A DIRECTORY OF STATE JUDGES IN CHICAGO
Judicial evaluations Conducted between 1986 and 2011 By The Chicago Council of Lawyers reviewing: Circuit Judges in Cook County Associate Judges in Cook County & Illinois Supreme Court and Appellate Court Justices, First District
Ninth Edition Copyright 2011, Chicago Council of Lawyers. All rights reserved. For permission to reprint, write: Malcolm C. Rich Executive Director Chicago Council of Lawyers 750 North Lake Shore Drive, Fourth Floor Chicago, Illinois 60611 Phone: (312) 988-6565
For more information: Chicago Council of Lawyers www.chicagocouncil.orgccl@chicagocouncil.org
- 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
TABLE OF CONTENTS A DIRECTORY OF STATE JUDGES IN CHICAGO
Introduction .
Methodology used by the Chicago Council of Lawyers in evaluating state court judicial candidates and judges seeking retention
Illinois Supreme Court and Illinois Appellate Court Justices: First District and Circuit Judges and Associate Judges, Circuit Court of Cook County
INTRODUCTION
The Chicago Council of Lawyers is the public interest bar association that promotes a fair, efficient and effective legal system, using judicial evaluations, amicus curiae briefs, publications, seminars and investigations of agencies and courts. The Council offers all lawyers an opportunity to work with other dedicated lawyers in promoting the highest standards of the legal profession and in serving the public interest.
The Council began evaluating state court and federal district court judges in 1970. We evaluate state court candidates seeking to fill judicial vacancies on the Circuit Court of Cook County.
We also evaluate sitting Cook County Circuit Court judges seeking retention. In addition, the Council evaluates First District candidates for the Illinois Supreme Court and the Illinois Appellate Court.
In this Directory of State Judges in Chicago, we have utilized Council judicial evaluations from 1986 to the present. We have included information about the Circuit Judges in Cook County, the Associate Judges in Cook County, as well as Supreme Court and Appellate Court Justices from the First District. Judicial assignments listed in the Directory are current as of March 2011.
Malcolm C. Rich Gabriel A. Fuentes Executive Director President Chicago Council of Lawyers Chicago Council of Lawyers 2011
750 North Lake Shore Drive, Fourth Floor Chicago, Illinois 60611 Phone: (312) 988-6565
METHODOLOGY USED BY THE CHICAGO COUNCIL OF LAWYERS IN EVALUATING STATE COURT JUDICIAL CANDIDATES AND JUDGES SEEKING RETENTION
The criteria for the Council’s evaluations are whether the candidate has demonstrated the ability to serve on the applicable 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.” Since 1998, 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.”
In April 1999 and March 2001, the Council evaluated candidates for Associate Judge positions in the Circuit Court of Cook County. Only those candidates deserving a “Well Qualified” or “Highly Qualified” rating were considered to be “Recommended.” All other candidates were assigned a rating of “Not Recommended.”
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 Supreme Court’s and Appellate Court’s work than 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.”
Since 1998, 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, Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois, Hispanic Lawyers’ Association of Illinois, 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.
Where 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.
The Council’s Judicial Evaluation Committee makes the ultimate decision on every judicial evaluation. Having a single body review and evaluate all the candidates promotes consistency and accountability.
In evaluating candidates, the Council expresses written reasons for its conclusions. 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 may 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. Accordingly, it should be recognized and expected that we will rate some good lawyers “Not Qualified.”
The Chicago Council of Lawyers
A DIRECTORY OF STATE JUDGES IN CHICAGO
Ninth Edition
NOTES
ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT AND ILLINOIS APPELLATE COURT JUSTICES: FIRST DISTRICT CIRCUIT JUDGES AND ASSOCIATE JUDGES OF COOK COUNTY
Martin S. AGRAN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Chancery Division
Previous Judicial Duties 2001-2004: Law Division, Jury Section; 1994-2001: Juvenile Justice Division: Child Protection Division; 1994: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1994.
Evaluation 11/00 Retention – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Martin S. Agran, 54, has been a judge since 1994. He is a supervising judge in the Juvenile Court, Juvenile Justice Division. Before becoming a judge, he served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney and was in private practice. He was a panel attorney with the Federal Defender’s Office for 14 years. He is considered to have excellent legal knowledge and ability, particularly having brought to the bench extensive state and federal litigation experience. He has an excellent judicial demeanor. The Council finds him Well Qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Hon. Martin S. Agran has been a judge since 1994. He currently sits in the Chancery Division. Prior to that, he was assigned to the Law Division and the Juvenile Justice Division. Before becoming a judge, he served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney and was in private practice. He was a panel attorney with the Federal Defender’s Office for 14 years. Judge Agran is considered to have excellent legal ability, having brought to the bench extensive federal and state litigation experience. He is even-tempered and is respected for his ability to control the courtroom. He is always well prepared. The Council finds him Well Qualified.
Carmen Aguilar
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Fourth Municipal District Elected as an Associate Judge in 2009.
Evaluation: Qualified (Evaluated for the 2008 Primary)
Carmen Aguilar has been a lawyer since 1990 and has been a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney throughout her career. She has extensive courtroom experience and served as a trial supervisor. She is considered to be an able prosecutor with good legal ability. She is praised by judges, prosecutors and defense counsel as fair with a good temperament. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Thomas R. Allen
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Probate Division
Appointed as a Circuit Judge by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2010
Jorge L. ALONSO
Date of birth: 4/28/66
Present Judicial Duties: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Second Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties 2003-2005: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, Traffic Court
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2003.
Evaluation 2002 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Qualified
Jorge L. Alonso received his Juris Doctorate from George Washington University in 1991 and was admitted to the Illinois Bar later that same year. Since his admission to the bar, he has been an Assistant Cook County Public Defender, where he has had substantial trial experience.
Mr. Alonso is considered to be well prepared with good legal ability and very good temperament. His integrity is unquestioned. Despite his relatively few years as a lawyer, Mr. Alonso is well respected by lawyers and judges. He is praised for his extensive community service work. The Council finds Mr. Alonso Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.
Edward A. ANTONIETTI
Date of birth: 11/28/39
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Sixth Municipal District
Appointed to fill a Circuit Court vacancy in 1994; elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1999.
Previous Judicial Duties 1999-2003: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District; 1994-1996: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Evaluation 1992 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Edward Antonietti, 52, has been an attorney in private practice for 27 years, with experience in both civil and criminal law matters. He is reported to possess good legal ability with an excellent temperament. Opposing counsel find him fair and of high integrity. The Council finds him Qualified.
2002 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
The Honorable Edward A. Antonietti has been on the bench since 1994, less the three years in which he was not re-appointed and had returned to his private practice in Calumet City (12/96 – 11/99). He is currently assigned to the First Municipal District, hearing the misdemeanor jury call at 1340 S. Michigan. He was admitted to practice in 1964. His private practice was both criminal and civil, and included complex litigation. He was considered to be “very well versed in the law” and is reputed to be honest and trustworthy. On the bench, he was reported to be very thorough, unbiased, patient, fair, and pleasant. The Council considers Judge Antonietti Qualified.
Mauricio ARAUJO
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Sixth Municipal District
Elected Circuit Court Judge in 2008
Evaluation 2008 Evaluation for Primary Elections: Qualified
Mr. Araujo was admitted to practice in 1993. He has worked in private practice since 1997, mainly doing personal injury insurance defense work. Between 1994 and 1997, he primarily handled workers’ compensation cases for the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and for the Chicago Housing Authority. He also worked for a little over one year doing workers’ compensation cases while employed by a private firm. Mr. Araujo is considered to have an excellent temperament and is praised for his integrity. He has provided extensive community service. The Council in its last evaluation of Mr. Araujo was concerned about the relative narrowness of his practice. The Council has re-evaluated his credentials for the 2008 judicial primary. He has in the last two years added substantial litigation experience and he continues to be praised for his ability and diligence as a practitioner. Under these circumstances, the Council finds Mr. Araujo Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Edward A. ARCE
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations
Elected Circuit Court Judge in 2008
Evaluation Evaluated to fill Judicial Vacancy: Not Qualified
Edward A. Arce was admitted to practice in 1985. He has been a partner in the general civil litigation firm of Whitcup & Arce since 1986. Lawyers report that Mr. Arce has an adequate temperament. However, the Council has concerns about his other qualifications. His evaluation uncovered questions about whether he has the ability and experience necessary to be a judge. His legal practice is not comprised of complex matters that would demonstrate his ability to be a judge. In addition, he has had little jury trial experience. The Council finds him Not Qualified.
Nancy J. ARNOLD
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Chancery Division
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1997; elected in 1998.
Evaluation 11/98 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Judge Nancy J. Arnold was appointed to the bench in May 1997. She was admitted to practice in 1977. Prior to her appointment to the bench, Judge Arnold was in private practice. She currently sits on the Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Pattern Jury Instructions for Civil Cases and on the Board of Commissioners of the Office of the State Appellate Defender. She has published a number of articles. Judge Arnold is widely praised as possessing outstanding legal ability and as having an excellent judicial temperament. She is fair, hard-working, and of highest integrity. The Council finds her Highly Qualified
11/04 Retention – Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Judge Nancy J. Arnold was appointed to the bench in May 1997 and currently sits in the Chancery Division. She was admitted to practice in 1977. Prior to her appointment to the bench, Judge Arnold was in private practice. Judge Arnold is widely praised as possessing outstanding legal ability and as having an excellent judicial temperament. She is fair, hardworking, and of highest integrity. The Council finds her Highly Qualified
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Nancy Arnold was admitted to practice in 1977. She was appointed to the bench in 1997 and presently serves in the Chancery Division of the Circuit Court, where she has been sitting since 2000. Prior to her appointment to the bench, Judge Arnold was in private practice. She currently sits on the Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Pattern Jury Instructions for Civil Cases and on the Board of Commissioners of the Office of the State Appellate Defender.
Judge Arnold is considered to have very good legal ability. She is prepared for court and is considered to be hard working. However, the Council is concerned that many lawyers say that she has become inpatient on the bench, sometime not allowing them to complete their arguments. On balance, the Council finds her Qualified for retention.
David B. ATKINS
Present Judicial Duties: Recalled Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed to fill a Circuit Court vacancy in 2003; recalled in 2004.
Evaluation October 2003 Evaluation to fill a vacancy: Qualified
David B. Atkins has been practicing since 1972. Since 1998 he has served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender, supervising 16 lawyers in the Maywood office. During his career he has been in private practice concentrating in both state and federal civil matters, has served as a supervisor in the Chicago Department of Law, has been an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney, and has served as an Assistant United States Attorney. He has extensive litigation experience in complex civil and criminal law matters. Mr. Atkins is considered to have very good legal ability and has a reputation for always being well prepared. He has a good temperament and his integrity is unquestioned. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Larry G. AXELROOD
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Second Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2005.
Evaluation 2005 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Qualified
Larry Axelrood was admitted to practice in 1985. His career has been primarily in the field of criminal law, with four years as an Assistant State’s Attorney, and nearly twelve years in solo practice as a defense attorney. He has some state and federal civil experience as well. In all respects, Mr. Axelrood rated well with persons contacted during his investigation, being described as a “peace-maker” and as having a “mastery of the issues.” He is said to have very good legal knowledge, an even temperament, and a good work ethic. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Axelrood is a published novelist. The Council considers Mr. Axelrood Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.
Callie Lynn BAIRD
Present Judicial Duties: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2007.
Evaluation 2006 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Qualified
Callie Baird was admitted to practice in 1988. She spent her initial nine years practicing as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. She served as chief administrative officer for the Chicago Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards from 1998 to 2002. She then spent a little over a year in private practice handling a mix of civil and criminal litigation, before being appointed as director for the Cook County Jail. In 2004, she became a special assistant in the Sheriff’s Office. She became director of the landlord accountability-Section 8 housing project for the CHA in October 2005. Most attorneys respect Ms. Baird’s abilities as a litigator, reporting that she has good legal ability and temperament. She has sufficient litigation experience. The Council finds Ms. Baird Qualified to serve in the Circuit Court.
Robert BALANOFF
Present Judicial Duties: Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2004.
Evaluation 2004 General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Recommended
The candidate elected not to participate in the evaluation process. The Council accordingly finds the candidate Not Recommended.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Robert Balanoff graduated from DePaul Law School in and was admitted to practice in 1982. Judge Robert Balanoff was elected to the Circuit Court in 2004. He presently serves in the Child Protection Division of the Circuit Court, where he decides wardship petitions, adjudicating claims of abuse and neglect of minor children. Prior to his election, Judge Balanoff in private practice.
Judge Balanoff drew praise from the respondents for his demeanor and courtesy. His compassion was well-noted. Respondents further characterized Judge Balanoff as both very efficient and quite diligent. Some attorneys with experience in Judge Balanoff’s courtroom felt he sometimes becomes impatient with parents appearing before him. On balance, however, Judge Balanoff is a judge with a good temperament who listens carefully and takes the time to explain his decisions. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
Patrice BALL-REED
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2008.
Evaluation 2008 Evaluation for Associate Judge: Qualified
Patrice Ball-Reed was licensed to practice in 1985 and currently serves as the Deputy Illinois Attorney General for Child Support Enforcement. She has served as the Deputy Supervisor in the Real Estate Property Tax Division of the State’s Attorney’s Office. Before that, she was in the Child Support Enforcement Division from 1989 through 1996. She spent four months as an independent contractor in 1988. From 1985 to 1988, she was an associate at Washington, Kenner, Hunter & Samuels, a general practice firm. Ms. Ball-Reed has been the President of the Black Women Lawyers Association of Greater Chicago and is involved in many other legal and nonlegal associations.
Ms. Ball-Reed is considered to be diligent and hard working. She has good temperament and her integrity is unquestioned. Her community service work is laudable, and she is widely praised for her work on behalf of legal reform. The Council finds Ms. Ball-Reed Qualified to serve in Circuit Court
Mark J. BALLARD
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, County Division
Previous Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1997.
Evaluation None
Patricia BANKS
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Jury Section
Previous Judicial Duties 1994-2001: Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1994.
Evaluation 11/00 Retention – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Patricia Banks, 51, has been a judge since 1994. She sits in the Domestic Relations Division, being one of the first judges to be part of the pilot individual calendar program. Prior to becoming a judge, she spent most of her legal career in private practice. Many lawyers question her legal ability and claim she has a poor temperament. Some lawyers complain that she is unpredictable in her rulings and some complain that she is not hard working. The Council finds her not qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Patricia Banks has been a judge since 1994. She sits in the Law Division, Jury Section. From 1994 until 2001, she was assigned to the Domestic Relations Division, being one of the first judges to be part of the pilot individual calendar program. Prior to becoming a judge, she spent most of her legal career in private practice. Judge Banks has adequate legal ability and judicial temperament. Her judicial performance, in general, has improved since she last ran for retention in 2000. The Council finds her Qualified.
Ronald F. BARTKOWICZ
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Individual Commercial Calendar Section
Previous Judicial Duties 1998-2001: Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Jury Trial Section; 1995-1998: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, Trial Section; 1994-1995: Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division; 19851994: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1985; elected to the Circuit Court in 1994
Evaluation 11/00 Retention – Circuit Court, Qualified
Ronald F. Bartkowicz, 60, has been a judge since 1985. He sits in the Law Division. He has also been assigned to the Domestic Relations Division and the First Municipal District. Before becoming a judge, he was an attorney with the Chicago Transit Authority. Lawyers report that Judge Bartkowicz has very good legal ability and judicial temperament. He is widely praised as being an impartial, hardworking judge who maintains good control of his courtroom. The Council finds him Qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Ronald F. Bartkowicz has been a judge since 1985. He currently hears an individual commercial calendar in the Law Division. He has also been assigned to the Domestic Relations Division and the First Municipal District. Before becoming a judge, he was an attorney with the Chicago Transit Authority. Judge Bartkowicz is considered by most lawyers to have good legal ability and temperament. He is praised for his courtroom management skills. The Council finds him Qualified.
Carole Kamin BELLOWS
Present Judicial Duties 1987-Present: Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations, Preliminary Motion, Judges Team Head for Team D
Previous Judicial Duties 1986-1987: Trial Judge, Domestic Relations Division
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1986; elected in 1988.
Evaluation 1988 (D) Primary and General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Bellows was in private practice for many years, and she was a leader in the Illinois State and American Bar Associations. She was appointed to the Circuit Court in 1986 and has been serving in the Domestic Relations Division. While several attorneys have expressed the hope that she will become more decisive as she receives additional experience on the bench, Judge Bellows receives very high marks for her demeanor, fairness, hard work and respect for attorneys and litigants. The Council finds Judge Bellows to be qualified.
11/94 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Carole Bellows, 59, has been a judge since 1986, when she was appointed to the Circuit Court. She has served in the Domestic Relations Division, where she currently is a team leader hearing pre-trial matters. Prior to her appointment to the bench she was in private practice for many years. She is a former President of the Illinois State Bar Association and was active in the American Bar Association.
Judge Bellows is described as very hard working, temperate, and fair. Her knowledge of the law is said to be good and she writes frequently. The Council finds her Qualified.
11/00 Retention – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Carole Kamin Bellows, 65, was first appointed to the Circuit Court in 1986 and was elected to office in 1988 and 1994. She has served her entire career in the Domestic Relations Division, and presently serves as a team leader hearing pretrial matters. Before reaching the bench, Judge Bellows had 26 years of experience as a Clerk to the Illinois Court of Claims and as partner at Bellows & Bellows; Reuben & Proctor; and Isham, Lincoln & Beale. Judge Bellows was previously found qualified by the Council in each of her prior runs for office. During the Alliance investigation, contacts reported high marks for her knowledge of the law, sensitivity, temperament, diligence and impartiality. She is especially adept at obtaining settlements of difficult cases. In recognition of her continued growth in the job, the Council finds Judge Bellows Well Qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Carole Kamin Bellows was first appointed to the Circuit Court in 1986 and was elected to office in 1988. She has served her entire career in the Domestic Relations Division, and presently serves as a team leader hearing pretrial matters. Before reaching the bench, Judge Bellows had 26 years of experience as a Clerk to the Illinois Court of Claims and as partner at Bellows & Bellows; Reuben & Proctor; and Isham, Lincoln & Beale. Judge Bellows is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. She is respected for her diligence and knowledge of the law. The Council finds her Qualified.
Gerald C. BENDER
Deceased
Michael Ian BENDER
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 2008
Evaluation Evaluated Prior to November 2008 Appointment to Bench: Not Qualified
Michael I. Bender was admitted to practice in 1991. He was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court in November 2008 to fill a judicial vacancy. Prior to assuming the bench he practiced 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. Mr. Bender is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council is concerned, however, that he lacks sufficient experience in complex litigation matters. His practice lacks the necessary depth and breadth of experience. The Council finds him Not Qualified to serve in the Circuit Court.
Helaine Leslie BERGER
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1997-1998: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1997.
Evaluation None
Andrew BERMAN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Chancery Division
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Juvenile Justice Division
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1996.
Evaluation 1996 Primary & General Election – Circuit Court: Qualified
Andrew Berman, 46, has been practicing law for 20 years. For more than 16 years, he has been an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. Before that, he served for three years as an Assistant in the Office of the State Appellate Defender. He has extensive trial and solid appellate experience. Mr. Berman has very good legal ability and is of high integrity. He is considered to have an excellent temperament. The Council finds him Qualified.
11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Hon. Andrew Berman was elected to the bench in 1996. He has been assigned to the Juvenile Justice Division since 1997. He began his judicial career in the First Municipal District, Traffic Court. He was an Assistant Cook County Public Defender from 1979 through 1996. Before that, he served for four years as an Assistant in the Office of the State Appellate Defender. Attorneys give him uniformly highly positive marks on his legal knowledge and ability, temperament, professional conduct, integrity, and character. He is also commended for his sensitivity on matters related to diversity and bias. The Council finds Judge Berman Well Qualified for retention.
2008 Retention Election- Well Qualified
Hon. Andrew Berman was elected to the bench in 1996. He has been assigned to the Juvenile Justice Division since 1997. He began his judicial career in the First Municipal District, Traffic Court. He was an Assistant Cook County Public Defender from 1979 through 1996. Before that, he served for four years as an Assistant in the Office of the State Appellate Defender. Attorneys give him uniformly highly positive marks on his legal knowledge and ability, temperament, professional conduct, integrity, and character. He is praised for taking the time to thoroughly explain his rulings to the juveniles and their parents or guardians who appear before him. He is active in juvenile justice reform efforts. The Council finds Judge Berman Well Qualified for retention.
Jeanne Cleveland BERNSTEIN
Present Judicial Duties: Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2004.
Evaluation 2004 General Election – Circuit Court: Qualified
Jeanne R. Cleveland Bernstein received her license to practice law in 1971. She has been a partner in a private general practice firm since 1976 and handles mostly Domestic Relations cases. From 1971 until 1976 she was a General Attorney with the Office of the Regional Counsel of the General Services Administration. Ms. Bernstein has substantial experience as a family law practitioner. She has good legal ability and a good temperament. She is widely praised as being an effective advocate for her clients and for her involvement in community activities. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Jeanne R. Cleveland Bernstein was elected to the Circuit Court in 2004 and presently serves in the Domestic Relations Division of the Circuit Court. Previously, Judge Bernstein sat in the First Municipal District. She was admitted to practice in 1971. Prior to her election, Judge Bernstein was in private practice and served as a mediator at the Center for Conflict Resolution.
Judge Cleveland Bernstein is considered to have good legal ability and his praised for her courtroom management. Most respondents find her to be a conscientious judge who moves cases along with due diligence. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
Steven James BERNSTEIN
Present Judicial Duties: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the bench in 2010
Evaluation 2010 Primary and General Elections: Not Qualified
Steven James Bernstein was admitted to practice in 1971. He is currently the Acting General Counsel for the Illinois Criminal Justice Authority where he drafts inter-agency agreements, drafts legislation, and prepares and delivers training programs. He is very active in community affairs, including as an elected official. He reports acting as lead counsel in 1 criminal and 1 jury trial, as well as in 90 civil bench trials and 150 criminal bench trials. However, most of Mr. Bernstein’s recent legal work involves real estate matters, and trial work cited in his evaluation materials were from as many as 30 years ago. He is very active in community affairs. Mr. Bernstein is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council is concerned that he has little litigation experience in more complex matters and has little recent litigation experience at all. The Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Laura BERTUCCI SMITH
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 2007
Evaluation 2002 Evaluation for Primary Election: Qualified
Laura Bertucci Smith was admitted to practice in 1991 and has been an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney her entire legal career. She is currently a First Chair in the Felony Trial Division of that office. She has tried over 300 bench trials to verdict and approximately 20 jury trials in her career.
The candidate served as first chair in 11 of the 20 felony jury trials. Lawyers comment positively on her performance. While she has been an attorney for little more than ten years, her experience and the information gathered during the Alliance investigation confirm that Ms. Smith is Qualified to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
Robert W. BERTUCCI
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, County Division
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division: 1992-1994: First Municipal District, Preliminary Hearing Courts; Misdemeanor Courts jury and non-jury; Housing Court; Civil Court (non-personal injury and contract cases)
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1992.
Evaluation 11/92 Fourteenth Subcircuit – Judgeship B: Qualified
Robert W. Bertucci, 35, was admitted to practice in 1983. He is currently in private practice doing criminal defense work. For most of his career he, was an Assistant State’s Attorney, prosecuting cases in a felony courtroom at 26th and California. While Mr. Bertucci is a relatively young attorney, the Council feels that is offset by the type of practice that he has had and the high praise that he receives as an attorney. The Council finds him Qualified.
11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Robert W. Bertucci, 41, became a judge in 1992 and currently sits in the Criminal Division at 26th and California. He has served in the Evening Narcotics Division and in the First Municipal District. For most of his career prior to becoming a judge, he served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney.
Judge Bertucci is considered to have good legal ability and unquestioned integrity. He is considered to be fair to both prosecutors and defense counsel. He is diligent and punctual. However, some lawyers report that Judge Bertucci has difficulties with his temperament. According to these lawyers, he can be short-tempered and unpredictable. However, most of these lawyers also report that Judge Bertucci is growing in the job and that while temperament is still a problem, it is improving. On balance, the Council believes that he is qualified for retention.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Robert W. Bertucci, 41, became a judge in 1992 and currently sits in the County Division. He has served in the Criminal Division and in the First Municipal District. For most of his career prior to becoming a judge, he served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney.
Judge Bertucci is considered to have good legal ability and unquestioned integrity. He is diligent and punctual. Lawyers reported in the past that Judge Bertucci had difficulties with his temperament, but we have not heard this recently. The Council believes that he is qualified for retention.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Robert Bertucci was admitted to practice in 1983. He was elected to the bench in 1997 and presently serves in the County Division of the Circuit Court. Previously, Judge Bertucci was in the Criminal Division of the Circuit Court at 26th and California. He was admitted to practice in 1983. Prior to his election, Judge Bertucci was an assistant State’s Attorney and a defense attorney in private practice.
Judge Bertucci is considered to have good legal ability and always takes the bench well-prepared for the call with knowledge of the cases to be heard. He is praised for showing respect of all persons appearing before him and is praised for his courtroom management. He is also praised for his ability to deal well with a wide variety of issues coming into his courtroom in cases ranging from involuntary admissions to election law issues. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
Samuel J. BETAR, III
Present Judicial Duties 2003: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Previous Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1998.
Evaluation None
Paul P. BIEBEL
Present Judicial Duties 2001-Present: Presiding Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1996; elected to the Circuit Court in 1998.
Evaluation 1998 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Judge Paul Biebel was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 1996. He currently sits in Juvenile Court. As a lawyer he had a long and respected career in both public service and with private law firms. He was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for more than 10 years and served as the Public Defender of Cook County between 1986 and 1988. He has also been a partner in the la firms of Winston & Strawn and Altheimer & Gray. As a judge, Judge Biebel is widely praised as patient, firm, and fair. He has excellent legal ability and is exceptionally hard working. His temperament is outstanding. The Council finds him Highly Qualified.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Judge Paul Biebel was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 1996. He currently is the Presiding Judge in the Criminal Division. As a lawyer he had a long and respected career in both public service and with private law firms. He was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for more than 10 years and served as the Public Defender of Cook County between 1986 and 1988. He has also been a partner in the law firms of Winston & Strawn and Altheimer & Gray. As a judge, Judge Biebel is widely praised as patient, firm, and fair. He has excellent legal ability and is exceptionally hard-working. His temperament is outstanding. As a presiding judge, he also receives very positive reviews. He works diligently for improvements in the criminal justice system. The Council finds him Highly Qualified.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Judge Paul Biebel was admitted to practice in 1967. He was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 1996 and currently is the Presiding Judge of the Criminal Division. He has served in the Juvenile Court. Prior to his election, Judge Biebel was an Assistant State’s Attorney and had served as the Public Defender of Cook County. As Presiding Judge, Judge Biebel hears the expungement call, examining petitions by persons with past convictions looking to expunge or seal their conviction record.
Judge Biebel is praised for his excellent legal ability and temperament. He is credited with improving the functioning of26th & California and working to provide special courts that address the needs and interests of representatives of the major stakeholders at 26th Street. He is highly respected for his commitment to justice. The Council finds him Highly Qualified.
Richard J. BILLIK, Jr.
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Chancery Division
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District; First Municipal District, Traffic Court, Housing Division
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1992.
Evaluation 11/92 General Election–Circuit Court: Qualified
Richard Billik, 39, was admitted to practice in 1977. He worked for three years in the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. For several months, he was assigned to prosecute misdemeanors at the U.S. Attorney’s office in Washington. He then worked as an associate at a
D.C. litigation firm, before moving to the Chicago area in 1982.
Mr. Billik has been a sole practitioner since 1982. He is reported to have very good skills at negotiation. He has an extensive motion practice, but has somewhat limited trial experience. On balance, the Council believes that Mr. Billik’s good ability and temperament outweigh his relative lack of experience. The Council therefore believes he is qualified.
11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Richard J. Billik, Jr., 45, was elected to the bench in 1992. He currently sits in the Law Division’s Jury Trial Section. Prior to becoming a judge, he had an extensive solo practice. Lawyers report that Judge Billik has good legal ability and is an excellent trial judge. He is well versed in the applicable law and will also conduct his own legal research on points with which he is not already familiar. His temperament is low-key but he runs his courtroom effectively. He is punctual and is considered to be exceptionally hard working. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Richard J. Billik, Jr. was elected to the bench in 1992. He currently sits in the Chancery Division after having served in the Law Division’s Jury Trial Section. Prior to becoming a judge, he had an extensive solo practice. Lawyers report that Judge Billik has good legal ability and is an excellent trial judge. He is well versed in the applicable law and will also conduct his own legal research on points with which he is not already familiar. His temperament is low-key but he runs his courtroom effectively. He is punctual and is considered to be exceptionally hard working. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Richard Billik was admitted to practice in 1977. He was elected to the Circuit Court in 1992 and presently serves in the Chancery Division of the Circuit Court. Previously, Judge Billik serves in the First Municipal District and on the commercial calendar in the Law Division. Prior to his election, Judge Billik was a trial attorney with the Department of Justice and an assistant District Attorney in Washington DC. He was later an attorney in private practice in Chicago.
Respondents praised Judge Billik’s common sense and temperament. He is considered hard-working, thoughtful and fair. He is praised for his courtroom management. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
Adam Donald BOURGEOIS, Jr.
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge in 1999.
Evaluation 1999 Evaluation for Associate Judge: Recommended
In April 1999, the Council found Judge Bourgeois Recommended for the position of Associate Judge.
Yolande M. BOURGEOIS
Present Judicial Duties: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2007. Evaluation 1996 Primary & General Election – Circuit Court: Qualified
Yolanda M. Bourgeois, 43, has been practicing law for 16 years. She is currently General Counsel of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority. She previously served as an Administrative Assistant to the Mayor of Chicago for one year. In 1989, she served in the Civil Division of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. From 1986 to 1989, she was as an associate in several general-practice private law firms. From 1980 to 1986, she was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Attorneys report that Ms. Bourgeois has very good legal ability and is hard working. Her temperament is excellent, and she has broad litigation experience. The Council finds her Qualified.
2006 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Qualified
Yolande M. Bourgeois was admitted to practice in 1983. After spending two years as a staff attorney for the National Juvenile Law Center in St. Louis, she spent a total of seven years as an ASA in Cook County (six years handling criminal cases and one year handling civil cases) and three years in private practice handling a variety of litigation. During 1989 and 1990 she served as an administrative assistant to Mayor Daley. She then spent six years as an assistant general counsel for the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, six years as Deputy General Counsel for the CHA, and six years as the general counsel for the City Colleges of Chicago. During her initial ten years in practice she had significant hands-on litigation and trial experience. She is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council finds Ms. Bourgeois qualified to serve in the Circuit Court.
Darron Edward BOWDEN
Present Judicial Duties: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2007.
Evaluation 2006 Evaluation to fill a Circuit Court Vacancy: Qualified
Darron Bowden was admitted to the bar in 1987. He has spent most of his career in the Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender, where he has been Chief of the Civil Division since 2004, having previously held that position from 1997 to 2000. From 2002 until 2004, he was the Executive Director of First Defense Legal Aid. Mr. Bowden is considered to have good legal ability and an excellent temperament. He has substantial trial experience as well as being involved in legal reform efforts. The Council finds him Qualified to fill a vacancy.
William Stewart BOYD
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division.
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1998.
Evaluation None
Daniel Patrick BRENNAN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2006.
Evaluation 2006 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Recommended
The candidate elected not to participate in the evaluation process. The Council accordingly finds the candidate Not Recommended.
Margaret A. BRENNAN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2002.
Evaluation 2002 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Margaret Ann Brennan has worked as an assistant general counsel for Exelon Corporation (formerly Commonwealth Edison) since 1994. She previously worked for the City of Chicago’s Law Department, where she prosecuted traffic cases; in private practice, handling personal injury matters; and for the American Bar Association’s Special Committee on Prepaid Legal Services and the American Prepaid Legal Institute. She obtained her license in 1987. She has tried a total of ten jury cases to verdict and has tried hundreds of bench trials, the bulk of those when she was prosecuting traffic cases. Her peers regard her as bright, with good legal knowledge and understanding of the legal process. Her temperament, impartiality, and integrity are all described as good, and her professional conduct excellent. Adversaries remark that she is a good advocate for her client but also fair and balanced. Yet the candidate at this time has not established a track record sufficient to warrant our confidence that she can run a courtroom. Specifically, the Council does not believe that she has yet obtained the depth and breadth of experience that the office requires. At this time, the Council finds Ms. Brennan Not Qualified.
2008 Retention Election: Qualified
Hon. Margaret Ann Brennan was elected to the bench in 2002. She is assigned to the Fifth Municipal District. Before taking the bench she worked as an assistant general counsel for Exelon Corporation (formerly Commonwealth Edison); as an attorney for the City of Chicago’s Law Department, where she prosecuted traffic cases; in private practice, handling personal injury matters; and for the American Bar Association’s Special Committee on Prepaid Legal Services and the American Prepaid Legal Institute. She was admitted to practice in 1987. Judge Brennan is considered to have good legal ability and is especially praised for her temperament and for her courtroom management skills. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
Eileen M. BREWER
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Previous Judicial Duties 2002-2003 Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2002.
Evaluation 2002 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Eileen Mary Brewer was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1987. From 1988 to 1994, she worked as an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago where she concentrated in federal civil rights actions involving employment discrimination, excessive force, and First Amendment issues. Before that, she spent one year at Jenner & Block. The candidate earned high praise from all persons contacted for her writing, legal knowledge, integrity, intellect, sensitivity, conduct and work ethic. We find the candidate Well Qualified.
2006 Primary Election – Appellate Court: Qualified
Hon. Eileen Mary Brewer was elected in 2002 and has sat in the Domestic Relations Division since 2003. Before that, she was assigned to the Traffic Court. From 1994 until 2002, she was Chief Counsel to Cook County Board President John Stroger. From 1988 to 1994, she worked as an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago. Before that, she spent one year as an associate attorney at Jenner & Block. Judge Brewer is considered to be a solid jurist with excellent legal ability and a very good temperament. She has an impressive educational background and was praised for her experience and writing ability as a practicing lawyer. The Council finds her Qualified for the Appellate Court.
2008 Retention Election- Well Qualified
Hon. Eileen Mary Brewer was elected in 2002 and has sat in the Domestic Relations Division since 2003. Before that, she was assigned to the Traffic Court. From 1994 until 2002, she was Chief Counsel to Cook County Board President John Stroger. From 1988 to 1994, she worked as an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago. Before that, she spent one year as an associate attorney at Jenner & Block. Judge Brewer is considered to be a solid jurist with excellent legal ability and a very good temperament. The Council finds her Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Tommy H. BREWER
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed to the Circuit Court by the Illinois Appellate Court in 2010.
Evaluation: Qualified
Tommy Hoskin Brewer was admitted to practice in 1976 and was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2010. Before taking the bench he was in private practice, specializing in criminal defense. He had been a sole practitioner since 1996. From 1976 to 1981 he 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. As a lawyer, Mr. Brewer is reported to have good legal ability and good temperament. He had substantial litigation experience in a variety of matters. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Cynthia BRIM
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Fifth Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties 1996-1998: Judge, Circuit Court, Sixth Municipal District: 1994-1996: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1994.
Evaluation 11/00 Retention – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Cynthia Brim, 42, has been a judge since 1994. She sits in the Fifth Municipal District hearing misdemeanor, traffic, and ordinance violation cases. Before becoming a judge she served as an Assistant Chicago Corporation Counsel. Many lawyers question whether Judge Brim has adequate legal ability or temperament to be a judge. She is professional and dedicated, but reportedly lacks a good grasp of the law and treats litigants harshly. Criminal defense lawyers often seek to be assigned another judge when possible. The Council finds her Not Qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Cynthia Brim sits in the Fifth Municipal District hearing eviction, small claims and cases in which the parties have waived jury demands. She was elected to the bench in 1994 after a career as an Assistant Chicago Corporation Counsel and as an Assistant Illinois Attorney General. Many lawyers report that Judge Brim demonstrates a lack of punctuality, and there were reports that some lawyers routinely ask for a substitution of judge when assigned to her courtroom. She is professional and dedicated, but she has demonstrated too often a lack of a good grasp of the law. The Council finds her Not Qualified.
Stephen Y. BRODHAY
Present Judicial Duties 1991-Present: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1991: Traffic Division
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1991
Evaluation 1988 Primary & General Elections–Circuit Court (Salerno Vacancy): Qualified
Stephen Y. Brodhay is an Assistant State’s Attorney of thirteen years with extensive experience trying felony cases, as well as a thorough background in juvenile matters. He received praise from judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys who consider him fair-minded, honest, hard working and a person of high integrity and independence. The Council finds Mr. Brodhay Qualified.
1990 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Mr. Brodhay was admitted to practice law in 1973. He has been an Assistant State’s Attorney for 16 years. The Council found Mr. Brodhay qualified for the Circuit Court in 1988. He continues to receive praise from judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys who consider him to be fair-minded, honest, hard working and a person of high integrity and independence. The Council finds him Qualified.
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Rodney Hughes BROOKS
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Juvenile Justice Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1994-1997: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1994.
Evaluation 1998 Primary & General Elections – Appellate Court: Not Recommended
Rodney Hughes Brooks did not participate in the Council’s evaluation process, submitting no information in support of his candidacy. The Council received insufficient information to judge his qualifications for the Appellate Court. The Council finds him Not Recommended
11/00 Retention – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Rodney Brooks, 47, was first elected to the bench in 1994 and serves as a trial judge in the Juvenile Justice Division. He has not previously been rated by the Council. Before being elected to the bench, the Judge had 14 years of practice experience, mostly as a solo practitioner focusing on bankruptcy.
During the Alliance investigation, the Judge drew uniformly good marks for his integrity and impartiality, but received mixed reviews at best for his legal ability and temperament. There are disquieting reports that Judge Brooks cannot control his courtroom, lacks a grounding in basic procedural and evidentiary concepts, and demonstrates a lack of sensitivity to crime victims. The Council also found his written materials, submitted during the evaluation process, to be exceptionally shallow. For these reasons, the Council finds him Not Qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Hon. Rodney Hughes Brooks was first elected to the bench in 1994 and serves as a trial judge in the Juvenile Justice Division. Before being elected to the bench, the Judge had 14 years of practice experience, mostly as a solo practitioner focusing on bankruptcy. Judge Brooks receives mixed reviews for legal ability and temperament. There are many reports, in addition, that question his ability to manage his courtroom. The Council finds him Not Qualified.
Janet Adams BROSNAHAN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Fifth Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties 2002-2003: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2002
Evaluation 2002 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Janet Adams Brosnahan was admitted to practice in 1990. Since that time, she has been an associate at several small law firms. She is primarily a civil litigator, focusing on matters involving labor relations, employment, fraud, and truth in lending matters in both state and federal court. She has also had some experience with transactional and appellate matters. She has tried no jury cases, and has tried only two non-jury civil cases to judgment. While she was in law school, she participated in the trial of five non-jury criminal cases. Those familiar with her work are largely complimentary of her skills, describing her as experienced, knowledgeable, professional, and a competent advocate in the courtroom. She is praised for her temperament and integrity. However, particularly in view of her very limited trial experience, the Council does not believe Ms. Brosnahan has yet achieved the breadth or depth of experience in her career to qualify her for a position on the bench. At this time, we find the candidate Not Qualified for the position of Circuit Judge.
Mary Margaret BROSNAHAN
Present Judicial Duties 2001 – Present: Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division
Previous Judicial Duties 2000-2001: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, traffic court Date of admission to practice law in Illinois: 1986
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2000
Evaluation 2000 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Mary Margaret Brosnahan, 39, is a 1986 graduate of DePaul University College of Law. She has spent her entire legal career in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Since 1997, she has been a Supervisor in the Felony Trial Division. She supervises eighteen Assistant State’s Attorneys in the Felony Trial Courts. Lawyers report that Ms. Brosnahan is a competent prosecutor who has good legal ability.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Mary Margaret Brosnahan has been a judge since 2000 and is presently a floating judge in the Criminal Division. Before her election, she was a Supervisor in the Felony Trial Division of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, where she served for fourteen years. Judge Brosnahan is widely respected as a solid jurist with good legal ability. She is praised as having a very good judicial temperament with the ability to both move cases along and to be fair to all parties. The Council finds her Qualified.
2008 Retention: Not Qualified
Hon. Margaret Brosnahan was admitted to practice in 1990 and worked as an associate in a number of small law firms, where her practice consisted primarily of civil litigation matters. Although lacking substantial trial experience, she was elected to the Circuit Court in 2002. After a brief assignment in the 1st Municipal District, she was assigned to the 5th District in Bridgeview, where she has sat for the last five years and, until last year, presided in misdemeanor jury trials. She now handles civil matters. Lawyers appearing before her report that she has adequate legal knowledge and ability, though there are persistent complaints that she is slow to grasp legal issues and slower still to decide them. Her motion call, in particular, is reported to run slowly and often begins late. Some lawyers believe that Judge Brosnahan can be too short with counsel, while others see any abruptness as necessary to moving a high volume call. The Council finds her Not Qualified for retention.
James R. BROWN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2002.
Evaluation 2002 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
James R. Brown was admitted to practice in 1990. He served as an Assistant State’s Attorney from 1990 to 1994, and has since practiced in Chicago (as an associate and then solo) in both civil and criminal matters. While the investigation showed that Mr. Brown is a capable lawyer with good character and integrity, at this stage in his career we do not believe his career has sufficient length or breadth to warrant his promotion to the bench. We find the candidate at this time Not Qualified.
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. James R. Brown was admitted to practice in 1990 and was elected to the bench in 2002. He served as an Assistant State’s Attorney from 1990 to 1994, and then practiced in Chicago (as an associate and then solo) in both civil and criminal matters. He sits in Branch 44, presiding over felony preliminary hearings. Judge Brown is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. He is praised for his willingness to explain his rulings to defendants and to provide advice to younger lawyers after their case is resolved. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
Michael BROWN
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division
Previous Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1999
Evaluation 1999 Evaluation for Associate Judge: Recommended
In April 1999, the Council found Judge Brown Recommended for the position of Associate Judge.
Gary L. BROWNFIELD
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Fifth Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District: Law Division, Motions Section; 1992-1994: Associate Supervising Judge, Juvenile Court, Abuse and Neglect Section; 1990-1991: Juvenile Court, Abuse and Neglect Section; 1989-1990: First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1989.
Evaluation None
Elizabeth M. BUDZINSKI
Present Judicial Duties: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Motions Section
Previous Judicial Duties: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division; 2003 Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, Traffic Court Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2003.
Evaluation 2002 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Qualified
Elizabeth Mary Budzinski was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1989. She has been with Wilson, Elder, Moskowitz, Edelman & Dicker since 1989 and has been a partner there since 1996. Prior to that, she spent one year at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Ms. Budzinski is a 1988 graduate of IIT/Chicago-Kent College of Law. She has been an officer and a member of the Board of Directors of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois.
Ms. Budzinski is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. She is praised as a solid practitioner who is always well prepared. Her integrity is unquestioned. The Council finds Ms. Budzinski Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.
Henry A. BUDZINSKI
Present Judicial Duties Recalled Presiding Judge, Circuit Court, Probate Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1992-2002: Presiding Judge, Circuit Court, Probate Division; 1976-1992: Judge, Circuit Court, Probate Division; 1976: Traffic Court
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1976; elected to the Circuit Court in 1976; recalled in 2002.
Evaluation 11/90 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Budzinski has been a Circuit Judge since 1984. Since 1976, he has served in the Probate Division, handling decedents’ estates cases. Lawyers report that Judge Budzinski has displayed adequate legal ability and that he is a fair judge.
10/96 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Henry A. Budzinski, 72, has been a judge since 1976. He has been assigned to the Probate Division since 1976 and has served as Presiding Judge of that Division since 1992. He is a hardworking Presiding Judge, and the Probate Division courtrooms run smoothly. He has taken special efforts to keep the judges in the Probate Division up to date on changes in the law. He also handles his own court call. The Council finds him Qualified
12/02 Recall to Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Henry A. Budzinski has been a judge since 1976. He has been assigned to the Probate Division since 1976 and has served as Presiding Judge of that Division since 1992. Judge Budzinski is considered by lawyers as having good legal ability and temperament. He is hard working and has done a good job presiding over the Probate Division. The Council finds Judge Budzinski Qualified for recall.
Clarence L. Burch
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected as an Associate Judge in 2009.
Evaluation: Qualified
Clarence Burch was admitted to practice in 1978. He has been in private practice, Burch & Associates, for his entire legal career. A majority of his practice involves felony trial defense, including capital cases. He also serves as president of the board of Near North Health Service Corporation, a nonprofit helping to deliver health care services to those who might otherwise be unable to afford it. He has substantial bench and jury trial experience, as well as some appellate experience. Lawyers report that he has good legal ability and a very good temperament. He is said to be exceptionally hard working. The Council finds him qualified for the Circuit Court.
Anne Marie BURKE
Present Judicial Duties: Justice, Illinois Supreme Court
Appointed to fill a vacancy on the Illinois Appellate Court in 1995; appointed to fill a vacancy on the Illinois Supreme Court in 2006.
Previous Judicial Duties: 1995-2006: Justice, Illinois Appellate Court; 19871994: Judge, Illinois Court of Claims Evaluation 1996 Primary and General Elections – (Hon. Carl McCormick Vacancy): Not Qualified
Anne Marie Burke, 52, was admitted to practice law in 1983. She was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Illinois Appellate Court in December 1995. Prior to her appointment to the bench, she had a solo general practice, handling probate, employment matters, divorce, real estate, and criminal defense. From 1987 to 1994, she sat as an appointed judge of the Illinois Court of Claims. From 1994 to 1995, she was special counsel to Governor Jim Edgar, where she had a mandate to improve coordination between DCFS and the Juvenile Court. Her work in that assignment has received considerable praise. Her list of civic activities is impressive. She is the founder of the Special Olympics and has been a leader on children’s issues. Justice Burke is widely praised as having excellent temperament and as being a person committed to the public interest. She has not, however, had sufficient experience in complex or nonroutine litigation matters to demonstrate that she is ready to be an Appellate Court Justice. The Council finds her Not Qualified.
2008 Primary and General Elections Anne M. Burke – Qualified
Anne M. Burke became a lawyer in 1983. She was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Illinois Appellate Court in 1995. She was elected to the Appellate Court in 1996. She was appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court in 2006. Prior to her initial appointment to the bench, Justice Burke had a solo general practice. From 1987 to 1994, she sat as an appointed judge of the Illinois Court of Claims. From 1994 to 1995, she was special counsel to then Governor Jim Edgar, where she had a mandate to improve coordination between the Department of Children and Family Services and the Juvenile Court. Her work in that assignment received considerable praise. Her list of civic activities is impressive. Justice Burke is widely praised as having a professional demeanor on the bench and for being a person committed to the public interest. As a Supreme Court Justice, she is considered to have good legal ability and is well-prepared. The Council finds her Qualified for the Illinois Supreme Court.
Dennis J. BURKE
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Individual Commercial Calendar
Previous Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Jury Section; Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Tax and Miscellaneous Remedies Section; 1998-2003: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division; 1997-1998: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Traffic Court
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1997
Evaluation 2000 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Dennis J. Burke, 50, is a 1975 graduate of the John Marshall Law School. He is currently a judge in Juvenile Court with a Child Protection call. From December 1997 to September 1998, he was a judge in the 1st Municipal District. His duties included Traffic Court, DUI trials, Misdemeanor Jury Trials, Preliminary Felony Hearings and Bond Court. Prior to becoming a judge, he spent 22 years as a trial attorney, practicing in personal injury and commercial litigation. He is considered a fair, hardworking, and even-tempered judge who possesses very good legal ability. He is president of the Illinois Bar Foundation and has an extensive background in community service. The Council finds him Well Qualified.
Kathleen Marie BURKE
Present Judicial Duties: Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Previous Judicial Duties: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2004.
Evaluation 2004 General Election – Circuit Court: Qualified
Kathleen Marie Burke was admitted to practice in 1989. Following her admission, she became an associate at Johnson & Bell, where she concentrated in medical malpractice defense. From 1993 to the present, she has been employed by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office, Civil Division, where she has continued to practice medical litigation defense at both the trial and appellate levels. Ms. Burke is also an adjunct professor of law at Loyola University where she teaches medical malpractice law and trial advocacy.
