the Appellate Court.
Judge Lionel Jean-Baptiste – Qualified
Judge Lionel Jean-Baptiste was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2011. He was admitted to practice in 1991. He is involved in numerous community service pro bono activities, including immigration law work for Haitians to pursue political asylum, Temporary Protective Status, and other relief under immigration law. Before becoming a judge, he had served as the Alderman for the 2nd Ward of Evanston, Illinois since 2001. At the time of his appointment to the bench, he was a sole practitioner doing administrative law (such as representing clients before the Illinois Department of Human Rights) and litigation. From 1997 to 2001 he practiced law with state Senator Kwame Raoul. He was a sole practitioner between 1993 and 1997 and from 1991 to 1993 he practiced in the firm of Gainer & Dillard.
Mr. Jean-Baptiste is reported to be a hard-working lawyer dedicated to social justice. He is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He has sufficient litigation experience in more complex matters. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Terrence M. Jordan – Not Recommended
Terrence M. Jordan did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds him Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.
Judge James L. Kaplan – Qualified
Judge James L. Kaplan was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2010. He was admitted to practice in 1971. Before becoming a Circuit Judge, he was senior partner with the law firm of Kaplan & Sorosky Ltd., and served as a judge on the Illinois Court of Claims. His practice primarily involved workers’ compensation matters. Judge Kaplan was considered to be a good lawyer with good legal ability and temperament. As a judge, he is reported to demonstrate a good temperament and ability to manage a courtroom. The Council finds Mr. Kaplan Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Martin C. Kelley – Not Qualified
Martin C. Kelley has been in private practice since his admission to the bar in 1992. He has spent his entire career with his family firm and is currently a partner. Mr. Kelley has adequate legal ability and temperament. The Council is concerned, however, that his practice lacks depth. He has little actual trial experience as the primary practitioner. In general, he lacks experience in complex litigation matters. The Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Judge Kathleen Kennedy – Qualified
Judge Kathleen Kennedy was admitted to the bar in 1982 and, prior to her election to the Circuit Court in 1996, she worked as a law clerk to Illinois Appellate Court Justice Rizzi and to (then) U.S. Magistrate Judge Lefkow. She was a supervising attorney in the Cook County Public Guardian’s Office for approximately five years where she had an appellate practice, and a Circuit Court hearing officer in child protection cases for approximately two years. Her initial assignment as a judge was to the expedited child support calendar, and in 2003 she was assigned to the Domestic Relations Division as an expedited hearing judge. In November 2008, she was assigned to an individual calendar in the Domestic Relations Division. All respondents say she is regarded as well-informed in the law and thorough in her handling of the matters coming before her. She is always well-prepared and conducts whatever research is necessary. She is praised for her legal ability, with many respondents saying she could handle cases in any division of the Circuit Court. Several respondents who appeared before her in the past praised her for her ability to deal with pro se litigants. Respondents say she understands all the issues and has the ability to deal with emotionally-charged issues. Judge Kennedy is well respected for her written opinions as a judge. Many respondents commented favorably on her written opinions, describing them as well-reasoned and demonstrating that she understood the issues. She has taught trial practice at the Loyola University School of Law. In general, she is praised for her reasoning and her ability to understand the issues. The Council finds her Qualified for the Appellate Court.
Joan Kubalanza – Qualified
Judge Kubalanza was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to be a trial judge in 2008. She is assigned to the Child Protection Division of the Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Her assignment began on the date of her recall December 1, 2008. When she was on the bench previously as an Associate Judge, 1998 to 1999, she was also assigned to the Child Protection Division of the Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Division. She was admitted to practice in 1984. Prior to becoming a judge, she was in private practice. Ms. Kubalanza is considered to have good legal ability and had solid litigation experience in more complex matters before taking the bench. She is praised for her temperament. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Sammy W. Lacey, Jr. – Not Recommended
Sammy W. Lacey, Jr. did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds Mr. Lacey Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.
Judge Terrence J. Lavin – Qualified
Judge Terrence J. Lavin was appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2010. From 1983 to 2009 Judge Lavin was in private practice. He has substantial litigation experience in medical malpractice and personal injury matters. He has taught trial advocacy as an Adjunct Professor at Chicago-Kent College of Law, and has written several published articles. He is active in community service. Judge Lavin was considered to be a good practitioner with good legal ability and temperament. As an appellate judge, he is reported to be well-prepared. His opinions are considered well-reasoned. The Council finds him Qualified for the Appellate Court.
Judge Pamela M. Leeming – Qualified
Judge Pamela M. Leeming was appointed to the bench in 2009 by the Illinois Supreme Court. She ran for election in the 2010 primary and was defeated. The Council found her Qualified for recall by the Illinois Supreme Court. Before being appointed to the bench she served an Assistant Cook County Public Defender since her admission to practice in 1990. She concentrated her practice in the areas of paternity, criminal misdemeanor, preliminary hearings, a variety of other pre- and post-trial matters, and appeals. As both a lawyer and as a judge, she is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council was concerned that as a lawyer she lacked breadth and depth in her legal experience, as well as an absence of sufficient experience in more complex litigation matters. As a judge she receives good marks for her temperament and ability to control a courtroom. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Ellis B. Levin – Not Qualified
Ellis B. Levin was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1973. He is currently a sole practitioner specializing in condominium, cooperative community associations, and property tax law. He primarily represents condominiums, community associations, and cooperatives in forcible entry cases and in administrative proceedings involving housing discrimination matters and building code cases. He was an Illinois State Representative from 1977-1979 and from 1981 to 1995. From 1973 to 1977, he served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Mr. Levin had a long career in the public service. The Council is concerned, however, that his litigation experience is narrow and he has insufficient experience in more complex matters. Some lawyers have questioned his tactics as a lawyer. The Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Kimberly Lewis – Not Recommended
Kimberly Lewis did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds her Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.