Ms. Burke is highly regarded by her colleagues, her adversaries, and by the judges before whom she has practiced. She is described as conscientious, intelligent, well prepared, exceptionally ethical, and admirably sensitive to diversity issues and bias in the legal system. She is consistently praised for her temperament, character and legal ability. The Council finds Ms. Burke Qualified for the Circuit Court.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Kathleen Burke was admitted to practice in 1989 and was elected to the Circuit Court in 2004. She presently serves in the Fifth Municipal District of the Circuit Court. Previously, Judge Burke served in the First Municipal District and in the Child Protection Division. Prior to her election, Judge Burke was first in private practice with a large firm and then an assistant State’s Attorney in the Civil Actions Bureau.
Judge Burke is considered to have good temperament and treats those in her courtroom with respect. The Council, however, is concerned that many lawyers report that she has had difficulty handling her call as a “floating” judge. However, she has been assigned a more permanent judicial assignment, and the Council has received reports that she is handling this new assignment well. On balance, the Council finds her Qualified for retention.
Charles P. BURNS
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Fourth Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Fourth Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1998.
Evaluation 1998 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Charles Patrick Burns was admitted to practice in 1981. He has spent 16 years as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. He has very good legal ability and an excellent temperament. He is praised by his colleagues and adversaries as a very good prosecutor who is fair in his dealings with defense counsel. The Council finds him Qualified.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Charles Patrick Burns sits in the Fourth Municipal District. He was elected to the bench in 1998. Before becoming a judge, he spent 16 years as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. He has good legal ability and an excellent temperament. He is praised for his courtroom management skills. The Council finds him Qualified.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Charles Burns was elected to the bench in 1998 and presently serves in the Criminal Division hearing felony cases at 26th and California. He was admitted to practice in 1981. Prior to his election, Judge Burns was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney.
Judge Burns is considered to have good legal ability and is reported to provide a fair and efficient trial. He is praised for being willing to consider creative sentencing for appropriate criminal defendants. Judge Burns is a respected jurist, but the Council is concerned that his temperament is problematic. He becomes visibly angry in the courtroom and can be verbally abusive to staff, attorneys, and defendants. However, he admits having this issue and is taking steps to address the problem. On balance, the Council finds him Qualified for retention.
Anthony L. BURRELL
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District Elected to the Circuit Court in 2002.
Evaluation 2002 Primary and General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Recommended
The candidate elected not to participate in the evaluation process. The Council accordingly finds the candidate Not Recommended.
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. Anthony Burrell was elected to the bench in 2002 and currently sits in the First Municipal District, hearing civil non-jury trial cases. He has in the past presided over forcible entry and detainer cases. Before his election to the bench, he worked with the Chicago Public Schools as a consultant, as a solo practitioner, and as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Judge Burrell is reported to be doing well in his current high volume court call. He is considered to have good legal knowledge and temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
Thomas J. BYRNE
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Circuit Court Judge in 2008
Evaluation March 2006 Evaluation for Primary Election: Qualified
Thomas J. Byrne has been an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney since his admission to practice in 1989. He is currently Supervisor of the Third Municipal District in Rolling Meadows. Mr. Byrne is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He is known to be knowledgeable about the criminal law and conducts trial advocacy training for assistant state’s attorneys. He is reported to be hard working and well prepared. There were a few responses during the evaluation questioning whether he could be fair to defendants in light of his prosecutorial career. On balance, the Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Robert CAHILL
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Illinois Appellate Court, First District
Evaluation 1992 (D) Primary & General Elections – Appellate Court: Qualified
Judge Robert Cahill, 55, has been an Associate Judge for 8-1/2 years. For most of that time, he has served in the Third Municipal District in Rolling Meadows, hearing civil and criminal matters, including felonies. Judge Cahill has presided over more than 60 civil and criminal jury trials and hundreds of civil and criminal bench trials. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Cahill was an assistant state’s attorney for eight years, chief of the Illinois Senate Republican staff for four years, and in private practice.
Judge Cahill is highly regarded by the practitioners who have appeared before him. He is hard working and prepared to address the issues. He treats all litigants with dignity and has a good temperament. Lawyers report that he has good legal ability, is independent-minded and is not afraid to make difficult judicial decisions.
The Council is impressed that Judge Cahill often conducts his own independent research of the law and has issued written opinions in cases. His opinions are well reasoned and logical.
For these reasons, the Council finds Judge Cahill Qualified for the Appellate Court.
11/02 Retention – Appellate Court: Highly Qualified
Hon. Robert Cahill was first appointed to the Circuit Court as an Associate Judge in 1981, and in 1992 was elected to the Appellate Court, First Division. As an attorney, Justice Cahill had a variety of experience ranging from general litigation and labor law in private practice, to seven years as an Assistant States Attorney where he was a Supervisor of Special Litigation, to staff attorney in the Illinois State Senate and Legislative Reference Bureau. Judge Cahill is described as an extremely thorough and well-prepared judge who asks incisive, intelligent questions during oral argument. He is consistently praised for his clear analytical writing ability and is viewed as a person of impeccable integrity. He is respectful to all litigants in his courtroom and maintains a good judicial temperament. Practitioners regard him as among the finest appellate justices sitting in the First Division. The Council finds Justice Cahill Highly Qualified for retention.
Anthony John CALABRESE
Present Judicial Duties: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2007.
Evaluation 2004 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Qualified
Anthony J. Calabrese was admitted to practice in 1980. From 1980 to 1993, Mr. Calabrese served with the Office of the Cook County State’s Attorney, where he rose to the rank of Chief Deputy. Since 1993, he has been a solo practitioner handling criminal defense matters. Between 1996 and 1998, Mr. Calabrese was an administrative law officer with the Department of Administrative Hearings, and since 1998, he also served as the Chairman of the City of Chicago License Appeal Commission. Mr. Calabrese has taught trial advocacy as an adjunct professor at DePaul since 1993. Mr. Calabrese is considered to have very good legal ability and an excellent temperament, and has extensive litigation experience and has a reputation as a solid practitioner. But for several instances of questionable prosecutorial conduct as an Assistant State’s Attorney that led to reversals on appeal, the Council would have considered a higher rating. On balance, however, the Council finds him Qualified.
John P. Callahan, Jr.
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the bench in 2010
Evaluation 2010 Primary and General Elections: Qualified John Callahan was admitted to practice in 1988. From 1996 to the present he has been in private practice doing general civil litigation and criminal defense. He served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney between 1989 and 1996. He reports acting as lead counsel in 1 civil jury, 23 criminal jury trials, 4 civil bench trials, and more than 250 criminal bench trials. Mr. Callahan is considered to have good legal ability and trial experience. He has a reputation of being exceptionally fair while having a calm and professional demeanor. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Diane Gordon CANNON
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1996.
Evaluation 11/94 Primary & General Elections: Qualified
Diane Cannon, 39, has been an assistant Cook County State’s Attorney since her admission to the bar in 1981. Currently a supervisor of the arson task force, she was previously assigned to felony trials, appeals, and felony review. She is regarded as an experienced prosecutor with good legal ability and high integrity who is dedicated to her work. The Council notes that she does not have civil litigation experience and has been in practice only since 1981, but finds her Qualified based on her good performance as an Assistant State’s Attorney.
11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Diane Gordon Cannon was elected to the Circuit Court in 1996 and has sat in the Criminal Division since 2000. She hears felony trials, motions, and post-conviction petitions. She has served in the Criminal Division since 1997, first in Evening Narcotics (1997-1999) and, in 1999, as a floating trial court judge. In 1997, she sat in the Juvenile Justice Division. Her first assignment was in the First Municipal District. Before her election, Judge Cannon had been an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. The investigation of her contained endorsements that she is bright, competent, knowledgeable, well versed, prompt, punctual, fair, patient and courteous. The Council finds Judge Cannon Qualified for retention.
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. Diane Gordon Cannon was elected to the Circuit Court in 1996 and has sat in the Criminal Division since 2000. She hears felony trials, motions, and post-conviction petitions. She has served in the Criminal Division since 1997, first in Evening Narcotics (1997-1999) and, in 1999, as a floating trial court judge. In 1997, she sat in the Juvenile Justice Division. Her first assignment was in the First Municipal District. Before her election, Judge Cannon had been an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Judge Cannon is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council finds Judge Cannon Qualified for retention.
John Thomas CARR
Present Judicial Duties: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2007.
Evaluation 2006 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Qualified
John T. Carr was admitted to practice in 1972. He has practiced as a solo practitioner or with one other partner for the entire 33 years he has been licensed. He has a general practice but spends a majority of his time on family law and probate matters, including frequently acting as an appointed guardian ad litem for minors in family law cases. He has substantial litigation and trial experience, in a variety of civil and criminal cases. Other practitioners and judges before whom he has regularly appeared comment positively on his knowledge and temperament. The Council finds Mr. Carr Qualified to serve in the Circuit Court.
Frank CASTIGLIONE
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Sixth Municipal District Previous Judicial Duties 1997-2002: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1997.
Evaluation None
Jill CERONE-MARISIE
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Third Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties 2006-2007: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2006.
Evaluation 2006 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Jill C. Marisie was admitted to practice in 1990. She has been in private practice since 1995 and is currently president of Erbacci & Cerone, Ltd. From 1991 to 1993, she served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Ms. Cerone-Marisie is considered to have good legal ability and temperament, and she is considered to be well prepared and organized. Her practice has been broad. The Council is concerned, however, that her practice has not had sufficient depth – that she does not have substantial litigation experience in complex matters. On balance, the Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Cheryl D. CESARIO
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Probate Division
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2005.
Evaluation 2005 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Qualified
Cheryl Cesario has practiced law since 1981. She served as an Assistant State’s Attorney for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office from 1982 to 1994, and from 1995 to 2003, she was General Counsel for the Department of Children and Family Services. Since January 2004, she has been the full-time Assistant Director of the John Marshall Law School’s Center for Advocacy and Dispute Resolution, and also has been an adjunct professor at John Marshall teaching trial advocacy. Ms. Cesario is respected for her legal ability, her integrity is unquestioned, and she has had a distinguished career. The Council has concerns about reports regarding issues of temperament, but on balance the Council finds her Qualified.
Timothy J. CHAMBERS
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Second Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1997.
Previous Judicial Duties 1997-2000: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Evaluation None
Gloria CHEVERE
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2006.
Evaluation 2002 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Qualified
Gloria Chevere was admitted to practice in 1981. Since 1991, she has been a solo general practitioner. Since 1999, she has also been a prosecutor and hearing officer for the Secretary of State as well as a hearing officer for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. From 1987 until 1991, she was Senior Deputy Executive Director for the Chicago Transportation Authority. For one year prior to that, she was Deputy Commissioner of the City of Chicago Department of Planning. From 1981 to 1986, she was a partner at the general practice firm of Ogden & Chevere. Ms. Chevere is a 1981 graduate of the John Marshall Law School.
Ms. Chevere is considered to have good legal ability with extensive knowledge of election law. She is regarded as a zealous advocate for her clients, but she is praised by lawyers for her temperament. She is a thoughtful and solid practitioner. The Council finds her Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.
2006 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Recommended
The candidate elected not to participate in the evaluation process. The Council accordingly finds the candidate Not Recommended.
Peggy CHIAMPAS
Present Judicial Duties: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2007.
Evaluation 2004 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Peggy Chiampas has been an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney since her admission to practice in 1990. She currently serves in the Complex Drug Prosecutions Unit. She is a Trial Advocacy Instructor at the John Marshall Law School. Ms. Chiampas is well respected as a fair and highly competent prosecutor who possesses good legal ability and temperament. She is praised widely for her integrity. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Thomas R. CHIOLA
Present Judicial Duties 2003-present: Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Jury Section
Previous Judicial Duties 2002-2003: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, Tax and Miscellaneous Remedies; 19992002: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, Civil Jury Trials; 1997-1999: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, Tort/Contract Non-Jury Call; 1996-1997: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District; 1994-96: Pro Se Court, Forcible Entry and Detainer
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1994.
Evaluation 11/00 Retention – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Thomas R. Chiola, 48, has been a judge since 1994. He currently sits in the First Municipal District presiding over civil jury trials. Prior to becoming a judge, he worked with the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation, first as Chief Administrative Law Judge, and then as General Counsel. He has also been a prosecutor with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. Judge Chiola is considered to have good legal ability and unquestioned integrity. He is hard working. However, he is roundly criticized for his judicial temperament. His demeanor is often described as “harsh” and “abrasive.” He is often short-tempered while on the bench, screaming at lawyers in the courtroom, particularly when cases do not settle when the judge thinks they should be settled. The Council finds him Not Qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Hon. Thomas R. Chiola has been a judge since 1994 and currently sits in the Law Division, Jury Section. Prior to becoming a judge, he worked with the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation, first as Chief Administrative Law Judge, and then as General Counsel. He has also been a prosecutor with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office.
Judge Chiola is considered to have good legal ability and unquestioned integrity. His behavior on the bench, however, is reported to be inappropriate, harsh, and abrasive. He is often described as short-tempered and impatient. The Council said these same sorts of things when he was reviewed for retention in 2000. There has been little improvement. The Council finds him Not Qualified.
Michael R. CLANCY
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed as a Circuit Judge by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2010
Evaluation: Qualified
Michael R. Clancy was admitted to practice in 1989.
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.
Joseph Mitchell CLAPS
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1998-2003: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Juvenile Justice Division; 1997-1998: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1997.
Evaluation None
Evelyn B. CLAY
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1997-2000: Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division, Evening Narcotics: 1996-1997: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1996.
Evaluation 11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Hon. Evelyn B. Clay was initially assigned to the First Municipal District after her election to the Circuit Court in 1996. In 1997, she was transferred to the Felony Trial Division, where she sat in the Evening Narcotics Section and as a floating judge. She has been in her present assignment, hearing felony trials, since April 2000.
She spent her entire career before becoming a judge as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney, first in the Child Support Division and then in the Criminal Division. In the investigation, she was credited by lawyers for her honesty, sensitivity and temperament. Judge Clay is reported to treat all parties before her with respect and impartiality Nonetheless, she is also regarded by lawyers contacted as weak on the law and unable at times to control the lawyers appearing before her. These reports were persistent and serious enough to compel the Council, at this time, to find Judge Clay Not Qualified.
2008 Retention: Not Qualified
Hon. Evelyn B. Clay was initially assigned to the First Municipal District after her election to the Circuit Court in 1996. In 1997, she was transferred to the Felony Trial Division, where she sat in the Evening Narcotics Section and as a floating judge. She has been in her present assignment, hearing felony trials, since April 2000.
She spent her entire career before becoming a judge as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney, first in the Child Support Division and then in the Criminal Division. In her 2002 evaluation, she was credited by lawyers for her honesty, sensitivity and temperament. Judge Clay is reported to treat all parties before her with respect and impartiality. Nonetheless, she was also regarded by lawyers contacted in the 2002 evaluation as weak on the law and unable at times to control the lawyers appearing before her. These reports were persistent and serious enough to compel the Council, at that time, to find Judge Clay Not Qualified. In the current investigation, some lawyers reported that her judicial performance has marginally improved, but that she still sometimes exhibits indecision on the bench and inconsistencies in her rulings. There are questions raised about the methods by which she selects a jury.
The Council finds her Not Qualified for retention.
LaGuina CLAY-CLARK
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 2007.
Evaluation 2000 Primary Election – Circuit Court: Not Recommended
LaGuina Clay Clark did not participate in the Council’s evaluation process, submitting no information in support of her candidacy. The Council received insufficient information to judge her
qualifications for the Circuit Court. finds her Not Recommended.
The Council
2004 Primary Recommended
Election
– Circuit
Court:
Not
The candidate elected not to participate in the evaluation process. The Council accordingly finds the candidate Not Recommended.
Robert J. CLIFFORD
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Sixth Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2005.
Evaluation 2005 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Qualified
Robert J. Clifford was admitted to practice in 1979. From 1979 to 1989, Mr. Clifford served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. He has been a solo general practitioner with an emphasis on criminal law since 1989. Mr. Clifford is considered to have good legal ability and has considerable litigation experience, both in criminal and civil matters. His record also includes a substantial amount of pro bono work. The Council finds him Qualified.
Martin D. COGHLAN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 2007.
Evaluation 2006 Evaluation to fill a Circuit Court vacancy: Qualified
Martin D. Coghlan has been in private practice since his admission to the bar in 1964. Since 1980, he has been a solo practitioner concentrating in personal injury but also handling some criminal defense matters. Mr. Coghlan is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He demonstrates a professional demeanor and is praised for staying current with the law. He has substantial legal experience, although much of this experience is not in complex matters. He is well versed in all phases of a trial. On balance, the Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Mary Ellen COGHLAN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Probate Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1995-2003: Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1995; elected to the Circuit Court in 1996.
Evaluation 3/94 Circuit Court: Qualified
Mary Ellen Coghlan, 37, graduated from law school in 1981. She then worked for five years as an assistant public defender, handling felony trials, was in private practice for one year, and since 1987 has worked at the Illinois Attorney General’s office, primarily handling prisoner, Section 1983, and disciplinary actions.
Ms. Coghlan is reported to be an outstanding trial attorney, with good knowledge of the law. She is reported to write well. Lawyers who have worked with and against her report that she has high integrity, is patient, personable, and functions well under stress. The Council notes that she has only been in practice since 1981, but finds her Qualified for election to the Circuit Court based on her good performance as a lawyer.
11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Mary Ellen Coghlan was appointed as a Circuit Judge by the Illinois Supreme Court in March 1995 and was elected to a full term in 1996. She has been assigned to the Criminal Division since 1995. She was initially in the Evening Narcotics Section, where she rose to the position of Supervising Judge in 1997. In late 1997, she was transferred to the Day Division. Upon being appointed, her initial assignment was to the First Municipal District. She is regarded as a good jurist who possesses the requisite legal knowledge and ability, integrity and judicial temperament. In addition, Judge Coghlan is known as a hard worker who strives to improve her performance. We find Judge Coghlan Qualified.
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. Mary Ellen Coghlan was appointed as a Circuit Judge by the Illinois Supreme Court in March 1995 and was elected to a full term in 1996. She has been assigned to the Criminal Division since 1995. She was initially in the Evening Narcotics Section, where she rose to the position of Supervising Judge in 1997. In late 1997, she was transferred to the Day Division. Upon being appointed, her initial assignment was to the First Municipal District. She is regarded as a good jurist who possesses the requisite legal knowledge and ability. Some lawyers report that she can be short with lawyers and litigants, but most respondents say her temperament is adequate. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
Matthew E. COGHLAN
Present Judicial Duties 2003-Present: Judge, Circuit Court, Central Bond Court/ Felony Preliminary Hearings
Previous Judicial Duties 2001-2003: Judge, Circuit Court, Branch 60, Domestic Violence Court; 2000-2001: Judge Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2000.
Evaluation 2000 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Matthew E. Coghlan, 37, is a 1987 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Law. He has spent his entire legal career as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Since 1997, he has been in the Narcotics Grand Jury Division. He currently works part-time as an Assistant State’s Attorney and also works as a Chicago Firefighter. He previously worked in the Gang Crimes Unit, the Narcotics Task Force, the Felony Trial Division, and several other divisions as an Assistant State’s Attorney. In his relatively brief legal career, Mr. Coghlan has a reputation for adequate legal ability. He has not been practicing law full-time since March of 1997. The time he has actually practiced law is only about ten years. In light of his relatively little legal experience, the Council finds him Not Qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Matthew E. Coghlan was elected in 2000 and currently sits at 26th and California where he hears bond hearings, source of funds for bail hearings, and felony traffic matters. Before becoming a judge, he spent his entire legal career as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Judge Coghlan has adequate legal ability and a good temperament. He is considered to be hard working and, in general, is doing a satisfactory job in his current assignment. The Council finds him Qualified.
Neil H. COHEN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected as an Associate Judge in 2009.
Evaluation: Qualified
Neil H. Cohen was admitted in 1976. Since 1990 he has been a sole practitioner, dealing in state and federal criminal trial and appellate work. From 1987 to 1990 he was a litigation associate with Lord, Bissell and Brook; from his admission to 1987 he was an Assistant State’s Attorney. He reports bringing 50 criminal trials to a jury verdict and almost 400 to a bench verdict. He has been principal counsel on 13 appellate cases. Mr. Cohen is considered to have good legal ability and has substantial litigation experience in complex matters in both state and federal court. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Melvin J. COLE
Present Judicial Duties Retired
Previous Judicial Duties Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1997; elected to the Circuit Court in 1998. Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division Evaluation 1998 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Melvin J. Cole was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 1997. He has sat in Traffic Court and now sits in the Domestic Relations Division where he hears requests for civil Orders of Protection. He was admitted to practice in 1957 and has had a concentration in family law for the past 30 years. Judge Cole is praised for his performance thus far as a sitting judge. As a lawyer he was considered a good practitioner with adequate legal ability and temperament. The Council finds him Qualified.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Judge Melvin J. Cole was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 1997. After a brief stint in Traffic Court he was assigned to the Domestic Relations Division, where he continues to sit. For approximately 40 years prior to taking the bench, Judge Cole had a private practice concentrating in family law.
Judge Cole is reported to have a good temperament, and many lawyers report good experiences with him as a judge. Nevertheless, the Council has received reports in the past year that Judge Cole is unable to handle more complex cases, including concerns that Judge Cole is unable to handle more complicated cases as expeditiously or as competently as others in the Division. In addition, the Council has received reports that a significant number of lawyers regularly seek reassignment to other jurists when their cases are to be heard by Judge Cole. The Council finds him Not Qualified for retention.
Sharon Johnson COLEMAN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Jury Section
Previous Judicial Duties 2000-2002: Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division; 1997-2000: Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division; 1996-2000: Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1996.
Evaluation 3/96 Primary Election – Circuit Court: Qualified
Sharon Johnson Coleman, 35, has been practicing law for 11 years. She is the supervisor of the Public Interest Bureau of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. She has held that position since February 1993. From 1989 to 1993, she was an Assistant United States Attorney, litigating in the areas of medical malpractice, tort, employment discrimination, civil forfeiture, and commercial litigation. From 1984 to 1989, she served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney doing criminal appeals, misdemeanor and felony trials. Attorneys report that Ms. Coleman has very good legal ability and that she is considered to be fair and of high integrity. The Council finds her Qualified.
11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Sharon Johnson Coleman was elected to the Circuit Court in 1996 and has served in the Law Division, Trial Section since January 2002. After her election, she was assigned to the Child Protection Division. From 1997 to 2000, she was in the Law Division, Trial Section. In July 2000, she was reassigned to the Child Protection Division at the request of the Chief Judge. She spent much of her career as a lawyer at the Cook County States Attorney’s office. From 1989 to 1993, however, she served as an Assistant United States Attorney. Most attorneys believe that Judge Coleman has good legal knowledge and ability. She is also praised for her integrity, character, professional conduct, and temperament. She is perceived as thoughtful and engaged on matters concerning diversity and bias. The Council finds Judge Coleman Qualified for Retention.
2008 Primary and General Election –Qualified
Hon. Sharon Johnson Coleman was elected to the Circuit Court in 1996 and has served in the Law Division, Jury Section since 2002. She has also served in the Child Protection Division. From 1989 to 1993, she served as an Assistant United States Attorney doing civil litigation. From 1984 to 1989 she served as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney. Judge Coleman has demonstrated very good legal ability and courtroom management skills. She is praised for her integrity, character, and professional conduct. Judge Coleman won the February 2008 primary election to fill a vacancy on the Illinois Appellate Court. The Council found her Qualified for the Appellate Court and finds her Qualified for retention.
Susan M. COLEMAN
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Probate Division
Previous Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Fourth Municipal District; 2001-2002: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division; 1999-2001: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division; 19971999: Associate Judge, Circuit Court
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1997.
Evaluation 1996 Primary and General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Susan M. Coleman, 40, has been practicing law for 16 years. She has been a solo practitioner in private practice since 1988. From 1980 to 1988, she served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender.
She has had extensive jury and bench-trial experience, although most of her trial experience occurred while she was an Assistant Public Defender. She is considered by attorneys to be hard working with very good legal ability. She has an excellent temperament. The Council finds her Qualified.
Ann Finley COLLINS
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Chancery Division
Elected to the bench in 2010
Evaluation 2010 Primary and General Elections: Well Qualified
Ann Collins was admitted in 1985. She is currently an Assistant Public Defender dealing with homicide cases. As lead trial counsel she has brought 75 criminal cases to a jury verdict and 60 to a bench verdict. Ann Collins is reported to have excellent legal ability and is praised as a fair but zealous advocate for her clients. She has a professional demeanor and is widely respected as a lawyer. The Council finds her Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Ann COLLINS-DOLE
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal Division
Elected Circuit Court Judge in 2008
Evaluation March 2006 Evaluation for Primary Election: Well Qualified
Ann Collins-Dole was admitted to the bar in 1990. She has been Chief Assistant Corporation Counsel, Torts Division for the City of Chicago since 2002. Ms. Collins-Dole is considered to have very good legal ability with extensive legal experience in sophisticated and complex matters. She has a good temperament, is professional in her demeanor, and treats opposing counsel with respect. She is reported to be a model practitioner. The Council finds her
Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Thomas J. CONDON
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Sixth Municipal District
Appointed Associate Judge in 1986.
Evaluation 1998 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Recommended
Thomas J. Condon did not participate in the Council’s evaluation process, submitting no information in support of his candidacy. The Council received insufficient information to judge his qualifications for the Circuit Court. The Council finds him Not Recommended.
Claudia Grace CONLON
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Second Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties 1994-2001: Judge, Circuit Court, Sixth Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1994.
Evaluation 11/92 Elections – Not Qualified
Claudia Conlon, 38, was admitted to practice in 1981. From 1982 to 1988 she was an Assistant Public Defender, where she was not assigned to the most difficult positions. Since 1988, she has been an attorney with the Forest Preserve District. Attorneys describe her as personable. The Council has received reports that she does not have the legal ability to be a judge and, for that reason, finds her not qualified.
3/94 and 11/94 Elections – Not Qualified
Claudia Grace Conlon was rated not qualified by the Council in 1992 after the Council received reports that she is personable but lacks the legal ability to be a judge. In 1994 she did not participate in the Council’s evaluation process. The Council sees no reason in these circumstances to change its prior assessment and finds her not qualified.
11/00 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Claudia Grace Conlon, 46, has been a judge since 1994. She sits in the Sixth Municipal District hearing both Municipal and Law Division cases. Before becoming a judge, she served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender and she was an attorney with the Forest Preserve District. Lawyers report that Judge Conlon has demonstrated good legal ability and that she has improved as a judge since being first elected. Her temperament is excellent and she is considered hard working. The Council finds her Qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Claudia Grace Conlon has been a judge since 1994. She sits in the Second Municipal District in Skokie hearing misdemeanor, traffic, small claims, bond court, and orders protection matters. Before becoming a judge, she served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender and she was an attorney with the Forest Preserve District. Judge Conlon is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. She is praised for taking the time to communicate with each litigant, despite the fact she presides over a high volume courtroom. She is hard working. The Council finds her Qualified.
Stephen J. CONNOLLY
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Fifth Municipal District
Elected as an Associate Judge in 2009.
Evaluation: Qualified
Stephen James Connolly was admitted in 1971. He is currently a sole practitioner, focusing mostly on civil and criminal litigation. He was an Assistant State’s Attorney from his admission to 1977, and again in the Organized Crime Unit from 1980 to 1983. As lead trial counsel he reports taking 6 civil trials and over 30 criminal trials to a jury verdict as well as 6 civil and over 100 criminal trials to a bench verdict. Mr. Connolly is reported to have good legal ability with litigation experience in complex criminal and civil matters. He has a good temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Maureen E. CONNORS
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Illinois Appellate Court, First District (Appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2010)
Previous Judicial Duties
Judge, Circuit Court, Probate Division 1991-1994: Associate Judge, Fifth Municipal District; 1990-1991: Domestic Violence Court; 1988-1990: Traffic Court
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1988; elected to the Circuit Court in 1994.
Evaluation 3/94 and 11/94 Circuit Court: Qualified
Maureen E. Connors, 43, is currently an Associate Judge assigned to a courtroom in the Fifth Municipal District in Bridgeview. She has mainly heard misdemeanor jury cases, preliminary hearings, and major traffic cases in Bridgeview. She became a Judge in December 1988 and was previously assigned to Traffic Court and to a Domestic Violence Court at 13th & Michigan.
Judge Connors was admitted to practice in 1979. Prior to becoming a judge she worked at Klafter & Burke, the firm of Alderman Ed Burke, and at the Chicago Park District.
Litigants who have appeared before Judge Connors describe her as fair, diligent, orderly, respectful of those before her, and with good legal ability for the matters that come before her. She has not been tested on a more complex call but has done very well on the calls to which she has been assigned to date.
In the March, 1994 primary, the Council rated Judge Connors qualified for election to the Circuit Court. After that rating, just before the primary election, Judge Connors participated in the primary in paying for a campaign flier that implied that she was running against a LaRouche party opponent. There was no LaRouche party candidate in the race. We believe this campaign flier was misleading and deceptive as a consequence. Judge Connors has reported to us that she did not know exactly what the flier would say or what the format would be, she did not mean to imply that her opponents were LaRouche party members, and she thought the presence of LaRouche party members in some primary races was a legitimate issue. While we recognize the intense pressures involved in election campaigns and the difficulties inherent in having judges campaign for election, the Council believes Judge Connors’ participation in issuing this flier was inappropriate. We do not believe it was so serious that we should reduce her rating from qualified to not qualified, however. The Council finds her Qualified.
11/00 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Maureen E. Connors, 50, has been a judge since 1988. She sits in the Probate Division hearing cases involving disabled adults/guardianships. She has also been assigned to the Fifth Municipal District. She was in private practice and worked as an Assistant General Attorney with the Chicago Park District before becoming a judge. Lawyers report that Judge Connors is a good judge who handles a difficult call with great competence and patience. She has good legal ability and an excellent temperament. The Council finds her Qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Hon. Maureen E. Connors sits in the Probate Division hearing cases involving disabled adults/guardianships. She has also been assigned to the Fifth Municipal District. Judge Connors was appointed to the bench as an associate in 1988 and was elected in 1994. Before that, she was in private practice and worked as an Assistant General Attorney with the Chicago Park District. Judge Connors is reported to have excellent legal ability and is especially praised for her temperament. She has helped pioneer systemic reforms in the Probate Division, is involved in community service, and teaches at the Loyola Law School. The Council finds her Well Qualified.
Donna L. COOPER
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Juvenile Justice Division
Elected Circuit Court Judge in 2008
Evaluation Qualified
Donna L. Cooper has been a lawyer since 1981. She has served as an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago doing personal injury, workers’ compensation, and city ordinance prosecutions work,. She has also served as a Cook County Assistant Public Defender in the juvenile justice and child protection area. For 19 years, Ms. Cooper has had a military law practice while serving in the military. In 2003 she was deployed to Iraq where she served as the liaison officer between the Polish Legal Advisors and the U.S. legal office of the Combined Joint Task Force, where she advised on legal matters during the planning and conducting of military and humanitarian operations. During her last evaluation, the Council was concerned about Ms. Cooper’s breadth of litigation experience. Since this evaluation, Ms. Cooper has worked to remedy this situation, expanding her litigation experience. She is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council finds her Qualified for
the Circuit Court.
Clayton J. CRANE
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1996-1998: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1996.
Evaluation 3/96 Primary Election – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Clayton J. Crane, 49, has been practicing law for 20 years. From 1979 to the present, Mr. Crane has had a general practice of law. Between 1976 and 1979 he was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Mr. Crane is the Village Attorney for the Village of Streamwood. He is also the Prosecutor for the Village of Streamwood which involves prosecuting ordinance violations. As Village Attorney, Mr. Crane supervises outside counsel who are hired for protracted or complicated matters. His private practice does not involve substantial litigation. Mr. Crane is praised for his legal ability and good temperament. However, he lacks sufficient recent litigation experience to qualify him to serve as judge. The Council finds him Not Qualified. 11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Clayton Jay Crane was elected to the Circuit Court in 1996. He has sat in the Criminal Division since 1998 and currently hears felony cases.
In 1998, and from 2000 to 2001, he was a floating judge. From 1998 until 2000, he was in the Evening Narcotics Section. He was assigned to the Traffic Court from 1996 to 1998. Prior to his election to the bench, Judge Crane had varied experience, including his work as Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney, a term as Village Attorney and Prosecutor for the Village of Streamwood, and private practice.
Judge Crane is well regarded by both prosecutors and defense attorneys who practice before him, and he is considered one of the fairest judges in the division by attorneys who practice before him. He has been the subject of publicity regarding his May 2002 bench trial decision in People v. Anthony Bohling, finding five Cook County Sheriff’s deputies not guilty of attempted murder and reckless discharge of a firearm in connection with an off-duty incident in which they chased and shot at an African-American couple in suburban Robbins. In spite of the controversy, there are no indications that Judge Crane acted out of bias or other wrongful motive in acquitting the officers. The Council finds Judge Crane Qualified for retention.
2008 Retention: Well Qualified
Hon. Clayton Jay Crane was elected to the Circuit Court in 1996. He has sat in the Criminal Division since 1998 and currently hears felony cases.
In 1998, and from 2000 to 2001, he was a floating judge. From 1998 until 2000, he was in the Evening Narcotics Section. He was assigned to the Traffic Court from 1996 to 1998. Prior to his election to the bench, Judge Crane had varied experience, including his work as Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney, a term as Village Attorney and Prosecutor for the Village of Streamwood, and private practice.
Judge Crane is well regarded by both prosecutors and defense attorneys who practice before him, and he is considered one of the fairest judges in the Criminal Division by attorneys who practice before him. He is considered to have very good legal ability and temperament. He is praised for his pioneering work in the Mental Health Court at the Criminal Courts Building. The Council finds Judge Crane Well Qualified for retention.
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Joy V. CUNNINGHAM
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Illinois Appellate Court, First District
Previous Judicial Duties 1997-2000: Associate Judge, Circuit Court; Elected to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2006
Evaluation 2006 Primary and General Elections: Well Qualified for the Illinois Appellate Court
Joy Virginia Cunningham was admitted to the bar in 1982. She is presently Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where she oversees the Legal Department as well as four other corporate divisions.
From 1997 to 2000, she was an Associate Judge. From 1989 to 1997, she was the Associate General Counsel of Loyola University. For three years before that, she served as an Assistant General Counsel of Loyola University. From 1984 to 1986, she was an associate in a general practice law firm, doing civil litigation. For two years before that, she was a judicial law clerk to Glen Johnson of the Illinois Appellate Court. She spent her first year of practice as an Assistant Attorney General. She is a past President of the Chicago Bar Association. Ms. Cunningham is widely praised as an excellent practitioner with good legal ability and temperament. She is considered a solid, hard-working jurist, who has heard both civil and criminal law matters. She has lectured at Loyola and John Marshall law schools as well as at the law school of the University of Chicago. The Council finds her Well Qualified for the Illinois Appellate Court.
Lisa R. CURCIO
Present Judicial Duties Recalled Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 2002; recalled in 2004; elected Associate Judge by Circuit Court in 2007
Evaluation 9/02 Appointment – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Lisa R. Curcio was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1989. She has been an attorney with Joseph R. Curcio, Ltd. since 1993. She was with the law firm of Garretson & Santora, Ltd. From 1989 to 1993, and she served as an Assistant Vice President, Personal Trust Administration for Harris Trust and Savings Bank for six years prior to becoming a lawyer. She has served as a Commissioner for the Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Character and Fitness from 1995 to the present. Ms. Curcio is reported to be a hard working and diligent attorney with a good temperament and unquestioned integrity. She has, however, had limited experience with sophisticated and complex litigation matters. The Council finds her Not Qualified at this time.
Paula M. DALEO
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Fourth Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2004.
Evaluation 2004 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Paula Marie Daleo was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1978. She has been Executive Assistant State’s Attorney since May 2002. Prior to that, she was Chief of the Special Prosecutions Bureau. From 1990 until 1996, she was a solo general practitioner. For the previous twelve years, she had been an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. She began her legal career at the offices of Joseph V. Roddy in 1978 after having been a clerk there during law school. Ms. Daleo is considered to have very good legal ability and temperament. She is praised by lawyers for being especially hard-working and fair. Ms. Daleo has both civil and criminal experience and has administrative experience, as well. The Council finds Ms. Daleo Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Judge Paula Daleo was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1978. She was elected to the Circuit Court in 2004 and presently serves in misdemeanors in the Fourth Municipal District of the Circuit Court. Previously, she served in the First Municipal District. She was admitted to practice in 1978. Prior to her election to the bench, Judge Daleo was an Executive Assistant State’s Attorney and formerly Chief of the Special Prosecutions Bureau, as well as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. She also has experience as a general practitioner.
Judge Daleo is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. She is praised for her thorough familiarity with current case law and is always well prepared for court. She was also praised for her ability to work with pro se litigants. The Council finds her Well Qualified for retention.
Noreen Marie DALY
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Juvenile Justice Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1999-2001: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1999.
Evaluation None
Daniel P. DARCY
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. Daniel P. Darcy was elected to the Cook County Circuit Court in 1996. He has been in the Criminal Division since 1999. From 1996 to 1999, he sat in the Juvenile Justice Division. Prior to his election, Judge Darcy spent the majority of his legal career as an Assistant Cook county State’s Attorney in the Felony Division. In the 2002 evaluation, he received consistently high marks for his legal knowledge and ability, integrity, judicial temperament, and hard work. His 2008 investigation resulted in similarly positive findings. We find Judge Darcy Qualified for retention.
Ronald S. DAVIS
Present Judicial Duties 1990-Present: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Jury Section
Previous Judicial Duties 1985-1990: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District; 1983-1985: Judge, Circuit Court, Juvenile Justice Division
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1983.
Evaluation 3/94 Circuit Court: Qualified
Ronald S. Davis, 61, has been serving as an Associate Judge since 1983. He served two years in the Juvenile Division and since 1985 has heard cases in the Municipal District. He currently handles personal injury jury trials. Lawyers describe him as very capable and fair. The Council finds him Qualified.
Thomas M. DAVY
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division, District Five
Previous Judicial Duties 1994-1997: Judge, Circuit Court, Juvenile Justice Division; 1992-1994: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, Traffic Court
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1992.
Evaluation 3/90 (D) Circuit Court: Qualified
Thomas Michael Davy has served as an Assistant State’s Attorney for more than 15 years. The Council has received reports that he has a good knowledge of the law and is of high integrity. He is also thoughtful about the proper administration of justice, and he has a good reputation for fairness. The Council, therefore, finds him Qualified.
11/92 Fourth Subcircuit – Judgeship A: Qualified
Thomas Michael Davy, 45, is an experienced Assistant State’s Attorney, having served in that office in a variety of positions for more than 15 years. He has extensive criminal and civil experience. Some lawyers say his work as a prosecutor was excellent, most attorneys say it was very good. Attorneys describe his temperament as low key and effective. The Council believes he is Well Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.
11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Thomas M. Davy, 52, sits in the Criminal Division at the Markham Courthouse. He was elected to the bench in 1992 after a career as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Respondents report that Judge Davy has good legal ability and a good temperament. He is considered to have good courtroom management skills. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Thomas M. Davy, 52, sits in the Criminal Division in the Fifth Municipal District. He was elected to the bench in 1992 after a career as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Respondents report that Judge Davy has good legal ability and a good temperament. He is praised for his fairness and is considered to have good courtroom management skills. The Council finds him Well Qualified for retention.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Judge Thomas Davy was elected to the bench in 1992 and currently sits in the Criminal Division of the Circuit Court. Previously, he was in the Juvenile Division and the First Municipal District Traffic Court. Judge Davy was admitted to practice in 1971. He was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney and a court coordinator for the Office of the Chief Judge.
Judge Davy is widely praised for his legal ability and for his fairness to all parties. He has good courtroom management skills, is hard working, and issues timely rulings. He is respected for his willingness to show individualized attention to defendants having difficulties with the terms of their probation. The Council finds him Well Qualified for retention.
Frank DEBONI
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties 1989-2000: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Fourth
Municipal District Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1988. Evaluation:
None
Maureen F. DELAHANTY
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Appointed as a Circuit Judge by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2010
Evaluation: 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.
David DELGADO
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1994-1998: Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division, Expedited Child Support Section; 19911993: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, Traffic Division
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1992.
Evaluation 11/92 Sixth Subcircuit: Not Recommended
David Delgado, 41, was admitted to the bar in 1977. Mr. Delgado has not participated in the Council’s evaluation process. The Council has received insufficient information to judge his qualifications for the Circuit Court. Mr. Delgado therefore is not recommended.
11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
David Delgado, 47, was elected to the bench in 1992 following 15 years of private practice. He currently sits in the Domestic Relations Division where he hears child support, paternity, and domestic violence cases. He is considered to be evenhanded, with a good grasp of the law. Lawyers report that he has a very good judicial temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
2/03 Appointment to Illinois Appellate Court: Not Qualified
Hon. David Delgado was elected to the bench in 1992 following 15 years of private practice. He currently sits in the Domestic Relations Division, where he primarily hears divorce proceedings. He was first assigned to the Traffic Court from late 1992 to 1993. In 1994, he transferred to the First Municipal District. He served in the Expedited Child Support Section of the Domestic Relations Division from 1994 to 1998. Judge Delgado was admitted to practice in 1977. Judge Delgado receives reasonably good reports from lawyers currently appearing before him. He has a good grasp of domestic relations law and has a very good temperament. The Council is concerned, however, because of the relative narrowness of his legal experience, particularly a lack of substantial appellate experience. He has not yet demonstrated an adequate level of legal scholarship to overcome these deficiencies. The Council finds Judge Delgado Not Qualified for the Appellate Court.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
David Delgado was elected to the bench in 1992 following 15 years of private practice. He currently sits in the Domestic Relations Division, where he primarily hears divorce proceedings. He was first assigned to the Traffic Court from late 1992 to 1993. In 1994, he transferred to the First Municipal District. He served in the Expedited Child Support Section of the Domestic Relations Division from 1994 to 1998. Judge Delgado was admitted to practice in 1977. Judge Delgado receives good reports from lawyers currently appearing before him.
He has a good grasp of the law and has a very good temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
11/10 Retetention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Elected Circuit Court Judge in 2008
Judge David Delgado was elected to the bench in 1992 and was elected to the bench in 1998. Judge Delgado presently serves in the Domestic Relations Division. He was admitted to practice in 1977. Prior to his election, Judge Delgado spent 15 years in private practice.
Judge Delgado is considered to be a knowledgeable judge with a very good temperament. He is praised for his fairness and for his courtroom management skills. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
Mathias W. DELORT
Present Judicial Duties: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2007.
Evaluation 2006 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Well Qualified
Mathias W. Delort was admitted to practice in 1985. He is currently a partner concentrating on local government work with Robbins Schwartz Nicolas Lifton Taylor where he has practiced since 2001. He practiced for 10 years with Odelson & Sterk and was a solo practitioner for three years. He also serves as an administrative hearing officer for the city of Park Ridge in which he presides over ordinance violation cases. While Mr. Delort lacks jury trial experience, he is reported to have excellent legal ability with numerous publications and substantial pro bono work. He enjoys a reputation of always being well prepared and of having the highest integrity. He has been involved in a number of efforts aimed at systemic reform in the municipal and election law areas. The Council finds him Well Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.
Anna Helen DEMACOPOULOS
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Sixth Municipal District Evaluation 2002 Evaluation for Associate Judgeship: Well Qualified
Anna Helen Demacopoulos was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1985. Ms. Demacopoulos has spent her entire career with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office and is currently the Supervisor, Special Grand Jury, in the Narcotics Bureau at 26th and California. Prior to that she was a Deputy Supervisor in Felony Review (3 years), a Deputy Supervisor in the First Municipal Division (5 years), and an Assistant State’s Attorney (8 years). From 1987 to the present, she has been an adjunct professor at the John Marshall Law School teaching all levels of trial advocacy. Since 1997, she has been the Grant Reviewer and Program Consultant on Domestic Violence, Stalking, Hate Crimes and Community Prosecution for the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, Violence Against Women’s Office. The investigation of this candidate confirmed her talent as a lawyer, her integrity and her work ethic.
Ms. Demacopoulos identified two cases in which her professional conduct has been commented on by the Appellate Court. A Chicago Tribune investigation also uncovered a 1989 Batson violation that the district judge found to be the product of the candidate’s inexperience. Upon review, we regard these matters as insufficiently serious or current to disqualify the candidate. The Council finds Ms. Demacopoulos Well Qualified to serve in the Circuit Court.
Israel A. DESIERTO
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2005.
Evaluation 2005 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Qualified
Israel Abaya Desierto was admitted to practice in 1990. He has been an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for his entire career, first in the criminal bureau, and, since 2001, doing complex civil litigation. Since 2000, he has been an adjunct professor at Chicago Kent College of Law teaching Trial Advocacy. Mr. Desierto is a 1990 graduate of Chicago-Kent College of Law.
Mr. Desierto has strong experience as a prosecutor in both criminal and civil law matters. He is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He is hard working and is praised for his community service. The Council finds Mr. Desierto Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.
Sheila King DEVANE
Present Judicial Duties: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge in by Circuit Judges 2007.
Evaluation 2002 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Qualified
Sheila King Devane has practiced law in Illinois since 1979. For the past eight years, Ms. Devane has been a Hearing Officer in the Juvenile Court. From 1991 to 1994, she was a litigation trial counsel at ITT Hartford. For ten years prior to that, she was an Assistant State’s Attorney. For two years after her admission to the bar, Ms. Devane was an Assistant Attorney General at the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. Ms. Devane is a 1978 graduate of IIT/Chicago-Kent College of Law.
Ms. Devane is considered to be a solid practitioner with good legal ability and temperament.
She is praised for her professionalism. The Council finds Ms. Devane Qualified to serve in the Circuit Court.
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Grace G. DICKLER
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division, Second Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties 1995-2006: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division, Second Municipal District; 1991 – 1995: Housing Court, First Municipal District; 19881991: First Municipal District; 1986-1988: Judge, Executive Office, U.S. Immigration, Justice Department; 1982-1985: Administrative Law Judge, Illinois Human Rights Commission
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1988; elected to the Circuit Court in 2006.
Evaluation 2006 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Hon. Grace G. Dickler was appointed to the bench in 1988 and has sat in the Domestic Relations Division since 1991. She is currently assigned to an individual calendar in Skokie. She has also served in Housing Court and Traffic Court. Prior to becoming a judge, she spent two years as an Immigration Judge. From 1982 to 1986, she was an Administrative Law Judge at the Illinois Human Rights Commission. Before that she was a supervising attorney at Travelers and Immigrants Aid. She was a solo general practitioner from 1979 until 1981. She spent her first year as a lawyer as a staff attorney, Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation. Associate Judge Dickler is considered to be a solid jurist and a good administrator. She has good legal ability and an excellent judicial temperament. She is known to be diligent and hard working, and treats parties before her with dignity and compassion. She is praised for explaining her rulings to litigants. The Council finds her Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Christopher J. DONNELLY
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Sixth Municipal District, Felony Trials
Previous Judicial Duties 2000-2004: Judge, Circuit Court, Sixth Municipal District, misdemeanors; 1994-2000: Judge, Circuit Court, Juvenile Justice Division, Child Protection Division
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1994.
Evaluation 11/00 Retention – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Christopher J. Donnelly, 44, has been a judge since 1994. He is presently assigned to the Juvenile Justice Division. Before becoming a judge, he was a sole practitioner and an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Lawyers report that Judge Donnelly has good legal ability. But many report that he has poor judgment and temperament. There are several reports that he is short-tempered and disrespectful to juvenile defendants. The Council also questions his practice of praying with children housed at the Juvenile Detention Center – some of whom have pending cases in front of him. There are reports that he demonstrates a pro-prosecution bias. The Council finds him Not Qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Hon. Christopher J. Donnelly has been a judge since 1994. He has been assigned to the Sixth Municipal District in Markham since 2000 and currently hears felony trials. He was previously assigned to the Juvenile Justice Division. Before becoming a judge, he was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Judge Donnelly is considered to have adequate legal ability and temperament. He is considered to be hard working. The Council, however, continues to receive reports that Judge Donnelly demonstrates a pro-prosecution bias from the bench. On balance, the Council finds him Not Qualified.
Thomas More DONNELLY
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2003.
Evaluation 2000 Primary Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Thomas More Donnelly, 41, is a 1986 graduate of Loyola Law School. He was appointed Circuit Court Judge in November 1999. He spent eleven years working in the Office of the Cook County Public Defender. From 1997 to 1999, he was a supervisor for eight lawyers in the Post Conviction Unit in Criminal Division courtrooms throughout all six Municipal Districts. He was also part-time Director of the Philip H. Corboy Trial Advocacy Fellowship and an Ethics Consultant for law firms. From 1990 to 1997, he was a supervisor in the training division of the PD’s Office and for misdemeanor trial and felony preliminary hearings. Before that, he spent two years as an attorney in the appeals division. He was a judicial law clerk for the Illinois Appellate Court for the first two years of his legal career. He has extensive criminal trial and appellate experience. He has taught trial advocacy at the University of Chicago and Loyola Law Schools. The Council finds him Qualified.