Scott Lipinski – Not Qualified
Scott Lipinski was admitted to practice in Illinois in November 2002. He currently serves as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender assigned to a misdemeanor courtroom in the Fifth Municipal District. Most attorneys report that Mr. Lipinski is capable of handling a misdemeanor call. But he does not have substantial litigation experience in more complex matters. Many lawyers also report that he on occasion will lose his temper in a professional setting. The Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Judge Laura Liu – Qualified
Judge Laura Liu was admitted to practice in 1991. She was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2010. Before taking the bench, she was in private practice. She is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. She has substantial litigation-related experience in more complex matters. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Ricardo Lugo – Not Qualified
Ricardo Lugo was admitted to practice in Illinois in 2001 and in Wisconsin in 1991. From 1991 to 2000, he served as an Assistant Public Defender, concentrating in juvenile law matters. From 2002 to 2004, he was in private practice in Cook County. His present professional practice is Deputy General Counsel for the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. He has been with the Clerk’s Office in some capacity since November 2004. He is currently engaged in human resources matters. His responsibilities for the past seven years have been mostly supervisory and administrative. He currently volunteers as an advisor at the trial advocacy skills clinic at the University of Chicago Law School. Mr. Lugo is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. Most of his litigation experience is from his employment as an Assistant Public Defender in Wisconsin between 1991 and 2000, although he was involved in a litigation practice in Chicago between 2002 and 2004. Many lawyers praise his work and his litigation skills. The Council is concerned that his litigation experience is not recent and that much of his legal career has not involved litigation. On balance, the Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Aicha M. MacCarthy – Not Qualified
Aicha M. MacCarthy was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1997. She is a sole practitioner handling a variety of criminal and civil law matters, with a focus on probate, real estate, and criminal law matters. She serves as a court-appointed guardian ad litem. From 2001 to 2008 she worked for the City of Chicago. From 2004 to 2008 she was an Assistant Commissioner at the Department of Aviation, and from 2001 to 2004 she was Assistant to the Mayor at the Office of the Mayor. In 2001, she was a Financial Planning Analyst at the Department of Planning and Development and from 1998 to 2001, she worked as a Staff Attorney/Hearing Officer at the Chicago Housing Authority. In 1998, she served as a Traffic Division Prosecutor at the Chicago Department of Law. She provides substantial amounts of time to pro bono programs. Ms. McCarthy is considered to have good legal ability with a substantial commitment to pro bono work. She has a good temperament and is considered diligent and hard-working. The Council is concerned that she does not have substantial experience in a variety of more complex litigation matters. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court at this time.
Edward James Maloney – Qualified
Edward James Maloney was admitted to practice in 1989. He is a career Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney where he has prosecuted misdemeanors and felony criminal cases, and has recently begun representing Cook County in civil litigation. He reports acting as lead counsel in 40 criminal jury trials, 500 criminal bench trials, and one civil bench trial. Mr. Maloney is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for his temperament. He has had experience with both simple and complex criminal matters and respondents noted that he has successfully made the transition to civil litigation. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Edward Michael Maloney – Qualified
Edward Michael Maloney was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1978. He is a partner at Ahern Maloney Moran & Block. From 1978 to 1985 he was an associate at Hennessy, Faraci & Tassone. He has published various articles on DUI related issues for the ISBA Traffic Newsletter, and the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. Mr. Maloney is considered to have good legal ability and is exceptionally knowledgeable about his practice area. He is reported to have good temperament and has substantial litigation experience in more complex matters. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Lisa Ann Marino – Qualified
Lisa Ann Marino was admitted to practice in 1988. She is currently a sole practitioner focusing on real estate and zoning issues. From 1993 to 1997, she was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney in the civil division, real estate tax unit. From 1988 to 1993 she was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney where she conducted more than 200 misdemeanor bench trials and traffic offenses, and handled felony financial crime cases. Ms. Marino is considered to be very knowledgeable about her area of practice and she is reported to be a good lawyer with a good temperament. She has experience in more complex litigation matters. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Diann K. Marsalek – Not Qualified
Diann Marsalek was admitted to practice in 1989. She spent 16 years in the Illinois Attorney General’s office doing litigation primarily for the Illinois Department of Corrections (DOC). Her initial 13 years in practice were primarily spent defending Section 1983 cases against the DOC in federal court, though she did also have some limited litigation experience in state court during this period. Her final three years in the AG’s office were spent as a “facilitator” for litigation involving the DOC and as a policy advisor concerning litigation and legislation. Ms. Marsalek is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council is concerned, however, that most of her litigation experience was earlier in her career and was in federal court. The Council finds her Not Qualified to serve in the Circuit Court.
Maritza Martinez – Qualified
Maritza Martinez was admitted to practice in 1989. Since 2005 she has been an associate at the Law Offices of Robert Fisher doing criminal defense work. In 2004, she was at a small firm doing insurance defense and catastrophic loss work, and from 1991 until 2004, she was with the City of Chicago Department of Law doing prosecution and civil rights defense. Prior to 1991, she spent two years at a small firm doing real estate work. Since November 2007, she has also served part-time as a hearing officer with the Illinois Court of Claims, conducting trials and making recommendations to the Court of Claims judges regarding the disposition of various claims against the State of Illinois. She also currently serves on the Inquiry Board of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission. Ms. Martinez reports that she has litigation experience in both state and federal courts, acting as lead counsel in two jury trials in criminal law matters, three juries in civil matters, and numerous prosecutions involving bench trials in municipal ordinance violations. Ms. Martinez is reported to have good legal ability and is considered knowledgeable about her areas of practice. She has had litigation experience in a variety of areas and she is reported to possess a good temperament. She is active in community activities. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Judge James M. McGing – Qualified
Judge James M. McGing was admitted to practice in 1986. He was elected to the Circuit Court of Cook County in 2006. From 1992 to 2006 Judge McGing was a partner in Miller, Fanucchi & McGing where he did personal injury and workers’ comp cases. From 2004 to 2006 he was Director of Legal and Legislative Affairs for the Sheriff of Cook County. From 1994 to 2000 he was legal counsel to the Sheriff of Cook County. He was a sole practitioner from 1989 to 1992 with a general trial practice. He served as a hearing officer for the City of Chicago and as a Special State’s Attorney doing litigation for the Cook County Sheriff. He was with a small firm from 1988 to 1989 and from 1986 to 1988 he served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney.
As a judge, he chaired the Traffic Bench Book Committee that drafted an amended bench book for suspended and revoked license courtrooms in the First Municipal District. He states that he is currently drafting new housing bench books for conservation and demolition. He is currently assigned to the Housing Section of the First Municipal District since coming on the bench (with the exception of being in Traffic Court for the first eight months of this judicial tenure). He handles cases involving administrative review (from the City of Chicago Administrative Hearings), Enforcement of Administrative Judgments, Demolition Judgments, City Liens-Foreclosure Call, the Public Nuisance Call, and is now part of the new Vacant/Abandoned Foreclosure Call. Judge McGing is praised as having good legal ability and for being fair and respectful to all those who appear before him. He is considered to have a good temperament and for his courtroom management skills. He issues detailed written opinions. The Council finds him Qualified for the Appellate Court.
Pamela McLean Meyerson – Qualified
Pamela McLean Meyerson was admitted to practice in 1983. Since 1989, she has been a sole practitioner, handling civil and commercial litigation in the Circuit Court of Cook County. She also organizes and advises small businesses. Between 1983 and 1985, she was in private practice at Antonow & Fink and was an associate with Goldberg Kohn Bell Black Rosenbloom & Moritz between 1985 and 1989. She teaches trial practice at the University of Chicago Law School. Ms. Meyerson reports no jury trial experience but has acted as lead counsel in 17 civil law bench trials. Ms. Meyerson is reported to have good legal ability and a professional demeanor. She is respected as a hard-working, knowledgeable, and highly ethical practitioner. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Michael Mullen – Well Qualified
Michael Mullen was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1981. He currently works as a partner at Paul B. Episcope LLC specializing in personal injury litigation. From 1991 to 1998, Mr. Mullen was a partner at Mullen & Minella. While in private practice, he concentrated his law practice on personal injury cases and more specifically on cases that involved catastrophic personal injuries caused by medical negligence and product liability. From 1985 to 1991, he served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney where he was the Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division, and from 1982-1985 he worked as an Assistant Illinois Attorney General. Mr. Mullen has personally handled 20 cases as principal counsel on appeal and has orally argued 15 cases. He has authored a number of continuing education articles. From 2006 to present, Mr. Mullen has been a Chairman for the Board of Fire and Police Commission at the Village of Western Springs, and has also participated in CURE, a charitable organization designed to provide medical and dental services to the community.
Mr. Mullen is highly regarded as a very experienced trial lawyer with substantial experience in both civil and criminal law matters. He has experience as an appellate lawyer, as well. He is considered to have very good legal ability and his knowledge of his areas of law is regarded uniformly as excellent. He has a good temperament and is described by respondents generally as low key, effective as an advocate, and fair in his professional dealings. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Maureen Murphy – Qualified
Maureen Murphy was admitted to practice in 1984. She currently serves as senior counsel to the Archdiocese of Chicago, where she has practiced since 1993. Her current practice includes employment and contract law, tax exemptions, school law, and general representation in a variety of matters. From January 1990 to March 1993, she worked as an associate at Phelan, Pope & John. From October 1987 to December 1989 she served as an Assistant Corporation Counsel at Chicago Department of Law, and from September 1984 to September 1987 she worked as an Associate at McDermott, Will & Emery. She is considered to have good legal ability. She is praised for her professional demeanor. While she has conducted few actual trials, she has an active courtroom practice. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Judge James C. Murray – Well Qualified
Judge James C. Murray was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2001 and served until 2002. He was recalled to the Circuit Court in 2005. He serves in the First Municipal District, in the Tax and Miscelleous Remedies Section. Before being appointed, he was a partner at Katten Muchin & Zavis, where his practice concentrated in bankruptcy, environmental, and insurance litigation. He is reported to have been an excellent attorney. As a judge, he is reported to have good legal ability. He is praised for being well-prepared, and for having a good temperament. He is reported to be very good at dealing with litigants unrepresented by counsel. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Marie Nalley – Not Recommended
Marie Nalley did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds her Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.