2001 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Not Recommended
In March 2001, the Council found Judge Donnelly Not Recommended for the position of Associate Judge.
2002 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Qualified
Thomas More Donnelly is a 1986 graduate of Loyola Law School. He has been a solo practitioner since 2000. He was appointed Circuit Court Judge in November 1999. He spent eleven years working in the Office of the Cook County Public Defender. From 1997 to 1999, he was a supervisor for eight lawyers in the Post-Conviction Unit in Criminal Division courtrooms throughout all six Municipal Districts. He also served as part-time Director of the Philip H. Corboy Trial Advocacy Fellowship and as an ethics consultant for law firms. From 1990 to 1997, he was a supervisor in the training division of the Public Defender’s Office and for misdemeanor trial and felony preliminary hearings. Before that, he spent two years as an attorney in the appeals division. He was a judicial law clerk for the Illinois Appellate Court for the first two years of his legal career. He has extensive criminal trial and appellate experience.
He has taught trial advocacy at the University of Chicago and Loyola Law Schools. The Council finds Mr. Donnelly Qualified to serve in the Circuit Court.
John T. DOODY, Jr.
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2002.
Evaluation 2002 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
John Thomas Doody, Jr. was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1974. Since 1979, he has been engaged in the private general practice of law as a sole practitioner. His work is now concentrated in real estate and estate planning, although he used to handle a variety of both civil and criminal trial work. He has also worked in government service, holding the positions of President of the village of Homewood and State Representative. Since 1997, he has also worked part-time at the Secretary of State Department of Administrative Hearings, training hearing officers and prosecutors and representing the Secretary of State at hearings. He also chairs and serves as an arbitrator in the Mandatory Arbitration program for the Circuit Court of Cook County. From 1974 to 1979, he worked as a law clerk to an appellate justice. Although he lacks recent trial experience, he had significant litigation experience earlier in his career, in addition to his more recent experience in Administrative Hearings and Mandatory Arbitration.
He has a reputation for high integrity and excellent legal knowledge and ability. Mr. Doody is considered hard working and committed to public service. The Council finds him Qualified.
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. John Thomas Doody, Jr. was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1974. He was elected to the bench in 2002 and currently sits in the Criminal Division, hearing drug-related cases. Before being elected to the bench, he was a sole practitioner. He also worked in government service, holding the positions of President of the village of Homewood and State Representative. Judge Doody is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
Deborah Mary DOOLING
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1992-1997: Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1992.
Evaluation 3/90 (D) Circuit Court: Qualified
Deborah Mary Dooling was admitted to practice law in 1978. She has served as an Assistant State’s Attorney since 1980. Ms. Dooling is considered to be a competent, hard-working prosecutor, with good legal ability. The Council has received a few reports questioning whether she has been unfair to opponents. Most lawyers, however, find her to be fair. On balance, therefore, the Council finds her Qualified.
1992 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court Qualified
Deborah Dooling, 37, was admitted to practice in 1978. She has served as an Assistant State’s Attorney since 1980. Ms. Dooling is considered to be a competent, hard-working lawyer with adequate legal ability.
In 1990, Ms. Dooling was elected to the Circuit Court in an election that was subsequently invalidated for technical reasons. At that time, the Council received reports that Ms. Dooling had been unfair to opponents in litigation. Because most lawyers found her to be fair, the Council rated her qualified. While the Council still has some questions concerning Ms. Dooling’s legal ability and fairness, it finds her Qualified, based on the majority of the reports it has received.
11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Deborah Dooling, 43, was elected to the bench in 1992 after a career as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. She has spent most of her judicial career doing criminal work. In June 1997 she was transferred to the Law Division. She has good legal ability and a good temperament. Some defense counsel say she was too state-minded when she was hearing criminal law cases – that she was too quick to adopt the prosecutors’ views of the cases. However, civil practitioners say she has successfully made the transition to the Law Division and that she is a solid jurist. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Deborah Dooling was elected to the bench in 1992 after a career as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. She has spent most of her judicial career doing criminal work. In June 1997 she was transferred to the Law Division. She has good legal ability and a good temperament, and, in general, is considered to be a solid jurist. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
2006 Primary Election – Appellate Court: Qualified
Hon. Deborah Mary Dooling was elected to the bench in 1992 after a career as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. She was transferred to the Law Division in 1997, after spending the beginning of her judicial career presiding over criminal matters. She has been the Supervising Judge of the Surety Section since 2003. Judge Dooling is considered to be an excellent trial judge with good legal ability and temperament. She has judicial experience in both civil and criminal law matters. The Council finds her Qualified for the Appellate Court.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Deborah M. Dooling was elected to the bench in 1992 and is currently Presiding Judge in the Law Division. Previously, she served in the Criminal Division, the Chancery Division, and the Law Division, hearing jury trials. In 2001, she was appointed by the Supreme Court to the Judicial Conference and the Committee on Discovery Rules. Judge Dooling was admitted to Illinois Bar in 1978. She was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney in the Criminal, Civil and Appellate Divisions and was in private practice.
Judge Dooling is considered to be a very good judge with good ability and temperament. She has done well in both civil and criminal assignments. She is a solid jurist. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
Jennifer DUNCAN-BRICE
Present Judicial Duties 1992-Present: Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Individual General Calendar
Previous Judicial Duties Law Division, Motions Section Elected to the Circuit Court in 1992.
Evaluation 1992 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Jennifer Duncan-Brice, 40, has been an attorney with the Corporation Counsel’s office for 17 years. From 1985 to 1987 she was Chief Assistant for the Tort Division. Since 1987, she has been Deputy Corporation Counsel. She is a former president of the Federal Bar Association.
Ms. Duncan-Brice is reported to be an excellent trial attorney, practicing in a variety of areas including public condemnation, eminent domain, federal civil rights and tort defense. As a supervisor, she is credited with successfully reorganizing and revitalizing the moribund and demoralized tort department. She reduced the backlog of cases pending against the City and established competent and appropriately skilled teams of trial attorneys to handle the City’s tort defense litigation. Colleagues and adversaries alike have praised her legal abilities, integrity, temperament and fairness. Indeed, opponents’ only reservation about the prospect of her becoming a judge is their regret that she would leave her current position, where she has been fair and efficient.
Because she has displayed outstanding legal and administrative skills, the Council finds Ms. Duncan-Brice to be highly qualified.
1998 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Jennifer Duncan-Brice, 47, was elected to the bench in 1992 after a long career as an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago. She sits in the Law Division. She has very good legal ability and all lawyers report that she is a solid jurist. She is considered to be well prepared and exceptionally hard-working. She has good judicial temperament. Her fairness and integrity are unquestioned. The Council finds her Well Qualified for retention.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Jennifer Duncan-Brice, 47, was elected to the bench in 1992 after a long career as an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago. She sits in the Law Division. She has very good legal ability and all lawyers report that she is a solid jurist. She is considered to be well prepared and exceptionally hard-working. She has good judicial temperament. Her fairness and integrity are unquestioned. The Council finds her Well Qualified for retention.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Jennifer Duncan-Brice was elected to the Cook County Circuit Court in 1992. Since 1995, she has served as judge in the Law Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Judge Duncan-Brice was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1976. Before her 1992 election, she spent 17 years working in various capacities for the City of Chicago Corporation Counsel.
Judge Duncan Brice is considered to have very good legal ability. She is a hard working jurist who is considered to have an excellent temperament. She is praised for her courtroom management skills. Her fairness and integrity are unquestioned. The Council finds her Well Qualified for retention.
Laurence J. DUNFORD
Present Judicial Duties: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2004
Evaluation 2004 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Laurence J. Dunford was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1971. He has been in private practice, all in small firms or as a solo practitioner, for his entire career. Since 2001, he has had a solo civil litigation practice, mostly in personal injury cases. Mr. Dunford is a 1971 graduate of the John Marshall Law School.
Mr. Dunford is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He is well regarded as a solid practitioner. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Judge Laurence Dunford was elected to the bench in 2004 and is currently assigned to the First Municipal District. Judge Dunford was admitted to practice in 1971. Prior to election, he was in private practice.
Judge Dunford presents a difficult case. Most respondents say that he has a good knowledge of the law and with adequate legal ability and temperament. But other respondents find fault with his temperament, saying that he can be short-tempered and unpredictable from day to day. The Council concludes that he is Not Qualified for retention.
Maureen DURKIN ROY
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Jury Section
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Motions Section
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1992.
Evaluation 11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Maureen Durkin Roy, 51, sits in the Law Division Jury Section. She was elected to the bench in 1992 after a 15-year career as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. She sat in the Juvenile Court Delinquency Division from 1992 to 1996. She has very good legal ability and lawyers report that she is always well prepared and firmly but considerately runs her courtroom. Her fairness and integrity are unquestioned. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Maureen Durkin Roy sits in the Law Division Jury Section. She was elected to the bench in 1992 after a 15-year career as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. She sat in the Juvenile Court Delinquency Division from 1992 to 1996. She has very good legal ability and lawyers report that she is always well prepared. Her fairness and integrity are unquestioned, although there have been some complaints about her temperament. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
Loretta EADIE-DANIELS
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Sixth Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2000.
Evaluation 11/00 Fifth Subcircuit: Not Recommended
Loretta Eadie-Daniels did not participate in the Council’s evaluation process, submitting no information in support of her candidacy. The Council received insufficient information to judge her qualifications for the Circuit Court. The Council finds her Not Recommended.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Loretta Eadie-Daniels currently hears a misdemeanor call in the Sixth Municipal District, where she has been assigned since her election in 2000. Prior to her election, she was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney and, before that, an attorney for the Chicago Transit Authority. Judge Eadie-Daniels is considered to have adequate legal ability and is well regarded as a judge in her current assignment. She has a good temperament. The Council finds her Qualified.
Lauren Gottainer EDIDEN
Present Judicial Duties: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2007.
Evaluation 2006 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Qualified
Lauren Ediden was admitted to practice in 1989. She has been a solo practitioner handling criminal defense matters since 2000. She also serves as Village Prosecutor for Northbrook. From 1993 to 2000, she was an associate at Massucci Blomquist & Brown. From 1989 until 1993, she was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Ms. Ediden is reported to have good legal ability and temperament, and is praised for her community involvement. The Council has some concerns about her limited litigation experience in complex matters, but notes that she has substantial litigation experience generally, including prosecuting municipal cases in a large volume courtroom. The Council finds her Qualified to serve in the Circuit Court.
James D. EGAN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1991-1994: Associate Judge, Criminal Division (Evening Narcotics); First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1988; elected to the Circuit Court in 1994.
Evaluation 3/90 (D) Circuit Court: Qualified
Associate Judge James D. Egan currently sits in the First Municipal District. Both prosecutors and defense counsel praise Judge Egan as being hard working and fair. His knowledge of the law and his integrity are considered to be excellent. The Council, therefore, finds him Qualified.
3/94 Circuit Court: Qualified
James Daniel Egan, 43, sits as a judge in Evening Narcotics at 26th and California. Upon becoming a judge in 1988, he was assigned to Traffic Court. He later was assigned to the First Municipal District. Before taking the bench, he spent significant time as a trial lawyer in both the Cook County Public Defender’s Office and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Judge Egan runs a high volume court call efficiently while at the same time giving all parties full and fair opportunity to be heard.
He is uniformly praised for his patient, calm and courteous temperament and for his work ethic. His knowledge of the law is good. He is generally regarded as fair and independent. The Council finds him Qualified.
11/00 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified Lynn M. EGAN
James Daniel Egan, 50, has been a judge since 1988. He sits in the Criminal Division at 26th and California Avenue hearing felony cases. Before becoming a judge, he served as both an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney and as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. Lawyers report that Judge Egan has good legal ability and judicial temperament. He is considered hard working. The Council finds him Qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Hon. James Daniel Egan has been a judge since his appointment as an associate in 1988. He was elected in 1994. He sits in the Criminal Division at 26th and California Avenue hearing felony cases. Before taking the bench, he served as both an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney and as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. Judge Egan is widely respected as a solid jurist with very good legal ability and temperament. He is praised for his courtroom management skills and he considered to be hard working. The Council finds him Well Qualified.
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. Lynn M. Egan was appointed to the Circuit Court in 1995 and was elected the following year. Since March 2002, Judge Egan is assigned to the Individual Calendar Section of the Law Division. After her appointment, she served in Traffic Court. From 1997 to 1998, she was assigned to the Administrative/Assignment call in the Law Division. She was then transferred to the Fifth Municipal District. In 2001 she was appointed to the Commercial Calendar Section. She is generally regarded as a solid jurist with the very good legal ability and integrity. In her 2002 investigation, some attorneys raised concerns regarding her temperament. Judge Egan recognized that this was an area on which she needed to improve. In the current investigation, lawyers report that she has a good temperament. She is still considered to have very good legal ability and integrity. She is praised for her courtroom management skills, and is reported to be hard working and always prepared. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Individual General Calendar Section
Previous Judicial Duties 2001-2002: Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Commercial Calendar Section; 1998-2001: Judge, Circuit Court, Fifth Municipal District; 1997-1998: Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1995; elected to the Circuit Court in 1996.
Evaluation 11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Lynn M. Egan was appointed to the Circuit Court in 1995 and was elected the following year. Since March 2002, Judge Egan has been assigned to the General Calendar Section of the Law Division. After her appointment, she served in Traffic Court. From 1997 to 1998, she was assigned to the Administrative/Assignment call in the Law Division. She was then transferred to the Fifth Municipal District. From 2001 until her current assignment, she served in the Commercial Calendar Section. She is generally regarded as a solid jurist with the requisite legal knowledge and ability and integrity. Some attorneys, however, raise concerns regarding her temperament, noting that she can sometimes be sharp even before juries. Judge Egan recognizes that this is an area that she must continue to work on. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
Richard J. ELROD
Present Judicial Duties 1988-Present: Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Jury Section
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1988; elected to the Circuit Court in 1990
Evaluation 1990 (D) Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Judge Elrod’s candidacy presents an unusual dilemma for the voters. His excellent legal ability and varied experience must be balanced against his poor performance as the longtime Sheriff of Cook County. Before becoming a judge, Elrod served as a senior attorney in the Attorney General’s Office and received praise for his work on issues involving disability rights. For the past year and a half, he has been hearing personal injury cases, and lawyers report that Judge Elrod has demonstrated diligence and skill in bringing cases to equitable settlement. However, these achievements are cast in the shadow of Judge Elrod’s 16 years as Cook County Sheriff. During that time, Elrod presided over a deeply entrenched system of patronage and corruption. While there is no evidence linking Elrod to any incident of wrongdoing, the corruption in one of the major units in his office, the Sheriff’s Police, has been the subject of intense federal investigation. Though Elrod apparently did not know of the corruption plaguing this unit, its history raises questions as to his administrative capabilities. In addition, Elrod only instituted sorely needed reforms in the Sheriff’s Department after being urged to do so by the Special Commission on the Administration of Justice in Cook County and others. The Council believes that the kind of patronage abuse that plagued the Sheriff’s Office has also been a primary cause of problems in the Circuit Court. For these reasons, we cannot find Judge Elrod qualified for the Circuit Court. 10/96 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Richard J. Elrod, 62, has been a judge since 1988. He has served in the Law Division, Jury Section for his entire judicial career. Practitioners report that Judge Elrod has excellent legal ability and has demonstrated skill and diligence in bringing cases to equitable settlement. He is praised as being fair and having an excellent judicial temperament. In 1990, the Council found Judge Elrod not qualified for retention based on questions raised by his performance as Cook County Sheriff between 1971 and 1986. The Council found that while there was no evidence linking Judge Elrod to wrongdoing in that department, he had presided over an agency deeply entrenched in patronage and corruption. However, our current investigation has found nothing to suggest that Judge Elrod is not independent. In light of the positive comments the Council has received about his performance as a judge, the Council finds Judge Elrod qualified.
11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Hon. Richard J. Elrod was appointed to the Circuit Court in 1988 and was elected to the bench in 1990. He has served in the Law Division, Trial Section for his entire judicial career. He began his career in the Chicago Department of Law, where he was an Assistant Corporation Counsel for 13 years. From 1969 to 1970, he was a State Representative in the Illinois General Assembly. He was Cook County Sheriff from 1970 to 1986. For two years prior to his appointment, Judge Elrod was the Senior Assistant Attorney General. Practitioners report that Judge Elrod has excellent legal ability and has demonstrated skill and diligence in bringing cases to equitable settlement and in conducting jury trials. Judge Elrod is one of the hardest working judges in the Circuit Court. He is praised as evenhanded and as having an excellent judicial temperament. He displays empathy for litigants and respect for attorneys who appear before him. The Council finds Judge Elrod Highly Qualified for retention.
2008 Retention: Well Qualified
Hon. Richard J. Elrod was appointed to the Circuit Court in 1988 and was elected to the bench in 1990. He has served in the Law Division, Trial Section for his entire judicial career. He began his career in the Chicago Department of Law, where he was an Assistant Corporation Counsel for 13 years. From 1969 to 1970, he was a State Representative in the Illinois General Assembly. He was Cook County Sheriff from 1970 to 1986. For two years prior to his appointment, Judge Elrod was the Senior Assistant Attorney General. In 2002, the Council found that practitioners report that Judge Elrod had excellent legal ability and had demonstrated skill and diligence in bringing cases to equitable settlement and in conducting jury trials. The Council praised Judge Elrod is one of the hardest working judges in the Circuit Court. The 2008 investigation made similar findings. He is a solid jurist with an excellent judicial temperament. The Council finds Judge Elrod Well Qualified for retention.
James R. EPSTEIN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Illinois Appellate Court, First District
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Chancery Division
1999-2005: Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division,
Second Municipal District
Hon. James R. Epstein was appointed to fill a
vacancy March 1999 and elected in 2000. For most of
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1999; elected to the
this judicial career he sat in the Second Municipal
Circuit Court in 2000; elected to the Illinois
District. He was assigned to the Chancery Division in
Appellate Court in 2010.
2006. From 1985 until his appointment, he was a
partner with Epstein, Zaideman & Esrig, a practice
Evaluation
that included a variety of civil and criminal trial
2000 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court:
work. Prior to that, he spent five years as an Assistant
Highly Qualified
Public Defender. Judge Epstein is considered to have
outstanding legal ability and to be well-skilled in
James R. Epstein, 46, is a 1978 graduate of
courtroom management. Although some lawyers
Northwestern University Law School. He was
report that he can be short-tempered, he is generally
appointed to the bench in March 1999 and currently
considered to have an excellent temperament with
sits in Felony Criminal Court. Prior to his
litigants, jurors, and court personnel. Judge Epstein
appointment, he gained twenty years of experience as
brought to the bench substantial experience with
a trial attorney. From 1985 to 1999, he was a partner
both civil and criminal litigation matters and he is
with Epstein, Zaideman, & Esrig. The firm’s practice
always well-prepared. He is involved actively with
included a variety of civil and criminal trial work.
community services. Judge Epstein is praised for
Prior to that, he spent five years as an Assistant
preparing detailed written opinions and has taught at
Public Defender. He has also taught a course in trial
Northwestern University’s Short Course for
advocacy at Northwestern University Law School
Prosecutors and Defense Lawyers since 2004. He is a
since 1982. As an attorney, Judge Epstein was
member of the Administrative Office of the Illinois
considered to have outstanding legal ability, trial
Courts’ Committee on Education, where he was a
skills, and judgment. As a judge, he is considered to
member of the editorial board for the preparation of
be impartial, even-tempered, and extremely well-
judicial bench books. The Council finds him Well
versed in the law and procedure. The Council finds
Qualified for the Appellate Court.
him Highly Qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
James P. ETCHINGHAM
Hon. James R. Epstein was appointed to fill a
vacancy March 1999 and elected in 2000. For most
Present Judicial Duties
of this judicial career he sat in the Second Municipal District. He was recently assigned to the Chancery
Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Third Municipal District
Division. From 1985 until his appointment, he was a
partner with Epstein, Zaideman & Esrig, a practice
Previous Judicial Duties
that included a variety of civil and criminal trial work. Prior to that, he spent five years as an Assistant Public Defender. Judge Epstein is considered to have outstanding legal ability and to be
Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Fourth Municipal District; 1995-1996: Judge, Circuit Court, Third Municipal District (appointed to fill a vacancy)
well skilled in courtroom management. Although some lawyers report that he occasionally can be short-tempered, he is generally considered to have an
Appointed Circuit Judge in 1994; elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1998.
excellent temperament with litigants, jurors, and
Evaluation
court personnel. Judge Epstein brought to the bench
None
substantial experience with both civil and criminal
litigation matters and he is always well prepared. He
is involved actively with community services. The Council finds him Highly Qualified.
Timothy C. EVANS
Present Judicial Duties
2010 Primary and General Elections for the Illinois Appellate Court: Well Qualified
Chief Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division
Previous Judicial Duties
2000-2001: Presiding Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division; 1992-2000: Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division (Presiding Judge from 1997-2000)
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1992.
Evaluation 11/92 Fifth Subcircuit: Qualified
Timothy C. Evans, 49, is best known as a former fourth ward alderman and committeeman and candidate for Mayor of Chicago. As an alderman, Mr. Evans was head of the Finance Committee during Harold Washington’s term as Mayor. Besides these positions, Mr. Evans has been a practicing lawyer since 1969. He began his practice in the City’s Corporation Counsel’s office and doing criminal defense work. Since 1973 he has had a solo civil litigation practice, consisting primarily of personal injury cases. He is described by lawyers who have appeared in cases with him as a solid lawyer with very good legal ability. The Council believes he is qualified.
11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Timothy C. Evans is the Presiding Judge of the Domestic Relations Division. He was elected to the bench in 1992 after a long career as a solo practitioner and government official. Lawyers report that Judge Evans is an outstanding judge who is knowledgeable, patient, fair, and hard working. He has good legal ability and an excellent temperament, and is believed to be completely fair and of the highest integrity. He is also widely praised for his innovative work as an administrator, and is credited by many respondents for substantially improving the Domestic Relations Division. The Council finds him Highly Qualified for retention.
2004 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Timothy C. Evans is the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County. He has served as the Presiding Judge of the Domestic Relations Division. He was elected to the bench in 1992 after a long career as a solo practitioner and government official. Lawyers report that Judge Evans is an outstanding judge who is knowledgeable, patient, fair, and hard working. He has good legal ability and an excellent temperament, and is believed to be completely fair and of the highest integrity. He is also widely praised for his innovative work as an administrator. As the Presiding Judge in the Domestic Relations Division, he is credited by many lawyers for substantially improving the Division. As the Chief Judge, he has been accessible to the legal community and receives praise for his commitment to improving the court system. The Council finds him Highly Qualified for retention.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Timothy Evans graduated from John Marshall Law School in 1969. He was admitted to practice in 1966. Judge Timothy Evans was elected to the bench in 1992 and was elected Chief Judge in 2001. He has been unanimously re-elected chief judge three times. Prior to his election to the bench, Judge Evans was an assistant corporation counsel for the City of Chicago and had served as a floor leader for Mayor Harold Washington and as an Alderman for the 4th Ward.
As Chief Judge, he does not hear cases, but sees to the administration of the courts. Chief Judge Evans created a domestic violence division for the Cook County Circuit Court, re-instituted a pre-trial services program and changed procedure so that bond hearings are conducted in person, rather than via teleconferencing. He is responsive to public concerns about the judiciary and is working with interested groups to institute a diversion and deferral program in the criminal courts to reduce cost and waste and better serve the interests of the community. The Council finds Judge Evans Highly Qualified for retention.
Candace Jean FABRI
Present Judicial Duties 1996-Present: Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Date of admission to practice law in Illinois: 1975
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1996.
Evaluation 3/96 Primary Election–Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Candace Jean Fabri, 46, has been practicing law for 20 years. She is a partner in the firm of Sachnoff & Weaver, where she has practiced since 1986. From 1977 to 1979, and from 1980 to 1986, she was an Assistant United States Attorney. From 1979 to 1980, she was an Assistant Professor at the Loyola University School of Law. She was a judicial law clerk to Judge Joel M. Flaum in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Ms. Fabri has served as counsel to the Illinois Judicial Inquiry Board. She has extensive experience in both state and federal court and has practiced both civil and criminal law. Attorneys report that she has superb legal skills and is very hard working. Based on her broad experience and excellent abilities, the Council finds her Highly Qualified.
11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Hon. Candace J. Fabri has sat in the Child Protection Division of the Juvenile Court since her election to the bench in 1996. She previously had experience as a law clerk for then-U.S. District Court Judge Joel Flaum, an Assistant Professor of Law at Loyola University, an Assistant U.S. Attorney, and as a partner in the firm of Sachnoff & Weaver. Through the investigation and interview process, Judge Fabri distinguished herself as highly engaged by her present assignment. All reports have been extremely positive regarding her ability to conduct the courtroom, her legal ability, and her acuity during often-tempestuous hearings. She takes exceptional interest in the placement of children in foster care, and blazed a legal trail (eventually approved by the Illinois Supreme Court in the In re A.H. case in 2001) by asserting jurisdiction and ordering removal of a beaten child from a foster home. The Council finds Judge Fabri Highly Qualified for retention.
2008 Retention: Well Qualified
Hon. Candace J. Fabri has sat in the Child Protection Division of the Juvenile Court since her election to the bench in 1996. She previously had experience as a law clerk for then-U.S. District Court Judge Joel Flaum, an Assistant Professor of Law at Loyola University, an Assistant U.S. Attorney, and as a partner in the firm of Sachnoff & Weaver. Through the investigation and interview process, Judge Fabri distinguished herself as highly engaged by her present assignment. She is reported to have excellent legal ability and is considered to be exceptionally hard-working. She has the ability to be assigned anywhere in the Circuit Court. There are some reports, however, that Judge Fabri can be rude in court – at times directing her anger against lawyers and caseworkers who she thinks is not doing their job properly. While we believe this behavior should not be exhibited in the courtroom, we also believe that Judge Febri is an exceptionally smart judge who cares deeply about the children, parents, and guardians who appear before her. The Council finds Judge Fabri Well Qualified for retention.
Thomas P. FECAROTTA, Jr.
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Third Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties 1998-2000: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1998.
Evaluation 1998 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Thomas P. Fecarotta, Jr. was admitted to practice in 1980. From 1981 to 1986 he was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. From 1986 to 1989 he was in private practice with an emphasis on criminal defense. He was Legal Advisory to the Cook County Sheriff for one year and has had a private, general practice since 1990. Mr. Fecarotta has good legal ability and an excellent temperament. The Council finds him Qualified.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Thomas P. Fecarotta, Jr. was elected to the bench in 1998 and currently sits in the Third Municipal District. He was admitted to practice in 1980. From 1981 to 1986 he was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. From 1986 to 1989 he was in private practice with an emphasis on criminal defense. He was Legal Advisor to the Cook County Sheriff for one year and had a private, general practice from 1990 until the time he took the bench. Mr. Fecarotta has good legal ability and an excellent temperament. He is widely praised by lawyers as being prepared and knowledgeable about the cases before him. The Council finds him Well Qualified for retention. 11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Judge Thomas P. Fecarotta, Jr. was elected to the bench in 1998 and is currently assigned to the Third Municipal District. Previously, he served in the First Municipal District. Judge Fecarotta was admitted to practice in 1980. Prior to election, he was an Assistant State’s Attorney and in private practice as a criminal defense attorney.
Judge Fecarotta is considered to have very good legal ability and is praised for his professional demeanor. He is reported to be an exceptionally hard working judge who takes the time to show individual attention to each defendant appearing before him. He is considered to be decisive and issues well-reasoned rulings. The Council finds him Well Qualified for retention to the Circuit Court.
Maureen P. FEERICK
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2005.
Evaluation 2005 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Well Qualified
Maureen Patricia Feerick was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1984. She has been an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney since 1985. She graduated from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 1984.
Ms. Feerick is considered to have excellent legal ability and has extensive litigation experience in both civil and criminal law matters. She has a very good temperament and has an excellent reputation as a fair and impartial prosecutor. She provided particularly thoughtful answers to the essay portion of her evaluation materials. The Council finds Ms. Feerick Well Qualified to serve in the Circuit Court.
Roger G. FEIN
Present Judicial Duties Recalled Judge, Circuit Court, Second Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 2003.
Evaluation 2002 Primary Election – Appellate Court: Not Qualified
Roger Fein is seeking to fill a vacancy on the Illinois Appellate Court, First District. He was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1965. From 1967 until the present, Mr. Fein has been in private practice. From 1967 to 1991, he was an associate and then a partner with Arvey Hodes Costello & Burman.
From 1992 until the present, he has been a partner at Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon. Throughout his 35 years of practice, Mr. Fein has worked principally as a transactional lawyer in corporate and securities law. Those contacted about Mr. Fein’s qualifications had high praise regarding his legal ability and diligence.
Although Mr. Fein is very experienced in transactional work, he has limited trial and appellate experience. Mr. Fein, however, has had experience in working together with litigators to develop strategy and to counsel clients. He also has had experience in helping to settle matters, and he has assisted litigators with a few bench trials.
Notwithstanding that the candidate is an intelligent and a well respected transactional lawyer, his virtual lack of trial and appellate experience is disabling. And, despite the fact that Mr. Fein appears sincere in wanting to become a Justice, he has not taken sufficient steps to compensate for his lack of trial experience. In short, Mr. Fein does not appear to have adequately prepared himself for the difficult task of being an Appellate Court Justice. Accordingly, the Council finds him Not Qualified for the position of an Appellate Court Justice. 2004 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
The Honorable Roger G. Fein has been a judge since January 2003 and is presently assigned to the traffic court in the First Municipal District. From 1965 to 1967, Judge Fein served as a staff attorney with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington DC. From 1967 to 1991, he was an associate and then a partner with Arvey Hodes Costello & Berman, and from 1992 to 2003, he was a partner at Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon. His practice focused on commercial and securities law transactions. Judge Fein’s evaluation was limited to his performance as a trial judge. In this position, lawyers appearing before him report that he is especially diligent and well prepared. He is praised for his courtroom management skills. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Peter A. FELICE
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Fifth Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2002.
Evaluation 2002 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Peter A. Felice has been a solo general practitioner since being admitted to the bar in 1976. His practice has involved real estate matters, administrative law and municipal law matters. He has been general counsel to many municipalities. While the candidate was regarded as person of integrity and good character, he was deemed by number of contacts as having ordinary legal ability and experience. We find the candidate Not Qualified.
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. Peter A. Felice was admitted to the bar in 1976 and was elected to the bench in 2002. He sits in the Fifth Municipal District hearing misdemeanor jury cases. He has presided over bench and jury trials at Domestic Violence Court. Before taking the bench, he was a sole practitioner. Judge Felice is reported to have good legal ability and is generally described as a patient judge who is well prepared and decisive. He is described as being respectful of both lawyers and litigants who appear before him. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
Fe FERNANDEZ
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1997: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1997.
Evaluation None
Denise Kathleen FILAN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Fifth Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties 1998-2003: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, Domestic Violence Division
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1998.
Evaluation 1998 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Recommended
Denise Kathleen Filan did not participate in the Council’s evaluation process, submitting no information in support of her candidacy. The Council received insufficient information to judge her qualifications for the Circuit Court. The Council finds her Not Recommended.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Denise Filan was elected to the bench in 1998 and sits in the Fifth Municipal District. She has good legal ability and temperament. Lawyers praise her courtroom management skills. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Denise Filan was elected to the bench in 1989 and presently serves in the Fifth Municipal District. Previously, she was in Traffic Court and the District 1 Branch Court. She was admitted to practice in 1989. Prior to her election to the bench, Judge Filan was in private practice. Cases in the Municipal Districts cover a broad range from civil suits for damages up to $100,000, housing cases, and small claims, to misdemeanor criminal cases, felony preliminary hearings, domestic violence and traffic cases.
Judge Filan is considered to have good legal ability. She is praised for her courtroom management skills and for her temperament. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
Howard L. FINK
Present Judicial Duties 1982-Present: Associate Judge, Third Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1982.
Evaluation None
Thomas R. FITZGERALD
Present Judicial Duties Retired
Previous Judicial Duties Justice, Illinois Supreme Court
1989-2000: Presiding Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division: 1976-1987: Criminal Division, Repeat Offender Call; 1987-1989: Supervising Judge, Traffic Division
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1976; elected to the Illinois Supreme Court in 2000.
Evaluation 11/88 Retention – Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Judge Fitzgerald, currently the presiding Judge in Traffic Court, has held that position since April 1987. He is credited by the Traffic Court Task Force of the Special Commission on the Administration of Justice in Cook County, as well as by attorneys who work with and appear before him, with instituting innovative reforms in the administration of a court burdened with scandal and a crushing volume of cases. He has implemented changes to eliminate “hustling” and has instituted a new Traffic Safety School. Before moving to the Traffic Court, he won the respect of both prosecutors and defense attorneys for his work as a trial judge in the recidivist criminal court. He is praised for his knowledge of the law, his evenhandedness, and his scrupulous integrity. He brings enthusiasm, intelligence, and dignity to his new judicial and administrative tasks. The public should be grateful for the outstanding leadership he has shown in his current assignment. His task would be assisted by the construction of a new facility for Traffic Court, for which he has been working.
11/94 Retention – Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Thomas R. Fitzgerald, 53, is the Presiding Judge of the Criminal Division, a position he has held since January 1989. Judge Fitzgerald previously served as a trial judge in the Criminal Division and from April 1987 to January 1989 was supervising judge of Traffic Court. The Council in 1982 described him as one of the bright young stars of the criminal division. In 1988, when Judge Fitzgerald was supervising judge of Traffic Court, the Council rated him highly qualified and praised him for instituting innovative reforms at a court burdened with scandal and a crushing volume of cases.
Judge Fitzgerald’s administration of the Criminal Division has been good, although not as obviously outstanding as his performance in previous assignments. As head of the Criminal Division he has taken a number of steps to improve its operation, including the creation of the evening narcotics court; use of floating judges to make sure that courtrooms are used to the fullest extent possible; recruitment of a generally good corps of young judges to come into the Division; effective use of the Coordinating Council and Principals Committee to ensure communication among key actors in the Division; moving arraignments from the call of the Presiding Judge to the individual trial judges; and taking steps to ensure the early release of discovery materials.
The Council concludes that in his prior assignments Judge Fitzgerald has been an outstanding trial judge and administrator. In his current assignment he has done a good, effective job as Presiding Judge of the Criminal Division.
Accordingly, the Council finds Judge Fitzgerald highly qualified for retention.
2000 Primary & General Elections – Supreme Court: Well Qualified
Thomas R. Fitzgerald, 58, is a 1968 graduate of the John Marshall Law School. For the past eleven years, he has served as Presiding Judge of the Criminal Division located at 2600 S. California Avenue in Chicago. He has mostly supervisory, administrative, and case-management duties. He also presides over a daily assignment call. Before becoming Presiding Judge, he was the Supervising Judge of the 1st Municipal District Traffic Court for almost two years. From 1976 to 1987, he was a trial judge assigned to the Criminal Division. Prior to becoming a judge, he worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney for eight years.
Judge Fitzgerald is considered to have excellent legal knowledge and ability. As a judge he gained a reputation for integrity and impartiality. Attorneys praise him for his diligence as well as for his judicial temperament. Judge Fitzgerald lacks civil practice and appellate judging experience, but the Council believes that, given the candidate’s other strengths, he will learn quickly in these areas. The Council finds Judge Fitzgerald well qualified for the Illinois Supreme Court.
Brian K. FLAHERTY
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Sixth Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, Traffic Court
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2003.
Evaluation 2002 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Not Qualified
Brian Kevin Flaherty was admitted to practice law in 1980. Since 1994, Mr. Flaherty has been a legal advisor and Director of Personnel and Operations for the Cook County Sheriff. He spent one year before that as a solo general practitioner. From 1990 until 1993, he was an associate at the general litigation firm of Connolly, Ekl & Williams. Before that, he spent ten years as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. Mr. Flaherty received his JD from DePaul University College of Law in 1980.
Mr. Flaherty is considered to have average legal ability but an excellent temperament. The Council is concerned, however, that Mr. Flaherty does not have substantial recent trial experience. The Council finds Mr. Flaherty Not Qualified to serve in the Circuit Court.
Kathy M. FLANAGAN
Present Judicial Duties 1992-Present: Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Motions Section
Previous Judicial Duties 1990-1992: Domestic Relations Division; 1988-1990: Trial Team Judge
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1988.
Evaluation 3/88 (D) Circuit Court: Not Recommended
Ms. Flanagan is a private practitioner. The Council has received insufficient information to judge her qualifications for the Circuit Court. 11/88 (D) Not Qualified
Ms. Flanagan has been in private general practice since 1979. The Council does not believe that Ms. Flanagan has the professional experience necessary for the judiciary.
11/94 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Kathy M. Flanagan, 41, has been a judge since she was elected in 1988. She served in the Domestic Relations Division until January 1993. Since that time she has been assigned to the Law Division as a judge on the motion call. As a motion call judge, Judge Flanagan runs a very tight ship. She works hard and usually is well prepared. She does her own research and has one of the most current calendars in the Law Division. The majority of reports we have received about Judge Flanagan’s legal abilities are very favorable. However, we have received a number of reports that Judge Flanagan can be unnecessarily rude or hostile to attorneys. In addition, attorneys report that she has, on occasion, ruled without adequate preparation, resulting in questionable rulings. The motion call assignment is a difficult and demanding one and these problems may be caused in part by the nature of her call. Given her strengths and dedication, on balance the Council finds Judge Flanagan to be qualified for retention.
3/96 Primary Election – Appellate Court: Qualified
Kathy M. Flanagan, 43, has been a Circuit Judge since she was elected in 1988. She sits in the Law Division, where she hears a motion call. From 1988 to 1993, she sat in the Domestic Relations Division. In 1994, the Council found Judge Flanagan qualified for retention but noted a number of reports indicating that she could be unnecessarily rude to attorneys. The investigation for this election indicates that Judge Flanagan has addressed that problem and has improved. Attorneys report that she is exceptionally well-prepared in her present assignment, which is similar to the functions of an appellate judge. She has good legal ability and moves her call well. The Council finds her Qualified.
1998 Primary & General Elections – Appellate Court: Qualified
Judge Kathy M. Flanagan has served as a Motion Judge in the Law Division since 1992. She was a judge in the Domestic Relations Division between 1988 and 1992. Between 1980 and 1988 she was in private practice with a concentration in domestic relations. Judge Flanagan has good legal ability and is exceptionally hard-working. Some lawyers characterize her temperament as overly rigid but most lawyers praise her as a no-nonsense judge who does a difficult job well. The Council finds her Qualified.
11/00 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Kathy M. Flanagan, 47, was first elected as Circuit Court Judge in 1988 and retained by the voters in 1994. Prior to reaching the bench, Judge Flanagan had ten years of legal experience, mostly in a solo general practice. The Council previously found Judge Flanagan not qualified in 1988 due to her lack of experience, but found her qualified for retention in 1994 and qualified as a candidate for the Appellate Court in 1996 and 1998 (although she lost in the primary both years). Since 1993, she has served on the Motion Call in Law Division. In most areas – legal knowledge, integrity, sensitivity to diversity, diligence and impartiality – the Judge draws high marks from lawyers. The Council finds especially laudable the Judge’s routine issuance of written opinions, not common among Motion Call judges. Where she falls down (as was also the case in our 1994 evaluation) is in the area of temperament. There continue to be reports of rough, brusque treatment of lawyers in her courtroom. The Judge herself attributes her reputation to the demands of a high-volume call and her willingness to say “no” to lawyers seeking more time to complete discovery. The Council believes that such exigencies may explain, but do not excuse, judicial rudeness. Nonetheless, reports are that the Judge continues to work on this one flawed facet of her otherwise goodto-excellent tenure. The Council finds her Qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Hon. Kathy M. Flanagan was first elected as Circuit Court Judge in 1988. Since 1993, she has served on the Motion Call in Law Division. Prior to reaching the bench, Judge Flanagan had ten years of legal experience, mostly in a solo general practice. Judge Flanagan presents a difficult case. She is considered to have very good legal ability and is hard working. Her superiors consider her to be a good judge. But when she was evaluated in 2000 for retention, the Council noted extensively the problems Judge Flanagan has with temperament – to the level that the Council referred to her behavior as “judicial rudeness.” The Council noted that she was working on this “one flawed facet” and found her Qualified. In the current investigation, it is apparent that Judge Flanagan continues to demonstrate the same severe temperament problems. The Council is compelled to conclude that on balance, Judge Flanagan is Not Qualified.
Thomas E. FLANAGAN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Jury Section
Previous Judicial Duties 1984-1991: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1984.
Evaluation 11/90 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Attorneys report that Judge Flanagan is doing a solid job as a judge in the First Municipal District, where he hears personal injury and paternity suits. He is viewed as fair and hard working.
11/96 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Thomas E. Flanagan, 60, has been a judge since 1984. He was assigned to the First Municipal District until 1991 when he was assigned to the Law Division, Jury Section. Judge Flanagan is considered by practitioners to have good legal knowledge. He is fair, hard working, and of high integrity. The Council finds him Qualified.
11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Thomas E. Flanagan has been a judge since his election in 1984. He was assigned to the First Municipal District until 1991, when he was transferred to his current assignment in the Law Division, Trial Section. Lawyers contacted found him knowledgeable, patient, and very hard-working. He was reported to be fully able to stay on top of the complex tort cases tried before him. The Council finds Judge Flanagan Qualified for retention.
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. Thomas E. Flanagan has been a judge since his election in 1984. He was assigned to the First Municipal District until 1991, when he was transferred to his current assignment in the Law Division, Trial Section. Lawyers report that he has good legal ability and find him knowledgeable, patient, and very hard working. He was reported to be fully able to stay on top of the complex tort cases tried before him. The Council finds Judge Flanagan Qualified for retention.
James P. FLANNERY, Jr.
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Jury Section
Previous Judicial Duties 1992-1997: Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division; 1989-1992: Fourth Municipal District; 1988-1989: First Municipal District (traffic court)
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1988.
Evaluation 1990 (D) Primary & General Elections–Circuit Court (Stillo Vacancy): Qualified
Associate Judge Flannery sits in the Fourth Municipal District in Maywood. Faced with the challenges and realities of a high-volume court call, Judge Flannery runs an efficient courtroom in which all parties feel justly treated. The Council finds Judge Flannery qualified.
11/96 Retention, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge James P. Flannery, Jr., 46, has been a judge since 1988. He was initially assigned to the First Municipal District. He spent more than three years assigned to the Fourth Municipal District before he was assigned in 1992 to the Criminal Division. Judge Flannery is considered by practitioners to be a good judge who is hard working and who has good legal ability. The Council finds him Qualified.
11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. James P. Flannery, Jr., 52, has been a judge since 1988. He has sat in the Law Division, Trial Section since 1997. He was initially assigned to the First Municipal District. He then spent more than three years assigned to the Fourth Municipal District before he was transferred to the Criminal Division in 1992. Lawyers praise Judge Flannery for his legal knowledge, diligence, and judicial temperament. We therefore find him Qualified for retention.
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. James P. Flannery, Jr., 52, has been a judge since 1988. He has sat in the Law Division, Trial Section since 1997. He was initially assigned to the First Municipal District. He then spent more than three years assigned to the Fourth Municipal District before he was transferred to the Criminal Division in 1992. Judge Flannery has extensive experience in complex matters both as a lawyer and as a judge. He is described as being hard working, well prepared and knowledgeable. He is praised for his courtroom management skills and for ruling promptly. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
Ellen L. FLANNIGAN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2006.
Evaluation 2006 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Recommended
The candidate elected not to participate in the evaluation process. The Council accordingly finds the candidate Not Recommended.
John J. FLEMING
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1996-1998: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1996.
Evaluation 3/96 Primary Election, Circuit Court: Not Qualified
John J. Fleming, 40, has been practicing law for 14 years. He is currently Director of Administrative Adjudication, Administrative Hearings, for the City of Chicago. He spent one year as a solo practitioner and three years with the Chicago Park District as Deputy General Attorney, Litigation Supervisor. He was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for eight years. We have received significant reports that Mr. Fleming lacks a responsible attitude and good judgment in his work. The Council finds him Not Qualified.
11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. John J. Fleming was elected to the Circuit Court in 1996, and has been assigned to the Criminal Division as a floater since 2001. From 1998 to 2001, he was assigned to the Narcotics Preliminary Hearing call and Central Bond Court. His first assignment as a judge was to the First Municipal District, Traffic Court. As a floater, Judge Fleming temporarily substitutes for judges who – by reason of illness, vacation or schedule conflicts – cannot hear their regularly assigned matters. In this position, Judge Fleming typically handles a large volume of cases on a daily basis, but has little continuity of contact with any of them. Perhaps because of this lack of continuity, the Council has received very few reports from lawyers who regularly appear before Judge Fleming. The available information suggests that Judge Fleming handles his assignment efficiently, that he has good legal ability and temperament, and that he is fair and unbiased. We therefore find him Qualified for retention.
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. John J. Fleming was elected to the Circuit Court in 1996, and has been assigned to the Criminal Division since 2001. From 1998 to 2001, he was assigned to the Narcotics Preliminary Hearing call and Central Bond Court. His first assignment as a judge was to the First Municipal District, Traffic Court. Judge Fleming is reported to have good legal ability and handles his assignment efficiently. He has good temperament and is considered to be fair and unbiased. Some lawyers complain that he is not punctual in taking the bench, but Judge Fleming explained during this evaluation process that he is working in chambers when not hearing cases. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
Kenneth L. FLETCHER
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 2008
Evaluation 2004 Evaluation for Associate Judgeship: Qualified
Kenneth L. Fletcher has been practicing law since 1976, and has spent nearly his entire legal career with the Cook County Public Defender’s Office.
From 1983 to 1987, however, he entered private practice, where he maintained a general practice. Mr. Fletcher is considered to have good legal ability and over the course of his career, has acquired substantial experience in significant matters, both as a criminal defense attorney and as a supervisor. The Council finds him Qualified.
Lawrence Edward FLOOD
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2001.
Evaluation 2001 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Not Recommended
In March 2001, the Council found Judge Flood Not Recommended for the position of Associate Judge.
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Peter FLYNN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Chancery
Previous Judicial Duties 2000-2002: Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Individual Commercial Calendar; 1999-2000: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1999; elected in to the Circuit Court in 2000.
Evaluation 2000 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Peter Flynn, 57, is a 1966 graduate of Yale Law School. He was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1969. In 1999, he was appointed Circuit Court Judge, and he is currently assigned to Traffic Court. From 1976 until his appointment to the bench, he was a partner at Cherry & Flynn, working mostly on complex commercial civil litigation. He was an associate at Jenner & Block from 1969 to 1975. As an attorney, he is reported to have very good legal ability and an even temperament. He is considered a thoughtful, knowledgeable, and impartial judge. The Council finds him Qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Hon. Peter A. Flynn was appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1999 and was elected in 2000. He current sits in the Chancery Division. He has also been assigned to the Individual Commercial Calendar Section. From 1976 until his appointment to the bench, he was a partner at Cherry & Flynn, working mostly on complex commercial civil litigation. He was an associate at Jenner & Block from 1969 to 1975. Judge Flynn is considered to be an excellent jurist who brought to the bench substantial experience in complex litigation matters. He is considered to have very good legal ability and temperament. He treats pro se litigants with due respect and is very hard-working. He is praised for his substantial knowledge of the law. The Council finds him Well Qualified.
Nicholas R. FORD
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1997-2003: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1998; elected to the Circuit Court in 1998.
Evaluation 1998 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Nicholas R. Ford was appointed to the bench in December 1997 and currently sits in Traffic Court. Judge Ford was admitted to practice in 1988. He was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney throughout his career as an attorney. As a lawyer, Judge Ford was considered to have adequate legal ability and a good temperament. Judge Ford is also praised for his personal commitment to public service, including his volunteer efforts on behalf of the homeless. Although he has less than ten years experience as an attorney, the Council does not believe that ten years experience is always an absolute prerequisite. On balance the Council finds him Qualified.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Nicholas R. Ford was appointed to the bench in December 1997 and currently sits in the First Municipal District. Judge Ford was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney throughout his career as an attorney. As a lawyer, Judge Ford was considered to have good legal ability and a good temperament. Judge Ford is also praised for his personal commitment to public service. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Nicholas R. Ford was appointed to the bench in December 1997 and currently sits in Traffic Court, in the Criminal Division of the Circuit Court. Judge Ford was admitted to practice in 1988. He was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney throughout his career as an attorney.
Judge Ford is considered to have good legal ability. He is generally regarded as a fair judge, who is hard-working with good legal ability. His demeanor draws some criticism for impatience and inappropriate sarcastic remarks. On balance, however, Judge Ford is viewed positively in the legal community. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
Lawrence P. FOX
Present Judicial Duties Retired
Previous Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division, Evening Narcotics: First Municipal District; 19881992: Criminal Division at 26th & California; 19861988: First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge in 1986.
Evaluation 3/92 Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Lawrence Fox, 42, has been an Associate Judge since 1986. He has been sitting in the Criminal Division at 26th and California. Previously, he was in private practice for three years and was an Assistant Public Defender for seven years. He had an excellent reputation as an Assistant Public Defender.
Attorneys give Judge Fox excellent reviews. He is fair minded, bright and capable. He is willing to learn new areas, and described as a good teacher. The Council believes he is highly qualified for election to the Circuit Court.
Charles E. FREEMAN
Present Judicial Duties Justice, Illinois Supreme Court
Previous Judicial Duties 1997-2000: Chief Justice, Illinois Supreme Court; 1986-1997: Justice, Illinois Appellate Court; 19761986: Judge, Circuit Court
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1976; elected to the Illinois Appellate Court in 1986; elected to the Illinois Supreme Court in 1990
Evaluation 3/86 and 11/86 Elections – Appellate Court: Qualified
Judge Charles Freeman is currently sitting in the Chancery Division of the Circuit Court after serving several years in the Law Jury Division. Judge Freeman is considered to be intelligent, diligent, and knowledgeable about the law and is said to have excellent judicial temperament. He was found qualified by the Council for the Appellate Court in 1984, and the Council again finds him Qualified for the state’s second highest court.
3/88 Illinois Supreme Court–Seymour Simon vacancy: Exceptionally Well Qualified and Recommended
Justice Freeman, 54, has served on the Appellate Court for one year. Prior to that, he was a well-respected judge on the Circuit Court for 10 years, serving in the Law and Chancery Divisions. Before becoming a judge, Justice Freeman was a private practitioner and functioned in a quasi-judicial capacity as a Commissioner for the Illinois Commerce Commission and as an Arbitrator for the Industrial Commission. Justice Freeman’s performance as a trial judge received consistent praise form lawyers, both those who won and those who lost cases before him, particularly for his commitment to fairness and his ability to get quickly to the heart of issues before him. Justice Freeman has generated an impressive number of opinions during his first year on the Appellate Court. He has also thought carefully about the important administrative and oversight functions of the Supreme Court.
3/90 and 11/90 Elections – Illinois Supreme Court: Qualified
Charles E. Freeman, 57, has served on the Appellate Court since 1986. He was a Circuit Judge for 10 years, serving in the Law and Chancery Divisions. Before becoming a judge, Justice Freeman was a private practitioner and functioned in a quasi-judicial capacity as a commissioner for the Illinois Commerce Commission and as an arbitrator for the Industrial Commission. Justice Freeman’s performance both as a trial and as an appellate judge receives consistent praise from lawyers. He is fair, articulate and thoughtful. His legal ability is considered above average. His appellate opinions are well reasoned, and he is an active participant in oral arguments. The Council believes that Justice Freeman is qualified for the state’s Supreme Court.
11/00 Retention – Supreme Court: Qualified
Charles E. Freeman, 66, has been a judge since 1976. He has been an Illinois Supreme Court Justice since 1990. He has also served on the Illinois Appellate Court and the Circuit Court of Cook County. Before becoming a judge, he was a private practitioner and functioned in a quasi-judicial capacity as a commissioner for the Illinois Commerce Commission and as an arbitrator for the Industrial Commission. As a trial judge and as an Illinois Appellate Court Justice, Justice Freeman received consistent praise from lawyers. The Council has consistently found him qualified in past elections. As a Supreme Court Justice, lawyers report that he demonstrates good legal ability and judicial temperament, asks intelligent questions during oral argument, and writes good opinions. He has also used his authority as a Justice to push for reforms to prevent and uncover prosecutorial misconduct.
Disquieting questions have surfaced, nonetheless, about Justice Freeman’s exercise of his authority to fill judicial vacancies in the Appellate and Circuit Courts. Media accounts over the past year have tied Justice Freeman to such appointments as Justice Morton Zwick (to the First District Appellate Court), Judge George J.W. Smith (under indictment by the U.S. Attorney), Judges Marvin Leavitt and Marvin Luckman (both with reported family ties to the Justice’s business partners), and a line of judges recommended by former alderman, Edward Vrdolyak. Justice Freeman and other Justices have, according to press reports, been queried by the FBI about the process used to fill vacancies. (Some, if not all, of Justice Freeman’s appointees have previously been found qualified by the Council.). In fairness, we should also note that Justice Freeman’s appointments have improved the diversity of the Circuit Court of Cook County.
To Justice Freeman’s credit, he has exhibited candor with the bar and public in responding to these charges. His candor, though, has occasionally taken odd directions, such as laying blame for the negative publicity on Cook County Circuit Court Chief Judge Donald P. O’Connell. The caustic edge to some of Justice Freeman’s published remarks has also verged on the injudicious. But the fundamental problem, as the Council sees it, lies not with any individual Justice, but with an unchecked appointment system that allows (even seems to encourage) patronage politics to intrude. The Council has historically – as recently as this year – urged and advanced concrete reforms to bring the Supreme Court’s appointment system into the sunlight. We are inclined to view Justice Freeman’s response to the latest publicity about his appointments as a politically maladroit attempt to cope with a system not of his making.
The Council, while concerned about the allegations and awaiting future developments, finds Justice Freeman to be qualified to serve as Supreme Court Justice.
11/00 Retention – Supreme Court: Qualified
Justice Charles Freeman was elected to the Circuit Court in 1976 and elected to the Illinois Supreme Court in 1990. Justice Freeman served as Chief Justice for the Illinois Supreme Court from 1997 to 1999. While at the Circuit Court, Judge Freeman sat in the Law and Chancery Divisions. He was admitted to practice in 1962. Prior to his election, Justice Freeman was assistant Illinois attorney general, an assistant state’s attorney, and an assistant attorney for the Board of Election Commissioners.
Justice Freeman is praised for being prepared and offering thoughtful and active questioning during oral argument. His opinions are considered to be well reasoned. The Council is concerned that Justice Freeman, unlike his colleagues in the First District, does not utilize a Commission to assist him in picking candidates to fill judicial vacancies. We believe that the responsibility of filling judicial vacancies is an exceptionally important duty of an Illinois Supreme Court Justice and a commission will help insure that only qualified candidates are selected to fill judicial vacancies. However, despite this shortcoming, the Council finds Justice Freeman Qualified for retention.
Margaret O’Mara FROSSARD
Present Judicial Duties Justice, Illinois Appellate Court, First District, Fifth Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1997-Present: Justice, Illinois Appellate Court: 19891997: Judge, Circuit Court, Second Municipal District; 1988-1989: Associate Judge, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1988; elected to the Circuit Court in 1994; appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court in 1997.
Evaluation 3/94 Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Margaret Frossard, 42, is currently a Judge in the Second District in Skokie. She was admitted to practice in 1976. Prior to becoming a judge she worked at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office and was Deputy Supervisor of the Rape Prosecution Task Force, a Felony Trial Supervisor, and chief of the Felony Trial Division. She became an Associate Judge in 1988 and was assigned to the First Municipal district for nearly a year. In her current assignment in Skokie, her call varies and includes traffic, ordinance violations, post conviction hearings, and other matters.
Judge Frossard is highly praised by all commentators as having excellent legal ability, demeanor, and temperament. She has written extensively and well. She teaches at judicial conferences and has taught trial advocacy at IIT-Kent. The Council finds her Highly Qualified.
11/00 Retention – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Margaret O’Mara Frossard, 48, has been a judge since 1988. In 1997 she was assigned to the Illinois Appellate Court, although she is running for retention to the Circuit Court. In the Circuit Court of Cook County, Judge Frossard served in the Second Municipal District and the First Municipal District. Before becoming a judge she served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Lawyers widely praise Judge Frossard for her excellent legal ability and temperament. Her opinions are considered to be well researched and well written. The Council finds her Well Qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Hon. Margaret O’Mara Frossard was assigned to the Illinois Appellate Court in 1997 although she is running for retention to the Circuit Court. She was appointed as an associate judge in 1998 and elected in 1994. In the Circuit Court of Cook County, Judge Frossard served in the Second Municipal District and the First Municipal District. Before becoming a judge she served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Lawyers praise Judge Frossard for her excellent legal ability and temperament. She is an active inquisitor during oral argument and is always well prepared. Her legal opinions are well researched and well written. The Council finds her Well Qualified.
Raymond FUNDERBURK
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties 1998-2002: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, Non-Jury Civil Trials; 1994-1998: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, Forcible Entry and Detainer; 1993-1994: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, Domestic Violence Section; 1993: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, Traffic Court; 1993: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, Non-Jury Civil Trials
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1993; elected to the Circuit Court in 1994.
issues as dress and protocol while in the courtroom. Evaluation On balance, the Council finds him Qualified. 3/94 Circuit Court: Qualified
Raymond Funderburk, 50, was appointed to fill a judicial vacancy in May 1993, was first assigned to traffic court, and has presided in domestic violence court since September 1993. A 1978 law graduate, Judge Funderburk was with the Legal Assistance Foundation for four years, after which he entered private practice and handled a variety of civil matters including corporate, banking, real estate and disabilities matters, and general litigation. He is reported to be a fair and hard-working judge with a good judicial temperament. The Council finds him Qualified.
11/00 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Raymond Funderburk, 56, has been a judge since 1993. He sits in the First Municipal District hearing non-jury civil trials. He has sat in the Forcible Entry and Detainer Section and the Domestic Violence Section. Prior to becoming a judge, he was in private practice and was with the Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation (now part of the Legal Assistance Foundation of Chicago). Judge Funderburk presents a difficult evaluation. In his current assignment, lawyers report that he is knowledgeable and maintains good control over his courtroom. He moves cases along and lawyers report that he has a polite but firm temperament. The Council, however, has heard reports that he did not have a good temperament when dealing with pro se tenants in the Forcible Entry and Detainer Section and had difficulty running his courtroom. Judge Funderburk appears to have improved. On balance, the Council finds him Qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Raymond Funderburk has been a judge since 1993. He sits in the First Municipal District hearing civil jury trials. He has also sat in the Forcible Entry and Detainer Section and the Domestic Violence Section. Prior to becoming a judge, he was in private practice and was with the Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation (now part of the Legal Assistance Foundation of Chicago). Judge Funderburk is considered to have good legal ability. He is diligent and hard working. Some lawyers report that Judge Funderburk can be overly critical of lawyers and court observers over such
Thomas V. GAINER, Jr.
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division
Previous Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division; 2001-2003: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 2001; elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2003
Evaluation 9/02 Associate Judge: Well Qualified
Thomas Vincent Gainer, Jr. received his J.D. from John Marshall Law School in 1977 and was admitted to the Illinois Bar in November of that year.
Mr. Gainer has been an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney since 1997. Before that, he spent six years as Chief Legal Counsel at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs in Springfield. From 1987 until 1997, he was in private practice at the litigation firm of Nealis and Bradley. Mr. Gainer spent his first ten years as an attorney (1977-1987) as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney.
Mr. Gainer has outstanding professional experience and legal ability. He has a good temperament. He has been praised as a fair and diligent prosecutor. In the 1980s, a federal district court judge granted a habeas petition based on a comment made by Mr. Gainer which indirectly indicated that the defendant had refused to testify. Mr. Gainer admitted the mistake and indicated that, in teaching new prosecutors, he uses the incident as an example of what not do. The Council believes his subsequent exemplary professional activity offsets this incident and finds Mr. Gainer Well Qualified to serve in the Circuit Court.
Daniel J. GALLAGHER
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District Elected as a Circuit Judge in 2010
Evaluation 2010 Primary and General Elections: Qualified
Daniel James Gallagher was admitted in 1994. He is currently an Assistant Public Defender (APD) in the Felony Trial Division, and has been in the office since 1996. He was in private practice before becoming an APD. As lead trial counsel he reports taking one civil case and 35 criminal cases to a jury verdict, as well as approximately 20 civil and 100 to criminal cases to a bench verdict. Mr. Gallagher is reported to be a diligent, fair, and zealous advocate. He is praised as being well prepared with a professional demeanor. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Michael J. GALLAGHER
Present Judicial Duties Justice, Illinois Appellate Court, First District, Fifth Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1990-1996: Law Division, Jury Section; 1988-1990: First Municipal District (jury trials)
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1988; elected to the Circuit Court in 1990; appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court in 1996.
Evaluation 1990 Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Michael J. Gallagher was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Circuit Court of Cook County in October 1988 after ten years of practicing law at the trial and appellate levels in state and federal courts, including two years as a clerk for Justice Clark in the Illinois Supreme Court. He is praised by attorneys and colleagues on the bench for his excellent skills, professionalism, temperament and sensitivity to ethical obligations. He sits in the First Municipal District where he runs his large call efficiently, while providing a fair hearing to the litigants. He has shown great respect for the rule of law, independently researching issues in cases before him, writing articles, teaching and upgrading the library resources available in his chambers. The Council, therefore, finds him Highly Qualified.
11/96 Appellate Court: Highly Qualified
Judge Michael J. Gallagher, 43, has recently been appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court. He has been a Circuit Court Judge since 1988. He was first assigned to the First Municipal District and then served in the Law Division, Jury Section for six years.
Judge Gallagher was considered to be one of the best trial judges in the Law Division. He has a strong command of the law, works hard, and has excellent legal ability. He is widely regarded as being thoughtful, fair, and even-tempered. The Council finds him Highly Qualified.
1998 Primary & General Elections – Appellate Court: Highly Qualified
Judge Michael Gallagher has been a Circuit Judge since 1988. He served in the First Municipal District and the Law Division before being appointed to the Appellate Court in 1997. Judge Gallagher was widely respected as an outstanding trial judge and is considered to be an excellent Appellate Court justice.
He has outstanding legal ability and is fair and exceptionally hard-working. He has several published articles. The Council finds him Highly Qualified.
2008 Evaluation – Highly Qualified
Hon. Michael Gallagher was elected to be an Illinois Appellate Justice in 1998 and was elected to the bench as a Circuit Judge in 1988. He served in the First Municipal District and the Law Division before being appointed to the Appellate Court in 1997. Judge Gallagher was widely respected as an outstanding trial judge and is considered to be an excellent Appellate Court justice. He has outstanding legal ability and is fair and exceptionally hardworking. He has several published articles. The Council finds him Highly Qualified.
Celia G. GAMRATH
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Appointed as a Circuit Judge by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2010
Evaluation: Qualified
Celia G. Gamrath was admitted in 1994. She is currently a partner at Schiller DuCanto and Fleck where she handles 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 settle before trial, but she does substantial numbers of evidentiary and dispositive motions. She reports handling about 50 appeal cases. Ms. Gamrath is exceptionally active in bar association activities and has published numerous articles in legal texts. Lawyers report that Ms. Gamrath has good legal ability and is 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.
Sheldon C. GARBER
Present Judicial Duties Supervising Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties 1985-1996: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1985.
Evaluation None
Rodolfo GARCIA
Present Judicial Duties Justice, Appellate Court, 1st District
Previous Judicial Duties 1997-2003: Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division; Judge, Circuit Court, Fourth Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1996; appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2003.
Evaluation 3/96 Primary Election–Circuit Court: Qualified
Rodolfo Garcia, 42, has been practicing law for 14 years. He is in solo private practice, specializing in criminal defense and immigration matters. He spent one year in the Criminal Appeals Division of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. Mr. Garcia is widely praised for his honesty and integrity.
He has very good legal ability and is hard working. His temperament is considered to be good. The Council finds him Qualified.
11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Rodolfo Garcia was elected to the Circuit Court in 1996. His first assignment was to the general trial call in the Fourth Municipal District. He was transferred to the Criminal Division in 1997, initially to Evening Narcotics, and, later as a floating judge. He has handled felony trials since April 1999. The candidate is credited by lawyers interviewed with good temperament, legal ability, and skill in managing his courtroom. We therefore find him Qualified for retention.
2/03 Appointment to Illinois Appellate Court: Qualified
Hon. Rodolfo Garcia was elected to the Circuit Court in 1996. His first assignment was to the general trial call in the Fourth Municipal District. He was transferred to the Criminal Division in 1997, initially to Evening Narcotics, and, later as a floating judge. He has handled felony trials since April 1999. Judge Garcia was admitted to practice in 1981. After beginning his legal career by spending one year in the Criminal Appeals Division of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, he was in private practice, specializing in criminal defense and immigration matters, until the time of his election. Judge Garcia is considered to have good legal ability and is known for being prepared. He had both trial and appellate experience before his election to the bench. He has a very good legal temperament. There are some reports that he is unduly defense-oriented, but on balance, the Council finds Judge Garcia Qualified for the Appellate Court.
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. Rodolfo Garcia was elected to the Circuit Court in 1996. His first assignment was to the general trial call in the Fourth Municipal District. He was transferred to the Criminal Division in 1997, initially to Evening Narcotics, and, later as a floating judge. He began hearing felony trials in 1999. He was appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2003. Judge Garcia was admitted to practice in 1981.
After beginning his legal career by spending one year in the Criminal Appeals Division of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, he was in private practice, specializing in criminal defense and immigration matters, until the time of his election. Judge Garcia is considered to have good legal ability and is known for being prepared. His opinions are reported to be well-reasoned and his is considered to be well prepared at oral arguments. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
Vincent M. GAUGHAN
Present Judicial Duties 1991-Present: Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1991; elected in 1992.
Evaluation 1992 Circuit Court (Murphy Vacancy): Qualified
Vincent Gaughan, 50, was appointed to fill a vacancy in 1991. He has been sitting in the Criminal Division at 26th and California. He was admitted to the bar in 1971, and worked from 1973 to 1991 at the Public Defender’s Office, where he became a supervisor. Attorneys give Judge Gaughan’s work as a supervisor mixed reviews.
Since becoming a judge, however, Judge Gaughan has received good reports from attorneys. He is reported to be very fair, with good control of his court call and good knowledge of the law. He is reported to be independent-minded, with good integrity. The Council finds him Qualified for election.
11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Vincent M. Gaughan sits in the Criminal Division at 26th and California. He was appointed to the bench in 1991 after a career as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. Many lawyers say that he is a good jurist. He has good legal ability and his fairness and integrity are unquestioned. However, too many lawyers find his temperament to be erratic and occasionally unacceptable. He loses his temper on the bench, often without good reason. There are reports that his temperament problem is large enough that it adversely affects his judgment. On balance, the Council finds him Not Qualified for retention.
11/04 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Vincent M. Gaughan sits in the Criminal Division at 26th and California. He was appointed to the bench in 1991 after a career as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. Lawyers report that he is a good jurist. He has good legal ability and his fairness and integrity are unquestioned. The Council has received some reports that he occasionally demonstrates an inappropriate temperament. However, on balance the Council finds him Qualified for retention.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Vincent Gaughan was appointed to the bench in 1991 and elected in 1994. He presently serves in the Criminal Division of the Circuit Court. Previously, she served in the First Municipal District. He was admitted to practice in 1971. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Gaughan was a supervising Public Defender.
Judge Gaughan is considered to have good legal ability and has handled some of the most complex cases in the Criminal Division. He is considered to be a hard working judge who is praised for his courtroom management skills. He can be short-tempered on the bench, but most lawyers consider him to be a solid judge who is adept at handling the most complex cases. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
James J. GAVIN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Fourth Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties 1996-2004: Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1996.
Evaluation 3/96 Primary Election – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
James Joseph Gavin, 39, has been practicing law for 10 years. He has been a partner in private practice with his father since being admitted to the bar. His practice is primarily divorce and personal injury litigation, although he also does some criminal defense work. Mr. Gavin lacks the breadth of experience in complex litigation matters necessary to qualify him to serve as a judge. The Council finds him Not Qualified.
11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. James J. Gavin has been a judge since 1996. He has been assigned to the Domestic Relations Division since then, and presently sits at the Sixth Municipal District. He is reported to have an excellent temperament, control of courtroom, and a strong work ethic. By all accounts, he is doing a fine job. The Council finds Judge Gavin Qualified for retention.
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. James J. Gavin was elected to the bench in 1996. He has been assigned to the Domestic Relations Division since then, and presently sits in the Sixth Municipal District. He is reported to have good legal ability and a good temperament. Lawyers describe his as a competent and fair judge. The Council finds Judge Gavin Qualified for retention.
Nicholas GEANOPOULOS
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Appointed Circuit Judge in 2008
Evaluation 2007 Evaluation to fill Judicial Vacancy: Qualified
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.
Bettina M. GEMBALA
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 2005.
Evaluation 4/05 – Evaluation to fill a vacancy: Not Qualified
Bettina R. Gembala was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1981. Since 2002 she has served as Chief Judge with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. She served for a short time as a special assistant state’s attorney in Kane County and between 1989 and 2000 was an Associate Clerk for Court Operations in Cook County. She was a sole practitioner between 1981 and 1989. Ms. Gembala is considered to have a good temperament and she is respected for her diligence. The Council is concerned, however, that her legal experience lacks depth and breadth. She has little actual litigation experience. The Council finds her Not Qualified.
Daniel T. GILLESPIE
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties Associate Judge, First Municipal District; Juvenile Court
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1988.
Evaluation None
Pamela Hughes GILLESPIE
Present Judicial Duties: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2007.
Evaluation 2006 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Qualified
Pamela Hughes Gillespie has practiced since 1986. In 1999, she became the Chief Legal Counsel for the Cook County Assessor’s Office. From 1986 until 1999, she was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney where she was Supervisor of the Property Taxation Unit from 1997 to 1999. Ms. Gillespie is reported to have good legal ability and temperament.
She is considered to be particularly hard-working with substantial litigation experience in complex matters. The Council finds her Qualified to serve in the Circuit Court.
Susan Fox GILLIS
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, County Division
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1999.
Evaluation None
Gregory Robert GINEX
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Fourth Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2001.
Evaluation In March 2001, the Council found Judge Ginex Recommended for the position of Associate Judge.
Steven J. GOEBEL
Present Judicial Duties: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2007.
Evaluation 2006 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Steven Goebel has been with the Office of the Cook County State’s Attorney since he was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1981. In 1993, he was made Supervisor of the Traffic Court. From 1993 to the present, he has been Supervisor of the Second Municipal District. Mr. Goebel is praised by both other prosecutors and defense counsel as a “consummate professional.” He is considered to have very good legal ability and treats opposing counsel with respect. He is even-tempered generally and is praised for his ability and willingness to consider and weigh the arguments of defense counsel in reaching fair agreements. He is known to be an excellent, hard-working lawyer. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Allen S. GOLDBERG
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Individual Commercial Calendar Section
Previous Judicial Duties 1994-2000: Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division; 1992-1994: Judge, Circuit Court, Juvenile Division
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1992.
Evaluation 11/92 Ninth Subcircuit: Qualified
Allen S. Goldberg, 50, has been an Assistant Public Defender since 1971. He has held a variety of responsible positions in the Public Defender’s office, and is now the chief of Felony Trials, where he supervises more than 150 lawyers.
Lawyers report that Mr. Goldberg is a very fair attorney. Some lawyers believed his talents were exceptional; all agreed that he was competent, experienced, and fair. A few lawyers questioned whether his quiet courtroom style might limit his control of a courtroom, but most lawyers believe he would do a very good job as a judge. The Council believes that Mr. Goldberg is well qualified for election to the Circuit Court.
11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Allen S. Goldberg, 56, was elected to the bench in 1992 after a long career as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. He has served in the Domestic Relations Division since 1994. All respondents find Judge Goldberg to be a solid jurist. He is well prepared and has very good legal ability. His fairness and integrity are unquestioned. He is punctual and is considered exceptionally hardworking. The Council finds him Well Qualified for retention.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Allen S. Goldberg was elected to the bench in 1992 after a long career as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. He has served in the Domestic Relations Division and currently sits in the Law Division in the Individual Commercial Calendar Section. All respondents find Judge Goldberg to be a solid jurist. He has good legal ability and temperament. His fairness and integrity are unquestioned. He is considered hard working, but is sometimes slow in issuing opinions. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Allen S. Goldberg was elected to the bench in 1992 and is presently assigned to the Law Division in the Individual Commercial Calendar Section. Previously, he served in the Domestic Relations Division and Juvenile Court. Judge Goldberg was admitted to practice in 1967 and prior to his election to the bench was an Assistant Cook County Public Defender.
Judge Goldberg is considered to have good legal ability and has a low key temperament. He is reported to be always well prepared. A few lawyers complain that he is slow to rule but he is praised for having well reasoned opinions. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
Renee G. GOLDFARB
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Appointed Associate Judge in 2005.
Evaluation 2005 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Well Qualified
Renee Goldfarb was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1975. Since 1986, she has been at the Office of the Cook County State’s Attorney, where she is currently Chief of the Criminal Appeals Division. From 1979 to 1986, she was in private practice as a partner in a general civil practice firm. From 1975 to 1979, Ms. Goldfarb was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Ms. Goldfarb received her JD in 1975 from the University of Illinois.
Ms. Goldfarb is considered to be an excellent appellate lawyer with substantial trial experience, as well. She is well regarded as a supervisor and administrator. She has a wide range of legal knowledge and a very good temperament. Her integrity is unquestioned and she has received numerous awards for her work and for her community service. The Council finds Ms. Goldfarb Well Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.
William E. GOMOLINKSI
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed Circuit Judge in 2007
Evaluation Qualified
William Gomolinski has been a lawyer since 1986. He was appointed to fill a vacancy in July 2007. As a judge he works in traffic court. As an attorney, he was a partner in small firms with a general practice, 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.
Joseph GORDON
Present Judicial Duties Justice, Appellate Court, First District
Previous Judicial Duties 1998-1999: Presiding Justice, Appellate Court, First District, Second Division; Justice, Appellate Court, First District; 1976 – 1983 and 1988-1989: Judge, Circuit Court Elected to the Circuit Court in 1976; recalled in 1988; appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court in 1989; elected to the Illinois Appellate Court in 1990.
3/90 and 11/90 Elections–Appellate Court: Highly Qualified
Justice Joseph Gordon is currently an Illinois Appellate Court Justice, having been appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court in December 1989. He was elected to the Circuit Court of Cook County in 1976, at which time he heard contested motions in the Law Division. He left the bench in 1983 but was recalled to the Circuit Court in 1988. Justice Gordon was in private practice for many years, including as a partner in the law firm of Sachnoff & Weaver, Ltd., and has taught at the John Marshall Law School. This rich and varied background prepared Justice Gordon well for the appellate bench. Attorneys appearing before him report, without exception, that he possesses exceptional legal ability. He is also diligent, fair and of high integrity. The Council, therefore, finds him Highly Qualified.
11/00 Retention – Appellate Court: Well Qualified
Joseph Gordon, 67, has been a judge since 1976. He has been a Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court since 1989. Justice Gordon is widely praised for excellent legal ability and temperament. His integrity is unquestioned and he is considered to be exceptionally hard working. Lawyers report that his opinions are scholarly, well written, and well reasoned. Justice Gordon also demonstrates a commitment to improving the administration of justice. He has authored, lectured, and taught on various subjects relating to litigation, evidence, and civil procedure. The Council finds him Well Qualified.
11/10 Retention, Illinois Appellate Court: Highly Qualified
Justice Joseph was appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court in 1989 and, subsequently, was elected to continue his service in 1990. He served as judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County from 1976 to 1983 and from 1988 to 1989. Prior to his judicial career, Justice Gordon was in private practice and a professor of law at the John Marshall Law School.
Justice Gordon is widely praised for his legal ability and temperament. His opinions are considered to be well reasoned, well written, and scholarly. He has demonstrated a commitment to improving the administration of justice and is praised for his integrity. The Council finds him Highly Qualified for retention to the Illinois Appellate Court.
Robert E. GORDON
Present Judicial Duties Justice, Appellate Court, First District
Previous Judicial Duties 2003-2006: Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Jury Section; 1996-2003: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1996; elected to the Circuit Court in 2002; appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2006.
Evaluation: 1998 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Robert E. Gordon was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in August 1996. He has served in Traffic Court and now serves in the First Municipal District. Before taking the bench, he was a litigator in private practice for 34 years. Judge Gordon is considered to have good legal ability and is fair to all parties appearing before him. His temperament on the bench has been reported to be good although a few attorneys report that as a practitioner, Judge Gordon did not always control his temper when dealing with other attorneys. He is considered to be a good judge. The Council finds Judge Gordon to be qualified.
2002 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
The Honorable Robert E. Gordon was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in August 1996. Judge Gordon sat in Traffic Court during 1996-97. He is currently assigned to the First Municipal District, where he hears civil jury trials; he also hears Forcible Detainer matters two days each week. He was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1962. As a judge, he is regarded as having an excellent knowledge of law and procedure. He has a strong work ethic, disposes of cases efficiently, and has dramatically reduced the backlog of cases that confronted him when he was assigned to his current posting. Attorneys frequently commend him for his informal efforts to educate inexperienced lawyers who appear before him. Attorneys who have tried cases before Judge Gordon generally believe he is fair. A frequent criticism of Judge Gordon is that he is arrogant and quick to remind attorneys of his own knowledge and experience. Although these criticisms give the Council some pause, on balance the Council believes that Judge Gordon’s legal knowledge, his efforts to mentor young lawyers, his work ethic, and his productivity outweigh these concerns. The Council finds Judge Gordon Qualified.
2005 Evaluation for Appointment to the Illinois Appellate Court: Qualified
Robert E. Gordon was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 1996, after a long career as a litigator. He served as a jury trial judge in the Municipal Division from 1997 to 2003. Since 2003 he has served as a jury trial judge in the Law Division. He was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1962. He is regarded as having excellent knowledge of law and procedure. He has a strong work ethic and has been commended for his informal efforts to educate inexperienced lawyers who appear before him. The Council finds him Qualified for the Appellate Court.
2008 Retention: Well Qualified
Hon. Robert E. Gordon was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 1996, after a long career as a litigator. He served as a jury trial judge in the Municipal Division from 1997 to 2003. Since 2003 he has served as a jury trial judge in the Law Division. He was appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2005. He was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1962. He is regarded as having excellent knowledge of law and procedure. He has a strong work ethic and is considered to be well prepared for oral arguments. His opinions are reported to be well reasoned. The Council finds him Well Qualified for retention.
Joel Leslie GREENBLATT
Present Judicial Duties: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Third Municipal
District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2007.
Evaluation 2004 Evaluations to fill a Circuit Court Vacancy: Qualified
Joel Leslie Greenblatt was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1966. He has been in private practice throughout his career. Mr. Greenblatt has broad experience as a lawyer, and is considered to be a solid practitioner with good temperament. The Council finds him Qualified.
Joel L. GREENBLATT
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Third Municipal District
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 2004.
Evaluation 08/04 Appointment to fill a vacancy – Qualified
Joel Leslie Greenblatt was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1966. He has been in private practice throughout his career. Mr. Greenblatt has broad experience as a lawyer, and is considered to be a solid practitioner with good temperament. The Council finds him Qualified.
John C. GRIFFIN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Chancery Division
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 2008
Evaluation None
2010 Primary and General Elections, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge John C. Griffin was admitted to practice in 1976. For 31 years he was in private practice primarily handling real estate, zoning and development-related matters. In March 2008, he was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to a judicial vacancy. He has served in Traffic Court and currently presides over mortgage foreclosure matters in the Foreclosure/Mechanic’s Lien Section. Judge Griffin is reported to have good legal ability and an excellent temperament. He had a good reputation as a hardworking and knowledgeable attorney and is praised for his courtroom management skills and for being well-prepared. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Maxwell GRIFFIN, Jr.
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Previous Judicial Duties 2003-2004: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, Traffic Court
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2003.
Evaluation 2002 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Qualified
Maxwell Griffin, Jr. was admitted to practice in 1980. Since 1997, he has been an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney in the Complex Litigation Division, where he defends County medical facilities in medical malpractice cases. Before that, he was in private practice, engaging in personal injury defense trial work. From 1994 to 1997, he was an associate at Goldstein & Fluxgold. For two years before that, he was an associate at Jeffrey M. Goldberg & Associates.
From 1983 until 1992, he was an associate, and later, a partner at Hinshaw & Culbertson. He began his career by spending three years as an associate at Clausen & Miller. Mr. Griffin is a 1980 graduate of the University of Notre Dame Law School.
Mr. Griffin is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He is very knowledgeable about insurance defense, medical malpractice, and personal injury legal matters. He is a solid practitioner. The Council finds Mr. Griffin Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.
John B. GROGAN
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Jury Section
Previous Judicial Duties 1990-2003: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1990.
Evaluation 3/90 (D) Circuit Court (Petrone Vacancy): Qualified
John Brennan Grogan has been a private practitioner for nearly 25 years. He is a former Assistant Chicago Corporation Counsel. Mr. Grogan receives praise for his knowledge of the law and fairness in his dealings with other lawyers. He is considered to be a capable attorney. The Council, therefore, finds him Qualified.
Gilbert J. GROSSI
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Fourth Municipal District Previous Judicial Duties 1988-2001: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1988.
Evaluation None
Susan Ruscitti GRUSSEL
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Jury Section
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Second Municipal District; Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1992.
Evaluation 1992 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court (Walsh Vacancy): Not Qualified
Susan Grussel, 44, has been an Assistant State’s Attorney since 1979. She is described as hard working, fair, diligent, and competent as a trial attorney. She has extensive experience at 26th and California. Prior to her legal training, she was a social worker for six years.
Many lawyers, however, questioned Ms. Grussel’s legal ability. While her legal ability is clearly adequate to permit her to perform effectively as a prosecutor, the Council does not believe that Ms. Grussel has demonstrated sufficient legal ability to be qualified to be a Circuit Judge.
11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Susan Ruscitti Grussel, 51, sits in the Skokie Courthouse doing both bench trials and juries. She previously served in the First Municipal District. She was elected to the bench in 1992 after a career as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Most respondents say she is doing a good job on the bench.
She has good legal ability and her integrity is unquestioned. Lawyers report that she is punctual and that she has a good judicial temperament. However, some lawyers complain that Judge Grussel is not always as forceful as she should be in the courtroom. She sometimes allows lawyers to talk too long when appearing before her, thereby unnecessarily delaying the proceedings. On balance, the Council finds her Qualified for retention.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Susan Ruscitti Grussel sits in the Skokie Courthouse doing both bench trials and juries. She previously served in the First Municipal District. She was elected to the bench in 1992 after a career as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Most respondents say she is doing a good job on the bench. She has good legal ability and her integrity is unquestioned. Lawyers report that she is punctual and that she has a good judicial temperament. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Susan Grussel was elected to the Circuit Court in 1992. She currently sits in the Law Division, in a jury trial room. See was admitted to practice in 1979. Prior to her election, Judge Grussel was in private practice and served as an assistant state’s attorney
Judge Grussel is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. She is a solid jurist with good courtroom management skills. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
Deborah Jean GUBIN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Evaluation: Highly Qualified (Judge Gubin was appointed to the bench in 2010)
Deborah Jean Gubin was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1975. She was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2010. Before taking the bench, she had been since 1986, a sole practitioner in general practice. Since 1995, she had been a Contract Person for the Secretary of State; this involves being a prosecutor at administrative hearings. From 1985 to 1987, she was General Counsel for the Illinois Department of Financial Institutions and did administrative and compliance work. Before that, she spent ten years at the Cook County Public Defender’s Office as an Assistant Public Defender and Supervisor. As a lawyer, she had has extensive criminal and civil experience and is considered an excellent trial attorney. She was known for her even temperament, high integrity, and diligence. The Council finds her Highly Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.
Catherine Marie HABERKORN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division, Second District
Previous Judicial Duties 1997 – 1999: Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division, Evening Narcotics: 1994-1997: Judge, Circuit Court, Juvenile Justice Division
Elected in 1994.
Evaluation 3/92 Election – Qualified
Catherine Haberkorn, 35, has recently begun working on civil cases in the U.S. Attorney’s Office. She has been an Assistant State’s Attorney since she was admitted to the bar in 1981, working predominantly in criminal matters.
While relatively young, Ms. Haberkorn is reported to have performed exceptionally well as a trial attorney in felony cases. She has substantial trial experience and is reported to have a good temperament and even disposition. The Council believes she is qualified for the Circuit Court.
11/94 Election–Qualified
Catherine Marie Haberkorn, 37, was evaluated by the Council of Lawyers in 1992 and at that time was found qualified for election to the Circuit Court. She was admitted to practice in 1981 and since that time has worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney. The Council’s 1992 evaluation stated, “While relatively young, Ms. Haberkorn is reported to have performed exceptionally well as a trial attorney in felony cases. She has substantial trial experience and is reported to have a good temperament and even disposition.”
At the time of our 1992 evaluation Ms. Haberkorn had spent most of her career at the State’s Attorney’s office as a criminal prosecutor. In the last two years she has substantially broadened her experience, doing civil litigation in the State’s Attorney’s Torts Division. She continues to be well regarded for her legal ability, integrity, fairness, and temperament. The Council again finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
11/00 Retention – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Catherine M. Haberkorn, 44, has been a judge since 1994. She sits in the Criminal Division in Skokie. She has also been assigned to the Evening Narcotics Courtroom at 26th and California Avenue. She served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney before becoming a judge. Lawyers report that Judge Haberkorn has very good legal ability. She rules quickly and correctly on evidentiary issues.
She is considered to be a fair impartial judge who is firm with lawyers while maintaining a good judicial temperament. The Council finds her Well Qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Catherine M. Haberkorn has been a judge since 1994. She has sat in the Criminal Division in Skokie since 1999. She has also been assigned to the Evening Narcotics Courtroom at 26th and California Avenue. She served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney before becoming a judge. Judge Haberkorn is considered to have good legal ability and is praised by both prosecutors and defense counsel for her fairness. The Council is concerned, however, about some reports that she can be short-tempered. On balance, the Council finds her Qualified.
William J. HADDAD
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Jury Section
Previous Judicial Duties 2003-2005: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 2003.
Evaluation 9/02 Appointment to fill a judicial vacancy – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
William J. Haddad was admitted to practice in 1973. He has been in private practice since 1981; most of his practice involves personal injury matters. From 1974 to 1981, he was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Mr. Haddad is a 1973 graduate of DePaul University College of Law. He has lectured on trial technique and recent developments in the law. He was the founding president and, later, executive director of the Arab-American Bar Association of Illinois. He was the President of the West Suburban Bar Association. He is the president and founder of the Suburban Bar Coalition of Cook County.
Mr. Haddad is considered to have excellent legal ability with substantial litigation experience in both criminal and civil law matters. He is an effective and well-prepared advocate who is well versed in the law. His temperament is excellent and his integrity is unquestioned. He is praised widely for his community service. The Council finds Mr. Haddad Well Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.
Shelvin Louise Marie HALL
Present Judicial Duties Justice, Illinois Appellate Court, First District, Second Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1995-1999: Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division; 19911994: Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1991; elected to the Circuit Court in 1992; appointed to the Illinois Appellate court in 1999; elected to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2000.
Evaluation 11/92 Circuit Court: Qualified
Shelvin Louise Marie Hall, 44, was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to fill a vacancy in 1991. She sits in the Domestic Relations Division. She is the former General Counsel to the Illinois Department of Human Rights. Judge Hall is considered to be hard working, with good legal ability. She is fair and of high integrity. The Council finds her Qualified.
11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Shelvin Louise Marie Hall, 50, sits in the Law Division. She has been a judge since being appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to fill a vacancy in 1991. She is the former General Counsel to the Illinois Department of Human Rights. Judge Hall is considered to be bright and well prepared in her current assignment. Lawyers report that she has an excellent judicial temperament and controls her courtroom well. Her fairness and integrity are unquestioned. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
11/00 General Election – Appellate Court: Qualified
Shelvin Louise Marie Hall, 51, is a 1974 graduate of Boston University School of Law. She was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1982. In February 1999, she was appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court. She was a judge in the Law Division on a civil jury trial assignment from 1995 to 1999. Prior to that, she served for four years in the Domestic Relations Division. Before becoming a judge, she was General Counsel for the Illinois Department of Human Rights for eight years. She supervised a staff of twelve attorneys handling civil rights, administrative, labor, and legislative law issues. Prior to being admitted to practice law in Illinois, she gained extensive civil rights litigation experience in Texas. She has a broad range of legal experience and is considered to be a fair, competent, and hard-working Appellate Court judge. The Council finds her Qualified.
2010 Retention Election: Qualified
Judge Shelvin Hall was appointed to the Appellate Court in 1999, and presently sits in the First District, First Division. She was appointed as a Circuit Court Judge in 1991 and served in the Domestic Relations and Law Divisions of the Circuit Court. Prior to her election to the bench, Justice Hall was an attorney and General Counsel with the Illinois Department of Human Rights.
Judge Shelvin Hall is considered to be a diligent, hard-working Appellate Court judge with a very good temperament. She is exceptionally active in community affairs. Most lawyers say that she is active in oral argument and that her written decisions are well-reasoned. There are some lawyers who question the clarity and consistency of her rulings. On balance the Council finds her Qualified for retention to the Appellate Court.
Sophia H. HALL
Date of birth: 7/10/43
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Chancery Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1994-2001: Administrative Presiding Judge, Circuit Court, Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Resource Section; 1992-1994: Presiding Judge, Circuit Court, Juvenile Division; 1986-1992: Chancery Division; 1983-1986: Criminal Division; 1981-1982: Municipal, P.I.; 1980-1981: Municipal (forcible detainer)
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1980.
Evaluation 11/86 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Hall has been a Circuit Court judge since 1980, serving in the criminal court building as a felony trial judge for the past three years. She is praised by attorneys for her diligence, judicial demeanor, intellect, legal acumen and courtesy to lawyers, witnesses and victims–especially child victims. Her judicial integrity is above reproach, perhaps a result of her long-observed rule that no one may enter her chambers to discuss a case ex parte. She was not familiar with criminal law when she came on the bench, and, therefore, at first she was thought somewhat indecisive. However, her practice of thinking cases through before ruling in an area where she lacked sufficient experience was far better than ruling quickly without sufficient thought. Many practitioners note that she has progressed steadily as a criminal court judge.
11/92 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Hall, 49, has been a judge since 1980. She served two years in the Municipal District, two years in the Criminal Division, and six years as a Chancery judge. In February 1992 she was appointed to be the head of the Juvenile Division.
In the Chancery Division, Judge Hall is reported to have been a very good judge. She has good analytical skills, presides well at trial, writes clear opinions in which she explains her reasoning clearly, is well organized, fair, and has a good temperament. She has been especially careful to avoid ex parte contacts or any conduct that could present an appearance of impropriety. Some lawyers complained that she was, on occasion, slow to rule and inflexible on procedural matters, and suggested that she at times allowed lawyers to argue beyond the point where any argument was productive. While many lawyers praised her ability in more complex matters, a few lawyers questioned it. On balance, most lawyers reported that she was regarded as one of the better judges in the Chancery Division.
During her brief time as the presiding judge of the Juvenile Court, Judge Hall has moved to bring much-needed improvement to a badly-run division. She is uniformly regarded by lawyers and judges as a welcome change. Judge Hall has assembled committees of practitioners and participants in the Juvenile Division system, including, for instance, the Department of Children and Family Services, the Legal Assistance Foundation, the Public Defender’s office, the Public Guardian’s office, and the State’s Attorney’s office, and has begun to work with them to create standard procedures for the Juvenile Court. She is interested in improving the quality of court training, and the professionalism of the judges and lawyers that practice there. Judge Hall has demonstrated that she is willing to give direction to the judges she supervises to expedite the administration of justice.
The Council applauds Judge Hall’s efforts in the Juvenile Division and looks forward to the implementation of new and effective procedures. Much work remains to be done, however, including the implementation of these procedures, staggered court calls, and creation of an effective permanency planning system.
Judge Hall has performed very well in both the Chancery and Juvenile Divisions, and is well qualified for retention.
11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Sophia H. Hall, 55, is the Administrative Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Resource Section. In an unusual dual assignment, she also sits in the Law Division, hearing contested civil motions. She has previously served in the Chancery and Criminal Divisions, having been on the bench since 1980. Lawyers appearing before her in the Law Division say she is an excellent judge. She is smart and decisive. She runs a well-managed courtroom, and her integrity and fairness are unquestioned. As an Administrative Presiding Judge, she spends an extraordinary amount of time meeting with community groups, school officials, representatives of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, and other relevant groups seeking reforms in the way the Circuit Court of Cook County deals with juveniles. She can also fairly take partial credit for many of the much needed reforms made to the Juvenile Court since she began her stint as Presiding Judge of that Division in 1992. The Council finds her Highly Qualified for retention. 11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Sophia H. Hall sits in the Chancery Division.
She is the former Administrative Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Resource Section, where she received very positive reviews. Judge Hall has good legal ability and temperament. Her integrity is unquestioned. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Sophia H. Hall sits in the Chancery Division, She is the former Administrative Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Resource Section, where she received very positive reviews. Judge Hall has good legal ability and temperament. Her integrity is unquestioned. The Council finds her qualified for retention.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Hall was elected to the Circuit Court judge in 1980 and currently serves in the Chancery Division of the Circuit Court and is the presiding judge of the Resource Section of the Juvenile Justice/Child Protection Division. Previously she was a felony trial judge in the Criminal Division of the Circuit Court and a presiding Judge in the Juvenile Division. She was admitted to practice in 1967.
Judge Hall is especially praised for her work in the Juvenile Division. She has been effective in bringing new diversionary programs and is very active in juvenile court reform activities. She is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. As a Chancellor, she is praised for her courtroom management skills. Most respondents find her to be a satisfactory Chancellor. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
Orville E. HAMBRIGHT, Jr.
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2006.
Evaluation 2006 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Orville E. Hambright has practiced law since 1977. He has been a solo general practitioner since 1981 with a diverse practice. From 1977 to 1981, Mr. Hambright was with Chicago Title and Trust Co. Mr. Hambright is an able attorney with a good temperament and unquestioned integrity. His legal experience includes a wide variety of legal matters and he is involved in community activities. The
Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
R. Morgan HAMILTON
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1992-1997: Supervising Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1988.
Evaluation None
Kay M. HANLON
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Third Municipal District
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2004.
Evaluation 2004 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Kay Marie Hanlon has practiced law since 1985. She has been a solo practitioner handling criminal defense and matrimonial law matters since 2000. From 1985 to 1997, she was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney with significant trial experience. Ms. Hanlon has good legal ability and substantial legal experience in a variety of areas. She has good temperament and is considered hard working. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Kay Hanlon was elected to the bench in 2004. She is currently assigned to the 3rd Municipal District, where she presides over preliminary hearings in felony cases. Previously, she was in the First Municipal District. Judge Hanlon was admitted to practice in 1985. Prior to election, she was in private practice and an assistant Cook County state’s attorney in the Appellate Division.
Judge Hanlon is considered to have good legal ability. She has a low key temperament and is praised for her courtroom management skills. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
David E. HARACZ
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2005.
Evaluation 2005 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Qualified
David Haracz was admitted to the bar in 1989 and has spent his entire career with the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago. He currently supervises a neighborhood intake office. He began as a staff attorney, and, later became a senior attorney (1994-1996), and head of the Foreclosure Prevention Project (1996-97). Mr. Haracz is a 1989 graduate of the University of California.
Mr. Haracz has a wide range of litigation experience in the civil law area. He is considered to have good legal ability and is a solid practitioner and supervisor. His integrity is unquestioned. He is praised for his temperament. The Council finds Mr. Haracz Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.
La Quietta J. HARDY-CAMPBELL
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1998.
Evaluation 1998 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Recommended
LaQuietta J. Hardy did not participate in the Council’s evaluation process, submitting no information in support of her candidacy. The Council received insufficient information to judge his qualifications for the Circuit Court. The Council finds her Not Recommended.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
La Quietta J. Hardy was elected to the bench in 1998. She currently sits in the Domestic Relations Division. She has good legal ability and temperament and is praised for her diligence and courtroom management skills. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge LaQuietta Hardy-Campbell was elected to the bench in 1998. She is currently assigned to the Domestic Relations Division where she has served since her election. Judge Hardy-Campbell was admitted to practice in 1978. Prior to election, she was in private practice.
Judge Hardy-Campbell is considered by most lawyers to have good legal ability and a professional demeanor. She is praised for being well-prepared and for being particularly adept in dealing with pro se litigants. Some lawyers, however, say she can be late in starting her call. The Council finds her Qualified for retention to the Circuit Court.
Edward S. HARMENING
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed Circuit Judge in 2008
Evaluation 2008 Evaluation: Qualified
Edward Harmening was admitted to the bar in 1994. From 1994 to 1997, and since 2003, he has been an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. He spent 1997 to 2003 in private practice handling insurance defense matters. Mr. Harmening is reported to have good legal ability and temperament.