Judge P. Scott Neville – Qualified
Judge P. Scott Neville was appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court, First District, by the Illinois Supreme Court on June 11, 2004. He was appointed to the Circuit Court in 1999 and was elected to the bench in 2000. He had extensive litigation experience in both civil and criminal law matters before becoming a judge. He was reported to be a good trial judge before his appointment to the Appellate Court. Judge Neville has taught at the University of Chicago as an Annual Participant as a Judge and Lecturer from 1999 to present. He also was a Lecturer at Loyola School of Law from 2008-2011.
Judge Neville is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He is reported to always well-prepared and he is praised for his questioning during oral argument and for his written opinions. The Council finds him Qualified for the Appellate Court.
Jessica Arong O’Brien – Qualified
Jessica Arong O’Brien was admitted to practice in 1998. She received an LLM degree in 2002. She is currently a litigator with the Illinois Department of Revenue where she litigates income and sales tax cases and serves as an arbiter of facts and law for non-hearing cases. From 1998 to 2000 she served as an associate with Schuyler Roche & Crisham. She has been with the Illinois Department of Revenue since 2000. Before becoming a lawyer, Ms. O’Brien had a career in the hotel service industry. She is an active participant in bar association work and has an excellent record in community service.
Ms. O’Brien is considered to be a bright and hard-working lawyer. She has no jury trial experience as part of her employment, but recently volunteered to second chair a jury trial. She has extensive experience in evidentiary hearings before administrative hearing officers in proceedings that are similar to bench trials conducted in the Circuit Court of Cook County. The Council is concerned that Ms. O’Brien’s legal experience is narrow and that she has been a lawyer for a relatively short period of time.
She does, however, have substantial litigation experience and enjoys a reputation as smart lawyer with a professional demeanor. On balance, the Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Karen Lynn O’Malley – Qualified
Karen Lynn O’Malley was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1992. Since 2008, she has been in private practice doing personal injury litigation. From 1992 to 2008, she served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Between 2003 and 2008, she served as a deputy supervisor in the Child Advocacy Division of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. She has taught trial practice at Northwestern University School of Law.
She is considered to have good legal ability with a wide range of litigation experience in civil and criminal law matters. She is reported to have a good temperament and is praised for being hard-working and fair in her professional dealings. Respondents knowing her through both civil and criminal law matters praise her for being able to learn new areas of law quickly and thoroughly. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Thomas N. Osran – Qualified
Thomas N. Osran was admitted to practice in 1990. Prior to becoming an attorney, he was a newspaper reporter in Waukegan. Between 1991 and 2000, he served as an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the Chicago Department of Law. From 2000 to 2001, he worked at a public relations firm as an account executive. From 2001 to 2002, he worked at Arthur Andersen. Since 2002, he has been in private practice doing tort and insurance defense litigation. Mr. Osran is considered to have good legal ability. He has substantial litigation experience in more complex matters. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Peter A. Pacione – Not Recommended
Peter A. Pacione did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds him Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.
Sharon Finegan Patterson – Qualified
Sharon Finegan Patterson was admitted to the bar in 1980. She has been a sole practitioner handling employment and personal injury litigation since 1995. From 1982 to 1995, she was an associate at Lord, Bissell & Brook. From 1980 to 1982, she was law clerk to Hon. Daniel J. McNamara of the Illinois Appellate Court. Ms. Patterson is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. She is praised as being particularly hard-working with good analytical skills. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Nicole Patton – Not Qualified
Nicole Patton was admitted to practice in 1997. She is currently a sole practitioner and was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney having practiced in the areas of real estate taxation, delinquency, child protection, traffic, and appeals. She reports acting as lead counsel in one civil jury, five criminal juries, 200 criminal bench trials, and 100 civil trials. She has handled 25 cases on appeal. Ms. Patton is considered to have good legal ability and temperament and has the reputation of being a good attorney. The Council is concerned, however, because while Ms. Patton has litigation experience, little of it is in more complex matters. She has the potential for being a good judge but the Council believes she is not yet ready for the bench. The Council finds her Not Qualified at this time.
Paul S. Pavlus – Qualified
Paul S. Pavlus has been a lawyer since 1991. For most of his career, Mr. Pavlus has served as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney, where he currently serves Deputy Supervisor and Suburban Coordinator for domestic violence courtrooms. He is very involved in community service activities. Lawyers report that he has good legal ability and temperament. He is exceptionally knowledgeable about his area of law and enjoys a reputation of being a good advocate who is working to improve the legal system. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Daniel Peters – Not Qualified
Daniel Peters was admitted to practice in 1991. Mr. Peters has served as a prosecutor for the City of Burbank, and as legal advisor to St. Patricia Parish in Palos Hills. Following his admission to the bar, Mr. Peters served as Administrative Assistant to the Clerk of the Circuit Court, and also served as an administrative hearing officer from 1991 to 1992. From 1991 to 1995, he was an attorney in attendance for the Cook County Pension Board, and also maintained a private criminal trial practice. In addition, Mr. Peters has been an Independent Election Administrator on the Cook County Pension Board since 1994, and has represented and defended candidate petition challenges for the Lyons Township Electoral Board since 1991. Mr. Peters is praised for his temperament and has acquired litigation experience as a municipal prosecutor of traffic matters, as a bar attorney in misdemeanor criminal cases, and in other less complex matters. The Council is concerned, however, that while his transactional practice has grown in recent years, his litigation practice remains narrow and lacks sufficient depth. The Council finds him Not Qualified.