He has had sufficient litigation experience in complex matters to overcome the relatively few number of years that he has been in practice. The Council finds him Qualified to serve in the Circuit Court.
2010 Primary and General Elections, Circuit Court: Qualified
Edward Harmening was admitted to the bar in 1994. From 1994 to 1997, and since 2003, he has been an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. He spent 1997 to 2003 in private practice handling insurance defense matters. Mr. Harmening is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. He has had sufficient litigation experience in complex matters to overcome the relatively few number of years that he has been in practice. The Council finds him Qualified to serve in the Circuit Court.
Sheldon A. HARRIS
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Illinois Appellate Court, First District
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Law Division
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 2000. Appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2010.
Evaluation 2002 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
The Honorable Sheldon A. Harris has been serving as a Circuit Judge by appointment since April 1, 2000. He served in the Traffic Division from April 1, 2000 to May 1, 2001. Since May of 2001, he has been assigned to Supplemental and Miscellaneous Remedies for the Municipal and Divorce Divisions, where he disposes of motions to execute, vacate, and dismiss judgments. Before he was appointed to the bench, he spent thirty-four years as a civil litigator, principally as a sole practitioner. He was admitted to the bar in 1966. He reports having tried thirty jury cases and one hundred and fifty non-jury cases during that time; he also argued ten appeals. He receives generally favorable remarks for his work as a litigator. However, he receives consistently negative remarks regarding his temperament as a judge. His demeanor on the bench is described as arrogant and rude. Based on the large number of adverse comments regarding his demeanor as a judge, we find the candidate Not Qualified for the position of Circuit Judge.
March 2009 Evaluation
Judge Sheldon A. Harris is presently assigned to the Law Division, Trial Section, where he presides over jury and non-jury trials. He was appointed to the bench in 2000, but lost in the primary election. He was reappointed to the bench in 2005 and served in the Municipal Department until January 2008. Judge Harris enjoyed an excellent reputation as a lawyer. However, the Council in its 2002 evaluation noted that as a judge, he was experiencing difficulties with his temperament and found him Not Qualified. However, since being on the bench since 2005, practitioners report that Judge Harris has demonstrated a good temperament with a patient and professional demeanor. He earns praise from those appearing before him as a hardworking judge with good legal ability. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court of Cook County. Russell William HARTIGAN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed as a Circuit Judge by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2010
Evaluation: 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 hardworking, conscientious, and knowledgeable practitioner. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Donald R. HAVIS
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, 1st Municipal District compassionate and competent. The Council finds Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2005. Judge Heaston qualified.
Evaluation 2005 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Qualified
Donald R. Havis has been an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney since his admission to the Illinois Bar in 1983. Since 1999, he has been Chief of the General Litigation Division. From 1994 to 1999, he was a Supervisor handling workers’ compensation claims. Before that he served as an Assistant State’s Attorney handling worker’s compensation, criminal-traffic misdemeanors, preliminary hearings, felonies, grand juries, traffic, and paternity and child support matters. Mr. Havis is a 1982 graduate of Howard University in Washington, D.C. He has been President of the Chicago Chapter of the National Black Prosecutor Association and is currently the association’s local and national Treasurer.
Mr. Havis is considered to be a solid prosecutor with good legal ability and temperament. He has substantial litigation experience in both civil and criminal law matters. The Council finds Mr. Havis Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.
Curtis HEASTON
Present Judicial Duties Presiding Judge, Circuit Court, Juvenile Justice Division
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, First Municipal District: 1988-1998: Judge, Circuit Court, County Division (acted as Presiding Judge of Division in absence of Presiding Judge):1986-1988: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Juvenile and other divisions Elected Associate Judge in by Circuit Judges in 1986; elected to the Circuit Court in 1988; recalled in 2006.
Evaluation 1988 (D) Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court (Hechinger Vacancy): Qualified
Associate Judge Curtis Heaston sits in juvenile court. Lawyers who practice before him believe that he does a good job in this assignment. Both prosecutors and defense attorneys believe they receive fair trials, though some note an occasional defense orientation. All agree that judge Heaston is 11/94 Retention – Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Curtis Heaston, 63, is a Circuit Judge sitting in the County Department of the County Division, Circuit Court of Cook County. He presides over trials and other matters involving such subjects as adoptions, elections, mental health, domestic violence, special education, real estate matters and tax rate objections. He has served in this assignment since December 1988, having previously served in the Juvenile Division hearing delinquency matters. Before going on the bench in 1986, he was an advisor to then Sheriff of Cook County, Richard Elrod. He chaired the Illinois Judicial Conference Study Committee on Juvenile Justice, which in 1992 produced a substantial Juvenile Law Bench book now in use throughout the state.
Lawyers report that Judge Heaston is hard working, fair and knowledgeable about the law. He has an excellent temperament. Lawyers report that he is always prepared. If the law is unclear, he asks lawyers for briefs and does his own research. The bar reports that he considers every case fairly and rules with both compassion for the parties and unflinching respect for the rule of law. The Council finds him Highly Qualified.
11/00 Retention – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Curtis Heaston, 69, has been a judge since 1988. He is the Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Justice Division. He has also served in the County Division and in the First Municipal District. Prior to becoming a judge, he served as Chief Legal Advisor to then Sheriff of Cook County, Richard Elrod, and was in private practice. Lawyers report that Judge Heaston has good legal ability and a good temperament. He is reportedly active and effective in his role as presiding judge. He has demonstrated a commitment to improving the administration of juvenile justice. The Council finds him Well Qualified.
Thomas J. HENNELLY
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2005.
Evaluation 2005 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Qualified
Thomas J. Hennelly was admitted to practice in 1980. Since 2003, he has been a solo practitioner concentrating in criminal law. From 1982 to 2003, he was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney and was most recently Deputy Chief of the Special Prosecutions Bureau. From 1980 to 1982 he was a private general practitioner. Mr. Hennelly has taught trial advocacy at the DePaul University College of Law as an adjunct professor since 1995. Mr. Hennelly has extensive trial and appellate court experience in complex matters. He is considered to be very capable and skilled as an attorney. He has very good legal ability and temperament. The Council is troubled, however, that he determined that it was not necessary to disclose on his judicial evaluation application that he was involved earlier in his career in a case where a Batson violation was found by a reviewing court. Although he was not named in the written opinion and the ARDC has determined that his trial partner (John “Jack” Hynes) was not guilty of unethical conduct in failing to list the decision in his own judicial application, the much better course would have been to disclose the matter if there was any question. In light of that decision not to disclose, the Council finds Mr. Hennelly Qualified for the Circuit Court, although his abilities and experience would otherwise dictate a higher rating.
Rosemary Grant HIGGINS
Present Judicial Duties: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2003.
Evaluation 1998 Primary Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Rosemary Grant Higgins was admitted to practice in 1986. She has spent her career as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. She is considered to have good legal ability and is of high integrity. She is perceived as being a hard-working and fair prosecutor. The Council finds her Qualified.
04/99 Associate Judge – Circuit Court: Recommended
In April 1999, the Council found Judge Higgins Recommended for the position of Associate Judge.
2000 Primary Elections – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Rosemary Grant Higgins, 46, is a 1985 graduate of the John Marshall Law School. Since 1987, she has worked for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. She is currently Felony/Preliminary Hearing Supervisor for the South Side, supervising Assistant State’s Attorneys and prosecuting murder cases specifically assigned to her.
From 1985 to 1987, she was a law clerk for the law offices of Ann M. Burke, Adrienne Geary, and Algius Baliunas. She has extensive criminal trial and appellate experience. She is considered to have excellent legal ability, integrity, and temperament. The Council finds her Well Qualified.
2001 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Recommended
In March 2001, the Council found Judge Higgins Recommended for the position of Associate Judge.
2002 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Well Qualified
Rosemary Grant Higgins was admitted to the bar in 1986. She has been with the Office of the Cook County State’s Attorney since 1987 and is currently a felony / preliminary hearing supervisor in Branch 38.
She is a 1985 graduate of the John Marshall Law School. In 2001, she was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to the Capital Litigation Screening Committee.
Ms. Higgins is considered to have excellent legal ability with extensive criminal and trial appellate experience. She has a very good temperament, and her integrity is unquestioned. She is well regarded as a zealous but fair prosecutor. The Council finds Ms. Higgins Well Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.
Arthur F. HILL, Jr.
Present Judicial Duties
Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Juvenile Justice Division
Previous Judicial Duties 2003: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, Traffic Court
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2003 Evaluation 2002 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Well Qualified
Arthur F. Hill, Jr. was admitted to practice in 1978. He has been at the Office of the Cook County State’s Attorney since 1996, first as a Chief Deputy State’s Attorney, and, currently as First Assistant State’s Attorney. From 1996 to 1998, he was in private general practice as a partner with Haggerty Koening & Hill. From 1989 until 1996, he was a member of the Board of Directors of the Chicago Transit Authority. During this period (1991 to 1996), he was also President (1994-1996) and Commissioner (1991-1994) of the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission. For the first ten years of his career, Mr. Hill was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Mr. Hill is a 1978 graduate of Northwestern University School of Law. He has taught Trial Advocacy at Northwestern since 1990, but is currently on sabbatical.
Mr. Hill is considered to have excellent legal ability and temperament. He has extensive litigation experience in both criminal and civil law matters. He is praised for his community service and well regarded as both a prosecutor and private practitioner. The Council finds Mr. Hill Well Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.
Stanley L. HILL
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed as a Circuit Judge by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2010
Evaluation: 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.
Earl B. HOFFENBERG
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Second Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District; Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Third Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1983.
Evaluation None
Thomas E. HOFFMAN
Present Judicial Duties Justice, Illinois Appellate Court, First District, Third Division
Previous Judicial Duties Presiding Justice, Illinois Appellate Court, First District, Fourth Division; 1993: Justice, Illinois Appellate Court, First District, Fourth Division: 19861992: Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Jury and Motion Sections; 1985-1986: Law Division, Progress Call; 1984-1985: First Municipal District, Housing Court
Appointed Associate Judge in 1984; appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court in 1993; elected to the Illinois Appellate Court in 1994.
Evaluation 1988 (D) Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court (Gerrity Vacancy): Highly Qualified
Associate Judge Hoffman has distinguished himself as one of the finest judges and administrators in the Circuit Court of Cook County. He has, through his administrative abilities, greatly reduced the case backlog in the Law Division where he sits. His knowledge of the law is excellent. He is among the hardest working judges, and his integrity is beyond reproach. The Council finds him Highly Qualified.
3/94 Appellate Court and 11/94 Retention: Qualified
Thomas E. Hoffman, 46, was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court in January 1993 to sit on the Illinois Appellate Court. He first took the bench as an Associate Judge in 1984 and was assigned to the Law Division in 1985 where he sat until becoming an Appellate Court Justice. He is running in this election both for retention as a Circuit Court Judge and for election to the Appellate Court.
Justice Hoffman distinguished himself as one of the finest judges and administrators in the Circuit Court of Cook County. He was instrumental in implementing the experimental program in the Law Division in which selected judges are given individual calendars. As a Circuit Judge, he was considered to be among the hardest working judges and his legal ability was considered to be excellent. His integrity was always considered to be above reproach.
As an Appellate Court Justice, he is considered to be fair, intelligent, and hard working. He is always prepared and has issued two dissents in the last year, an unusual but praiseworthy practice as an appellate justice. He has greatly reduced the case backlog in his division of the Appellate Court.
In the March 1994 primary, the Council rated Judge Hoffman highly qualified for election to the Appellate Court. After that rating, just before the primary election, Judge Hoffman paid for his name to appear with other candidates on an election flier urging voters to vote for real Democrats and to avoid voting for LaRouche party candidates. The clear implication of this flier was that the opponents of the candidates listed on it were LaRouche party candidates. The flier would be understood by most voters to mean that Judge Hoffman’s opponents were LaRouche party members and would be understood by many voters to impugn those candidates. Unfortunately, Judge Hoffman and the other judicial candidates listed on this flier had no LaRouche party opponents. The flier was deceptive and likely to mislead voters.
Judge Hoffman has indicated to us that it was a mistake that he now regrets to participate in paying for the distribution of this flier, that he did it in the heat of an election campaign, and that it was a means, otherwise not possible, to get his name before the voters.
The Council finds this incident to be significant in two ways. First, it is an example of how selecting judges by election is likely to lead to campaign behavior that can damage the reputation for integrity of candidates and courts. Second, we conclude, regretfully, that under pressure in an election campaign Judge Hoffman participated in an election device likely to mislead voters. We cannot continue to rate him highly qualified given these circumstances. We find him qualified for election to the Appellate Court.
11/04 Retention Election, Appellate Court: Well Qualified
Thomas E. Hoffman was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court in January 1993 to sit on the Illinois Appellate Court. He first took the bench as an Associate Judge in 1984 and was assigned to the Law Division in 1985, where he presided until becoming an Appellate Court Justice.
Justice Hoffman distinguished himself as a judge and administrator in the Circuit Court of Cook County. He was instrumental in implementing an experimental program in the Law Division in which selected judges are given individual calendars. As a Circuit Judge, he was considered to be among the hardest working judges and his legal ability was considered to be excellent.
As an Appellate Court Justice, he is considered to be fair, intelligent, and hard working. He is said to be always prepared. The Council finds him Well Qualified for retention.
Thomas L. HOGAN
Current judicial duties Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Jury Section
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1997; elected to the Circuit Court in 1998.
Evaluation 1998 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Thomas L. Hogan was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in August 1997. He is serving in Traffic Court. He was admitted to practice in 1980 and spent most of his career in private practice. He has good legal ability and is praised as both a lawyer and judge as being fair and as having a good temperament. The Council finds him Qualified.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Thomas L. Hogan was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in August 1997, and was elected in 1998. He is currently serving in the Law Division. He was admitted to practice in 1980 and spent most of his career in private practice.
He has good legal ability and is praised as being fair and as having a good temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Thomas L. Hogan was appointed to the bench in 1997 and elected in 1998. He presently serves in Law Division, Jury Section and was previously assigned to the First Municipal District. He was admitted to practice in 1980. Prior to his appointment, Judge Hogan was in private practice.
Judge Hogan was a well respected practitioner before becoming a judge. He had extensive experience in complex matters. As a Circuit Judge, he is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for his diligence and fairness. Respondents praise his written opinions as being well-reasoned and thorough. The Council finds him Qualified for
retention to the Circuit Court.
William H. HOOKS
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division
Appointed Circuit Judge in 2008
Evaluation 2008 Evaluation to fill vacancy: Well Qualified
William H. Hooks received his law degree from ITT Chicago-Kent in 1981 and was admitted to the Illinois bar in that year. An officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and Reserves, he resumed active duty as a Judge Advocate, and in that capacity prosecuted and defended criminal cases. He left active duty in 1985 (though remained in the Reserves for an additional 10 years) and until 1991 practiced civil litigation (mainly insurance defense) with Pretzel & Stouffer, Hinshaw & Culbertson, and Garland W. Watt and Associates. Since 1995, he has practiced on his own and in partnership with others, concentrating on criminal defense and a wide range of civil litigation. He has extensive jury and bench trial experience in both federal and state courts, and since 1992 has served as a hearing officer and hearing board chair for the ARDC. He has taught at the DePaul University College of Law and the Mandel Legal Aid Clinic of the University of Chicago Law School. He lectures frequently in continuing legal education and public information seminars, and has published practice-related articles. Mr. Hooks is regarded as a knowledgeable, skillful, and aggressive advocate. His professional conduct and personal integrity are above reproach. He convincingly expresses his desire to take the bench as a wish to devote himself to public service. The Council finds him Well Qualified.
2010 Primary and General Elections, Circuit Court: Well Qualified
William H. Hooks received his law degree from ITT Chicago-Kent in 1981 and was admitted to the Illinois bar in that year. An officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and Reserves, he resumed active duty as a Judge Advocate, and in that capacity prosecuted and defended criminal cases. He left active duty in 1985 (though remained in the Reserves for an additional 10 years) and until 1991 practiced civil litigation (mainly insurance defense) with Pretzel & Stouffer, Hinshaw & Culbertson, and Garland W. Watt and Associates. Since 1995, he has practiced on his own and in partnership with others, concentrating on criminal defense and a wide range of civil litigation. He has extensive jury and bench trial experience in both federal and state courts, and since 1992 has served as a hearing officer and hearing board chair for the ARDC. He has taught at the DePaul University College of Law and the Mandel Legal Aid Clinic of the University of Chicago Law School. He lectures frequently in continuing legal education and public information seminars, and has published practice-related articles. Mr. Hooks is regarded as a knowledgeable, skillful, and aggressive advocate. His professional conduct and personal integrity are above reproach. He convincingly expresses his desire to take the bench as a wish to devote himself to public service. The Council finds him Well Qualified.
Vanessa A. HOPKINS
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1996.
Evaluation 3/96 Primary Election–Circuit Court: Not Recommended
Vanessa A. Hopkins did not participate in the Council’s evaluation process, submitting no information in support of her candidacy. The Council received insufficient information to judge her qualifications for the Circuit Court. The Council finds her Not Recommended.
11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Hon. Vanessa A. Hopkins was first assigned to the Traffic Division following her election in 1996. She has been assigned to Juvenile and Municipal Districts, and presently hears jury cases in the First District Municipal District. Judge Hopkins came to the bench with just two years of legal experience. No one questions her good faith efforts to perform her job, but a significant portion of lawyers contacted report that her knowledge of the law and her ability to manage a trial is limited, if not inadequate. For these reasons, the Council finds Judge Hopkins Not Qualified.
2008 Retention: Not Qualified
Hon. Vanessa A. Hopkins was first assigned to the Traffic Division following her election in 1996. She has been assigned to Juvenile and Municipal Districts, and presently hears jury cases in the First Municipal District. Judge Hopkins came to the bench with just two years of legal experience. In her 2002 evaluation, the Council questioned her ability to manage her call. In her 2008 investigation, while some lawyers say she has improved, there are continuing negative reports about her courtroom management. Lawyers complain that she too often loses control over her courtroom, has an impatient temperament, and is sometimes not punctual. The Council finds Judge Hopkins Not Qualified for retention.
Kevin W. HORAN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed as a Circuit Judge by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2010
Evaluation: Qualified
Kevin W. Horan was admitted to practice in 1979. He is 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.
Ann HOUSER
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties 1993: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division: 1986-1993: First Municipal District, Forcible Entry and Detainer Court Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1986.
Evaluation 11/92 Eighth Subcircuit: Qualified
Judge Houser, 49, has been an Associate Judge since 1986. Since 1990, she has been assigned to the eviction court in the First Municipal district. She previously sat in an auto theft court.
Attorneys praise Judge Houser’s legal skills and her exceptional fairness. She treats tenants’ and landlords’ rights seriously, and has tried to inform tenants of their rights. The Council believes Judge Houser is well qualified for election to the Circuit Court.
Carol M. HOWARD
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2006.
Evaluation 2006 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Carol M. Howard was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1986 and the Wisconsin Bar in 1981. Since 1987, she has been an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. Before that, she spent nine months as Law Clerk to Judge Sophia Hall of the Circuit Court of Cook County. She was session attorney for the 1986 Legislative Session of the Washington State Senate Judiciary Committee. From 1983 to 1984, she was at the Society of Counsel Representing Accused Persons in Seattle, WA. For two years after graduating from law school, she taught Business Law to undergraduates at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Ms. Howard is considered to have good legal ability with a professional demeanor. She is respected as a capable lawyer who zealously represents her clients. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Garritt E. HOWARD
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Second Municipal District Previous Judicial Duties 1994-1996: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1994.
Evaluation 11/00 Retention – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Garritt E. Howard, 48, has been a judge since 1994. He sits in the Second Municipal District. Before becoming a judge he served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Most lawyers report that Judge Howard has average legal ability. He receives generally good reports on temperament. However, the Council has received numerous reports that Judge Howard has a pro-state bias that affects the outcomes in his courtroom. Many criminal defense practitioners told us that they will ask for a substitution of judge whenever possible in light of their view that Judge Howard favors the prosecution.
The Council finds him Not Qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Garritt E. Howard has been a judge since 1994. He hears felony trials in the Second Municipal District, where he is currently acting Presiding Judge. Before becoming a judge, he served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for twelve years. Judge Howard is considered to have good legal ability and is especially praised for his temperament. He runs an efficient courtroom. Some criminal defense lawyers claim that he is pro-prosecution in his rulings. Most lawyers say that he is fair. On balance, the Council finds him Qualified.
Michael J. HOWLETT, Jr.
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Juvenile Justice Division
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2006.
Evaluation 2006 Primary & General Election – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Michael Howlett currently serves as Legal Counsel to the State’s Attorney of Cook County and is the Professor in Residence at the Loyola University Chicago School of Law. He has had a long career, both as a practicing attorney, with extensive experience in complex litigation, and as an Associate Judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County. He also has been involved in numerous public service activities. Mr. Howlett has a reputation as an excellent litigator who is experienced in both criminal and civil matters. He is considered to be hard working with a good temperament. His integrity is unquestioned. The Council finds him Well Qualified.
Nathaniel R. HOWSE, Jr.
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Illinois Appellate Court, First District
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, County Division
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1998; appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2009.
Evaluation 1998 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Recommended
Nathaniel Roosevelt Howse, Jr. did not participate in the Council’s evaluation process, submitting no information in support of his candidacy. The Council received insufficient information to judge his qualifications for the Circuit Court. The Council finds him Not Recommended.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Nathaniel Roosevelt Howse currently sits in the County Division, hearing tax deed, adoption, mental health, election, and annexation cases. Lawyers report that Judge Howse is doing a good job as a jurist. He has adequate legal ability and good temperament. He manages his call well. The Council finds him Qualified for retention in his current position.
Evaluation at the time of Judge Howse’s appointment to the Illinois Appellate Court: Qualified
Judge Nathaniel Howse, Jr. sits in the County Division. He has been on the bench since being elected 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. He is 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.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Justice Nathaniel Howse was appointed to the Appellate Court in 2009 and presently sits in the First District, Fifth Division. He was elected to the Circuit Court in 1998 and presided in the County Division, hearing tax deed, adoption, mental health, election, and annexation cases. Justice Howse was admitted to practice in 1976.
As a judge, he was considered to have good legal ability and temperament. 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 adjudication, and tax deeds. He was considered to have been a good trial judge. In his current assignment on the Appellate Court, he is performing adequately. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
Arnette R. HUBBARD
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Jury Section
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1997; elected to the Circuit Court in 1998.
Evaluation 1998 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Recommended
Arnette R. Hubbard did not participate in the Council’s evaluation process, submitting no information in support of her candidacy. The Council received insufficient information to judge her qualifications for the Circuit Court. The Council finds her Not Recommended.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Arnette R. Hubbard was appointed to the bench in 1997 following a distinguished career in private practice. Judge Hubbard began her career as a staff attorney for the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights under the Law, but left after a year to establish a solo practice, focusing initially on criminal matters and appeals, and later expanding to develop a more commercial practice. Between 1989 and her appointment to the bench, Judge Hubbard also served as a member of the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners, where she handled voting and administrative matters. In addition, she has been an active member of various bar associations.
The Council has no information about Judge Hubbard’s performance in her initial judicial assignments following her appointment to the Circuit Court in 1997. Since moving to the Law Division in 2001, she has been assigned to several different positions, including a two-year stint in a contested motions call. Judge Hubbard currently is assigned to the Administrative Section, where she occasionally assists with the calls in Room 2005.
Judge Hubbard is an esteemed member of the bar who always is proper in her demeanor on the bench. However, during her assignment as a motions judge, a substantial number of attorneys have raised significant and wide-ranging questions about Judge Hubbard’s inability to deal with the legal issues before her, as well as her apparent lack of diligence in resolving the matters being litigated. Based on its review of Judge Hubbard’s judicial record, including her judicial retention materials, the Council shares those concerns. In light of its reservations about Judge Hubbard’s ability to handle a challenging call, the Council is constrained to find her not qualified for retention.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Arnette Hubbard was appointed to the bench in 1997 and elected in 1998. She is currently assigned to the Law Division. Previously, she was in the First Municipal District. Judge Hubbard was admitted to practice in 1969. Prior to election, she was in private practice.
Judge Hubbard is praised for her fairness and temperament. She is an esteemed member of the bar who is active in community activities. There are some lawyers who question her ability to handle complex matters in her current call, but most respondents say she has good legal ability. On balance, the Council finds her Qualified for retention.
John L. HUFF
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2008
Evaluation 2006 Evaluation: Qualified
John Huff has practiced law since 1973. After clerking one year for a federal district court judge, he spent 15 years handling a variety of civil litigation (including antitrust, securities fraud, commercial and domestic litigation) for Winston & Strawn. In 1989, he and another partner formed their own firm, which handles a wide range of civil litigation, including business litigation, construction cases, employment cases, but focuses on qui tam cases on behalf of the state against retailers for unpaid use taxes. He is a 1972 graduate of Georgetown University. Mr. Huff has had substantial litigation and trial experience over the course of his years in practice. Other attorneys have generally positive things to say about his abilities and temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the position of associate judge.
Bridget Jane HUGHES
Present Judicial Duties: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2007.
Evaluation 2006 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Qualified
Bridget Hughes was admitted to practice in 1993. Since 2001, she has had a practice in real estate and tax litigation as an associate with Thomas
M. Tully & Associates doing real estate tax litigation. From the time of her admission to practice until 2001, she was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Ms. Hughes is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. She enjoys a reputation of being a solid practitioner with substantial jury and bench experience in complex legal matters. She teaches trial advocacy. The Council finds her Qualified to serve in the Circuit Court.
Colleen Ann HYLAND
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2001.
Evaluation 2001 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Recommended
In March 2001, The Council found Judge Hyland Recommended for the position of Associate Judge.
Michael B. HYMAN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed to the Circuit Court in 2006
Evaluation 2006 Evaluation to Fill a Circuit Court Vacancy: Well Qualified
Michael B. Hyman was admitted to practice in 1977. Since 1979, he has practiced at Much Shelist Freed Denenberg Ament & Rubenstein, where he has been a partner since 1985. From 1977 to 1979 he was an Assistant Illinois Attorney General in the Anti-Trust Division. Mr. Hyman is considered to have very good legal ability and temperament. He has substantial trial experience and he is of the highest integrity and his work with the organized bar has been outstanding. The Council finds him Well Qualified to fill a vacancy.
John Joseph HYNES
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1999.
Evaluation 1998 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
John “Jack” Hynes was admitted to practice in 1982. He has spent his career as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney where he currently serves as a supervisor in the Gang Prosecutions Unit. He has published articles on the criminal justice system. He has good legal ability and temperament. He is considered to be a good prosecutor. The Council finds him Qualified.
1999 Evaluations for Associate Judge
In April 1999, the Council found Judge Hynes Recommended for the position of Associate Judge.
Cheryl D. INGRAM
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Fourth Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties 1992-1994: Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1992.
Evaluation 1992 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court (Sullivan Vacancy): Qualified
Cheryl Ingram, 38, has been an Assistant Public Defender since her admission to the bar in 1979. For eight years, she worked in the Juvenile Division. She is now working in a felony courtroom.
Lawyers report that Ms. Ingram is thorough in her preparation. She is reported to have high integrity. Lawyers report that she has been above average in her work. Ms. Ingram is reported to be a very good teacher. Lawyers did report some question as to whether her demeanor is sufficiently forceful to be a judge. On balance, the Council believes that Ms. Ingram is qualified.
11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Cheryl D. Ingram, 44, was elected to the bench in 1992 after a career as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. She sits in the Domestic Relations Division. Respondents report that she has developed into a very good jurist. She has good legal ability and is well prepared. She is diligent and punctual. Her fairness and integrity are unquestioned. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Cheryl D. Ingram was elected to the bench in 1992 after a career as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. She sits in the Fourth Municipal District. She had been sitting in the Domestic Relations Division. Respondents report that she has adequate legal ability and temperament. Her fairness and integrity are unquestioned. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Cheryl Ingram was elected to the bench in 1992. She is currently assigned jointly to the Law Division and Fourth Municipal District. Previously, she was in the Domestic Relations Division. Judge Ingram was admitted to practice in 1979. Prior to election, she was an assistant Cook County Public Defender.
Judge Ingram is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. She is respected as a solid jurist who manages her courtroom well, issues well-reasoned and timely rulings, and shows respect toward all the parties in her courtroom. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
Anthony A. IOSCO
Present Judicial Duties
Judge, Circuit Court, Third Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties 2005-2006: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District; 2003-2005: Judge, Circuit Court, Juvenile Justice Division; 2000-2003: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2000.
Evaluation 2000 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Recommended
Anthony A. Iosco did not participate in the Council’s evaluation process, submitting no information in support of his candidacy. The Council received insufficient information to judge his qualifications for the Circuit Court. The Council finds him Not Recommended.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Anthony A. Iosco was elected to the bench in 2000 and currently hears civil and criminal matters in the First Municipal District. Before his current assignment, he sat in the Juvenile Justice Division for two years. Before his election, he spent 10 years as a solo general practitioner. Before that, he was Chief of General Prosecutions for the Illinois Department of Professional Regulations. Judge Iosco is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He has a professional demeanor on the bench and is praised for being well prepared and hard working. The Council finds him Qualified.
Marianne JACKSON
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Juvenile Justice Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1997-1998: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1997.
Evaluation None
William R. JACKSON, Jr.
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed Circuit Judge in 2009
Evaluation 2008 Evaluation for Associate Judgeship: Qualified
William R. Jackson, Jr. was admitted to the bar in 1974. He was an associate at the firm of Winston and Strawn from 1974 to 1978. He was an in-house counsel at Borg Warner from 1978 to 1982 and at Container Corp. from 1982 to 1986 and a consultant on employee benefits and employment law for Price Waterhouse from 1986 to 1988. Since 1988, he has been a partner in a small firm with a general civil practice that includes real estate, probate, corporate, and business transactions. Mr. Jackson has served as a part-time administrative law judge in Evanston for the past year, in which capacity he has heard a variety of matters from parking violations to housing code violations. Attorneys view Mr. Jackson as smart, well prepared, and knowledgeable. He is praised for his even temperament and his calming influence in heated situations. The Council finds Mr. Jackson Qualified to serve in the Circuit Court.
Moshe JACOBIUS
Present Judicial Duties Presiding Judge, Circuit Court, Chancery Division
Previous Judicial Duties Presiding Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
2000: Judge, Circuit Court, Chancery Division; 19912000: Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1991; elected to the Circuit Court in 1994
Evaluation 3/92 Circuit Court: Qualified
Moshe Jacobius, 45, was appointed to fill a Circuit Court vacancy about one year ago, and has been sitting in the Domestic Relations Division. He was admitted to practice in 1975, and worked in the Illinois Attorney General’s Office until his appointment to the bench. He worked his way through the ranks, finishing his service there as Counselor to former Attorney General Hartigan. His work as an attorney was generally praised.
Judge Jacobius is described as having excellent temperament, integrity, fairness, and common sense. He has issued written opinions in cases. The Council believes that Judge Jacobius is well qualified for election to the Circuit Court.
11/94 General Election – Circuit Court: Qualified
Moshe Jacobius, 47, was appointed to be a judge in January 1991 and since then has served in the Domestic Relations Division. He is described by lawyers as hard working, with good legal ability, and demeanor. He is known to work into the evenings and try cases on weekends. He issues written opinions. The Council finds him Qualified.
11/00 Retention – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Moshe Jacobius, 53, has been a judge since 1991. He is the Presiding Judge of the Domestic Relations Division. He has served as a judge in both the Domestic Relations Division and in the Chancery Division. Prior to becoming a judge, he was an Assistant Illinois Attorney General. Judge Jacobius has excellent legal ability and his integrity is unquestioned. Lawyers report that his judicial temperament is very good, and that in general he has been an excellent judge. The Council finds him Well Qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Hon. Moshe Jacobius has been a judge since 1991. He is the Presiding Judge of the Domestic Relations Division. He has served as a judge in both the Domestic Relations Division and in the Chancery Division. Prior to becoming a judge, he was an Assistant Illinois Attorney General. Judge Jacobius is considered to have very good legal ability. He is respected for his court management skills and for reforms that he has brought to the Domestic Relations Division. He is praised by many lawyers for his willingness to listen to those seeking to improve the way the Division operates. Based on these attributes, the Council would consider a Highly Qualified rating for Judge Jacobius. However, many lawyers say that he demonstrates at times a poor judicial temperament. We urge Judge Jacobius to remedy this problem. On balance, the Council finds him Well Qualified.
Raymond L. JAGIELSKI
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Fifth Municipal District Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, County Division; 1992-1994: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, Traffic Court
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1992.
Evaluation 11/92 Fourteenth Subcircuit: Not Recommended
Raymond Jagielski was admitted to the bar in 1981. He has served as a Republican member of the Chicago Board of Elections. Mr. Jagielski has not participated in the Council’s evaluation process. The Council has received insufficient information to judge his qualifications for the Circuit Court. Mr. Jagielski, therefore, is not recommended.
11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Raymond L. Jagielski, 45, sits in the County Division hearing adoption, mental health, tax, and election law cases. He was elected to the bench in 1992 after a career which included being a member of the Chicago Board of Elections and an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. Lawyers report that Judge Jagielski possesses good legal ability and that he treats all parties with equal respect. A substantial number of lawyers, however, noted that Judge Jagielski can be short-tempered, although some reported that when he loses his temper it is due to a lawyer’s being unprepared or otherwise acting inappropriately. He is considered to be hard working and punctual. On balance, the Council finds him Qualified for retention.
11/04 Retention B Circuit Court: Qualified
Raymond L. Jagielski sits in the County Division hearing adoption, mental health, tax, and election law cases. He was elected to the bench in 1992 after a career which included being a member of the Chicago Board of Elections and an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. Lawyers report that Judge Jagielski possesses good legal ability and that he treats all parties with equal respect. A substantial number of lawyers, however, noted that Judge Jagielski can be short-tempered. He is considered to be hard working and punctual. On balance, the Council finds him Qualified for retention.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Raymond Jagielski was elected to the bench in 1992 and is currently assigned to the Fifth Municipal District. Previously, he was in the County Division, traffic court, and the First Municipal District. Judge Jagielski was admitted to practice in 1981. Prior to election, he was a Public Defender and served as a member of the Chicago Board of Elections.
Judge Jagielski is considered to be a knowledgeable jurist who is punctual and hard working. While most lawyers say that he has a good temperament, there are some lawyers who say that he can be report that he be short-tempered. On balance the Council finds him Qualified for retention in his current assignment.
Lionel JEAN-BAPTISTE
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed as a Circuit Judge by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2011
Evaluation: Not Qualified
Lionel Jean-Baptiste 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. He has served as the Alderman for the 2nd Ward of Evanston, Illinois since 2001. He is currently 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 hardworking lawyer dedicated to social justice. He is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. However, the Council is concerned that his practice is narrow and that he has not demonstrated that as a lawyer he has experienced a substantial depth of involvement in all aspects of more complex legal matters. On balance, the Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Bonita Coleman-JOHN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
2010 Primary and General Elections, Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Bonita Coleman-John was admitted to practice in 1992. She has been in private practice for most of her career doing family law, criminal defense, and probate work. She reports acting as lead counsel in 2 criminal jury trials, and more than 100 bench trials. She serves on the ARDC Hearing Board. She is considered to have merely adequate legal ability and many respondents commented unfavorably on her demeanor. Some respondents indicate that she is sometimes late to court. Overall, she is not considered to possess the necessary skills. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Marilyn F. JOHNSON
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 2006.
Evaluation 2005 Evaluation to fill a Circuit Court Vacancy: Qualified
Marilyn F. Johnson was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1980. She is currently the Chief of Staff for the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority. From 1996 to 2003 she served as General Counsel and then First Assistant General Counsel for the Chicago Board of Education. She has also served as General Counsel to the Chicago Housing Authority, and from 1985 to 1994 she was Chief Assistant Corporation Counsel and Deputy Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago. She served as an attorney with the Legal Assistance Foundation for more than 5 years at the beginning of her career. Ms. Johnson is well respected for having good legal ability, an excellent temperament, and has had experience dealing with complex legal issues. The Council believes she has the potential to be a very good judge and finds her Qualified.
Moira S. JOHNSON
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 2001; elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2003.
Evaluation 1998 Primary Elections – Circuit Court: Not Recommended
Moira Susan Johnson did not participate in the Council’s evaluation process, submitting no information in support of her candidacy. The Council received insufficient information to judge her qualifications for the Circuit Court. The Council finds her Not Recommended.
2001 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Recommended
In March 2001, the Council found Judge Johnson Recommended for the position of Associate Judge.
2002 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Well Qualified
The Honorable Moira Susan Johnson serves as a Circuit Judge by Supreme Court appointment. She was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1983. She served as an administrative law judge for nearly ten years for the Illinois Department of Employment Security and (since 1990) as an arbitrator for the Circuit Court’s Mandatory Arbitration Project. She has also practiced personal injury law for over a decade as a solo practitioner. She has considerable trial, adjudicatory and administrative experience and was praised for her temperament and legal ability by those contacted during the investigation. The Council finds Ms. Johnson Well Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.
Sharon Dolores Oden-JOHNSON
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Elected as a Circuit Judge in 2010
11/10 Retention Election – Not Qualified
Sharon Dolores Oden-Johnson was admitted in 1996. She is a sole practitioner focusing on real estate, family law, probate, and small business matters. She reports having no jury trial experience and acting as lead counsel in 4 civil bench trials. She is very active in community activities and pro bono work. Ms. Oden-Johnson is praised as a smart lawyer with a good temperament. The Council is concerned, however, that she has little litigation experience in more complex matters. The Council believes that a judicial candidate must have substantial litigation experience before becoming a judge. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Dorothy F. JONES
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1992.
Evaluation 11/92 Seventh Subcircuit: Not Recommended
Dorothy Jones was admitted to the bar in 1979. She has not participated in the Council’s evaluation process. The Council has received insufficient information to judge her qualifications for the Circuit Court. Ms. Jones therefore is not recommended.
11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Dorothy F. Jones sits in the First Municipal District. She failed to submit materials for evaluation, which the Council believes to be unacceptable for a sitting judge seeking retention to the bench. Even aside from her failure to submit to evaluation, however, an independent evaluation revealed a widespread belief among lawyers who have appeared before Judge Jones that she appears to lack the legal ability to serve as a judge. Lawyers complain that she is not decisive and has a poor judicial temperament. The Council finds her not qualified for retention.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Dorothy Jones was admitted to the bar in 1979. Since her election to the Circuit Court in 1992, Judge Jones principally has been assigned to the First Municipal District, where she currently sits in the Pro Se courtroom. Beginning with her initial judicial candidacy in 1992 and continuing to date, Judge Jones consistently has refused to submit to the various bar associations, including the Council, any materials or information by which to evaluate her professional credentials or history. The Council believes Judge Jones’s continued refusal to participate in the evaluation process is unacceptable, particularly for a sitting judge seeking retention to the bench. Notwithstanding her failure to participate in the evaluation process, however, a previous, independent investigation conducted without her assistance revealed a widespread belief among lawyers who appeared before her that Judge Jones lacked the legal skills and ability necessary to serve as a judge at that time. In addition, these attorneys complained that she consistently was indecisive and demonstrated poor judicial temperament. The Council finds her not qualified for retention. 11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Judge Dorothy Jones refused to participate in the evaluation process. The Council finds her Not Recommended for retention.
Linzey D. JONES
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Fifth Muncipal District
Elected as a Circuit Judge in 2010
Evaluation Primary and General Elections: Qualified Linzey D. Jones, Jr. was admitted to practice in 1982.
He is currently a partner with the law firm of Pugh Jones Johnson & Quandt, and has a labor and employment practice. He was an associate and partner with Sidley & Austin. He is past chairperson and a founding member of the Chicago Committee on Minorities in Large Law Firms. Mr. Jones has substantial litigation experience, although many of his trials settle before verdict. He has also acted as principal counsel in 15 arbitrations and 13 appellate matters. Mr. Jones is praised for his legal ability and temperament. He is reported to be always well-prepared. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Rickey JONES
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1996.
Evaluation 1996 Primary & General Elections – Fifth Subcircuit: Not Recommended
Hon. Rickey Jones did not participate in the Council’s evaluation process, submitting no information in support of his candidacy. The Council received insufficient information to judge his qualifications for the Circuit Court. The Council finds him Not Recommended.
11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Hon. Rickey Jones was elected in 1996. His first assignment was to the Domestic Violence Court.
In late 1999, he was transferred to the Criminal Division as a floating judge. He has sat in the Evening Narcotics Section since April 2000. Lawyers contacted expressed no particular criticism of his performance on the bench. But the candidate’s questionnaire and interview during this evaluation manifested, in our judgment, a total lack of engagement in his duties as a candidate for office or as a public official. He failed to elaborate, either in writing or orally, upon a number of questions concerning the challenges facing him as a judge and public official. Because Judge Jones demonstrated no willingness to participate in the evaluation process except in the most perfunctory fashion, the Council finds him Not Qualified.
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. Rickey Jones was elected to the bench in 1996. His first assignment was to the Domestic Violence Court. He has been assigned to the Criminal Division since 1999. Judge Jones is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for being fair and impartial. He is considered to be a solid jurist. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
Sidney A. JONES, III
Present Judicial Duties 2001: Retired, now a recalled Circuit Court Judge, First Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties 1999-2001: Judge, Circuit Court, Chancery Division; 1989-1999: Supervising Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District; 1987-1989: First Municipal District; 1987: Assignment Judge; 1985-1987: Trial Judge
Recalled Circuit Court Judge in 2008
Evaluation 11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Sidney A. Jones III, 54, has been a judge since 1985. He has served in the First Municipal District throughout his judicial career, now serving as Supervising Judge. From 1975 to 1984 he had an extensive general private practice. The investigation revealed that in general, Judge Jones is credited with significantly reducing an overcrowded caseload in the First Municipal District through a variety of procedural reforms. He has helped change a legal culture that accepted delay as the norm. He is considered to have good to excellent legal ability and his integrity is unquestioned. He is punctual and widely praised for his diligence and impartiality.
The only area of concern raised by a few lawyers has to do with fairness to lawyers and temperament. Although no one suggested that Judge Jones is not fair to litigants, some lawyers complained that in his haste to expedite cases, Judge Jones can be unreasonable in denying what these lawyers see as reasonable continuances. They also complained that he can be short-tempered when dealing with what Judge Jones considers to be unreasonable requests for continuances. On balance, however, lawyers believe that Judge Jones is an example for other judges to follow. He is exceptionally hard-working and his courtroom management is considered excellent. The Council finds him qualified for retention.1986 Evaluation for Judicial Primary & General Elections: Qualified
Sidney Jones is currently a Circuit Court judge, handling contested non-jury civil cases. From 1975-1984, he had an extensive general private practice. Since his appointment to the bench, Judge Jones has significantly reduced an overcrowded caseload and initiated various procedural reforms. He has demonstrated an adequate knowledge of the law and a proper judicial temperament. The Council finds Judge Jones qualified for election to the Circuit Court.
11/92 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Jones, 48, has been a Circuit Judge since 1985. He currently has three separate roles in the First Municipal District: the supervising judge of personal injury matters, the supervisor of the mandatory arbitration call, and a trial judge. He is the former supervising judge of non-personal injury tort and contract matters.
Lawyers report that Judge Jones has many significant strengths, as well as several weaknesses. All lawyers agree that Judge Jones has high integrity, and is independent from political and institutional influences. Most lawyers report that Judge Jones has good to excellent ability, although some lawyers report his legal knowledge can be spotty. The consensus is that Judge Jones knows the law, applies it well, and will learn the law when he is not certain of it.
Lawyers have different opinions about Judge Jones’ temperament, and his management of his various responsibilities. All lawyers agree that Judge Jones runs his courtroom firmly, with tight discipline. Some describe him as calm, while others describe him as short-tempered, with an undercurrent of smugness. Lawyers agree that his rulings on evidence and law are fair. However, some lawyers report that Judge Jones’ desire to reduce the backlog in his court sometimes leads him to run over individual litigants. For example, Judge Jones has taken major steps to change the “legal culture” in the Municipal District by denying lawyers continuances that used to be routine. There are reports, however, that Judge Jones’ zeal to eliminate delay can cause him to deny even reasonable continuances.
Even Judge Jones’ greatest strength, his extraordinary, hard-working character, is viewed by many lawyers as a weakness. They suggest that Judge Jones has undertaken too many responsibilities. Because of his other responsibilities, he often cannot give much of his day to the trials he conducts. This can cause trials to be heard in short segments, frustrating attorneys and litigants. In addition, his large responsibilities can lead him to be short and unduly inflexible with cases. Nevertheless, lawyers believe he has been very effective in improving case flow in his courtroom, and in moving cases to trial or settlement. And lawyers do not criticize the substantive result he reaches in the cases assigned to him.
On balance, the Council believes Judge Jones is qualified for retention. His hard work is an example for other judges, and he has substantial judicial abilities. Judge Jones has tried to reform the “legal culture” and reduce delay in his courtroom, and some of the criticism of him is clearly the response of attorneys who do not welcome the change. At the same time, much of the criticism of Judge Jones is valid. Judge Jones should be less inflexible in procedural matters – there is no need to refuse legitimate continuances or dismiss a case if a lawyer was in the hall or another courtroom and comes in minutes after the case was called for the first time. Judge Jones may wish to reduce the burden on himself, and the tension in his courtroom, by relinquishing one of his responsibilities. But the Council recommends that voters give Judge Jones the opportunity to continue to serve on the bench.
Daniel E. JORDAN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Second Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties 1993-1994: Juvenile Division; 1992-1993: First Municipal District (traffic court)
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1992.
Evaluation 3/90 Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Daniel E. Jordan was admitted to practice law in 1981. He has served as an Assistant State’s Attorney throughout his career. Mr. Jordan has received high marks as a fair, competent and hardworking attorney, but he has not shown the kind of unusual achievement that could outweigh his limited experience. On this basis, the Council finds Mr. Jordan to be not qualified.
1992 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Daniel E. Jordan was admitted to practice law in 1981. He has worked since then as an Assistant State’s Attorney. He enjoys a reputation as a fair-minded and able prosecutor as well as a diligent student of criminal law. The Council finds him Qualified.
11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Daniel E. Jordan, 50, sits in the Second Municipal District. He was elected to the bench in 1992. Prior to becoming a judge, he was an Assistant State’s Attorney. Judge Jordan is considered to have very good legal ability with a thorough knowledge of the rules of evidence and other applicable law. His integrity is unquestioned and he is considered to be fair and even-tempered. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Daniel E. Jordan sits in the Second Municipal District. He was elected to the bench in 1992. Prior to becoming a judge, he was an Assistant State’s Attorney. Judge Jordan is considered to have very good legal ability with a thorough knowledge of the rules of evidence and other applicable law. His integrity is unquestioned and he is considered to be fair and even-tempered. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Daniel Jordan was elected to the bench in 1992 and presently sits in the Second Municipal District. He was admitted to practice in 1981. Prior to his election to the bench, Judge Jordan was an Assistant State’s Attorney. Judge Jordan previously served in the First District Traffic Court and the Juvenile Division. Cases before Judge Jordan in the Second Municipal District include civil cases (including school cases), criminal cases (including traffic cases), child protection and domestic relations matters, and probate.
Judge Jordan is considered to have good legal ability and is specially praised for his courtroom management skills. He is reported to have a good temperament and is hard working. A recent Chicago Tribune article labeled Judge Jordan as one of four judges who are the most “forgiving” for driving offenses involving speeders going 100 mph or faster. Judge Jordan has defended himself, saying that he has the judicial authority to give supervision in these cases but more important, the situations in question involved a prosecutor who changed the charge as part of a negotiated deal. The Council has uncovered no bias issues regarding Judge Jordan. The Council finds him Qualified for retention to the Circuit Court.
Edward R. JORDAN
Present Judicial Duties Judge Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1994.
Evaluation 3/92 Primary election–Circuit Court: Qualified
Edward Jordan, 56, is a capable and experienced trial lawyer, concentrating in family law matters. He is regarded as hard working, bright, and articulate. Opposing counsel uniformly praise his integrity, professionalism, and even temper. The Council believes that Mr. Jordan is qualified for a position as a Circuit Judge.
11/00 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Edward R. Jordan, 64, has been a judge since 1994. He is assigned to the Domestic Relations Division. He was in private practice before becoming a judge. Lawyers report that Judge Jordan is a well-respected jurist with very good legal ability and judicial temperament. He is considered to be exceptionally fair. The Council finds him Qualified. 2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Edward R. Jordan has been a judge since his election in 1994. He is a Preliminary Judge in the Domestic Relations Division. He was in private practice for twenty-one years before becoming a judge. Judge Jordan is considered to be a solid jurist with good legal ability and temperament. He is praised for being fair to all parties. The Council finds him Qualified.
Michelle D. JORDAN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2004.
Evaluation 2004 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Michelle Jordan was admitted to practice in 1977. From the time of her admission to the bar until 1982, she was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. From 1982 until 1984, she was a solo private practitioner. From 1984 to 1990, she served in the Illinois Attorney General’s Office handling significant environmental litigation, and from 1991 to 1993, she practiced environmental law at Hopkins & Sutter. From 1994 to 2001 she was Deputy Regional Administrator with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. During that period she was also given permission to be detailed to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Hammond to obtain additional trial experience. From 2001 to 2003, she was the National Director of Fund Development for Rainbow / PUSH. She has been in private practice handling criminal cases for the past year. Ms. Jordan has extensive experience as an attorney with a wide variety of complex matters, and is praised for her very good legal ability and temperament. She is always well prepared and is respected for her integrity and good judgment. The Council finds her Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Judge Michelle Jordan was admitted to practice in 1977. She was elected to the Circuit Court in 2004, when she was assigned to the 1st Municipal District. After a brief tenure with the Child Protection Division, in December 2005 she returned to the 1st Municipal District, where she currently serves in a Felony Preliminary Hearings Courtroom. Judge Jordan began her legal career as an assistant Cook County state’s attorney before working as a private practitioner, an assistant Illinois attorney general and chief of the Environmental Division, a partner at Hopkins & Sutter, deputy regional administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency, an assistant
U.S. attorney, and national director of fund development for CEF.
Judge Jordan is considered to have very good legal ability. She is exceptionally hard working and respectful to all parties in her courtroom. She is praised for her courtroom management skills. The Council finds her Well Qualified for retention.
Timothy Joseph JOYCE
Present Judicial Duties: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2007.
Evaluation 2002 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Well Qualified
Timothy J. Joyce was admitted to practice in 1981. From 1993 to the present, he has been in private practice, concentrating primarily in criminal defense work. For ten years before that, he was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. From 1981 to 1983, he was associated with the firm of Daley & George.
Mr. Joyce is considered to be a superb trial lawyer with excellent legal ability. He is always well prepared and he has a very good temperament. He has substantial trial experience as both a prosecutor and a defense lawyer. He also has experience in civil law matters. Judges contacted as part of the evaluation praise Mr. Joyce as a zealous advocate who is also ethical and who does not “cut corners.” The Council finds Mr. Joyce Well Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.
Jordan KAPLAN
Present Judicial Duties 1991-present: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1991.
Evaluation None
James N. KARAHALIOS
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Second Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2005.
Evaluation 2005 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Well Qualified
James Karahalios has practiced law since 1970. He spent his first seven years as an attorney as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney, after which he left the Office in 1977 to enter private practice as a solo practitioner (1979-85, and 1994present) and as an associate with various private firms (1977-79, 1985-89, 1989-94). His current practice consists primarily of personal injury cases. Mr. Karahalios has spoken at CLE seminars, has taught trial advocacy at Loyola University College of Law (1980), and has lectured on Criminal Law at the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Training Academy (1975-76). Mr. Karahalios is considered to have very good legal ability, an excellent temperament, and is reported to be a hard-working, solid practitioner with outstanding legal skills. He has a broad and substantial range of litigation experience in state and federal courts, at the trial and appellate levels, in civil and criminal law matters. Mr. Karahalios also has demonstrated a strong commitment to undertaking pro bono work. The Council finds him Well Qualified.
Pamela G. KARAHALIOS
Present Judicial Duties 1988-Present: Associate Judge, Third Municipal
District Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1988.
Evaluation None
Paul A. KARKULA
Present Judicial Duties 2003-present: Judge, Circuit Court, Chancery Division, Mortgage Foreclosure and Mechanic’s Lien Section
Previous Judicial Duties 2003-2005: Judge, Circuit Court, Chancery Division and First Municipal District, Mortgage Foreclosure; Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, Traffic Court
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1999; elected to the Circuit Court in 2000
Evaluation 2000 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Recommended
Paul August Karkula did not participate in the Council’s evaluation process, submitting no information in support of his candidacy. The Council received insufficient information to judge his qualifications for the Circuit Court. The Council finds him Not Recommended.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Paul A. Karkula currently sits in the Chancery Division, Mortgage Foreclosure and Mechanic’s Lien Section. He was appointed to fill a vacancy in 1999 and was elected in 2000. Prior to his appointment, he was an associate with Edward R. Vrdolyak, Ltd. Judge Karkula is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He is especially praised for being hard working and for his impartiality. The Council finds him Qualified.
Themis N. KARNEZIS
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Appellate Court, First District, Third Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1998-2002: Presiding Judge, Circuit Court, Fourth Municipal District; 1985-1998: Supervising Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division, Felony Trials: 19841985: Substitute Judge, Criminal Division; 19821984: First Municipal District, Preliminary Hearing Courtroom
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1982; appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1989; elected to the Circuit Court in 1990; appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2002.
Evaluation 1990 (D) Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Karnezis has been a sitting judge hearing felony trials since 1985. Judge Karnezis is considered to be one of the more hard-working and competent judges sitting at 26th and California. The Council has heard reports that he has had problems with his temper. Judge Karnezis recognizes these concerns, however, and is improving. Moreover, Judge Karnezis’ temper is usually reserved for unprepared attorneys who may, therefore, deserve the criticism. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
11/96 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Themis N. Karnezis, 54, has been a judge since 1982. Since 1985, he has heard felony trials in the Criminal Division. In 1990, the Council found Judge Karnezis qualified for the Circuit Court, although noting reports that he occasionally had problems with his temper. These reports continue, although again his temper has been directed primarily at attorneys he considers unprepared or dilatory and who may in fact be deserving of criticism. Judge Karnezis gets uniformly high marks for being one of the hardest-working and best-prepared judges sitting in the Criminal Courts, and he is widely praised by both prosecutors and defense counsel for being fair and evenhanded. He is considered to possess high integrity and to be very knowledgeable about the law. The Council finds him Qualified. 11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Highly Qualified;
3/02 Appointment – Appellate Court: Highly Qualified
Hon. Themis N. Karnezis has served as an Associate Judge, and later Circuit Judge, on the Circuit Court of Cook County since 1982. From 1983 until 1998, he was assigned to the criminal division hearing the full range of felony criminal cases. From June of 1998 to February of 1999, he was assigned to the Law Division, where he presided over a variety of civil jury trials involving personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, and Structural Work Act matters. Since February of 1999, he has served as the Presiding Judge of the Fourth Municipal District in Maybrook, where he continues to conduct hearings and felony cases in addition to his administrative duties. In 1999, the Illinois Supreme Court appointed Judge Karnezis to serve on the Court’s Special Committee on Capital Cases. Lawyers with experience before Judge Karnezis remark favorably upon his legal knowledge, integrity, temperament, and diligence. He is regarded as one of the Circuit Court’s best trial judges. In view of Judge Karnezis’ depth and breadth of experience as a trial judge, the Council finds him Highly Qualified.
2008 Retention: Highly Qualified
Hon. Themis N. Karnezis has served as an Associate Judge, and later Circuit Judge, on the Circuit Court of Cook County since 1982. He was appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2002. From 1983 until 1998, he was assigned to the criminal division hearing the full range of felony criminal cases. From June of 1998 to February of 1999, he was assigned to the Law Division, where he presided over a variety of civil jury trials involving personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, and Structural Work Act matters. He became the Presiding Judge of the Fourth Municipal District in Maybrook in 1999. Lawyers report that Judge Karnezis is both an excellent appellate and trial judge. They remark favorably upon his legal knowledge, integrity, temperament, and diligence. He was regarded as one of the Circuit Court’s best trial judges. In view of Judge Karnezis’ depth and breadth of experience as a trial judge and appellate justice, the Council finds him Highly Qualified.
Nancy J. KATZ
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1999.
Evaluation Cook County State’s Attorney, ultimately becoming 1999 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Recommended supervisor of the juvenile division.
In April 1999, the Council found Judge Katz Recommended for the position of Associate Judge.
Stuart Paul KATZ
Present Judicial Duties: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2007 Evaluation 2002 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Stuart P. Katz was admitted to the bar in 1981. After two years in private general practice, he joined the Cook County Public Defender’s Office in 1984 and has practiced there since that time. He has extensive criminal trial experience, including cases in which the death penalty was sought. Mr. Katz is regarded as having strong legal knowledge in the criminal area, and receives high marks on his temperament, integrity, and character. He devotes a considerable portion of his free time to counseling Jewish youth. The Council finds Mr. Katz Well Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.
Lynne KAWAMOTO
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Probate Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1992-2001: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division; 1991-1992: Traffic Court
Appointed Associate Judge in 1991.
Evaluation 3/94 Primary Election – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Lynne Kawamoto, 43, is an Associate Judge sitting in the Juvenile Court of Cook County. She took the bench in February 1991 at which time she was assigned to the Traffic Court. In June 1992 she was transferred into Juvenile Court. Prior to becoming a judge, she spent ten years as an Assistant
We received many favorable comments about Judge Kawamoto. However, a number of the attorneys who reported described Judge Kawamoto as showing a significant pro-State bias in criminal cases. Because there are questions about her fairness, the Council finds her not qualified.
Joseph G. KAZMIERSKI, Jr.
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1994: First Municipal District (Traffic court)
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1994; elected to the Circuit Court in 1994
Evaluation 3/90 Primary Election – Circuit Court: Qualified
Mr. Kazmierski was admitted to practice law in 1973. He is now a Supervisor in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, and he has been with the office for 16 years. Mr. Kazmierski is a respected prosecutor who is considered to be fair and of high integrity. The Council, therefore, finds him Qualified.
11/92 General Election–Circuit Court: Qualified
Joseph G. Kazmierski, Jr., 44, was admitted to practice in 1973. He serves as a supervisor in the State’s attorney’s Office, prosecuting cases in the Third Municipal District. Lawyers report he has good legal ability, and has high integrity. The Council finds him Qualified.
11/00 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Joseph G. Kazmierski, Jr., 52, has been a judge since 1994. He sits in the Criminal Division at 26th and California Avenue. He was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney before becoming a judge. Lawyers report that he has very good legal ability and a good judicial temperament. He is considered to be a solid jurist. The Council finds him Qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Joseph G. Kazmierski has sat in the Criminal Division at 26th and California Avenue since his appointment and subsequent election in 1994. He currently serves as Supervising Judge. He was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for twelve years before becoming a judge. Judge Kazmierski is considered to have very good legal ability. He is praised for his knowledge of the law and for his even temperament. He is praised as being hard working and fair to all parties. The Council finds him Qualified.
Thomas J. KELLEY
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2004.
Evaluation 2004 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Thomas J. Kelley has practiced law since 1984. He has been in private practice for his entire career and has been a partner practicing family law since 1987. Mr. Kelley has good legal ability and is especially praised for his good temperament. He has substantial legal experience and has been involved in pro bono representation of children in divorce and custody matters. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
In 2004, Thomas J. Kelley was elected to the Circuit Court of Cook County. He was initially assigned to the 1st Municipal District. In July 2005, Judge Kelley was transferred to the Domestic Relations Division, where he currently presides, hearing divorce trials and contested hearings related to custody, visitation, property distribution, child support, and related issues. Prior to election, Judge Kelley worked as a partner at Kelley, Kelley & Kelley. He is also a Certified Public Accountant. Judge Kelley earned his
J.D. from DePaul University and was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1984.
Judge Thomas Kelley is considered to have good legal ability. He has good courtroom management skills and is particularly praised for his temperament. His decisions are well reasoned and timely. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
Carol A. KELLY
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Juvenile Justice Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1992- 1994: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, Traffic Court (DUI call & minor traffic call)
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1992.
Evaluation 11/92 Eleventh Subcircuit: Qualified
Carol Kelly, 40, has been an Assistant State’s Attorney since 1977. She has been assigned to Maywood since 1979, where she is trying felony cases. Attorneys report that she is a good trial attorney. She is reported to be fair, with good demeanor. The Council believes Ms. Kelly is qualified.
11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Carol A. Kelly, 45, sits in the Juvenile Justice Division. She became a judge in 1992 after a career as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Lawyers report that Judge Kelly is a solid jurist. She has good legal ability and her integrity is unquestioned. She is considered to be fair with a good temperament. She is diligent and punctual. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Carol A. Kelly sits in the Juvenile Justice Division. She became a judge in 1992 after a career as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Lawyers report that Judge Kelly is a solid jurist. She has good legal ability and her integrity is unquestioned. She is considered to be fair with a good temperament. She is diligent and punctual. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Judge Carol Kelly was elected to the bench in 1992 and is currently assigned to the Juvenile Justice Division. Previously, she served in the First Municipal District, Traffic Court (DUI call & minor traffic call). Judge Kelly was admitted to practice in 1977. Prior to election, she was an Assistant State’s Attorney.
Judge Kelly is considered to have very good legal ability and temperament. She is praised for her ability to work collaboratively with defense counsel, prosecutors, and probation officers in developing alternative sentencing approaches that are in the best interests of juveniles. She is praised for her ability to be both compassionate and effective in handling her court call. She has been active in seeking juvenile justice reforms. The Council finds her Well Qualified for retention.
James W. KENNEDY
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Probate Division
Appointed Circuit Court in 1991; elected to the Circuit Court in 1992.
Evaluation 3/90 (D) Circuit Court: Qualified
James W. Kennedy is currently the Head Assistant Attorney for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, formerly the Metropolitan Sanitary District. He has been an attorney there since 1967, concentrating on litigation. Mr. Kennedy is considered by attorneys to be a knowledgeable and fair individual who is a conscientious and hardworking attorney. He receives praise from his adversaries and associates for his political independence and integrity. The Council finds him Qualified.
11/92 (Porter Vacancy–Chicago only): Qualified
Judge Kennedy, 54, was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to fill a vacancy in 1991. He sits in the Probate Division hearing cases involving the estates of disabled persons. He first served in the First Municipal District, hearing both civil and criminal trials. Before taking the bench, Judge Kennedy was Head Assistant Attorney for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. Judge Kennedy is praised as being fair and compassionate. He possesses good legal ability and works hard. The Council finds him Qualified.
11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
James W. Kennedy, 60, was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to fill a vacancy in 1991 after a long career with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. He was elected to the bench in 1992. He serves in the Probate Division. Judge Kennedy has a reputation as being an excellent probate judge. Practitioners uniformly praise his skills as a judge. He has above average legal ability and is able to distill legal issues from irrelevant argument. His integrity is above reproach. He is considered fair to all who appear before him. His temperament is excellent, he renders decisions in a timely fashion, and he requires practitioners to adhere to the schedules that he sets. The Council finds him Well Qualified for retention.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
James W. Kennedy was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to fill a vacancy in 1991 after a long career with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. He was elected to the bench in 1992. He serves in the Probate Division. Judge Kennedy has a reputation as being a very good probate judge. Practitioners uniformly praise his skills as a judge. He has above average legal ability, his integrity is above reproach, and he is considered fair to all who appear before him. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
Kathleen G. KENNEDY
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1996.
Evaluation 1996 Primary & General Election–Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Hon. Kathleen G. Kennedy, 44, has been practicing law for 13 years. Since November 1994, Ms. Kennedy has served as a hearing officer in child abuse and neglect cases in Cook County Juvenile Court. She served as a Supervising Attorney with the Office of the Cook County Public Guardian from 1989 to 1994. From 1985 to 1989, she was a judicial law clerk to Magistrate Judge Joan Lefkow in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and from 1982 to 1985 she was a judicial law clerk to Justice Dom J. Rizzi in the Illinois Appellate Court. Attorneys and judges report that Ms. Kennedy has good legal ability. Overall, however, she lacks courtroom experience in contested or complex litigation matters. The Council finds her not qualified.
11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Kathleen G. Kennedy has been assigned to the expedited child support court of the Domestic Relations Division since her election in 1996. Judge Kennedy has performed effectively in a demanding assignment in expedited child-support court, where she presides over cases involving many pro se litigants and disputed issues over child support amounts, arrears, and non-payment. Judge Kennedy drew praise for her patience and fairness in dealing with pro se litigants and her management of frequent bench trials on issues including child custody and visitation. She also has developed a reputation for being a hard-working judge who is not afraid to devote the amount of time she deems necessary to the matters before her. The Council finds Judge Kennedy Qualified
2006 Primary Election – Appellate Court: Qualified
Hon. Kathleen G. Kennedy has been assigned to the Domestic Relations Division as an expedited hearing judge since 2003. From the time of her election in 1996 until 2003, she was assigned to the expedited child support court. Judge Kennedy is widely praised as a solid jurist demonstrating patience and fairness in her judicial assignment. She is very bright, hard-working and impartial in her current assignment. The Council is concerned, however, that Judge Kennedy has not demonstrated the breadth of experience or the writing and analytical ability necessary for an appellate judge. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Appellate Court.
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. 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 Lefkow. She was a supervising attorney in the Cook County Public Guardian’s Office for approximately 5 years, and a Circuit Court hearing officer in child protection cases for approximately 2 years. Her initial assignment as a judge was to the expedited child support calendar, and since 2003 she has been assigned to the Domestic Relations Division as an expedited hearing judge. She is regarded as well-informed in the law and thorough in her handling of the matters coming before her. She is diligent and has an excellent temperament. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
Kerry M. KENNEDY
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Fifth Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties 2002-2003: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2002.
Evaluation 2002 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Kerry M. Kennedy was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1979. Mr. Kennedy has been an Assistant Public Defender for his entire career. He has significant trial experience. He received general commendations from those contacted about his legal ability, temperament and experience. The Council finds him Qualified.
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. Kerry M. Kennedy was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1979, and was elected to the bench in 2002. Mr. Kennedy had been an Assistant Public Defender for his entire career prior to taking the bench. He currently sits in the Fifth Municipal District. Lawyers report that Judge Kennedy is knowledgeable and has a good temperament. He is praised for his diligence and courtroom management skills. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
Diana L. KENWORTHY
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Circuit Judge in 2008
Evaluation Not Qualified
Diana Kenworthy has been a lawyer since 1995. She is currently in private practice doing criminal defense work. She is also a hearing officer with the Water Reclamation District. From 1996 to 2000 she served as a Cook County Assistant Public Defender. Ms. Kenworthy is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. She is praised as a solid practitioner. The Council, however, is concerned that she has been a lawyer for only 12 years, her practice is narrow, and she does not have substantial experience in complex matters. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court at this time.
Dorothy Kirie KINNAIRD
Present Judicial Duties Presiding Judge, Circuit Court, Chancery Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1994-2002: Judge, Circuit Court, Chancery Division; 1991-1994: Judge, Circuit Court, County Division
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1991; elected to the Circuit Court in 1992.
Evaluation 11/92 Primary & General Elections–Circuit Court (Tully Vacancy): Qualified
Dorothy Kinnaird, 42, was appointed to fill a vacancy in 1991. She was admitted to practice in 1975, and served as an Assistant State’s Attorney for several years. For 13 years, she practiced with her husband, doing local government law and civil litigation. She was the Village Attorney for Franklin Park.
Since taking the bench, Judge Kinnaird has been sitting in the County Division, where she hears mental health, tax, domestic violence and real estate cases. Judge Kinnaird is reported to be hard working, thoughtful and articulate. She maintains good control of her courtroom, while ensuring that all parties have a fair opportunity to be heard. Her legal ability is good, and she has the potential to be an excellent judge as she gains experience. She is well qualified for election to the Circuit Court.
11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Dorothy Kirie Kinnaird, 48, has been in the Chancery Division since 1994. She became a judge in 1991. Judge Kinnaird is considered to have good legal ability with good courtroom management skills.
Her fairness and integrity are unquestioned. She has a very good judicial temperament and a number of attorneys commented that she is willing to ask lawyers the tough questions. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Dorothy Kirie Kinnaird has been in the Chancery Division since 1994. She became a judge in 1991. Judge Kinnaird is considered to have good legal ability with good courtroom management skills. Her fairness is unquestioned and she has a very good judicial temperament. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
Carol A. KIPPERMAN
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Fourth Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties 1989-1992: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Juvenile Justice Division
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1988.
Evaluation None
John P. KIRBY
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1998-2003: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1998.
Evaluation 1998 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
John Patrick Kirby was admitted to practice in 1983. He was a solo practitioner for four years and since 1988 has been an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Mr. Kirby has very good legal ability and is considered to have good temperament. He is fair and of high integrity. The Council finds him Qualified.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
John Patrick Kirby was elected to the bench in 1998. Before becoming a judge, he had served as a solo practitioner and an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Mr. Kirby has very good legal ability and is considered to have good temperament. He is fair and of high integrity. The Council finds him Qualified.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
John Patrick Kirby was elected to the bench in 1998 and presently sits in the Criminal Division of the Circuit Court. He was admitted to practice in 1979. Before his election to the bench, Judge Kirby served as a solo practitioner and an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney.
Judge Kirby is considered to have excellent legal ability and temperament. But he receives extraordinary praise for his dedication to using alternative sentencing in cases where the defendants are non-violent. He is respectful to all persons in his courtroom, and has personally been involved in developing a cyber high school as an alternative sentence for youthful offenders. Upon the awarding of a high school diploma, Judge Kirby enters a motion to vacate the judgment. He has implemented a special program for defendants who are veterans, and he has personally sought to find alternative treatment programs to become part of his sentencing. The Council finds him Highly Qualified for retention.
Randye A. KOGAN
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Individual General Calendar Section
Previous Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Jury Section; Law Division, Tax and Miscellaneous Remedies Section; 1988: Traffic Court
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1988.
Evaluation None
Demetrios G. KOTTARAS
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Appointed Circuit Judge in 2007
Evaluation 2007 Evaluation: Qualified
Demetrios G. Kottaras has been at the Office of the Cook County State’s Attorney since he was admitted to the bar in 1984. He is currently Deputy Supervisor of the Public Interest Bureau. From 1996 to late 2001, he was supervisor of the Financial Crimes Division. Prior to that, he had assignments in the Felony Trial, Juvenile, Narcotics, Felony Review, and Preliminary Hearings Divisions. He also served as a legislative liaison for the office. He began his career by spending six months at Hinshaw & Culbertson. Mr. Kottaras is a 1984 graduate of Chicago-Kent College of Law, where he has taught Trial Advocacy as an adjunct professor since 1992. He has been on the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Bar Association since 2000.
Mr. Kottaras is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He is particularly well regarded as a lawyer dealing with financial crimes. He has a good temperament, and his integrity is unquestioned. He is a solid practitioner known for his good judgment. The Council finds Mr. Kottaras Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.
Joan M. KUBALANZA
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Appointed Circuit Judge in 2008
Evaluation Evaluated to fill vacancy: Qualified
Joan Kubalanza was admitted to practice in 1984. She is currently in private practice. From 1984 to 1986, Ms. Kubalanza served as a law clerk to Justice William Clark and then served as an Associate with what was Wilson & McIlvaine. She was an Associate and then a Partner with Foley and Lardner from 1990 to 1998. For one year she served as an Associate Judge before going back to private practice.
She reports acting as lead counsel in 1 civil jury trial and about 8 civil bench trials. She has been involved in extensive motion practice in complex matters. Ms. Kubalanza is considered to have good legal ability with solid litigation experience in more complex matters. She is praised for her temperament. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Geary W. KULL
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Fourth Muncipal District
Appointed to fill a judicial vacancy by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2009
Elected as a Circuit Judge in 2010
Evaluation 2010 Primary and General Elections: Well Qualified (Evaluated for Associate Judge in 2004. Judge Kull was appointed to the bench in 2009 by the Illinois Supreme Court)
After being admitted to practice in 1974, Geary Kull served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender until 1981, when he left to establish a private criminal defense practice as a sole practitioner. Mr. Kull is considered to have very good legal ability, an excellent temperament, and unquestioned integrity. He has extensive litigation experience in complex matters. Mr. Kull is a solid practitioner who has earned the respect of his colleagues, lawyers and judges alike, who uniformly praise him highly. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Margaret KULYS HOFFMAN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Fifth Municipal District
Appointed Circuit Judge in 2006 and was elected to the bench in 2008
Evaluation Qualified
Margaret Kulys-Hoffman has been a lawyer since 1983. She was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2006. She currently presides over traffic court and misdemeanor courtrooms in the Rolling Meadows courthouse. The Council, in an earlier evaluation done before she took the bench, found Judge Kulys-Hoffman Not Qualified due to insufficient litigation experience. The Council’s current evaluation is based on her performance as a judge. She is considered by lawyers appearing before her to have good legal ability and temperament. She is praised for her courtroom management skills in high volume courtrooms. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
William J. KUNKLE
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2004.
Evaluation 2004 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
William J. Kunkle has been practicing since 1970. He is currently a partner with the firm of Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon. He has been in private practice since 1985. From 1973 to 1985, Mr. Kunkle was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. From 1970 to 1973, he served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. Mr. Kunkle is considered to have excellent legal ability with extensive litigation experience. There were some reports questioning his temperament but most respondents describe him as having a professional demeanor and being a zealous advocate. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge William J. Kunkle was elected to the bench in 2004 and presently serves in the Fifth Municipal District. Previously, he was in First Municipal District and Felony Preliminary Hearing section. He was admitted to practice in 1969. Prior to his election to the bench, Judge Kunkle served first as a Public Defender and then as a States Attorney and spent some time in private practice.
Cases in the Municipal Districts cover a broad range from civil suits for damages up to $100,000, housing cases, and small claims, to misdemeanor criminal cases, felony preliminary hearings, domestic violence and traffic cases.
Judge Kunkle is described as exceptionally knowledgeable and is respected by most respondents for giving a fair trial, but many lawyers say that he can be “arrogant and rude.” A few defense counsel say they think he is pro state but describe it as when all things are equal he comes down on the side of the state. All respondents praise him for his diligence and for his courtroom management skills. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
Maria KURIAKOS CIESIL
Present Judicial Duties: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District Appointed Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2007
Evaluation 2006 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Well Qualified
Maria Kuriakos Ciesil was admitted to the bar in 1990. With the exception of three months at a firm she has spent her entire career as an Assistant Attorney General. She has been Assistant Bureau Chief of Felony Prosecutions since 2005. Ms. Ciesil is reported to have very good legal ability and an excellent temperament. She enjoys a reputation of being an outstanding lawyer who is fair to all parties.
She has substantial litigation experience in complex jury and bench matters. She teaches trial advocacy, is involved in a number of community service activities, and is considered to be exceptionally hardworking. The Council finds her Well Qualified to serve in the Circuit Court.
Anthony C. KYRIAKOPOULOS
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Muncipal District
Appointed as a Circuit Judge by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2010
Evaluation: Qualified
Anthony C Kyriakopoulos was admitted in 1990. Since 1998 he has been an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Money Laundering Unit of the Narcotics Bureau. He has been in the office since his admission. As lead counsel he reports taking 10 criminal trials to a jury verdict and 125 trials to a bench verdict. Mr. Kriakopoulos is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. He has substantial litigation experience in complex matters and is praised for being a honest and zealous prosecutor. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
William G. LACY
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1996-1998: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District; First Municipal District, Traffic Court Elected to the Circuit Court in 1996.
Evaluation 3/96 Primary Election – Circuit Court: Not Recommended
Hon. William G. Lacy did not participate in the Council’s evaluation process, submitting no information in support of his candidacy. The Council received insufficient information to judge his qualifications for the Circuit Court. The Council finds him Not Recommended.
11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. William G. Lacy was first elected to the Circuit Court in 1996. He has been assigned to the Criminal Division since 2001. Before that, he was a back-up judge in that division. From 1998 to 2000, he sat in the Evening Narcotics Section. His first assignment, from 1996 to 1998, was in the First Municipal District, where he sat in Traffic Court, Branch 44, and Branch 66. He also handled felony preliminary hearings and bond hearings for prisoners arrested overnight. He is regarded as a competent jurist whose legal knowledge is appropriate to his assignment and whose temperament is respectful and even-handed. He is praised by some attorneys for decisiveness and is generally well-regarded by those who practice most frequently in his courtroom.
The Council finds Judge Lacy Qualified for retention.
2008 Retention: Well Qualified
Hon. William G. Lacy was first elected to the Circuit Court in 1996. He has been assigned to the Criminal Division since 2001. Before that, he was a back-up judge in that division. From 1998 to 2000, he sat in the Evening Narcotics Section. His first assignment, from 1996 to 1998, was in the First Municipal District, where he sat in Traffic Court, Branch 44, and Branch 66. He also handled felony preliminary hearings and bond hearings for prisoners arrested overnight. He is considered to have good legal ability with a temperament described as respectful and even-handed. He is praised by attorneys for decisiveness and is generally well regarded by those who practice most frequently in his courtroom. The Council finds Judge Lacy Well Qualified for retention.
Bertina E. LAMPKIN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Illinois Appellate Court Justice, First District
Previous Judicial Duties Supervising Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division Supervising Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District: Criminal Division; 1989-1992: Evening Narcotics Court; 1987-1989: First Municipal District; 1988-1989: Assistant Supervisor, Traffic Court
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1987; elected to the Circuit Court in 1992.
Judge Lampkin was appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2009.
Evaluation
11/92 Second Subcircuit Judgeship A: Qualified
Judge Lampkin, 43, presently sits in evening narcotics court. From 1974 to 1987 she had extensive experience as an Assistant State’s Attorney and member of the Chicago Corporation Counsel’s office.
She is described by lawyers who have appeared before her as a good, solid judge. A few lawyers question whether she unduly favors the position of Assistant State’s Attorneys who appear before her and report that she rarely, if ever, will discredit the testimony of a police officer. Most lawyers, however, believe she is fair. The Council finds her Qualified.
11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Bertina A. Lampkin, 49, sits in the Criminal Division. Lawyers report that she has very good legal ability and that she makes a conscientious effort to keep fully abreast of changes in criminal law. Most lawyers say she has a good judicial temperament, although some complain that she can be rude to attorneys. Her fairness and integrity are unquestioned, and she is known to be consistently punctual and exceptionally hard-working. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Bertina A. Lampkin sits in the Criminal Division. Those who appear before her report that she has adequate legal ability and that she makes a conscientious effort to keep abreast of changes in the criminal law. Her integrity is unquestioned, and she is known to be a punctual and exceptionally hardworking jurist. The Council is concerned, however, about persistent reports of Judge Lampkin’s conduct in the courtroom. Judge Lampkin occasionally engages in inappropriate displays of temper to the attorneys who appear before her. She also is reported to treat lawyers rudely, occasionally lectures counsel in front of seated juries, and can be strident and dismissive when attorneys take issue with aspects of her decisions. Notwithstanding the Council’s serious concerns about these issues, on balance it finds her Qualified for retention.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Justice Bertina E. Lampkin was appointed to the Appellate Court in 2009 and presently sits in the First District, First Division. Prior to her appointment to the Appellate Court, she was a supervising Judge in the Circuit Court, Criminal Division. She was admitted to practice in 1974. Prior to her election, Justice Lampkin was an Assistant State’s Attorney and member of the Chicago Corporation Counsel’s office.
As a Circuit Judge, she was considered to have good legal ability and was reported to be an exceptionally hard working jurist. She served on the Illinois Supreme Court criminal pattern jury instructions committee and was chair for the last five years. In that position, she was responsible for writing the new death penalty instructions. She has taught for the last several years in the area of death penalty litigation and created her own seminar materials. As an Appellate Justice, Justice Lampkin receives many positive reports focusing on her preparedness and vigor during oral argument. Her opinions are considered to be well-reasoned. She has made a successful transition to the Appellate Court. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
2009 Evaluation: Qualified for the Appellate Court
Hon. Bertina Lampkin was elected to the Circuit Court in 1992. She currently hears criminal law matters at the Courthouse at 26th and California. Judge Lampkin is considered to have good legal ability and is reported to be an exceptionally hardworking jurist. Her written materials include approximately 100 opinions from cases she heard at 26th street, including findings on post-conviction petitions and motions to quash and suppress. Additionally, she has been on the Supreme Court criminal pattern jury instructions committee for fifteen years, the last five as chair of the committee. In that position, she was responsible for writing the new death penalty instructions and the instructions for specific specialized jury verdict required by the Apprendi case. She has taught for the last several years in the area of death penalty litigation and creates her own seminar materials. She has also taught in the new judge classes and written practice guides for new judges. Judge Lampkin has demonstrated that she meets the higher standards that the Council uses in evaluating candidates for the Appellate Court. The Council finds Judge Lampkin Qualified for the Appellate Court.
Diane J. LARSEN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Motions Section
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1998.
Evaluation 1998 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Diane J. Larsen was admitted to practice in 1983. She has spent most of her career as an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago. She is currently the Chief of the Policy Litigation Division of the Chicago Department of Law. Ms. Larson is widely praised as a fair and highly ethical attorney with excellent legal ability. She is considered to be exceptionally fair to her opponents. The Council finds her Qualified.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Diane J. Larsen was elected to the bench in 1998. She had spent most of her career as an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago. She currently sits in the Law Division, Motions Section. Ms. Larson is considered to be a good jurist. She had good temperament and her integrity is unquestioned. A few lawyers during the evaluation questioned her knowledge of the law and believe she exhibited a pro-plaintiff attitude, but most say that she has good legal ability and is fair to those who appear before her. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Diane Larsen was elected to the Circuit Court in 1998 and presently serves in the Law Division, Motions Section. She was admitted to practice in 1983. Prior to her election, Judge Larsen was an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago.
Judge Larsen is considered to be a smart judge who issues timely and well-reasoned opinions. She is praised for her courtroom management and temperament. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
Terrence J. LAVIN
Present Judicial Duties
Judge, Illinois Appellate Court, First District (appointed in 2010 by the Illinois Supreme Court)
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Jeffrey LAWRENCE
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Motions Section
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Jury Section; 1992-2003: Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1992.
Evaluation 11/92 Thirteenth Subcircuit: Qualified
Jeffrey Lawrence, 52, was admitted to practice in 1969. He has been a civil litigator throughout his career. Mr. Lawrence is hard working, of high integrity and has an excellent demeanor. He is praised for his knowledge of the law. The Council finds him Qualified.
11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Jeffrey Lawrence, 58, sits in the Domestic Relations Division. He was elected to the bench in 1992 after a long career in private practice. He is considered to have good legal ability and his integrity is unquestioned. Many lawyers consider him to be a very good judge in many ways. However, some practitioners find that he can be unpredictable in his rulings and that his demeanor on the bench is sometimes unacceptable. A few practitioners say that he is often late to start his call. Finally, we have received a substantial number of reports that Judge Lawrence has made inappropriate comments toward women attorneys who appear before him. When questioned about these reports, Judge Lawrence said he was unable to recall having made inappropriate remarks. While Judge Lawrence appears to be a good judge in many ways, the Council is disturbed both by the reports regarding inappropriate remarks and by Judge Lawrence’s inability to recall any such incidents. On balance, the Council finds him Not Qualified for retention.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Jeffrey Lawrence was elected to the bench in 1992 after a long career in private practice. Upon taking the bench, Judge Lawrence principally was assigned to the Domestic Relations Division until 2003, when he was transferred to the Law Division, where he now presides over a motion and case management call.
Judge Lawrence is considered to have good legal ability and his integrity is unquestioned. Many lawyers consider him to be a very good judge in many ways. However, some practitioners find that he can be unpredictable in his rulings. In addition, the Council has received reports that Judge Lawrence occasionally is late to start his call, and that he seems to have difficulty in making some rulings since assuming his new position. On balance, however, the Council finds him Qualified for retention.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Judge Jeffrey Lawrence was elected to the bench in 1992. He is currently assigned to the Law
Division. Previously, he was in the Domestic Relations Division. Judge Lawrence was admitted to practice in 1969. Prior to election, he was in private practice.
Judge Lawrence is considered to have good legal ability. He is a capable judge who is praised for his ability to handle more complex cases. However, the Council is concerned that there are numerous reports that Judge Lawrence is not punctual in terms of starting his court call. This is a complaint that lawyers have directed at Judge Lawrence since the 1998 retention election evaluation conducted by the Council. In addition, there are lawyers who report that he is sometimes not prepared for their cases and that he is sometimes intemperate on the bench. On balance, the Council finds him Not Qualified for retention.
Marjorie C. LAWS
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1999-2000: Judge, Circuit Court, Juvenile Justice Division; 1996-1998: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District:
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1996.
Evaluation 3/96 Primary Election–Circuit Court: Not Recommended
Marjorie C. Laws did not participate in the Council’s evaluation process, submitting no information in support of her candidacy. The Council received insufficient information to judge her qualifications for the Circuit Court. The Council finds her Not Recommended.
11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Marjorie C. Laws was elected to the Circuit Court in 1996. Her first assignment was to the First Municipal District. In 1999, she was transferred to the Juvenile Justice Division. Since 2000, she has sat in the Criminal Division, first in the Evening Narcotics Section, and, since March 2002 as a floating judge. She was criticized in an appellate court opinion for her handling of an April 2000 bench proceeding in People v. Gregory Williams, where she was found not to have afforded reasonable accommodations to allow a defendant with hearing disabilities to participate in his defense. There are no indications that Judge Laws acted out of bias or other wrongful motive in this case. We find Judge Laws Qualified for retention.
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. Marjorie C. Laws was elected to the Circuit Court in 1996. She is a former Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney. She has been assigned to a felony trial courtroom in the Criminal Division since 2002. She was recently appointed to be a supervising judge overseeing the caseloads of five other judges. She is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. She is especially praised for her courtroom management skills and for her willingness to spend the time trying to understand the circumstances of the defendants before her so she can consider alternative programs when sentencing. We find Judge Laws Qualified for retention.
Pamela M. LEEMING
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Muncipal District
Appointed as a Circuit Judge by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2009
11/10 Retention Election – Qualified (Evaluated for Associate Judge in 2004 and reviewed in 2009; evaluated for recall in 2010)
Hon. 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. 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 recall as a Circuit Judge.
Alfred L. LEVINSON
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Third Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2005
Evaluation 2005 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Not Qualified
Alfred Lee Levinson received his license to practice law in 1967. Mr. Levinson has been in private practice since 1973 and has been a sole general practitioner since 1975. From 1967 to 1973, he was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Mr. Levinson is a 1967 graduate of the DePaul University College of Law. Mr. Levinson has been the President of the Northwest Suburban Bar Association Foundation and a member of the Board of Governors of the Northwest Suburban Bar Association. He has been a chair-qualified arbitrator since the inception of the Cook County program.
Mr. Levinson is considered to have good legal ability. His professional experience appears to be substantial and varied. The Council, however, is concerned that Mr. Levinson has little recent trial experience. In addition, the Council has received reports indicating that he has demonstrated inappropriate temperament on a number of occasions. The Council finds Mr. Levinson Not Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.
Casandra LEWIS
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2002.
Evaluation 2002 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Recommended
The candidate elected not to participate in the evaluation process. The Council accordingly finds the candidate Not Recommended.
2006 Primary Election – Appellate Court: Not Qualified
Hon. Casandra Lewis elected to the bench in 2002. She currently hears jury and bench trials in the First Municipal District. Prior to becoming a judge, she spent nine years in private practice and two years as an Assistant Kane County State’s Attorney. Judge Lewis has adequate legal ability for her current assignment and is praised for her temperament. She receives mixed reviews, however, for her work ethic – many lawyers complain that she is not well prepared and is often not punctual in taking the bench. The Council also is concerned that Judge Lewis has not demonstrated the breadth of experience or the writing and analytical ability necessary for an appellate judge. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Appellate Court.
2008 Retention: Not Qualified
Hon. Casandra Lewis elected to the bench in 2002. She currently hears jury and bench trials in the First Municipal District. Prior to becoming a judge, she spent nine years in private practice and two years as an Assistant Kane County State’s Attorney. Judge Lewis has adequate legal ability for her current assignment and is praised for her temperament. She receives mixed reviews, however, for her work ethic – many lawyers complain that she is not well-prepared and is often not punctual in taking the bench. The Council has received reports that some lawyers will take a substitution of judge rather than appear before her. The Council finds her Not Qualified for retention.
Neil J. LINEHAN
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Fifth Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties 1998- Present: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1998.
Evaluation None
James B. LINN
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division
Previous Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1989.
Evaluation None
Thomas J. LIPSCOMB
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2002.
Evaluation 2002 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Thomas J. Lipscomb was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1973. He has been in private practice since 1977, first as a solo practitioner and, since 1994, as a partner in Lipscomb & Yuknis. His practice involves general litigation and real estate. From 1973 to 1977, he was an Assistant Public Defender. His experience includes a good mix of civil and criminal trial work. Those contacted deemed the candidate to be a good lawyer. We find the candidate Qualified
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. Thomas J. Lipscomb was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1973. He was elected to the bench in 2002 and now sits in the First Municipal District. Before being elected, he was in private practice since 1977, first as a solo practitioner and then as a partner in Lipscomb & Yuknis. From 1973 to 1977, he was an Assistant Public Defender. Lawyers report that he has good legal ability and that he well prepared. He will direct his anger against lawyers who are not prepared sufficiently, but he is praised for courtroom management skills. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
Laura C. LIU
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Chancery
Appointed as a Circuit Judge by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2010
Evaluation: Qualified (Appointed to the Circuit Court in 2010 by the Illinois Supreme Court)
Laura Liu was admitted to practice in 1991. She was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court n 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.
Daniel M. LOCALLO
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Jury Section
Previous Judicial Duties 1992-1999 Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division: 1988-1992: Associate Judge, First Municipal District; 1986-1988: Associate Judge, Third Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1986; elected to the Circuit Court in 1992.
Evaluation 11/92 Tenth Subcircuit: Highly Qualified
Judge Locallo, 39, is an Associate Judge sitting in the Felony Trial Division in the Criminal Courts Building at 26th and California. He previously served in Evening Narcotics Court and in the Third Municipal District, where he heard civil and criminal litigation. He is a former Assistant State’s Attorney and has been in private practice. Judge Locallo is widely acclaimed as having outstanding legal ability and judicial temperament. He issues written opinions, is considered to be fair and of high integrity. He writes extensively, including summaries of death penalty decisions. The Council believes he is highly qualified.
11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Daniel M. Locallo, 45, has been a judge since 1986. He sits in the Criminal Division at 26th Street and California. He has outstanding legal ability and is widely praised as being up-to-date on case law and exceptionally skillful at running his courtroom. His fairness and integrity are unquestioned. Judge Locallo has an excellent temperament and he is punctual and exceptionally hard-working. He has numerous published works. The Council finds him Highly Qualified for retention.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Daniel M. Locallo has been a judge since 1986. He currently sits in the Third Municipal District. He had been assigned to the Law Division and in the Criminal Division at 26th Street and California. He has outstanding legal ability and is widely praised as being up-to-date on case law and exceptionally skillful at running his courtroom. His fairness and integrity are unquestioned. Judge Locallo has an excellent temperament and he is punctual and exceptionally hard working. He has numerous published works. The Council is concerned that such a talented jurist is not assigned to a division where he would be able to preside over more complex matters. The Council finds him Highly Qualified for retention.
Patricia Marian LOGUE
Present Judicial Duties: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2007.
Evaluation 2006 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Well Qualified
Patricia M. Logue was admitted to practice law in 1986. From 1986 to 1990, Ms. Logue was an associate with the firm of Jenner & Block, after which she left to become Staff Counsel with Business and Professional People for the Public Interest until 1993. Since 1993, she has served in a variety of capacities with Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, and has served as its Interim Legal Director since 2003. She is considered to have very good legal ability, a good temperament, and unquestioned integrity. In addition, Ms. Logue has extensive experience in complex litigation matters. She is widely praised for her commitment to the public interest and for her excellent judgment, is reported to be exceptionally diligent, and has outstanding legal writing skills. The Council finds her Well Qualified.
Mark Joseph LOPEZ
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Previous Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1999.
Evaluation None
Robert LOPEZ CEPERO
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Motions Section
Previous Judicial Duties 1994-2005: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1994; elected to the Circuit Court in 1994.
Evaluation 11/00 Retention – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Robert Lopez Cepero, 42, has been a judge since 1994. He sits in the First Municipal District hearing matters brought under the Forcible Detainer statute (evictions). He has previously heard collection cases involving Post Judgment Remedies. While he was hearing collection cases, Judge Lopez Cepero displayed good knowledge of the law and a willingness to help educate the bar by participating in various seminars. However, we have received numerous reports that Judge Lopez Cepero frequently shows poor judicial temperament. He is reported to be short-tempered with both litigants and lawyers and has lost his temper and acted inappropriately on several occasions. On a number of occasions he has left litigants and lawyers feeling that they were treated injudiciously and unfairly. This is a serious problem for a judge that sits in a high volume courtroom with a large number of pro se defendants. To some extent these problems have apparently been exacerbated by the judge’s health problems over the past year. The judge has shown a willingness to recognize the problem and a commendable commitment to improving his demeanor. Unfortunately, at this point, the Council is constrained to find him not qualified.
2/03 Appointment to Illinois Appellate Court: Not Qualified
Hon. Robert Lopez Cepero has sat in the First Municipal District since his appointment and later election in 1994. He currently hears the Municipal Jury Trial call. From 2000 until June 2001, he heard matters brought under the Forcible Detainer statute (evictions). From 1999 to 2000, he heard collection cases involving Post Judgment Remedies. For 2 years before that, he was Second Chair during Supplemental Proceedings. From 1995 to 1998 he rotated assignments. From the time of his appointment until late 1995, he sat in Traffic Court.
Judge Lopez Cepero spent ten years in private practice as a solo practitioner representing small and mid-sized businesses in civil matters. He was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1983. Judge Lopez Cepero is reported to have a good understanding of the law. and reportedly does a good job of managing his courtroom. There are reports, however, that he at times rules inconsistently in cases with identical legal issues and facts. In addition, there have been a variety of questions raised about his performance on the bench. Moreover, prior to being elected to the bench, Judge Lopez-Cepero had little trial and appellate experience. The Council finds Judge Lopez-Cepero Not Qualified for the Appellate Court.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Hon. Robert Lopez Cepero has sat in the First Municipal District since his appointment and later election in 1994. He currently hears the Calendar X Jury Motion Call. He has previously heard the Municipal Jury Trial call, matters brought under the Forcible Detainer statute, and collection cases involving Post Judgment Remedies. Prior to his appointment, Judge Lopez Cepero spent ten years in private practice as a solo practitioner representing small and mid-sized businesses in civil matters. Judge Lopez Cepero has a good understanding of the law, but there are many reports that he often is short-tempered and has issued unclear and inconsistent orders and opinions. The Council finds him Not Qualified.
Noreen Valeria LOVE
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Fourth Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties 2002-2003: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, Traffic Court
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 2002; elected to the Circuit Court in 2002.
Evaluation 2002 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Noreen Valeria Love was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1989 and has spent most of her career as a lawyer in the Cook County Public Defender’s Office in the felony division. Currently she is a supervisor at the Public Defender’s Office in the Markham Courthouse. Prior to the last year as a supervisor Ms. Love was in solo private practice for six years concentrating in felony criminal defense, misdemeanor and traffic violations as well as domestic relations. Adversary references commented that Ms. Love represents her clients zealously in the courtroom with an even-handed temperament. Further, she is an excellent litigator, very skilled and has vast experience trying felony and capital cases. Ms. Love’s peers find her legal knowledge, ability, integrity, diligence, professional conduct and character to all be good. The Council finds Ms. Love Qualified to serve as Circuit Court Judge.
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. Noreen Valeria Love was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1989 and was elected to the bench in 2002. She is assigned to the Fourth Municipal District. Before being elected, she spent most of her career as a lawyer in the Cook County Public Defender’s Office in the felony division. Judge Love was considered to be an excellent litigator before she took the bench and she is now considered to be a very good jurist. She is reported to have good legal ability and an excellent temperament. She is always professional and courteous on the bench, but is praised for moving her cases forward expeditiously. She participates in numerous professional and civic activities, and is involved in legal reform efforts. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
Michele Francene LOWRANCE
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1995; elected to the Circuit Court in 1996.
Evaluation 11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Hon. Michele Lowrance was appointed to the Circuit Court in 1995 and was then elected to the bench in 1996. She has sat in the Domestic Relations Division for her entire judicial career. Practitioners in the Domestic Relations Division have praised Judge Lowrance for her even temperament and courtroom management skills in hotly contested divorce and custody cases, and for her creative and energetic approach to pre-trial settlement discussions. Judge Lowrance was praised for her sensitivity to family law litigants, and to how they may be affected particularly by the emotional, cultural, and financial issues that often arise in domestic relations litigation. The judge also is a frequent participant and sometime speaker and lecturer at seminars and conferences on domestic relations law. The Council finds Judge Lowrance Well Qualified.