James Paul Pieczonka – Not Qualified
James Paul Pieczonka was admitted to practice in 1983. He has spent most of his career as a sole practitioner doing both transactional work and litigation. In addition to his legal practice, he has been involved in real estate development matters. From 1985 to 1996, he also worked as an Administrative Law Judge for the Illinois Department of Revenue in the Hearings Division. Mr. Pieczonka has limited litigation experience. Some question his litigation skills. Much of his career has been related to transactional work and real estate development. The Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Judge Lorna Propes – Well Qualified
Judge Lorna Propes was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2010. She was admitted to practice in 1975. Before becoming a judge, she was a partner in the firm of Propes & Kaveny LLC. She served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney between 1975 and 1980. She has been in private practice since 1980, concentrating on medical malpractice, product liability, and personal injury litigation. Judge Propes was considered to be an excellent trial attorney with substantial experience in more complex litigation matters. She brings to the bench a knowledge of both civil and criminal law. She has a good temperament and has been active in community service activities. The Council finds her Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Judge Aurelia Pucinski – Not Qualified
Judge Aurelia Pucinski was elected to the trial court bench in 2004 and to the Appellate Court in 2010. Before becoming a judge, she had a long history of public service. From 1998 to 2000, she served as the elected Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County where she made important improvements in the operation of that office. The Council found her Not Qualified when she ran for a trial court seat in 2004, saying that she lacked the requisite legal experience. The Council also found her Not Qualified when she ran for the Appellate Court, saying that while she was respected for her temperament, many lawyers appearing before her in the trial courts found her willingness to take an advocacy role while on the bench to be inappropriate. The Council was also concerned that she did not have appellate court experience.
During the current evaluation, many respondents questioned her knowledge of the law, although most praised her temperament. Some respondents were concerned that as a trial judge she continued to play an advocacy role and questioned whether she could be impartial as a judge in the Appellate Court or as a Supreme Court Justice. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Illinois Supreme Court.
Judge Marguerite A. Quinn – Not Qualified
Judge Marguerite A. Quinn was admitted to practice in 1986. She was elected as an Associate Judge in 2007. From 1999 to 2007, Judge Quinn was in private practice focusing on real estate taxation. From 1986 to 1998, she served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. As a lawyer, she was considered to have good legal ability and had substantial litigation experience. As a judge, she is praised for her calm and even temperament. She is considered well-versed in the law and respondents say she is always well-prepared. The Council is concerned, however, that she lacks the depth of experience necessary to become an appellate judge. She has been a judge for only four years and has little published writing. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Appellate Court.
Cynthia Ramirez – Qualified
Cynthia Ramirez has been practicing law since 1990. Following her admission to the bar, Ms. Ramirez served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender from 1990 to 1995, left the Office for private practice in 1996 to 1997, and returned to the Public Defender’s Office from 1997 to 1998. She has served as an administrative law judge with the Illinois Department of Human Services, and is currently an administrative law judge with the Illinois Department of Public Health. Ms. Ramirez is considered to have good legal ability, and is praised as an administrative law judge for her temperament and legal skills. She acquired first-hand litigation and courtroom experience both as an Assistant Public Defender and as a private practitioner. The Council finds her Qualified.
Judge Erica L. Reddick – Qualified
Judge Erica L. Reddick was admitted to practice in 1991. She was appointed to the Circuit Court by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2010. Prior to being appointed, Judge Reddick was an Acting Chief Assistant Cook County Public Defender. She has spent her career with the Office of the Cook County Public Defender. As a lawyer, Judge Reddick was considered to have good legal ability. She had a wide range of experience in criminal law matters and was praised for her litigation skills. She serves as an adjunct professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Judge Jesse G. Reyes – Qualified
Judge Jesse G. Reyes was elected as an Associate Judge in 1997. He currently sits in the Chancery Division hearing mortgage foreclosure matters. From 1995-1997, Judge Reyes worked as an Assistant Attorney at the Chicago Board of Education specializing in Civil Litigation, and from 1985 to 1995 he served as a Senior Supervising Attorney specializing in civil litigation at the City of Chicago Law Department, Torts Division. He was in private practice from 1984 to 1985. Judge Reyes has taught at the John Marshall Law School as a lecturer. He has written a Chapter on Illinois Mortgage Foreclosure Law and articles in the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois Newsletter. Judge Reyes is exceptionally active in community service. Judge Reyes is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He is praised for his courtroom management skills. He is always well-prepared and his rulings are often described as clear and well-reasoned. The Council finds him Qualified for the Appellate Court.
Judge James G. Riley – Not Qualified
Judge James G. Riley was elected to the Circuit Court in 1996 and currently sits in the Probate Division. He has been in this Division for most of his judicial career. He was in private practice before being elected to the bench. He teaches at the John Marshall Law School.
He is regarded as being knowledgeable about the law and a good problem-solver. He listens to all parties before him and is praised for his even-temperament, integrity and decisiveness. The Council, however, is concerned that his judicial experience has been narrow and we are unaware of scholarly works that he has published. He has demonstrated skills that make him a good Circuit Judge but a Supreme Court justice requires a broader understanding of the law. The Council finds him Not Qualified for the Supreme Court.