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. Michele F. Lowrance has been a judge since 1995, serving all of that time as a trial judge in the Domestic Relations Division. After her admission to the Illinois bar in 1975 and prior to taking the bench, she was in private practice in Chicago, engaged primarily in civil litigation, including domestic relations. Attorneys appearing before her report that she knows the law very well and is committed to effecting settlement of cases. The comments regarding her character, temperament and competence are strongly positive. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
Pamela E. LOZA
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Elected Circuit Judge in 2008
Evaluation Qualified
Pamela E. Loza has been a lawyer since 1977.
She is currently a sole practitioner specializing in family and criminal defense law. From 1984 to 2003, she handled similar cases as a lawyer in the firm of Cameron, Loza & Associates. From 1978 to 1981, she did appellate work as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney. Lawyers report that she has good legal ability and that she is a zealous, but fair advocate for her clients. She has substantial litigation experience. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Stuart F. LUBIN
Present Judicial Duties 1991-Present: Judge, Circuit Court, Juvenile Justice Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1991: First Municipal District (various courtrooms)
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1991; elected to the Circuit Court in 1994.
Evaluation 3/92 Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Stuart Lubin, 42, was appointed as a Circuit Judge in 1991, and has been sitting in the Juvenile Division. He was an Assistant Public Defender from 1974 to 1991. In the Public Defender’s Office, he tried felonies and was a supervisor. He had a reputation as an outstanding lawyer.
As a judge, Judge Lubin receives rave reviews. He has excellent demeanor, and is quiet but firm. His legal ability is excellent. Both sides of cases praise his work. The Council believes he is highly qualified for election to the Circuit Court.
3/94 Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Stuart F. Lubin, 44, was evaluated by the Council of Lawyers in 1992 and at that time was found highly qualified for election to the Circuit Court. He was appointed as a Circuit Court judge in 1991 and through at least January 1994 was assigned to the Juvenile Division. He was an Assistant Public Defender from 1974 to 1991, where he tried felonies and was a supervisor. He had a reputation as an outstanding lawyer.
In 1992 we wrote, “As a judge, Judge Lubin receives rave reviews. He has excellent demeanor, and is quiet but firm. His legal ability is excellent. Both sides of cases praise his work.”
Our investigation in 1994 revealed that Judge Lubin continues to be an excellent judge. Every person contacted described him in glowing terms. He is said to have excellent legal ability and knowledge, firm control of the courtroom, and a good demeanor. He holds both sides to high standards of compliance on pre-trial discovery matters. He is fair to the prosecution and the defense both at trial and in dispositions. He shows great compassion and interest in the litigants and treats all parties who appear before him with courtesy and respect. The Council finds Judge Lubin highly qualified for election to the Circuit Court.
11/00 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Stuart F. Lubin, 51, has been a judge since 1991. He sits in the Juvenile Justice Division. He served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender before becoming a judge. Judge Lubin is praised by lawyers for having very good legal ability. He is a diligent and hard-working judge who maintains a firm control of his courtroom. However, while most lawyers describe Judge Lubin as having a good judicial temperament, the Council received reports from some lawyers saying that he can be short-tempered and impatient at times. On balance, the Council finds him Qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Hon. Stuart F. Lubin has sat in the Juvenile Justice Division since 1991. He served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender for seventeen years before becoming a judge. Judge Lubin is considered to have very good legal ability. He is praised for his temperament and is described as being particularly conscientious while on the bench. He is efficient but allows sufficient time for each case.
He is hard working and fair to all parties. The Council finds him Well Qualified.
Marvin P. LUCKMAN
Present Judicial Duties 1996 – Present: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, Branch 47, misdemeanor jury trials
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, Branch 43
Appointed Circuit Court in 1991; elected to the Circuit Court in 1994.
Evaluation 3/92 Circuit Court: Qualified
Marvin Luckman, 59, was appointed to fill a vacancy in 1991. He has been assigned to Traffic Court. Prior to becoming a judge, he was a Managing Attorney at the Chicago Transit Authority. He worked on criminal and traffic-related matters. He also had a small private practice.
Lawyers report that Judge Luckman is performing his job very well. He is knowledgeable, fair, capable, and hard working. Judge Luckman is qualified for election as a Circuit Judge.
11/94 General Election (subcircuit) – Circuit Court: Qualified
Marvin Luckman, 61, was appointed to fill a vacancy in 1991. He sits in the Traffic Court, where he presides over DUI jury motion court. Prior to becoming a Circuit Judge, he was a Managing Attorney at the Chicago Transit Authority. Lawyers report that Judge Luckman performs his job well. As the Council reported in its 1992 evaluation of Judge Luckman, he is knowledgeable, fair, capable, and hard working. The Council finds him Qualified.
11/00 Retention – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Marvin Phillip Luckman, 67, has been a judge since 1991. He currently sits in the First Municipal District hearing both bench and jury trials.
Prior to becoming a judge, he was the managing attorney for the Chicago Transit Authority. He also had a small private practice. Lawyers report that Judge Luckman is diligent and has a good judicial temperament. The Council, however, has received some reports that question his ability. The written materials that Judge Luckman submitted as part of this evaluation process failed to demonstrate the analytical and written skills the Council expects of members of the judiciary. In addition, there are some reports that Judge Luckman is not totally impartial in certain types of cases, such as those involving the City of Chicago. On balance, the Council finds him Not Qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Marvin P. Luckman was appointed to fill a vacancy in 1991. He currently sits in the First Municipal District hearing both bench and jury trials.
Prior to becoming a judge, he was the managing attorney for the Chicago Transit Authority. He also had a small private practice. Judge Luckman is considered to have average legal ability and is reported to be courteous and patient on the bench. He is praised for his diligence. The Council finds him Qualified.
Patrick Foran LUSTIG
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2001.
Evaluation 2001 Evaluation for Associate Judge: Recommended
In March 2001, the Council found Mr. Lustig Recommended for the position of Associate Judge.
Daniel Joseph LYNCH
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1998.
Evaluation 1998 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court:
Qualified
Daniel Joseph Lynch was admitted to practice in 1988. He has spent his career as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Mr. Lynch is considered to be a good prosecutor with good legal ability and a good temperament. He is considered to be fair in his dealings with defense counsel. The Council finds him Qualified.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Daniel Joseph Lynch currently sits in the First Municipal District. He was elected to the bench in 1998. Before becoming a judge, he spent his career as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Judge Lynch is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He is considered to be fair to all parties before him. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Daniel Lynch was elected to the bench in 1998. He is currently assigned to the Law Division. Previously, he was in the First Municipal District, Domestic Violence Section, and the Chancery Division. Judge Lynch was admitted to practice in 1988. Prior to election, he was an assistant State’s Attorney and senior prosecutor in the Gang Crimes Unit.
Judge Lynch is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He seldom raises his voice or becomes confrontational with lawyers or defendants and he is considered to have good courtroom management skills. He is praised for being hard working and for always being prepared. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
Thomas V LYONS, II
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 2008 Evaluation 2008 Evaluation to fill Vacancy in 2008: Qualified
Thomas V. Lyons II was admitted to practice in 1987. He serves as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Lawyers report that he has good legal ability and temperament. He has substantial experience in both bench and jury trials involving criminal law matters. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Thomas V. Lyons II was admitted to practice in 1987. He serves as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Lawyers report that he has good legal ability and temperament. He has substantial experience in both bench and jury trials involving criminal law matters. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Terence MacCarthy
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected as a Circuit Judge in 2010
Evaluation 2010 Primary and General Elections: Well Qualified
Terry MacCarthy has been a lawyer since 1990. Since 2003 he has been a Supervisor in the felony trial division of the Office of the Cook County Public Defender. He is a career Assistant Public Defender. Mr. MacCarthy is reported to have good legal ability and is praised for being thoughtful and respectful while being a zealous advocate. He reports substantial community involvement. He teaches in the Mandel Legal Aid Clinic at the University of Chicago Law School and has taught advanced trial advocacy at the DePaul law school since 2002. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Thaddeus Stephan MACHNIK
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Second Municipal District Previous Judicial Duties 1999 – 2003: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1999.
Evaluation None
William D. MADDUX
Present Judicial Duties Presiding Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1995-2001: Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division; 19931994: Presiding Judge, Juvenile Division; 1991-1993: Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1991; elected to the Circuit Court in 1992.
Evaluation 1992 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court (Rakowski Vacancy): Qualified
William Maddux, 57, was appointed by the Supreme Court to fill a vacancy in 1991. He is sitting as a trial judge in the Law Division. Judge Maddux began his career as a lawyer at Kirkland & Ellis. From 1975-1979 he was in solo practice, doing insurance defense and corporate litigation. Upon the election of the late Justice Dooley to the Illinois Supreme Court, Judge Maddux took over Justice Dooley’s plaintiff’s personal injury practice.
Judge Maddux receives high praise for his ability, temperament, fairness and judicial skills. Many lawyers rate him among the best judges in the Law Division.
Based on his judicial performance alone, Judge Maddux would receive consideration for a highly qualified rating. However, Judge Maddux was one of the lawyers whom the Supreme Court found to have violated an ethical rule when he loaned money for the benefit of the mother of Judge Richard LeFevour, the former head of the First Municipal District, who was convicted in Operation Greylord. Judge Maddux did not have any cases before Judge LeFevour, and there was no suggestion that he was doing anything other than making a humanitarian gesture. The Supreme Court did not assess any discipline against Judge Maddux.
On balance, the Council does not believe that Judge Maddux’s loan to Judge LeFevour’s mother should permanently disqualify him from being a judge. Nevertheless, the Council cannot at this time find him highly qualified.
11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
William D. Maddux, 63, sits in the Law Division. He receives high praise for his legal ability and temperament. He is considered skillful at settlement negotiations. He is fair to all parties, knowledgeable and experienced. Lawyers widely praise his courtroom management skills. Nearly all respondents considered him to be an outstanding jurist. The Council finds him Highly Qualified for retention. 11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Well Qualified
William D. Maddux sits in the Law Division. He receives high praise for his legal ability and temperament. He is considered skillful at settlement negotiations. He is fair to all parties, knowledgeable and experienced. Lawyers widely praise his courtroom management skills. Nearly all respondents considered him to be an outstanding jurist. The Council is concerned that he apparently did not take seriously the judicial evaluation process, but finds him Well Qualified for retention.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge William D. Maddux was appointed to the bench in 1991 and elected in 1992. He is currently Presiding Judge in the Law Division. Previously, he served both in the Law Division and the Juvenile Division. Judge Maddux was admitted to practice in 1959. Prior to appointment, Judge Maddux was in private practice.
Judge Maddux is praised for his legal ability and for his diligence. He is considered to be professional in his demeanor. While not all lawyers praise the changes he has brought to the Law Division, all praise his dedication to streamlining the Law Division. Most respondent say that he is doing an adequate job as Presiding Judge of the Law Division. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
William O. MAKI
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Chancery Division
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Jury Section; 1995-1999: Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division: 1992-1994: Judge, Circuit Court, Juvenile Division
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1992.
Evaluation 11/92 Twelfth Subcircuit: Qualified
William Maki, 44, has been a practicing lawyer for 18 years. He also has been the Village President of Arlington Heights for the past three years. Mr. Maki spent five years as a prosecutor in the State’s Attorney’s office and approximately thirteen years in private practice, where he has had both a criminal and a personal injury practice. He has also served as a village prosecutor, liquor commissioner, and a hearing officer for the Secretary of State.
Mr. Maki has extensive experience in both criminal and civil litigation. Lawyers questioned about his performance describe Mr. Maki as a solid practitioner. He is described as fair, with a good temperament. The Council believes he is qualified for election to the Circuit Court.
11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
William O. Maki, 50, sits in the Criminal Division at the Skokie Courthouse. He is the former Village President of Arlington Heights and has been on the bench since 1992. He is considered to be a very good judge with good ability and temperament. His integrity and fairness are unquestioned. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
William O. Maki sits in the Law Division. He is the former Village President of Arlington Heights and has been on the bench since 1992. He is considered to have adequate legal ability and temperament. His integrity and fairness are unquestioned. The Council finds him Qualified for retention in his current position.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge William O. Maki was elected to the bench in 1992 and is assigned to the Chancery Division. Previously, he served in the Juvenile, Criminal and Law Divisions. Judge Maki was admitted to practice in 1973. Prior to election he was in private practice.
Judge Maki is considered to be a diligent and hard working judge with a good temperament. He is praised for his impartiality. Some lawyers, however, expressed their wish that Judge Maki would provide more detailed explanation into his rulings. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
Jeffrey A. MALAK
Date of birth: 7/28/40
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Probate Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1986-1989: Sixth Municipal District; 1986: First Municipal District, Traffic Court
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1986.
Evaluation 3/92 Circuit Court: Qualified
Jeffrey A. Malak, 51, is an Associate Judge who has recently been assigned to the probate division. He has been an Associate Judge since 1986, and served previously in Traffic Court and in the Sixth Municipal District in Markham. He had a probate and general practice after his admission to the bar in 1964.
Lawyers report that Judge Malak has good temperament and demeanor, and is very fair. Some lawyers do criticize Judge Malak as being slow to rule. His legal ability is adequate. On balance, the Council believes he is qualified for the Circuit Court.
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District Appointed Circuit Judge in 2009
Evaluation None
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court, Qualified
Judge Daniel B. Malone was admitted to practice in 1986. He was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in February 2009 and currently sits in Traffic Court hearing minor and misdemeanor traffic cases. Before taking the bench, Judge Malone had been in private practice throughout his career with a focus on personal injury and workers’ compensation litigation. He has both jury and bench trial experience in more complex matters. Judge Malone is considered to have good legal ability and as a judge, is praised for his temperament and courtroom management. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Ellen B. MANDELTORT
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Third Municipal District
Appointed Circuit Judge in 2008
Evaluation 2006 Evaluation: Well Qualified
Ellen Mandeltort was admitted to practice in 1985. Since 2003, she has been the Deputy Illinois Attorney General for the Criminal Justice Division. From 1985 until 2003, she was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney and was in a supervisory position from 1998 until leaving the office. Ms. Mandeltort enjoys the reputation of having very good legal ability and temperament. She is respected for her fairness and integrity, and has substantial litigation experience in complex litigation matters. The Council finds her Well Qualified to serve in the Circuit Court.
Daniel B. MALONE Marcia MARAS
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, County Division
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, Traffic Court
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1999; elected to the Circuit Court in 2000.
Evaluation 2000 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Marcia Maras, 43, is a 1982 graduate of DePaul University College of Law. Since being appointed in February 1999, she has been a Circuit Court Judge and has presided over misdemeanor trials, statutory summary suspension hearings, motions to quash, and other matters. Prior to her judicial appointment, she was Chief Deputy of the Cook County Assessor’s Office for five years. Her duties there included oversight of the General Counsel Division and supervision of all litigation. Before that, she was Assistant General Counsel in the Assessor’s Office, a law firm associate, an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Real Estate Tax Unit, and a law clerk to an Illinois Appellate Court Justice. She has broad legal knowledge and experience and a reputation for fairness. The Council finds her Qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Marcia Maras was appointed in 1999 and since then has sat in the County Division presiding over misdemeanor trials, statutory summary suspension hearings, motions to quash, and other matters. Prior to her appointment, she was Chief Deputy of the Cook County Assessor’s Office for five years. Before that, she was Assistant General Counsel in the Assessor’s Office, a law firm associate, an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Real Estate Tax Unit, and a law clerk to an Illinois Appellate Court Justice. Judge Maras is considered to have good legal ability. She is very knowledgeable and is praised for keeping up-to-date on the state of the law. She is hard working and diligent. The Council finds her Qualified.
LeRoy K. MARTIN, Jr.
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Previous Judicial Duties 2002-2003: Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 2002; elected to the Circuit Court in 2004.
Evaluation 09/02 Appointment to fill a vacancy: Qualified
LeRoy K. Martin, Jr. was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1984. Since 1995, he has been a solo practitioner specializing in criminal, domestic relations, and real estate matters. From 1987 to 1995, he was a partner at Martin & Duckworth. From 1993 to 1995, he was a per diem prosecutor at driver’s license hearings for the Illinois Secretary of State. Since 1990, he has also been a member of the Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals. In 1987, he was a solo practitioner for a period of nine months. From 1985 to 1987, he was a Cook County Public Defender.
From 1984 to 1985, he was an associate at a plaintiff’s personal injury firm. Mr. Martin is a 1984 graduate of North Carolina Central University Law School.
Mr. Martin is considered to be a good practitioner who is diligent and hard working. He is reported to have good legal ability and temperament.
The Council finds Mr. Martin Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge LeRoy Martin was appointed to the bench in 2002 and elected in 2004. He is currently assigned to the Chancery Division. Previously, he was assigned to the Domestic Relations Division. Judge Martin was admitted to practice in 1984. Prior to election, he was both a Cook County Public Defender and in private practice.
Judge LeRoy Martin is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for always being prepared. He has a good temperament and courtroom management skills. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
Patricia M. MARTIN
Present Judicial Duties 2000-Present: Presiding Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division: Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1996.
Evaluation 1996 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Recommended
Patricia M. Martin did not participate in the Council’s evaluation process, submitting no information in support of her candidacy. The Council received insufficient information to judge her qualifications for the Circuit Court. The Council finds her Not Recommended.
11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Patricia Martin-Bishop was elected in 1996 and served in the Child Protection Division through July 1998, when she was transferred to the Law Division. She returned to the Child Protection Division as Presiding Judge in January 2000. She spent her entire legal career before becoming a judge as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender, where she became a trial supervisor (1989-1994) and Deputy Chief of the Fifth District (1994-1996). She drew some criticism for her performance in the Law Division, pertaining to legal knowledge, attributable largely to her then-lack of civil experience. But her tenure in juvenile court has been better received. She revealed, through her written submissions and interview, a genuine commitment to both the details of her work and the bigger picture of her present supervisory duties. The Council finds Judge Martin-Bishop Qualified.
2008 Retention: Well Qualified
Hon. Patricia Martin-Bishop was elected in 1996 and served in the Child Protection Division through July 1998, when she was transferred to the Law Division. She returned to the Child Protection Division as Presiding Judge in January 2000. She spent her entire legal career before becoming a judge as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender, where she became a trial supervisor (1989-1994) and Deputy Chief of the Fifth District (1994-1996). Judge Martin-Bishop is considered to have very good legal ability and is praised for the leadership she has brought to the Child Protection Division. She is reported to have an excellent demeanor, listening to all sides but focusing the arguments toward relevant facts and issues. She is reported to be fair to all parties and her opinions are well reasoned. She is praised for legal reform efforts. The Council finds her Well Qualified for retention.
Mary Anne MASON
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Chancery Division
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Juvenile Justice Division
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 2000; elected to the Circuit Court in 2002
Evaluation 2002 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
The Honorable Mary Anne Mason was appointed to the Circuit Court of Cook County in September 2000. She currently sits in the Juvenile Justice Division. She was admitted to the bar in 1977. After graduating law school, she served as a law clerk to Appellate Court Justice Daniel J. McNamara for two years. She served as an Assistant United States Attorney from 1979 to 1985. Ms. Mason is a sitting judge in juvenile court and was appointed to fill a vacancy in September 2000. From 1985 until 2000, she practiced commercial litigation in a small law firm. People who were interviewed about Judge Mason described her as very knowledgeable and “always two steps ahead of the attorneys” even from her first day on the bench. In her interview, she was articulate and knowledgeable.
She seems to truly love her work and helping the children. She also seems to be sincere in her commitment to civil service and thinks that being a judge is the highest calling and a way to spend a career helping people. The Council finds Judge Mason Highly Qualified.
2008 Retention: Well Qualified
Hon. Mary Anne Mason was appointed to the Circuit Court of Cook County in September 2000. She currently sits in the Chancery Division, although she spent much of her judicial tenure in the Juvenile Justice Division. She was admitted to the bar in 1977. She served as an Assistant United States Attorney from 1979 to 1985. From 1985 until 2000, she practiced commercial litigation in a small law firm. Judge Mason is considered to possess very good legal ability and temperament. She was an excellent trial lawyer and as a judge is said to be well prepared and dedicated. She receives high marks for fairness and courtroom management skills. The Council finds her Well Qualified for retention.
Veronica B. MATHEIN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1996.
Evaluation 1996 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Veronica B. Mathein, 50, has been practicing law for 11 years. She is in private practice. Since 1987, she has practiced matrimonial and family law. From 1984 to 1987 she handled insurance subrogation, personal injury, family law, and real estate matters. She has good legal ability and temperament. The Council finds her Qualified.
11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Hon. Veronica B. Mathein has been assigned to the Domestic Relations Division of the Circuit Court since her election in 1996. Formerly, before election to the bench, Judge Mathein was in private practice. Judge Mathein is very well-regarded among practitioners who appear before her, described as professional, tireless, quick and attentive to detail. She is also deemed especially attentive to the law and procedures governing her cases, and has proven decisive and willing to stick her neck out when necessary. She serves as a Mentor Judge by appointment of the Illinois Supreme Court. The Council finds Judge Mathein Well Qualified.
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. Veronica B. Mathein has been assigned to the Domestic Relations Division of the Circuit Court since her election in 1996. Before election to the bench, Judge Mathein was in private practice. Judge Mathein is very well regarded among practitioners who appear before her. She is praised for her very good legal ability and temperament. She is considered to be hard-working. There are some reports that Judge Mathein can be biased in favor of women litigants in her rulings. On balance, the Council finds Judge Mathein Qualified for retention.
Margaret Stanton McBRIDE
Present Judicial Duties Justice, Illinois Appellate Court, First District
Previous Judicial Duties Presiding Judge, Circuit Court, Third Municipal District: Judge, Circuit Court, Chancery Division; 1992-1994: Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division; 19901992: Criminal Division; 1989-1990: First Municipal District, Branch 42
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1987; elected to the Circuit Court in 1990; elected to the Illinois Appellate Court in 1998.
Evaluation 1990 (D) Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court (Cieslik Vacancy): Highly Qualified
Associate Judge Margaret Stanton McBride sits in the First Municipal District. She was an Assistant State’s Attorney for ten years and served as a felony trial supervisor in that office. The Council has received uniformly positive reports about Judge McBride. Her legal ability is considered to be outstanding, and both prosecutors and defense counsel consider her to be fair and independent. She is considered to be of high integrity and knowledgeable about the law. The Council, therefore, finds her to be highly qualified.
11/96 Retention – Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Judge Margaret Stanton McBride, 44, has been a Circuit Judge since 1990. She sat in the Criminal Division from 1990 to 1992 and in the Law Division, Jury Section from 1992-1994. She currently sits in the Chancery Division. Practitioners report that she has excellent legal ability and is hard working. She has excelled in each of her judicial assignments. Judge McBride is considered to be fair and to have an outstanding temperament. The Council finds her Highly Qualified.
1998 Primary & General Elections – Appellate Court: Highly Qualified
Judge Margaret Stanton McBride is the Presiding Judge of the Third Municipal District. As a lawyer, she served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. As a judge, she has served in the First Municipal District, the Criminal Division, the Law Division, and Chancery. She has outstanding legal ability and is widely praised as an excellent judge. She is fair and exceptionally hard working. The Council finds her Highly Qualified.
2008 Retention, Illinois Appellate Court: Well Qualified
Hon. Margaret Stanton McBride has been an Illinois Appellate Justice since 1998. She has served as the Presiding Judge of the Third Municipal District. As a lawyer, she served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. As a judge, she has also served in the First Municipal District, the Criminal Division, the Law Division, and Chancery. She has outstanding legal ability and was widely praised as an excellent trial judge. As an appellate justice, she is considered to be smart, well prepared, and hard working. The Council finds her Well Qualified for retention.
Carol Pearce McCARTHY
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Jury Section
Previous Judicial Duties 1996-2000: Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1996.
Evaluation 1994 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Carol McCarthy, 43, was admitted to practice in 1977. She worked two years as an Assistant Attorney General, was an Assistant State’s Attorney from 1978 to 1984, was in private practice for three years handling civil and criminal cases, and then returned to the State’s Attorney’s Office, where she works now. She is currently Deputy Chief of the Narcotics Bureau. Ms. McCarthy is very well- regarded as an excellent trial lawyer. She is said to have good administrative skills. The Council finds her Well Qualified to serve on the Circuit Court Bench.
11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Carol Pearce McCarthy was elected to Circuit Court in 1996. After her initial assignment to the Abuse and Neglect Division of Juvenile Court, Judge McCarthy has heard jury cases in Law Division since January 2000. She previously served as an Assistant States Attorney for nine years where she served in a number of capacities including Deputy Chief of the Narcotics Division. Both prosecutors and defense counsel consider Judge McCarthy to be conscientious, even-tempered, and decisive. She is typically well-prepared and has good courtroom management skills. The Council finds Judge McCarthy Qualified for retention.
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. Carol Pearce McCarthy was elected to Circuit Court in 1996. After her initial assignment to the Abuse and Neglect Division of Juvenile Court, Judge McCarthy has heard jury cases in Law Division since January 2000. She previously served as an Assistant States Attorney for nine years where she served in a number of capacities including Deputy Chief of the Narcotics Division. Judge McCarthy is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for her courtroom management. However, some lawyers say that she can be rude to lawyers and litigants, and the Council urges Judge McCarthy to address this issue. On balance, the Council finds her Qualified for retention.
James P. McCARTHY
Present Judicial Duties
Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Jury Section
Previous Judicial Duties 1996–2003: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1996; elected to the Circuit Court in 1998.
Evaluation 1998 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge James Patrick McCarthy was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 1996. He has served in Traffic Court where he is reported to be doing well. He was a solo practitioner between 1978 and 1981 and from 1982 to 1996 he was an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the Chicago Department of Law. He was a Senior Attorney when he left to go to the bench. As a lawyer, Judge McCarthy was reported to have good legal ability and was considered to be a very good trial attorney. He has a good temperament. The Council finds him Qualified.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge James Patrick McCarthy was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 1996 and was elected in 1998. He currently sits in the Law Division. Before becoming a judge, he was an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the Chicago Department of Law. Judge McCarthy is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council finds him Qualified.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge James McCarthy was appointed to the bench in 1996 and elected in 1998. He is currently assigned to the Law Division and previously served in the First Municipal District Traffic Center. Judge McCarthy was admitted to practice in 1978. Prior to appointment, he was in private practice, as well as assistant corporation counsel for the City of Chicago.
Judge McCarthy is considered to have good legal ability with a good grasp of the complex issues that come before him. He has good temperament and is considered to be decisive and fair. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
Barbara A. McDONALD
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Jury Section
Previous Judicial Duties 1996-2001: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1996.
Evaluation 11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Barbara Ann McDonald has sat in the Law Division since June 2001. From the time of her election in 1996 until her transfer to her current assignment, she sat in the First Municipal District. Judge McDonald is well respected by those who appear before her, and she gets accolades for her legal knowledge and ability. Further, she has written articles on Illinois Supreme Court Rule 213, the admissibility of prior injuries in personal injury cases, and the issue of when notice is required in premises liability cases. The Council finds Judge McDonald Qualified for retention.
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. Barbara Ann McDonald has sat in the Law Division since June 2001. From the time of her election in 1996 until her transfer to her current assignment, she sat in the First Municipal District. Judge McDonald is well respected by those who appear before her. She has written articles on Illinois Supreme Court Rule 213, the admissibility of prior injuries in personal injury cases, and the issue of when notice is required in premises liability cases. Some lawyers question her temperament, saying that she can be rude and condescending to lawyers and courtroom personnel. Other lawyers find her temperament to be fine. The Council urges Judge McDonald to address her temperament issues, but on balance the Council finds Judge McDonald Qualified for retention.
Martin E. McDONOUGH
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Sixth Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District; Ten years in Sixth District, Markham, rotating in all assignments, except felony, paternity, non-support and civil jury; one year, civil non-jury, criminal misdemeanor and traffic
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1988.
Evaluation None
Susan J. McDUNN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1992.
Evaluation 3/92 Primary Election – Circuit Court: Not Recommended
Susan McDunn was admitted to practice in 1980. Ms. McDunn did not participate in the Council’s evaluation process in 1990, and has not participated again this year. The Council has received insufficient information to judge her qualifications for the Circuit Court.
In 1990, Ms. McDunn ran for election to the Circuit Court, for the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Roger Kiley. After the election, she was declared the loser to Judge James H. Williams.
Ms. McDunn challenged the election in court.
On March 23, 1990, Judge Michael J. Murphy entered a memorandum decision and order ruling in favor of McDunn on the issue of disputed ballots, and declared her to be the winner of the March 1990 Democratic primary election. He ordered her name to appear on the November 3, 1992 general election ballot as the Democratic Party’s nominee to fill the Kiley vacancy. Judge Williams appealed to the Illinois Appellate Court. On September 30, 1992, the Appellate Court affirmed the ruling of the Circuit Court but because of what the court cited as “extenuating circumstances” ruled that Judge Williams shall continue to serve as a Circuit Judge even though Ms. McDunn’s name was to be placed on the general election ballot. Justice Anthony Scariano dissented. While he concurred with the majority position upholding the Circuit Court’s opinion, he took issue with filling a single vacancy with two persons, referring to the action as the “Judges’ Full Employment Bill of 1992.”
The Council agrees with Justice Scariano’s dissent. An election cannot have two winners. Either Judge Williams’ victory and appointment should have been voided, or Ms. McDunn should have been declared defeated.
11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Susan J. McDunn, 43, was elected to the bench in 1992, although she did not take the bench until September of 1993 due to litigation regarding the election. She has had numerous assignments over the years and has been sitting in the County Division since June 1998. Lawyers report that Judge McDunn is impartial, diligent, punctual, and independent. However, many lawyers complain that she appears to have difficulty handling a large volume court call in an efficient and timely manner. Several lawyers also reported that she loses her temper in court and appears unable to control her courtroom. In addition, a number of lawyers report that she does not possess adequate legal ability. These lawyers report that they do not believe that she understood the law or applied it properly, and that she lacked adequate understanding of the rules of evidence. The Council finds her not qualified for retention.
11/04 Retention, Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Susan J. McDunn was elected to the Circuit Court in 1992, though she did not take the bench until September of 1993, due to litigation in connection with the election. Judge McDunn had numerous assignments during her first term, including an assignment to the County Division in June 1998, where she heard adoption cases. In 1998, the Council reported in its judicial evaluation report that “many lawyers complain that she appears to have difficulty handling a large volume court call in an efficient and timely manner. Several lawyers also reported that she loses her temper in court and appears unable to control her courtroom. In addition, a number of lawyers report that she does not possess adequate legal ability. These lawyers report that they do not believe that she understood the law or applied it properly, and that she lacked adequate understanding of the rules of evidence.” Based on these reports, the Council found Judge McDunn not qualified for retention, but she nevertheless was re-elected to the Circuit Court in 1998
Since that time, Judge McDunn unfortunately has shown herself to be not only inept as a jurist, but has been publicly rebuked by the Illinois Appellate Court for judicial conduct the court says “disgraced the judiciary and the people of Illinois.” The matters that form the basis of the appellate court’s opinion began as uncontested adoptions by two same-sex couples, the legality of which previously had been upheld in the Illinois courts. Notwithstanding positive and favorable reports by the guardians ad litem responsible for conducting the pre-adoption investigations, Judge McDunn challenged the reports on the basis of the adopting couples’ sexual orientations. She then refused to rule on the pending adoptions, and on her own motion, appointed a Washington, D.C.-based group named the Family Research Council (“FRC”), an organization with a well-known anti-gay bias, as a “secondary” guardian ad litem in the two cases.
In support of her decision, Judge McDunn claimed that her appointment of the FRC was necessary because the group was “on record for the position that adoptions by unmarried persons and persons living a homosexual lifestyle are not in the best interests of children,” and because no party to the litigation had advocated this position. Not only is Judge McDunn’s conduct unsupported under Illinois law — at the time this case was heard, Illinois courts had routinely and legally granted hundreds of adoptions to same-sex couples — but the Illinois Appellate Court already had ruled squarely that “nothing in the [Illinois] Adoption Act suggests that sexual orientation is a relevant consideration in adoption cases.” It also should be noted that Judge McDunn released confidential case files to the FRC, and also appears to have consulted with the members of the group outside of the formal courtroom setting, in an effort to further the FRC’s involvement in the case.
The adopting parents thereafter moved as a matter of legal right for a substitution of judge, and their motion was granted by Judge Francis Barth, the presiding judge of the County Division. Judge Barth then removed Judge McDunn from the case for cause, entered an order allowing the challenged adoptions, and transferred Judge McDunn to Traffic Court. Despite her removal from the case and her assignment to a division with no responsibility for adoption matters, however, Judge McDunn nevertheless entered orders from Traffic Court declaring that her presiding judge’s actions were void because Judge Barth had no jurisdiction over the adoption cases.
On appeal, the Illinois Appellate Court ruled decisively against Judge McDunn, finding that she had demonstrated “extreme and patent bias against the adoptive parents based upon their sexual orientation.” The appellate court also reminded Judge McDunn of the well-settled principle of Illinois law that once a motion of substitution of judge for cause has been brought, that judge loses all power and authority over the case. Furthermore, the court found that Judge McDunn inappropriately had joined the two adoption cases based only on the sexual orientations of the two sets of adoptive parents. “As a result, she not only injected inadmissible facts into each of the cases, but also inflicted anguish on the petitioners and needlessly prolonged what should have been a simple and straightforward process.” The court further concluded that Judge McDunn had erred in bringing the FRC into the case, because “there is no provision in Illinois statutory or case law authorizing the addition of FRC as a party . . . . We find Judge McDunn’s actions in appointing FRC as a ‘secondary guardian’ to be legally and logically indefensible.” Not only did the Illinois Appellate Court then vacate Judge McDunn’s orders, but issued an immediate apology, at the close of oral argument, to the adoptive parents for the improper and unlawful actions taken against them by Judge McDunn.
Following the Appellate Court’s decision, the Illinois Judicial Inquiry Board commenced an investigation of Judge McDunn’s conduct in connection with the case, based on its belief that Judge McDunn’s actions inappropriately had been fueled by personal prejudice. Then-Chief Judge Donald O’Connell placed McDunn on an administrative leave from the bench during the JIB’s investigation. Ultimately, the Illinois Courts Commission, a body comprised exclusively of judges, found that McDunn never made any specific statements against persons based on their sexual orientation and the dismissed the complaint with prejudice. Judge McDunn subsequently has resumed her judicial duties in another assignment.
The Council believes that Judge McDunn’s actions in handling these matters are unacceptable and fall well beyond the pale of appropriate judicial conduct. In open disregard for the rule of law in this jurisdiction, Judge McDunn unfairly and inappropriately attempted to exploit her authority in the legal system to advance her own personal beliefs, at the substantial expense of the litigants. The Council regards these recent events as confirmation that Judge McDunn is not qualified to sit as a judge. She abused her position and should not be retained.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Judge Susan McDunn was elected to the bench in 1992. She is currently assigned to the Law Division. Previously, she was in the County Division and the First Municipal District. Judge McDunn was admitted to practice in 1980. Prior to election, she was in private practice.
Judge McDunn is considered to have adequate legal ability. Judge McDunn was found Not Qualified for retention in 2004, having been publicly rebuked by the Illinois Appellate Court for judicial conduct the court says, “disgraced the judiciary and the people of Illinois.” The Council found her behavior in failing to follow Illinois adoption law based on her personal beliefs to be “unacceptable and fall well beyond the pale of appropriate judicial conduct.” The Council believes this behavior alone disqualifies Judge McDunn, but an evaluation conducted for the 2010 retention election revealed that many lawyers believe she has difficulty handling complex matters that come before her and that she demonstrates an inappropriate temperament. The Council finds her Not Qualified for retention.
Patrick E. McGANN
Present Judicial Duties Presiding Judge, Circuit Court, County Division
Previous Judicial Duties 2001 – 2005: , Circuit Court, Chancery Division;
1996-2001: Supervising Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District; Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Motion Section; 1993-1994: Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Trial Section; 1989-1993: Assistant Supervising Judge, Traffic Court; 19881989: Associate Judge, Traffic Court
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1988; elected to the Circuit Court in 1992.
Evaluation 11/92 Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Judge McGann, 45, has been an Assistant Supervising Judge in Traffic Court since 1988. Judge McGann was admitted to the bar in 1972, and was an Assistant State’s Attorney and in private practice before becoming a judge.
Judge McGann is described as the most knowledgeable judge in Traffic Court. Lawyers report that he is respectful of defendants, prepared for court, and knowledgeable about the law. Lawyers praise him as a teacher, willing to improve the performance of younger lawyers. Judge McGann has also taken on administrative responsibilities, assisting in the reform of Traffic Court. He has remained in Traffic Court to implement reforms, despite opportunities for transfer to more glamorous assignments. The Council believes he is highly qualified for election to the Circuit Court.
11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Patrick E. McGann, 51, is the Supervising Judge in the Chicago Traffic Center. He previously served in the Law Division and has been on the bench since 1988. Judge McGann has very good legal ability and is even-tempered and patient. He has good courtroom management skills. His fairness and integrity are unquestioned. He works diligently to remain well informed about the law and he has a reputation for conducting independent research and crafting helpful written opinions. He also has demonstrated a dedication to improving the way the court system serves the public. The Council finds him Highly Qualified for retention.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Patrick E. McGann currently sits in the Chancery Division. He is the former Supervising Judge in the Chicago Traffic Center. He previously served in the Law Division and has been on the bench since 1988. Judge McGann has very good legal ability and is even-tempered and patient. He has good courtroom management skills. His fairness and integrity are unquestioned. He works diligently to remain well informed about the law and he has a reputation for conducting independent research and crafting helpful written opinions. He also has demonstrated a dedication to improving the way the court system serves the public. The Council finds him Highly Qualified for retention.
James M. McGING
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2006.
Evaluation 2006 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Recommended
The candidate elected not to participate in the evaluation process. The Council accordingly finds the candidate Not Recommended.
Sheila McGINNIS
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Fifth Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2002.
Evaluation 2002 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Sheila M. McGinnis has served as an Assistant State’s Attorney since her admission to the Illinois bar in 1989. Before then, she had been employed as a victim/witness specialist with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. From all accounts, Ms. McGinnis is considered to be fair, diligent, professional, and knowledgeable with a good temperament and integrity. Since 1989, Ms. McGinnis has been assigned to a variety of divisions within the Office of the State’s Attorney, including criminal appeals, child support enforcement, narcotics, misdemeanor, and traffic. However, although Ms. McGinnis clearly has experience with a wide-range of matters, she does not appear to have developed sufficient depth in any area of her practice and does not appear to have handled complex trials. At this time, the Council considers Ms. McGinnis Not Qualified.
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. Sheila M. McGinnis was elected to the bench in 2002. She is currently assigned to the Fifth Municipal District. Before her election, she served as an Assistant State’s Attorney since her admission to the Illinois bar in 1989. Before then, she had been employed as a victim/witness specialist with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Lawyers give Judge McGinnis positive remarks for her judicial performance. She is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. She is praised for her courtroom management skills and she is hard working. Based on her judicial performance, Judge McGinnis would warrant an unquestioned qualified for retention. However, Judge McGinnis was accused of drunk driving and arrested by the Tinley Park Police after she hit a car on May 9, 2008. She was initially assigned by Chief Judge Evans to administrative duties but as of May 20, 2008, she was assigned to a call doing civil cases. Her case is pending at the time of this evaluation. Judge McGinnis has not been convicted of a crime, although she has been arrested. The Council is concerned about the judgment shown by Judge McGinnis, but finds her Qualified for retention.
Brigid Mary McGRATH
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Individual Commercial Calendar Section
Previous Judicial Duties 2001-2003: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division; 1999-2001: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1999.
Evaluation 1998 Primary and General Elections – Eighth Subcircuit: Qualified
Brigid Mary McGrath was admitted to practice in 1985. She first served as a law clerk with a United States Bankruptcy Judge. She is currently an equity partner with the law firm of Bell Boyd & Lloyd, having been with the firm since 1989. From 1985 to 1989, she worked at the law firm of Lord Bissell & Brook. Her practice focuses on commercial and insurance defense litigation. Ms. McGrath has good legal ability and an excellent temperament. She is considered to be hard working and of high integrity. Her opponents especially praise her for her fairness and for her good judgment. The Council finds her Qualified.
4/99 Associate Judge: Recommended
In April 1999, the Council found Judge McGrath Recommended for the position of Associate Judge.
Dennis M. McGUIRE
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2002.
Evaluation 2002 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Dennis McGuire was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1987. He has spent his entire legal career doing civil work as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney. Since 1992, he has practiced in real estate tax litigation. Prior to that, he worked in hospital and special litigation. He lacks experience with jury trials and criminal practice. Some attorneys praise his legal ability, yet some question whether he possesses the necessary judicial temperament. The Council believes that he lacks the jury trial experience and the temperament necessary to be a Circuit Judge.
The Council finds him Not Qualified.
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. Dennis McGuire was elected to the bench in 2002. He currently is assigned to the First Municipal District hearing torts and contract actions.
Before being elected, he has spent his much of his legal career doing civil work as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney. He was admitted to practice in 1987. Judge McGuire is considered to have good legal ability and does a good job of handling his current assignment. Some lawyers question his temperament, but most find that he has a professional demeanor. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
Kathleen M. McGURY
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Probate Division
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Fourth Municipal District; Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1995; elected to the Circuit Court in 1996.
Evaluation 11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Kathleen McGury was appointed as a Circuit Judge in 1995 and was subsequently elected to a full term the following year. She began her judicial career in the First Municipal District and in the Child Protection Division. In August 1997, she was transferred to the Fourth Municipal District in Maywood, where she primarily hears traffic and misdemeanor cases. She received consistently good marks for her legal knowledge and ability, integrity, and judicial temperament. The Council finds Judge McGury Qualified for retention.
2008 Retention: Not Qualified
Hon. Kathleen McGury was appointed as a Circuit Judge in 1995 and was subsequently elected to a full term the following year. As a lawyer, she spent her entire career as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. She began her judicial career in the First Municipal District and in the Child Protection Division. In August 1997, she was transferred to the Fourth Municipal District in Maywood, where she heard traffic and misdemeanor cases. She now sits in the Probate Division. In her previous assignments, Judge McGury received consistently good marks for her legal knowledge and ability, integrity, and judicial temperament. In her current assignment, lawyers complain that she avoids confrontation, allowing matters to sit for unnecessarily long periods of time. Some also complain that she is too results oriented, sometimes ignoring the controlling law. The Council finds her Not Qualified for retention.
Mike McHALE
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2006.
Evaluation 2006 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Mike McHale has been an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney since he was admitted to practice in 1991. He has been the Supervisor of Branch 38 since 2004. Mr. McHale is considered to have good legal ability and a professional demeanor. He has substantial experience in criminal law matters. He is said to be well prepared and creative, with a strong work ethic. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Clare Elizabeth McWILLIAMS
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Second Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties 2004-2006: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2004.
Evaluation 2004 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Clare Elizabeth McWilliams has been in private practice since her admission to the bar in 1988. She is currently a partner in a general litigation firm where the majority of her practice concerns matrimonial law matters. A number of lawyers contacted during the judicial evaluation find Ms. McWilliams to be a competent attorney with a good temperament. The Council is concerned that we have received a few reports of cases involving more complex matters where attorneys have questioned her diligence or legal ability. On balance, however, the Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Clare McWilliams was elected to the bench in 2004. She is currently assigned to the Law Division. Previously, she was in the First and Second Municipal Districts. Judge McWilliams was admitted to practice in 1988. Prior to election, she was in private practice.
Judge McWilliams is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for her well-reasoned and timely decisions. She has good temperament. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
Patricia MENDOZA
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Juvenile Justice Division
Previous Judicial Duties 2005-2006: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, Traffic Court
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2005.
Evaluation 2005 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Qualified
Patricia Mendoza was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1984. Since 1995, she has been Regional Counsel for the Mexican-American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF). For one year prior to that, she was an assistant attorney at the Chicago Board of Education. For one year before that, she was a staff attorney for the ACLU. From 1988 to 1993, she was a staff attorney and a supervisory attorney for the Legal Assistance Foundation. From 1984 to 1988, she was a staff attorney at the Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation. Ms. Mendoza is a 1984 graduate of DePaul University College of Law.
Ms. Mendoza is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. She is hard working and is well regarded both as a practitioner and as a supervisor. She is praised for her dedication to public service. The Council finds her Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.
Barbara M. MEYER
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Previous Judicial Duties 2002-2003: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, Traffic Court
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2002.
Evaluation 2002 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Barbara M. Meyer obtained her license in 1980, and has since been the Assistant Corporation Counsel (1980-87) and Corporation Counsel (1987 to present) for the Village of Skokie. Ms. Meyer’s work for the Village has given her a broad exposure to the law. She also has administrative experience. She supervises several staff attorneys, and is in charge of village meetings. Ms. Meyer has developed and administers a “Youth at Risk” alternative juvenile court call. In addition, Ms. Meyer is very active in community and charitable organizations. She is reported to be very knowledgeable, professional, honest, conscientious, and experienced working with a diverse community. In addition, her confidence and demeanor indicate that she would be able to run a courtroom well. The Council finds Ms. Meyer Qualified.
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. Barbara M. Meyer was elected to the bench in 2002 and now sits in the Domestic Violence Court. She obtained her license in 1980, and has served as the Corporation Counsel for the Village of Skokie. Judge Meyer is considered to have good legal ability and she is praised as well organized and hard working. She is reported to have good temperament. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
Mary L. MIKVA
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Previous Judicial Duties 2004-2005: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2004.
Evaluation 2004 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Mary L. Mikva was admitted to practice law in 1980. She clerked for the Honorable Prentice Marshall of the federal district court and then for the Honorable Supreme Court Justice William Brennan. She is primarily a plaintiffs employment and civil rights attorney, although she has some experience in criminal and commercial litigation matters. She was an attorney with small firms between 1982 and 1987 and from 1991 to the present where she is a partner with Abrahamson, Voracheck & Mikva. From 1987 to 1991 she was an attorney with the City of Chicago Department of Law. While Ms. Mikva has little jury experience, she has substantial bench trials and appellate experience. Lawyers report that she has excellent legal ability and temperament. Her integrity
is unquestioned. Qualified.
The Council finds her Well
11/10 Retention Qualified
Election,
Circuit
Court:
Well
Judge Mary Mikva was elected to the Cook County Circuit Court in 2004 and is currently assigned to the Child Protection Division. Previously, she served in the First Municipal District. Judge Mikva was admitted to practice in 1980 and prior to her election, she was law clerk to Judge Prentice H. Marshall and later to U.S. Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan, Jr. Judge Mikva also was an appellate attorney for the City of Chicago Law Department, as well as in private practice.
Judge Mikva is considered to have very good legal ability. She is praised for her even temperament and for her courtroom management skills. She is respectful of all parties and is hard working and well prepared for the cases that come before her. She is exceptionally active in community service work. The Council finds her Well Qualified for retention.
Martha A. MILLS
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Previous Judicial Duties April 2007-May 2008 Circuit Judge, First Municipal District
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 2007
Evaluation 2005 Evaluation for Associate Judgeship: Highly Qualified
Martha A. Mills has been practicing law since 1965. For much of her career, she was in private practice, where she acquired a wide variety of litigation experience in complex matters, both in state and federal courts. Ms. Mills was appointed to the Circuit Court of Cook County in 1996 where she served for one year before being defeated in a contested election. In 1998, she left private practice to run a not-for-profit organization, Transforming Communities, dealing with restorative justice. She then joined the Office of the Cook County Treasurer as its chief legal counsel and served as First Deputy Treasurer. Ms. Mills is highly regarded for her legal ability and her temperament. She has demonstrated a laudable commitment to the public interest through her work in civil rights litigation and on restorative justice. While on the bench, she received uniformly high praise for her skills as a jurist. The Council finds her Highly Qualified.
Mary R. MINELLA
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2005.
Evaluation 2005 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Well Qualified
Mary Regina Minella was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1983. Since 1986, Ms. Minella has been a partner with Mullen & Minella, where her practice involves litigation, negligence, medical negligence, products liability, and worker’s compensation. For three years before that, she was an associate at Mullen & Clancy. The candidate has considerable experience in complex litigation, as well as strong appellate experience. She is a good writer and teacher and is very involved in volunteer efforts. Those contacted found her to be a very good attorney.
The Council finds Ms. Minella Well Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.
Daniel R. MIRANDA
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1997-2001: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Fourth Municipal District; 1988-1997: Associate Judge, Juvenile Justice Division; Associate Judge, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1988.