Roxanne L. Rochester – Qualified
Roxanne L. Rochester was admitted to the bar in 1989. She is a staff attorney in the Law Motions Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Before that, she was in private practice, spending fifteen years as a solo practitioner handling litigation, transactions for small companies, and probate work. Ms. Rochester is considered to be knowledgeable and well-prepared, with good analytical skills. She has substantial litigation experience in more complex civil litigation. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Joanne M. Rogers – Qualified (2008)
Joanne M. Rogers has been a lawyer since 1989. She is currently an attorney with the firm of Ellison, Nielsen, Zehe & Antas P.C., specializing in municipal defense, civil rights defense, and litigation of employment and labor matters. She has also served as a Cook County Assistant Public Defender for nine years and was a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney for one year doing appellate work. Ms. Rogers is considered to be a highly competent lawyer with good legal ability and with civil and criminal law experience in complex matters. She is praised for her temperament and for her diligence. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Abbey Romanek – Qualified
Abbey Romanek has practiced law since 1987. From 2004 to 2009, she was a Senior Assistant Attorney General in the Medicaid Fraud Division. From 1987 until 2004, she was in private practice first handling criminal defense matters and then focusing for the next eleven years on medical malpractice cases. Ms. Romanek is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. She has had substantial trial and appellate experience in complex civil and criminal law matters. The Council finds her Qualified to serve in the Circuit Court.
Judge Jean Prendergast Rooney – Well Qualified
Judge Jean Prendergast Rooney was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2010. From 1997 to 2009 she was in private practice doing civil litigation and appeals. From 1996 to 1997 she was a law clerk for Illinois Supreme Court Justice Justice Mary Ann McMorrow and from 1994 to 1996, she clerked for then Illinois Appellate Court Judge Mary Jane Theis. Judge Rooney is currently assigned to the Chancery Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. She has authored six publications published in the ISBA Illinois Lawyer Now Weekly. She is the past president of the Illinois Appellate Lawyers Association.
Judge Rooney, as a lawyer, had substantial litigation experience in complex matters. She is considered to have very good legal ability and was reportedly always well-prepared both as a practitioner and as a judge. She has an excellent temperament and reportedly communicates clearly to all parties before her while doing a good job of managing her call. All respondents reported that Judge Rooney produced well-reasoned opinions and rulings. The Council finds her Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Rhoda Sallee´ – Not Qualified
Rhoda Sallee´ was admitted to practice in Illinois in November 1999. She is a sole practitioner. From 2000 to 2009, Ms. Sallee´ worked part-time at Clarence L. Burch & Associates doing criminal defense work, and from 2003 to 2007 she was a Senior Attorney at Forest Preserve District of Cook County. From 1999 to 2002 she was a law clerk for the Circuit Court of Cook County. She is active in community affairs. Ms. Sallee´ is considered to be bright with a variety of professional experiences. The Council is concerned that during the evaluation, many respondents stated that she was often over zealous in her representation. Many respondents also commented on her temperament, saying she can be overly aggressive. The Council is also concerned that her practice at this time lacks sufficient depth – that she is an insufficient amount of litigation experience in more complex matters. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Don R. Sampen – Well Qualified
Don R. Sampen was admitted to practice in 1975. He is a partner in the law firm of Clausen Miller. He has been an associate and partner with other law firms throughout his career. He is currently an adjunct professor at Loyola University School of Law and has served in the past as an adjunct professor at a variety of law schools in the Chicago area. He is a columnist for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin and has authored several published works on antitrust law, Quo Warranto and Mandamus, and on insurance law. He has substantial experience in complex litigation and appellate court matters. Mr. Sampen is well respected as a trial litigator, an appellate practitioner, and as an author. He is considered to have very good legal ability and an excellent temperament. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Appellate Court.
Beatriz Santiago – Qualified
Beatriz Santiago was admitted to practice in 1996. She is an Assistant Cook County Public Defender defending felony cases in the Juvenile Division. For three years she was in private practice doing personal injury litigation. She is active in community affairs. As an Assistant Public Defender she has tried over 200 bench trials to verdict.
She is considered to have very good legal ability with good litigation skills. She was praised by both judges, colleagues, and prosecutors as being a zealous advocate for her clients while maintaining a professional demeanor. She is praised for her integrity. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Regina Scannicchio – Qualified
Regina Scannicchio has been in private practice since her admission to the bar in 1989. From 1989 to 1992, Ms. Scannicchio was associated with a general litigation firm, but her current practice consists mainly of family law and some real estate matters. Ms. Scannicchio is considered to have good legal ability and she is praised by both lawyers and judges for her professional demeanor. She has substantial litigation experience in more complex matters and enjoys a reputation as a solid practitioner. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Judge Andrea Schleifer – Well Qualified
Andrea Schleifer was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in November 2010. Before taking the bench, she was a solo practitioner concentrating in family law matters for most of her career since being admitted to practice in 1979. From 1986 to 1987, she was a partner in the general practice firm of Kaszak & Schleifer. From 1980 to 1981, she was a partner in the general practice firm of Mullane & Schleifer. Judge Schleifer is reported to have very good legal ability and temperament. As a lawyer she has substantial litigation experience in complex matters and was praised for her community service and for her service to the legal profession. The Council finds her Well Qualified to serve in the Circuit Court.
Daniel P. Scott – Not Recommended
Daniel P. Scott did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds him Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.
Judge James Shapiro – Qualified
Judge James Anthony Shapiro was admitted to practice in 1985. He was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2007 and continues to sit by appointment. As a private lawyer, he has been in private practice as (simultaneously) a solo practitioner, a partner in Shapiro & Schwartz, and of counsel to Applegate, Valauskas. His practice involved criminal law, employment, personal injury, appeals, and commercial litigation. He served as an Assistant United States Attorney from 1989 to 1995. From 1985 to 1989, he was in private civil practice doing commercial, tort, and labor litigation. Mr. Shapiro was also a hearing officer with the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission and a Cook County Arbitrator.
As a lawyer, Judge Shapiro was considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He had litigation experience in both civil and criminal law matters. He had demonstrated a laudable commitment to community service. As a judge, he is respected for his fairness, temperament, and ability to communicate with all those in the courtroom. The Council finds Judge Shapiro Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.
Judge Patrick J. Sherlock – Not Qualified
Judge Patrick J. Sherlock was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2007. From 1994 to 2007, Judge Sherlock worked as a sole practitioner specializing in commercial litigation. From 1990 to 1994, he worked for two private law firms doing commercial litigation. He currently sits in the First Municipal District doing post-judgment enforcement matters. As a lawyer, Judge Sherlock was considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He had substantial litigation experience before going onto the bench and was well-respected as a practitioner. As a judge, he is reported to have a good temperament with good courtroom management skills. He is praised for his ability to handle pro se litigants with respect and professionalism. The Council is concerned, however, that he has not had sufficient judicial experience to be an appellate judge. He has been a Circuit Judge for only four years where he has served in high volume courtrooms which does not provide an opportunity to draft written opinions. Further, he does not have published material. The Council finds him Not Qualified at this time for the Appellate Court.
Chester Slaughter – Not Recommended
Chester Slaughter did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds him Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.
Ketki Shroff Steffen – Qualified
Ketki Shroff Steffen was admitted to practice in 1991. She is a career Assistant State’s Attorney for Cook County. She reports being lead counsel in 30 trials that have gone to a jury verdict and over 500 that have gone to a bench verdict. She has litigated 13 cases on appeal. Ms. Steffen is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. She enjoys a reputation as a trusted and experienced criminal law litigator. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Brian Stephenson – Qualified
Brian Stephenson was admitted to practice in 1988. He has been in private practice throughout his career doing insurance defense, other types of civil litigation, and criminal defense. He is praised for his community service. He reports acting as lead counsel in 15 criminal jury cases, five civil jury cases, about 50 civil bench trials, and 25 criminal bench trials. Mr. Stephenson is considered to have good legal ability with a professional demeanor. He is respected as a good practitioner who is diligent and well-prepared. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Rodney Stewart – Not Qualified
Rodney Stewart was admitted in 1983. Since 1985, he has been a sole practitioner with an emphasis in juvenile abuse and neglect cases. He has served as a hearing officer with the Chicago Board of Education since 2000. Prior to serving as a sole practitioner, he was an attorney with the Chicago Department of Law. As lead counsel he reports taking six civil cases to a jury verdict and around 40 civil cases to a bench verdict. He has litigated five appellate cases. Mr. Stewart is reported to have good legal ability and experience in a variety of litigation matters. He is praised for his temperament. The Council is concerned, however, that his practice lacks sufficient breadth. The Council finds Mr. Stewart Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Laura Marie Sullivan – Not Recommended
Laura Marie Sullivan did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds her Not Recommended for the Appellate Court.
Karin E. Swanson – Qualified
Karin E. Swanson was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1995. She currently serves as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney, prosecuting murders, attempted murders, aggravated battery with a firearm and sexual assault cases. She served as an Assistant Illinois Attorney General between 1995 and 1999. Ms. Swanson is considered to have good legal ability. She is praised for her litigation skills and for being well-prepared. She is reported to have a good temperament and is considered to be a zealous, but fair prosecutor. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Judge Alfred M. Swanson – Qualified
Judge Alfred M. Swanson was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2010. He was admitted to practice in 1982. Before taking the bench, he did commercial and construction litigation in private practice. He served for three years as an Assistant Illinois Attorney General in the Consumer Fraud and Charitable Trust Divisions. As Editor of the ISBA Bench & Bar Section Newsletter, he frequently wrote or co-authored articles for publication in the newsletter. As a practitioner, Judge Swanson was considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He was highly regarded as a solid and diligent practitioner. As a judge, he is praised for his temperament and for his courtroom management skills. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Mable Taylor – Not Qualified
Mable Taylor was admitted to practice in 1994. She is a sole practitioner doing both criminal and civil law matters. Some lawyers report that she is a good lawyer with good temperament. She has demonstrated her commitment to public service. However, while Ms. Taylor has litigation experience, the Council is concerned that she lacks sufficient experience in more complex matters. In addition, she showed questionable judgment during the evaluation process through her unwillingness to cooperate fully with the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening (which includes the Chicago Council of Lawyers) in its efforts to gather meaningful information about her record and candidacy. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Justice Mary Jane Theis – Highly Qualified
Justice Mary Jane Theis was appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court in 2010. She was elected as an Associate Judge in 1983 and was elected to the Circuit Court in 1988. In the Circuit Court of Cook County, Justice Theis was assigned to the Chancery Division in 1993, and from 1988 to 1993 she was assigned to the Criminal Division. From 1983 to 1987, she served in the First Municipal District. Before taking the bench she served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. Justice Theis has taught at Loyola University of Chicago School of Law, Northwestern University School of Law, and John Marshall Law School. She was the author of “Recent amendment to Supreme Court Rule 304(b) and its impact on family law cases,” and Editor in Chief of “The Benchbook Project.” Justice Theis has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Illinois Judges Association, Catholic Lawyer of the Year from the Catholic Lawyers Guild, Celtic Lawyer of the Year from the Celtic Lawyers Society of Chicago, Mary Heftel Hooton Award from the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois, and the Access to Justice Award from the Illinois State Bar Association.
Judge Theis is considered to have outstanding legal ability and has received accolades from her judicial performance in a variety of trial court arenas, in the Appellate Court, and as an appointed Supreme Court Justice. She is praised as a scholar who both teaches and publishes. Her integrity is unquestioned, and she has an excellent temperament. She was patient as both a trial judge and an appellate judge. She is fair and even-handled to all parties appearing before her. She is also praised for being exceptionally hard-working and for opinions that are well-reasoned and well-written. The Council finds her Highly Qualified for the Illinois Supreme Court.
Judge Mary S. Trew – Qualified
Judge Mary S. Trew was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2010. She currently sits in the Domestic Relations Division. She was admitted to practice in Michigan in 1981 and in Illinois in 1991. From 1991 to 2010, she was a lawyer and Executive Director of the Domestic Violence Law Clinic. Judge Trew was an Adjunct Professor of Law at John Marshall Law School from 2008 to 2010. As a lawyer, Judge Trew was well-respected for her legal ability and litigation skills, with a variety of experience in both civil and criminal law matters. As a judge, she is praised for her courtroom management skills, for her temperament, and for the quality of her opinions. She is considered to have an outstanding knowledge of procedural and substantive law. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Bradley R. Trowbridge – Not Qualified
Bradley R. Trowbridge was admitted to practice in Illinois in 2000. Prior to law school he served as a social worker. Since 2004 he has served as a sole practitioner focusing on domestic relations issues. He has worked as a Staff Attorney at the Chicago Department of Law, as a Staff Attorney at the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago, and as an associate with Audrey Gaynor & Associates. He has done Domestic Violence/Order of Protection pro bono work. Mr. Trowbridge is considered to have good legal ability. He is praised by both lawyers and judges as having good litigation skills. He has a good temperament and is praised as being respectful and professional. The Council is concerned about his relatively few years in practice, and the narrowness of his experience. On balance, the Council finds him Not Qualified at this time for the Circuit Court.
Alma Learetta Tyson – Not Recommended
Alma Learetta Tyson did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds her Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.
Peter J. Vilkelis – Qualified
Peter J. Vilkelis was admitted to practice in 1980. He is in private practice focusing on criminal defense work. He served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney between 1981 and 1990. He is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for his professionalism. He has substantial experience in more complex legal matters. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Linda Ann Walls – Not Qualified
Linda was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1999. She currently serves as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. She also held this position from 1999 to 2005. From December 2005 to April 2009 as a solo practitioner in Palos Hills. Ms. Walls is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council is concerned, however, that she does not yet have sufficient litigation experience in more complex matters. The Council finds her Not Qualified at this time for the Circuit Court.
Judge Arthur P. Wheatley – Qualified
Judge Arthur P. Wheatley was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2010. He was admitted to practice in 1974. Before becoming a judge, he was Deputy General Counsel of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). He spent much of his career as an attorney with the CTA, although he worked for the federal government and was in private practice for four years. As a lawyer, he was considered to have good legal ability and was praised for his temperament and for his knowledge of tort law. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Arthur Wesley Willis – Qualified
Arthur Wesley Willis was admitted to practice in 1994. He is a career Assistant Cook County Public Defender, now handling felony trials. He reports being lead counsel in 25 trials that have gone to a jury verdict and over 300 that have gone to a bench verdict. Mr. Willis is considered to have good legal ability. He is praised by prosecutors, other defense counsel, and judges for the quality of his motion practice, research, and grasp of legal issues. He has a professional demeanor. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Rodrick F. Wimberly – Not Recommended
Rodrick F. Wimberly did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds him Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.
James Wright – Qualified
James Wright was admitted to practice in 1989. Prior to attending law school, Mr. Wright was a certified public accountant. From 2005 to 2010, he was the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor. His present professional experience includes serving of counsel to the law firm of Altheimer & Gray, as an Assistant United States Attorney for three years, and working for more than three years as an attorney in the Tax Division of the
U.S. Department of Justice. He has also served for two years as Chief of Staff to the Chicago Board of Education. From 2003 to 2005 he served as the Inspector General for the Illinois Toll Highway Authority. Mr. Wright is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He has a variety of legal experiences requiring in-depth analysis of complex matters. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Roger Zamparo – Not Recommended
Roger Zamparo did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds him Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.
Chicago Council of Lawyers 750 N. Lake Shore Dr. 4th Floor Chicago, Illinois 60611 Phone: 312-988-6565 Email: ccl@chicagocouncil.org Website: www.chicagocouncil.org