Evaluation None
Raymond W. MITCHELL
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed Circuit Judge in 2008
Evaluation 2010 Primary and General Elections, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Raymond William Mitchell was admitted to practice in 1993. He was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in October 2008. From 1998 to 2008 he was an associate and then partner with the law firm of Winston & Strawn where he was involved in all aspects of more complex litigation matters. He served as an associate lawyer with Gardner, Carton & Douglas. Prior to his appointment to the bench, he reports being involved in numerous pro bono efforts. Judge Mitchell is considered to have good legal ability and was well-respected as an attorney in private practice. Lawyers appearing before him in Traffic Court, where he now sits, report that he has a very good temperament and demonstrates good legal ability. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Martin Paul MOLTZ
Present Judicial Duties: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2007.
Evaluation 2002 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Qualified
Martin Paul Moltz has been licensed to practice law in Illinois since 1971. He has been at the State’s Attorney’s Appellate Prosecutor’s Office in Elgin since 1972 and has been the Deputy Director of that office since 1997. From 1971 to 1972, he was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney; he was a clerk at that office for one year before that. Mr. Moltz was awarded his JD by the University of Oklahoma in 1969. He lists numerous bar association activities and has been on the Board of Directors of the Public Interest Law Initiative. He has taught legal research at Roosevelt University since 1987.
Mr. Moltz is considered to have good legal ability and to be a student of the law. Although his trial court experience is limited, he has extensive appellate court experience. He has authored substantial articles on criminal law issues. He has a very good temperament. The Council finds Mr. Moltz Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.
Colleen McSweeney MOORE
Present Judicial Duties 2005-present: Judge, Circuit Court, Fifth Municipal District, misdemeanor and traffic
Previous Judicial Duties 1998-2005: Supervising Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division; 1995-1998: Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division; 1994-1995: Criminal Division,
Evening Narcotics
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1994.
Evaluation 11/00 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Colleen McSweeney Moore, 45, was first elected to the bench in 1994 and presently serves as a Supervising Judge in the Criminal Division. She has not previously been rated by the Council. Before reaching the bench, for eleven years she served as an Assistant States Attorney. In general, attorneys rate the Judge good to very good on legal knowledge, integrity, sensitivity to diversity, diligence and impartiality. There is one notable mark against the Judge: an incident where once, during a trial, she ordered a defense attorney handcuffed and jailed for contempt for what has been reported as repeated violations of a court order. It is difficult to imagine what behavior by an attorney during trial would ever justify such a harsh response, especially in the light of reasonable alternatives (such as a post-trial hearing for contempt). This lapse of judgment, while serious, appears to be an aberration in an otherwise good career. The Council finds the Judge qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Colleen McSweeney Moore was first elected to the bench in 1994 and presently serves in the Fifth Municipal District in Bridgeview hearing misdemeanor and traffic cases. Before that, she was a Supervising Judge in the Criminal Division. Before reaching the bench, she served as an Assistant States Attorney for eleven years. Judge Moore is considered to have good legal ability and manages her courtroom well. Although some lawyers report that she can be short-tempered on the bench, many others say that her temperament is fine and that she is only short with unprepared lawyers. On balance, the Council finds her Qualified.
John J. MORAN, Jr.
Present Judicial Duties 1998-Present: Supervising Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1991; elected to the Circuit Court in 1992.
Evaluation 3/92 Circuit Court: Unopposed
This candidate is running unopposed in the Democratic primary. The Council will evaluate him prior to the general election.
11/92 Circuit Court (Mackey Vacancy): Qualified
Judge Moran, 40, was appointed as a Circuit Judge to fill a vacancy in 1991. Prior to becoming a judge, he was an Assistant State’s Attorney from 1978 to 1982. He was then in a civil litigation practice with the law firm of State Senate President Phil Rock from 1986 to 1991. Since his appointment to the bench, he has been serving in the Criminal Division.
Judge Moran is reported to be a good judge, with solid integrity and fairness. His legal experience is extensive and varied. His legal ability and temperament are good. While Judge Moran is reported to have strong political ties, all lawyers contacted believed he is independent on the bench. He had a good reputation as an Assistant State’s Attorney. The Council believes Judge Moran is qualified.
11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
John J. Moran, 46, was appointed to fill a vacancy in 1991. He was elected to the bench in 1992.
He sits in the Criminal Division at 26th & California hearing felony trials. Judge Moran is reported to be a solid jurist with good legal ability and temperament. His fairness and integrity are unquestioned. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
John J. Moran was appointed to fill a vacancy in 1991. He was elected to the bench in 1992. He sits in the Criminal Division at 26th & California hearing felony trials. Judge Moran is reported to be a solid jurist with good temperament. His fairness and integrity are unquestioned. He has a somewhat high reversal rate on appeal, but on balance the Council finds him Qualified for retention.
Caroline Kate MORELAND
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed as a Circuit Judge by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2010
Evaluation: Qualified
Caroline Moreland was admitted to practice in Illinois in November 1995 . From 1996-2010 she worked as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney.
She was appointed to the bench to fill a judicial vacancy in September 2010. As a prosecutor, Judge Moreland was considered to have good legal ability and temperament. She prosecuted felony matters as a First Chair prosecutor. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Mary A. MULHERN
Present judicial experience Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Jury Section
Previous judicial experience 1996-2002: Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1996.
Evaluation 1996 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Mary Alice Mulhern, 43, has been practicing law for 18 years. Since 1987, she has practiced in a general-practice law firm. From 1986 to 1987, she was general counsel to the Illinois Department of Labor. She was an Assistant Illinois Attorney General from 1980 to 1986, doing federal-court litigation in the General Law Division. She was in private practice between 1977 and 1980. Ms. Mulhern is a hard-working and fair litigator with good legal ability. Attorneys give her high marks for integrity. The Council finds her Qualified.
11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Mary Alice Mulhern was elected to the Circuit Court in 1996. She was transferred to the Law Division, Trial Section in July 2002. She was first assigned to the Child Protection Division from 1996 to 1999. After that, she served in the First Municipal District and in the Law Division. Immediately prior to her current assignment, starting in March 2002, she was assigned to the Commercial Calendar Section. She is considered by those contacted to be performing her job with the requisite legal ability, promptness, temperament and control over her docket, and with appropriate sensitivity to the litigants. We therefore find her Qualified for retention.
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. Mary Alice Mulhern was elected to the Circuit Court in 1996. She was transferred to the Law Division, Trial Section in July 2002. She was first assigned to the Child Protection Division from 1996 to 1999. After that, she served in the First Municipal District and in the Law Division. Immediately prior to her current assignment, starting in March 2002, she was assigned to the Commercial Calendar Section. She is considered to have good legal ability and solid courtroom management skills. She is praised for her temperament. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
Thomas R. MULROY
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Judicial District
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 2007.
Evaluation 2006 Evaluation to fill a Circuit Court Vacancy: Well Qualified
Thomas Mulroy has practiced law since 1973.
Since 2003, he has been Chairman of the Litigation Committee at McGuire Woods. For two years before that, he was a partner at Mulroy Scandaglia Marrinson & Ryan. From 1976 until 2001, he was at Jenner & Block. He spent 1972 to 1976 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. Mr. Mulroy is considered to have excellent legal ability and temperament. He is involved in community service activities and has published articles. The Council is concerned that he provided little attention to the evaluation materials he supplied to the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening. On balance, however, the Council finds him Well Qualified.
Allen F. MURPHY
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed Circuit Judge in 2008
Evaluation None
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Allen Francis Murphy was admitted to practice in 1991. He served as an Assistant Cook County Public Guardian before becoming an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney in 1995. Mr. Murphy is considered to have good legal ability. He is praised by opposing counsel as being knowledgeable and trustworthy. His temperament is described as low key and professional. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
James Patrick MURPHY
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2006.
Evaluation 2006 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
James Patrick Murphy has been Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney since his admission to practice in 1995. Since 2002, he has been a First Chair in the Felony Trial Division assigned to Hon. Stanley Sack’s courtroom. Mr. Murphy is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He has only about ten years of experience as a lawyer, but he has progressed through the State’s Attorney’s Office and now is responsible for some of the most serious and complex cases prosecuted by this office. He is respected by both prosecutors and defense counsel. The Council finds him Qualified.
Michael J. MURPHY
Present Judicial Duties Justice, Illinois Appellate Court, First District
Previous Judicial Duties 1999-2006: Presiding Judge, Circuit Court, County Division 1998-1999: Supervising Judge, Circuit Court, Fourth Municipal District: 1987-1998: Judge, Circuit Court, County Division; 1986-1987: First Municipal District, Branch 256, Narcotics Court; 1985-1986: Municipal District, Branch 40, Women’s Court
Appointed Associate Judge in 1985; elected to the Circuit Court in 1992; appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2005; elected to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2006.
Evaluation 1992 Primary & General Elections–Circuit Court (Hamilton Vacancy): Qualified
Michael Murphy, 50, became an Associate Judge in 1985. Prior to that, he was Executive Director of the Southeast Chicago Commission, a community group, and also was an Assistant Attorney General.
Judge Murphy is assigned to the County Division where he hears real estate tax sale objections, election law, adoption and mental health cases. He is widely regarded as one of the better judges in that Division. Judge Murphy displays good knowledge of the specialized legal areas with which he deals, and his decisions are prompt and well reasoned. He is hard working and manages his docket well. He consistently treats all parties fairly and courteously, and acts with high integrity. He is involved with a number of efforts aimed at improving the judicial system.
As an Associate Judge, Judge Murphy has also heard domestic violence cases. Attorneys who practiced before him during his earlier years on that call reported that he occasionally overstepped procedural bounds in handling those matters. Judge Murphy told the Council that he recognized that he had not been handling domestic violence cases well and he took steps to improve his performance. Lawyers who had cases before him during the latter part of his assignment to that call confirmed that his performance substantially improved.
On balance, the Council finds Judge Murphy well qualified for election to the Circuit Court.
11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Michael James Murphy, 56, became an Associate Judge in 1985. He was elected to the bench in 1992. He was previously assigned to the county division, hearing real estate, tax, mental health, and adoption matters. More recently, Judge Murphy has been assigned to head the Housing Court, a position involving both administrative and courtroom duties. Practitioners have been uniformly supportive of Judge Murphy’s administrative work involving attempts to improve the functioning of Housing Court. Judge Murphy’s courtroom work has also won him high praise, especially for integrity and independence. He has good legal ability and his fairness is unquestioned. The Council finds him Well Qualified for retention.
11/04 Retention Judge, Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Michael James Murphy became an Associate Judge in 1985. He was elected to the bench in 1992. He is currently the Presiding Judge of the County Division where real estate, tax, mental health, and adoption matters are heard. Judge Murphy has served as head of the Housing Court, a position involving both administrative and courtroom duties. Practitioners were uniformly supportive of Judge Murphy’s administrative work involving attempts to improve the functioning of Housing Court. He continues to receive high marks by lawyers. Judge Murphy’s courtroom work has won him high praise, especially for integrity and independence. He has good legal ability and his fairness is unquestioned. The Council finds him Well Qualified for retention.
2006 Primary & General Elections – Appellate Court: Well Qualified
Judge Michael J. Murphy is the Presiding Judge of the County Division, Circuit Court of Cook County. He has served as a judge since 1986. Judge Murphy is reported to be an excellent jurist with a high level of legal knowledge and ability. He has a very good temperament and is reported to be a good administrator. He has also been responsible for a number of reforms aimed at improving the administration of justice. In addition, Judge Murphy has substantial teaching and public service experience. The Council finds him Well Qualified.
Patrick T. MURPHY
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2004.
Evaluation 2004 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Patrick T. Murphy was admitted to practice in 1964. He has been the Cook County Public Guardian for the past 25 years. From 1981 to 1986, he worked part-time as Public Guardian while maintaining a solo practice. From 1976 to 1981, he was a partner in a private firm. His experience before 1976 included work as a consultant, a research fellow, an attorney for the National Legal Aid and Defender Association and the Legal Assistance Foundation, a member of the Peace Corps and an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney.
The judicial candidacy of Mr. Murphy presents a number of difficult questions. He is a very smart and hard-working lawyer who is a forceful and often effective advocate for children. He has attracted good lawyers to the Public Guardian’s Office and is an accomplished litigator in a variety of areas. Over the years he has frequently helped lead the fight for systemic changes to better protect the rights of particularly vulnerable parties, such as abused children, elderly people with diminished capacities and the poor. The Council, however, is concerned whether Mr. Murphy possesses the requisite temperament to be a judge. We heard from many lawyers who find his dogged efforts on behalf of children and others to be enough to qualify him for a judgeship. But we also heard from many other attorneys who expressed serious and substantial reservations as to whether Mr. Murphy has the capacity to put his personal views aside and be a neutral arbiter. These lawyers have criticized Mr. Murphy’s tactics in seeking what Mr. Murphy viewed as the right result for a child, often without apparent regard for the viewpoints of others and in some cases seemingly without due deference for the wishes of his own wards. A substantial number of lawyers have also criticized Mr. Murphy’s conduct toward opposing parties and counsel as often personal or as otherwise overzealous, including, on occasion, inappropriately leaking information to the press in an effort to gain a tactical advantage. To many lawyers, these tactics are a barrier to good advocacy, and reflect an inability to distinguish what Mr. Murphy personally believes the “correct” result to be from the use of inappropriate means to achieve it. This may be tolerable in an advocate, but if carried to the bench, it could seriously undermine Mr. Murphy’s ability to be an even-handed judge. In light of these concerns, the Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Judge Patrick T. Murphy was elected to the bench in 2004, and serves in the Fifth Municipal District Domestic Relations Division, where he runs the Unified Family Court Project. Previously, he served in the First Municipal District and the Sixth Municipal District Domestic Relations Division. Judge Murphy was admitted to practice in 1964 after earning his J.D. Prior to election, Judge Murphy served as the Cook County Public Guardian. He was also an assistant Cook County state’s attorney, an attorney with the National Legal Aid & Defender Program and Legal Assistance Foundation, and in private practice.
Judge Patrick Murphy is considered to have very good legal ability and is held in high esteem by many for his work as Public Guardian prior to the time he took the bench. But many practitioners report that he is inconsistent in his rulings as a judge. They say he often makes inappropriate, sometimes insulting remarks to the parties in front of him. Some say that he fails to follow the law, ruling in a way that he believes is correct. He is considered to be an advocate rather than a neutral arbiter. The Council respects Judge Murphy for his commitment to reform but finds him Not Qualified for retention to the Circuit Court.
Thomas W. MURPHY
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2006.
Evaluation 2006 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Thomas W. Murphy was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1979. He has been an Alderman for Chicago’s 18th Ward for the past 15 years. Prior to 1991, Mr. Murphy was in private practice, and he has continued to practice law during his term as alderman. Mr. Murphy is considered to be a solid practitioner who is smart and well prepared. He has substantial litigation experience. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Timothy P. MURPHY
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division, Expedited Child Support
Previous Judicial Duties 2004-2005: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2004.
Evaluation 2004 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Timothy P. Murphy was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1984. He has been in private practice handling family law matters for his entire career and has been a solo practitioner since 2001. Mr. Murphy has adequate legal ability and a good temperament. The Council is concerned, however, that he has not demonstrated sufficient depth or breadth of legal experience. The Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Timothy Murphy was elected to the Circuit Court in 2004. He is currently assigned to the Domestic Relations Division and was previously in the First Municipal District. Judge Murphy was admitted to practice in 1984. Prior to election, he was in private practice.
Judge Murphy is considered to be a very capable judge, with good legal ability and temperament. He is praised for his professionalism in the courtroom and for his knowledge of the law. The Council finds Qualified for retention.
Joyce M. MURPHY GORMAN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2000.
Evaluation 2000 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Recommended
Joyce M. Murphy did not participate in the Council’s evaluation process, submitting no information in support of her candidacy. The Council received insufficient information to judge her qualifications for the Circuit Court. The Council finds her Not Recommended.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Hon. Joyce Murphy Gorman was elected in 2000. She currently sits in the First Municipal District where she hears contract and tort cases with damages under $30,000. Judge Gorman had 4 years of experience as a solo general practitioner and one year as an associate before coming on the bench.
Judge Murphy Gorman is reported to have adequate legal ability, but some lawyers question her grasp of evidentiary and procedural rules. Her temperament is described as “condescending” and she is short-tempered. The Council finds her Not Qualified.
James C. MURRAY, Jr.
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties 2001-2002: Judge, Circuit Court
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 2001, recalled Circuit Court Judge in 2005.
Evaluation 2002 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
The Honorable James C. Murray currently serves as a Circuit Judge by Supreme Court appointment. Before being appointed, he was a partner at Katten, Muchin & Zavis, where his practice concentrated in bankruptcy, environmental, and insurance litigation. He was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1969. While Mr. Murray does not have extensive jury trial experience, it is compensated by his extensive experience with bench trials, appeals, and complex motion practice. He is reported to be an excellent attorney who has practiced for over thirty years. He has extensive involvement in pro bono activities, including novel public interest litigation. We note that Mr. Murray serves on the board of a Chicago area chapter of the Boy Scouts of America, an organization which discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation. Mr. Murray has told us that he opposes this policy and that he is working internally to bring reform to his organization. Based on this representation, although the Council finds such discrimination wrong, we do not believe that Mr. Murray’s involvement with this organization disqualifies him from the bench. We find the candidate Well Qualified.
2004 Evaluation to fill a vacancy: Well Qualified
The Honorable James C. Murray has served as a Circuit Judge by Supreme Court appointment. Before being appointed, he was a partner at Katten, Muchin & Zavis, where his practice concentrated in bankruptcy, environmental, and insurance litigation.
He was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1969. While Mr. Murray does not have extensive jury trial experience, it is compensated by his extensive experience with bench trials, appeals, and complex motion practice. He is reported to be an excellent attorney who has practiced for over thirty years. He has extensive involvement in pro bono activities, including novel public interest litigation. We note that Mr. Murray serves on the board of a Chicago area chapter of the Boy Scouts of America, an organization which discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation. Mr. Murray has told us that he opposes this policy and that he is working internally to bring reform to his organization. Based on this representation, although the Council finds such discrimination wrong, we do not believe that Mr. Murray’s involvement with this organization disqualifies him from the bench. We find the
candidate Well Qualified.
Leonard MURRAY
Present Judicial Duties: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2007.
Evaluation 2006 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Not Qualified
Leonard Murray was admitted to practice in 1974. He spent his initial six years in practice with a large accounting firm and has been a solo practitioner with a varied practice, focused primarily in litigation since 1980. He has had substantial trial experience in both the civil and criminal area in virtually every division of the Cook County court system. Many attorneys and judges report that Mr. Murray is a courteous, competent and professional litigator. The Council is concerned, however, that Mr. Murray has been censured by the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission, after admitting to numerous violations spanning more than six years. The Council finds him Not Qualified to serve in the Circuit Court.
Raymond MYLES
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2001.
Evaluation 1996 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Recommended
Ray “Justice Cermak” Myles did not participate in the Council’s evaluation process, submitting no information in support of his candidacy. The Council received insufficient information to judge his qualifications for the Circuit Court. The Council finds him Not Recommended.
2000 Primary Election – Circuit Court: Qualified
Raymond Myles, 49, is a 1977 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Law. In October 1999, he was appointed Circuit Court Judge. He is currently assigned to the Child Protection Division. Prior to being appointed Judge, he spent nineteen years as a sole practitioner with a criminal law and general practice. From 1978 to 1980, he was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. He is considered to have good legal knowledge and ability, high integrity, and an excellent judicial temperament. The Council finds him Qualified.
Marya NEGA
Present Judicial Duties 1999-present: Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division, Calendar E preliminary matters
Previous Judicial Duties 1995-1999: Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division; 1994-1995: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1994.
Evaluation 11/00 Retention – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Marya Nega, 44, has been a judge since 1994.
She sits in the Domestic Relations Division. She was the Principal Assistant Attorney with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago before becoming a judge. Lawyers report the Judge Nega is one of the best judges in the Domestic Relations Division. She has very good legal ability and an excellent temperament. She is firm with lawyers and runs an efficient courtroom. She is considered hard working. The Council finds her Well Qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Hon. Marya Nega has been a judge since 1994. She has sat in the Domestic Relations Division since 1995. Prior to her election, she was Principal Assistant Attorney with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. Judge Nega is considered to have very good legal ability and is especially praised for her temperament. She is patient but firm with lawyers and litigants. She is hard working and well prepared. The Council finds her Well Qualified.
P. Scott NEVILLE, Jr.
Present Judicial Duties 2004 – Present: Justice, Illinois Appellate Court, First District
Previous Judicial Duties 2002-2004: Judge, Circuit Court, Municipal Jury Section; 2000-2002: Judge, Circuit Court, Housing Court; 2000: Judge, Circuit Court, Branch 35; 1999: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, Traffic Court
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1999; elected to the Circuit Court in 2000; appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2004.
Evaluation 2000 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
P. Scott Neville, Jr., 51, is a 1973 graduate of Washington University School of Law. He is currently sitting as an appointed judge in Branch 35. Prior to his appointment in December 1999, he specialized in complex civil litigation and prosecuted criminal and civil appeals and election law cases. From 1987 to 1998, he was Per Diem Attorney for the Chicago Transit Authority. From 1990 to 1998, he also was a principal at Howse Howse Neville & Gray. From 1981 to 1990, he was a principal at P. Scott Neville, Jr. & Associates. For two years prior to that, he was a principal at Neville & Ward. He was of counsel for Howard Mann & Slaughter from 1977 to 1979. From 1974 to 1976, he was law clerk to an Illinois Appellate Court Justice. He has extensive litigation experience. He also has a reputation for integrity, diligence, and good legal knowledge and ability. The Council finds him Well Qualified.
12/02 Appointment to the Appellate Court: Qualified
Judge P. Scott Neville was appointed to the First Municipal District as a Circuit Judge in 1999. Prior to becoming a judge, he had extensive litigation experience in complex civil litigation, in election law cases, and in criminal and civil appeals. Judge Neville is considered by lawyers to have good legal ability and to be hard working. His integrity is unquestioned and he is especially praised for his fairness and his diligence. Based on his experience as a litigator with extensive appellate experience and his reputation as a solid judge, the Council finds Judge Neville Qualified for the Illinois Appellate Court.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. P. Scott Neville was appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2004. Before that, he had sat in the First Municipal District as a Circuit Judge since 1999. Prior to becoming a judge, he had extensive litigation experience in complex civil litigation, election law cases, and criminal and civil appeals. Judge Neville is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He is diligent and hard working. He was reported to be a solid Circuit Court judge before his appointment to the Illinois Appellate Court. The Council finds him Qualified.
Lewis Michael NIXON
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Chancery Division, Mechanic’s Lien Section
Previous Judicial Duties 2002-2004: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2001; elected to the Circuit Court in 2002.
Evaluation 2002 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
The Honorable Lewis Nixon was admitted to practice in 1974 and was appointed to the bench as an Associate Judge in 2001. He has served at different times as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, a private attorney in civil practice, and counsel to the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. He received uniform praise for his legal ability, experience, integrity and temperament. His materials and interview answers also distinguished the candidate as having given considerable thought to the role of trial judge. We find the candidate Well Qualified.
2008 Retention: Well Qualified
Hon. Lewis Nixon was admitted to practice in 1974 and was appointed to the bench as an Associate Judge in 2001. He was elected to the bench in 2002 and now is assigned to the Chancery Division, Mechanic’s Lien Section. Before becoming a judge, he served at different times as an Assistant
U.S. Attorney, a private attorney in civil practice, and counsel to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. As a lawyer, he received uniform praise for his legal ability, experience, integrity and temperament. As a judge, lawyers report that he is highly respected with good temperament and knowledge of the law. He is praised for his courtroom management skills. The Council finds him Well Qualified for retention.
Rita M. NOVAK
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Law, Tax & Miscellaneous Remedies Division
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division; 1997-1998: Judge Circuit Court
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1998; elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1999.
Evaluation 1998 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Rita Novak was appointed to be a judge by the Illinois Supreme Court in November 1997. She sits in Traffic Court where she reportedly has been doing a good job. She was admitted to practice in 1978. She has served as an Assistant Professor of Law at Indiana University and has been a staff person for the American Bar Association where she authored a book on delay in state appellate courts. From 1978 to 1980 she clerked for the Hon. John Powers Crowley. From 1991 to 1997, she was the Chief of the Civil Appeals Bureau where she did appellate work for the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. She is praised as having outstanding legal ability and temperament. She is hard working and of the highest integrity. All of her legal work, however, has been appellate in nature. As a lawyer, she has not been involved in trial work. Judge Novak’s lack of trial experience is the only reason the Council cannot find her to be highly qualified at this time. The Council finds her Qualified.
James M. OBBISH
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1997-2003: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1997.
Evaluation None
Donald J. O’BRIEN, JR.
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Jury Section
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Chancery Division; 1991-2002: Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Jury Section
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1990; elected to the Circuit Court in 1992.
Evaluation 1992 Primary & General Elections–Circuit Court (Breen Vacancy): Highly Qualified
Donald J. O’Brien, Jr., 53, was appointed by the Supreme Court to fill a vacancy. He is sitting in the Law Jury Division. Prior to becoming a judge, he was in private practice since becoming a lawyer in 1963, predominantly doing personal injury defense. He had hundreds of jury trials while in practice.
Lawyers report that Judge O’Brien is exceptionally competent and fair. They report that he knows the law well, and shows no bias to any party. The Council believes he is highly qualified.
11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Donald J. O’Brien, Jr., 59, sits in the Law Jury section of the Law Division. He was elected to the bench in 1992 after being appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to fill a vacancy. He had a long career in private practice before taking the bench. Lawyers report that Judge O’Brien has outstanding legal ability and an excellent judicial temperament. His fairness and integrity are unquestioned. He is widely praised for his courtroom management skills. Lawyers also praise him for his diligence and punctuality – that they can depend upon him sticking to a case schedule and issuing his rulings promptly. The Council finds him Highly Qualified for retention.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Donald J. O’Brien, Jr. currently sits in the Chancery Division. His former appointments include the Law Jury section of the Law Division. He was elected to the bench in 1992 after being appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to fill a vacancy. He had a long career in private practice before taking the bench. Lawyers report that Judge O’Brien has outstanding legal ability and an excellent judicial temperament. His fairness and integrity are unquestioned. He is widely praised for his courtroom management skills. Lawyers also praise him for his diligence and punctuality — they can depend upon him sticking to a case schedule and issuing his rulings promptly. The Council finds him Highly Qualified for retention.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Judge Donald O’Brien was appointed to the Circuit Court in 1990 and elected in 1992. He is currently assigned to the Law Division Trial Section and was previously in the Chancery Division and Law Division. Judge O’Brien was admitted to practice in 1963. Prior to election, he was in private practice and an instructor of trial advocacy.
Judge O’Brien is considered to have excellent legal ability and temperament. He is knowledgeable and up to date on all relevant caselaw. He is always well prepared and is praised for treating all persons in his courtroom with courtesy. He is praised for this ability to handle a complex call. His rulings are well reasoned and are issued in a timely manner. The Council finds him Well Qualified for retention.
Edward P. O’BRIEN
Present Judicial Duties 1999-present: Judge, Circuit Court, County Division
Previous Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division; Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1994.
Evaluation 11/00 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Edward Patrick O’Brien, 48, has been a judge since 1994. He sits in the County Division hearing a variety of cases, including tax, real estate, mental health commitment, and election law cases. He has also served in the First Municipal District. Before becoming a judge, he served as an Assistant Illinois Attorney General doing cases related to regulated industries. Judge O’Brien is considered to be a solid, hard-working judge, with good legal ability and temperament. The Council finds him Qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Edward P. O’Brien has been a judge since his election in 1994. He sits in the County Division hearing a variety of cases, including tax, real estate, mental health commitment, and election law cases. He has also served in the First Municipal District. Before becoming a judge, he served as an Assistant Illinois Attorney General. Judge O’Brien is considered to be a solid jurist with good legal ability and temperament. The Council finds him Qualified.
Gregory M. O’BRIEN
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Probate Division
Previous Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division; 1997-2001: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District; 1995-1996: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, Traffic Court
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1995; elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1997.
Evaluation
None
Joan Margaret O’BRIEN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2000.
Evaluation 2000 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Joan Margaret O’Brien, 42, is a 1982 graduate of Drake Law School. She has spent her entire legal career in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. For the past three years, she has been Chief of the Municipal District, supervising about 150 prosecutors. From 1993 to 1996, she was Supervisor of the 1st Municipal District, and before that, she spent several months as Deputy Supervisor for felony review. She was a prosecutor in the felony trial division from 1989 to 1992. For five years before that, she was an Assistant State’s Attorney, prosecuting felony narcotics cases, criminal appeals, traffic cases and misdemeanors. She has extensive criminal trial experience. She is known as a thorough, well-prepared, and fair-minded attorney. She has an excellent reputation for integrity and diligence. The Council finds her Qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Hon. Joan Margaret O’Brien has sat in the Child Protection Division, hearing child abuse and neglect cases from the Austin area of Chicago since her election in 2000. Prior to her election, she spent her entire legal career in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, where she was Chief of the Municipal District from 1996 to 2000. Judge O’Brien is praised as an excellent jurist who has very good legal ability and manages her courtroom and her docket well. She is considered to be fair to all parties and is well prepared. The Council finds her Well Qualified.
Patrick W. O’BRIEN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District.
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2006.
Evaluation 2006 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Patrick W. O’Brien was admitted to practice in 1975. Since 1993, he has been a solo private practitioner handling primarily criminal and administrative matters. From 1986 to 1993 and before, from 1975 until 1981 he was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney and later a Supervisor. From 1981 to 1986 he was an Assistant Illinois Attorney General. From 1993 to the present he has been a Hearing Officer for the Mayor’s Licensing Commission. Mr. O’Brien is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He has both prosecutorial and criminal defense experience and is praised for being hard working and prepared. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
William T. O’BRIEN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Second Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties 2002-2004: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2002.
Evaluation 2002 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
William Timothy O’Brien obtained his license in 1984 and has been employed by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office since then. He has been the Chief of the Narcotics Prosecutions Bureau since 1998. He has also been both Chief and Supervisor of the Felony Trial Division. Though currently a supervisor, he still takes complex and high profile cases to trial. Mr. O’Brien has extensive trial experience and some appellate experience. The persons contacted consistently commented favorably on his integrity, character, professionalism, and fairness. He was reported to be diligent, punctual and professional. He was also described as having strong legal knowledge, particularly in the areas of DNA and scientific evidence. We find him Well Qualified to serve as a circuit court judge.
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. William O’Brien was elected to the bench in 2002. Before his election, his legal career was with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. He is dually assigned to the Criminal Division and to the Second Municipal District. As a lawyer, Judge O’Brien was highly respected. As a judge, he is considered to have very good legal ability and is praised for being hard working, punctual, and always well prepared. He has a professional and low key demeanor. Some respondents who are defense practitioners complained that he is too willing to accept police officer’s testimony. Most lawyers find that he is fair. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
Ramon OCASIO III
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2006.
Evaluation 2006 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Ramon Ocasio, III was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1989. Since 2000, he has been a supervisor in the Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender and is currently in the Criminal Division. From 1992 to 2000, he was an Assistant Illinois Attorney General with a practice in the Chancery Division. For four years before that, Mr. Ocasio was an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. He was President of the Puerto-Rican Bar Association from 1996 to1997. Mr. Ocasio is considered to be a zealous advocate for his clients, with good legal ability and temperament. He has substantial legal experience in both civil and criminal law, and he is praised for being hardworking and well-prepared. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Ann O’DONNELL
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Circuit Judge in 2008 Evaluation March 2004 Evaluation for Primary Election: Not Qualified
Annie O’Donnell received her license to practice law in 1987. She has been a solo practitioner engaged in criminal defense work since 1995. Before that, she served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. Ms. O’Donnell has good legal ability and a good temperament. The Council is concerned about the narrowness of her practice, including lack of sufficient courtroom experience in complex matters. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Lawrence O’GARA
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2002.
Evaluation 2002 Primary & General Election – Circuit Court: Qualified
Lawrence D. O’Gara was admitted to the bar in 1969. Upon graduation from law school, he joined the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office, where he prosecuted criminal matters and rose through the ranks to become the Chief Deputy State’s Attorney. In 1985, he left that office and became a solo practitioner specializing in criminal defense and plaintiff’s personal injury work. Mr. O’Gara has extensive litigation experience and is regarded as an excellent trial lawyer. The Council finds Mr. O’Gara Qualified for the position of Circuit Judge.
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. Lawrence D. O’Gara was elected to the Circuit Court in 2002. He was admitted to practice in 1969 and was an Assistant State’s Attorney for the next 16 years. He then was a sole practitioner, handling criminal defense matters and some civil matters. Since his election, he has worked in the 1st Municipal District, first hearing traffic cases and then misdemeanor bench and jury trials. For the last year, he has presided in Room 1501 of the Daley Center, hearing pretrial motions in civil cases. Judge O’Gara is reported to have excellent temperament. He is punctual, and his high-volume call runs efficiently. He is patient with attorneys and pro se litigants, listening carefully to arguments and explaining his rulings. Some attorneys assert that Judge O’Gara favors defendants, especially insurers, the CTA and the City of Chicago. Most attorneys find him to be fair and very capable. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
James N. O’HARA
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed Circuit Judge in 2008
Evaluation Not Recommended
James N. O’Hara did not submit materials for evaluation. He is Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.
Thomas J. O’HARA
Present Judicial Duties Supervising Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Sixth Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties 1998-1999: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1998.
Evaluation None
William D. O’NEAL
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Sixth Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1992. Evaluation 11/92 Second Subcircuit: Not Recommended
William D. O’Neal, 54, was admitted to the
bar in 1972. Mr. O’Neal has not participated in the
him report that Judge O’Neal’s fairness and integrity
Council’s evaluation process. The Council has
are unquestioned, many state that he does not always
received insufficient information to judge his
follow the law, and that he takes an unduly informal
qualifications for the Circuit Court. Mr. O’Neal
approach in handling the legal issues before him. In
therefore is not recommended.
addition, a significant number of lawyers complain
about his temperament and impatience on the bench.
11/98 Retention – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
The Council finds him Not Qualified for retention.
William D. O’Neal, 60, sits in the Markham
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Courthouse. He was elected to the bench in 1992.
Lawyers report that Judge O’Neal’s fairness and
Judge William O’Neal was elected to the Circuit
integrity are unquestioned. However, many lawyers
Court in 1992. He has served in the Sixth Municipal
question whether he has the necessary legal ability to
District since his election. Judge O’Neal was
handle complex matters. Some lawyers also report
admitted to practice in 1971. Prior to election, he
that he does not always follow the law, taking an
was in private practice and had been a Cook County
unduly informal approach to the legal issues before
Public Defender.
him. In addition, some lawyers also question his
judicial temperament, complaining that he is
Judge O’Neal is reported to demonstrate concern
sometimes inappropriately impatient on the bench.
about each defendant who comes before him. His
The Council finds him Not Qualified for retention.
integrity is unquestioned. However, many lawyers
question whether he always follows the law. In
2002 Primary & General Elections – Appellate Court:
addition, some lawyers complain about his
Not Qualified
impatience on the bench. The Council finds him Not
Qualified for retention.
The Honorable William D. O’Neal has been
serving as a judge on the Circuit Court of Cook
County since 1996. He was admitted to the Illinois
Eileen O’NEILL BURKE
bar in 1972. He is currently assigned to the Sixth
Municipal District in Markham, where he hears civil,
Present Judicial Duties
criminal, and domestic violence cases. His supervisors speak favorably of his knowledge, ability,
Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
work ethic, and integrity. Attorneys who have appeared in front of Judge O’Neal were divided as to
Elected Circuit Judge in 2008
his impartiality: a number of prosecutors believe that
Evaluation
he is defense-minded, while defense attorneys believe
he is fair and impartial. Judge O’Neal reports having presided over ten to twelve misdemeanor jury trials during his time on the bench. Investigation of Judge
2008 Primary and General Elections, Circuit Court: Qualified
O’Neal’s background and experience was hampered by the fact that he left large portions of the
Eileen Mary O’Neill Burke has been a lawyer since 1990. Since 2001 she has been a sole
application that he submitted to the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening blank. In sum, the
practitioner doing misdemeanor and felony criminal defense work. From 1991 to 2000 she served as a
Council does not believe that Judge O’Neal has sufficiently distinguished himself to qualify for service on the Appellate Court. The Council finds Judge O’Neal Not Qualified.
Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney, where she had both trial and appellate experience. Lawyers report that she has good legal ability. She is diligent and hard working and is praised for her professional
demeanor. She is considered to be a zealous and fair
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Not
advocate for her clients. The Council finds her
Qualified
Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Since his election to the Circuit Court in
1992, William D. O’Neal has sat in the Markham Courthouse. Although lawyers who practice before
Marcia B. ORR
Present Judicial Duties 1986-Present: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Second Municipal District, Rotation through Felony, Misdemeanor, Traffic, Domestic Violence, Paternity & Bond Calls
Previous judicial experience 1995-1996: Traffic Court
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1985.
Evaluation None
Sandra R. OTAKA
Present Judicial Duties Deceased
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2002.
Evaluation: 1999 Evaluation for Associate Judge: Recommended
In April 1999, the Council found Judge Otaka Recommended for the position of Associate Judge.
2002 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
The Honorable Sandra R. Otaka was admitted to practice in 1987. She was appointed to the Circuit Court of Cook County in 2000. For the past year, Judge Otaka has been assigned to the Child Protection Division of the Juvenile Court. Prior to this, she served in Traffic Court. Before being appointed, Judge Otaka was a Section Chief for the
U.S. EPA. During her time with the EPA, she also spent one year as an Assistant State’s Attorney by appointment. From 1987 to 1990, Ms. Otaka was in private practice at Sidley & Austin. Judge Otaka is reputed as being smart, hard working and sensitive to diversity issues. Her legal knowledge is rated as very good to excellent. Judge Otaka has also been actively involved in a variety of bar and community organizations.
Judge Otaka has had an uneasy transition into her current assignment. There have been reports that Judge Otaka is too state-oriented. Viewed against the background of her whole career, and given Judge Otaka’s reputation for probity, we find her at this time to be Qualified.
2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. Sandra R. Otaka was admitted to practice in 1987. She was appointed to the Circuit Court of Cook County in 2000 and elected to the bench in 2002. She is assigned to the Child Protection Division. Before becoming a judge, she was a Section Chief for the U.S. EPA. During her time with the EPA, she also spent one year as an Assistant State’s Attorney by appointment. From 1987 to 1990, Ms. Otaka was in private practice at Sidley & Austin. Judge Otaka is considered to have good legal ability. She is hard working and lawyers report that while her temperament was a problem in the past, they now describe it as good. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.
Stuart E. PALMER
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Chancery Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1995-2005: Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division; 1994-1995: Trial Judge, Criminal Division, Evening Narcotics Court; 1994: First Municipal District
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1994; elected to the Circuit Court in 1994.
Evaluation 3/94 and 11/94 Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Stuart Palmer, 39, was appointed to the Circuit Court to fill a vacancy in January 1994 and has been assigned to Traffic Court. Mr. Palmer graduated from Northwestern University Law School and was admitted to the bar in 1979. From November 1979 to April 1987 he was an Assistant State’s Attorney, where he prosecuted murder, attempted murder, rape, and sexual assault cases, among others. He was a first chair in the Felony Trial Division, managing a caseload of over 200 cases at a time.
After leaving the State’s Attorney’s office he had a practice that included both civil and criminal work, including significant experience in the Domestic Relations Division. He served as a Hearing Officer for the Illinois State Police Merit Board starting in 1988 and has taught trial practice for the National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA) and DePaul Law School
Mr. Palmer is reported to be an excellent trial lawyer. He is said to have been extremely well prepared, with a very good temperament, very knowledgeable in evidentiary matters, and excellent with juries. He has written opinions as a Hearing Officer that are well organized and clear. In his interview he offered good suggestions for improvement of the Domestic Relations division. He is reported to be handling his current assignment in the Traffic Division very well.
Because of his excellent trial skills, wide range of experience in both civil and criminal matters, good legal knowledge and ability, proven writing ability, and excellent demeanor and temperament, the Council finds Mr. Palmer highly qualified for election to the Circuit Court.
11/00 Retention – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Stuart E. Palmer, 46, has been a judge since 1994. He is currently assigned to the Criminal Division at 26th and California Ave. Before becoming a judge, he served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney and was in private practice. Lawyers report that Judge Palmer has excellent legal ability and temperament. He is always prepared and is widely praised for always being abreast of new case law and statutes. His integrity is unquestioned. The Council finds him Well Qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Hon. Stuart E. Palmer has been a judge since 1994. He was recently assigned to the Chancery Division after spending ten years in Criminal Division at 26th and California Ave. Before becoming a judge, he served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney and was in private practice. Judge Palmer is considered to have excellent legal ability and temperament. He is praised for his legal knowledge and for being hard working. He is widely respected for always being well prepared. He was praised as an outstanding jurist in the Criminal Division and continues to be praised as a judge in the Chancery Division. The Council finds him Highly Qualified.
Donald D. PANARESE, Jr.
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1999.
Evaluation None
Joseph D. PANARESE
Present Judicial Duties: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2007.
Evaluation 2004 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Qualified
Joseph D. Panarese has been licensed to practice law in Illinois since 1988. After engaging in private practice for two years, he served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney between 1990 and 2000. Following an additional period of private practice between 2000 and 2001, Mr. Panarese became Chief of Staff in the City of Chicago Clerk’s Office. Mr. Panarese is considered to have good legal ability and temperament, and has acquired substantial litigation experience. The Council finds him Qualified.
Luciano PANICI
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Sixth Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties 2001-2003: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2001.
Evaluation 1996 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Luciano Panici, 43, has been practicing law for 16 years. He has been in private practice throughout his career. Much of his practice involves personal injury and workers’ compensation matters. He is the prosecutor for Ford Heights and is a special counsel to the city of Chicago Heights, handling primarily tort-defense matters. Attorneys report that Mr. Panici has good legal ability and a good temperament. He is considered to be hard working and fair. The Council finds him Qualified.
1998 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Lou Panici was admitted to practice in 1979. He has been in private practice throughout his career. He is the prosecutor for the city of Ford Heights and the corporate attorney for Bloom Township. He is considered by judges and attorneys to have good legal ability and to have a good temperament. The Council finds him Qualified.
3/01 Appointment – Associate Judge: Recommended
In March 2001, the Council found Mr. Panici Recommended for the position of Associate Judge.
Kathleen Ann PANOZZO
Present Judicial Duties: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, 1st Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2007.
Evaluation 2002 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Qualified
Kathleen Ann Panozzo has been an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney since being admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1989. Since 2000, she has been a first chair prosecutor in the Gang Crimes Unit in the Felony Division. She has also served in the misdemeanor, jury call, felony review, and appeals sections. Ms. Panozzo is a 1989 graduate of John Marshall Law School.
Ms. Panozzo is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. She is well regarded as both a prosecutor and a supervisor. The Council finds Ms. Panozzo Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.
Michael R. PANTER
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2008
Evaluation 2008 Evaluation for Associate Judgeship: Well Qualified
Michael Panter was admitted in 1978. He currently a full-time professor and director of the litigation lab at DePaul’s school of law. Since 1980 he also litigated with Michael Panter & Associates. As lead trial counsel he reports that he has taken 50 civil cases to a jury trial and about 15 to a bench verdict. His most recent practice has focused on wrongful death cases in the areas of medical and legal malpractice. He is the author of a chapter on discovery on ITLA’s Civil Practice Update and does pro bono work with the Southern Poverty Law Center. He is reported to have excellent legal ability and is described as a fair but tough advocate. He has an outstanding temperament and is always well prepared. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Kathleen M. PANTLE
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Chancery Division
Previous Judicial Duties 2000-2003: Judge, Circuit Court, Juvenile Justice Division; 1998-2000: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1998.
Evaluation 1998 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Highly Qualified
Kathleen M. Pantle was admitted to practice in 1982. For one ½ years she was a solo practitioner.
She has spent the remainder of her career as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. She currently handles capital cases as a member of the Homicide Task Force. Ms. Pantle is reported to be an excellent trial attorney. Colleagues and adversaries alike have praised her legal abilities as being outstanding. She is of the highest integrity, has an excellent temperament, and is reputed to be extremely fair. She is a dedicated and exceptional criminal law practitioner. The Council finds her Highly Qualified.
11/04 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Kathleen M. Pantle was elected to the bench in 1998 and currently sits in the Juvenile Justice Division. Before becoming a judge she served for two years as a solo practitioner. She spent the remainder of her career as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. Ms. Pantle was reported to be an excellent trial attorney and lawyers report now that she is an excellent judge. She has very good legal ability and is of the highest integrity. She has a very good temperament, and is known to be hard working and prepared. The Council finds her Well Qualified for retention.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Judge Kathleen Pantle was elected to the bench in 1998 and is currently assigned to the Chancery Division. Previously, she served in the Criminal Division in the traffic division, juvenile justice and criminal divisions. Judge Pantle was admitted to practice in 1982. Prior to election, she was a Public Defender, assigned to the Felony Trial Division Homicide Task Force.
Judge Pantle is considered to have excellent legal ability. She is fair and courteous to all lawyers and litigants. She is praised for her courtroom management and for her well-reasoned and timely rulings. She is always well prepared. The Council finds her Well Qualified for retention.
Sebastian T. PATTI
Present Judicial Duties Supervising Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District, Housing Section Previous Judicial Duties 1995-1998: Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1995; elected to the Circuit Court in 1996.
Evaluation 11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Hon. Sebastian T. Patti was appointed as a Circuit Judge in March 1995 to the Child Protection Division and was elected to the bench in the following year. In 1998, he was transferred to the First Municipal District to assist in the reorganization of the Housing Court. He is currently Supervising Judge of the Housing Section of the First Municipal District. Lawyers who practice before Judge Patti report that displays solid legal knowledge, an excellent judicial demeanor, and unquestionable character. He is viewed as a leader among judges and a mentor to new judges. He displays sensitivity to the needs of litigants and attorneys. The Council finds Judge Patti Well Qualified for retention.
2008 Retention: Well Qualified
Hon. Sebastian T. Patti was appointed as a Circuit Judge in March 1995 and was elected to the bench in the following year. In 1998, he was transferred to the First Municipal District to assist in the reorganization of the Housing Court. He is currently Supervising Judge of the Housing Section of the First Municipal District. Lawyers who practice before Judge Patti report that he has very good legal knowledge, an excellent temperament, and is praised for his dedication to reform and for his excellent judicial demeanor. He is viewed as a leader among judges and a mentor to new judges. He displays sensitivity to the needs of litigants and attorneys. The Council finds Judge Patti Well Qualified for retention.
Alfred J. PAUL
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, County Division
Previous judicial experience Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Motions Section; Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Complex Litigation Section; Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Pretrial Mediation Section
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1986.
Evaluation None
Arthur C. PERIVOLIDIS
Present Judicial Duties 1978-Present: Associate Judge, Probate Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1977-1988: First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1977.
Evaluation None
Sheryl A. PETHERS
Present Judicial Duties: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2004.
Evaluation 2004 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Qualified
Sheryl Ann Pethers was admitted to practice in 1991. Since 1992, she has been in private practice as a personal injury litigator. For one year before that she was law clerk to Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court Benjamin K. Miller. Ms. Pethers is respected as an experienced practitioner with good legal ability and temperament. She is praised as exceptionally hard-working. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Sheryl Pethers was elected to the bench in 2004. She is currently assigned to the First Municipal District. Judge Pethers was admitted to practice in 1991. Prior to election, she was in private practice.
Judge Pethers is considered to be a bright and hard working judge. Most lawyers say she has a good temperament. However, the Council has received comments from lawyers that she can be impatient on the bench and can make inappropriate comments. On balance, the Council finds her Qualified for retention.
Angela Munari PETRONE
Present Judicial Duties: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 2007.
Evaluation 1998 Primary Election – Circuit Court: Qualified
Angela Petrone was admitted to practice in 1985. From 1985 to 1988 she was an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. From 1988 to the present, she has served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. She is the Deputy Supervisor of the Sexual Crimes Division. Ms. Petrone has good legal ability and is considered to be fair and of high integrity. The Council finds her Qualified.
2006 Evaluations for Associate Judge: Qualified
Angela Petrone was admitted to practice in 1985. She has been an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney since 1988 and is currently Supervisor of the Delinquency Division. She has been Supervisor of the Child Advocacy Division and was a Deputy Supervisor of the Sex Crimes Division. From 1985 to 1988 she was an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. Ms. Petrone is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. She has substantial litigation experience as both a prosecutor and as a public defender. She brings to the bench her experience as a supervising attorney. The Council finds her Qualified to serve in the Circuit Court.
Donna PHELPS-FELTON
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Third Municipal District
Previous Judicial Duties 2000-2001: Judge, Circuit Court, Juvenile Justice Division
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2000.
Evaluation 1998 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Recommended
Donna Phelps Felton did not participate in the Council’s evaluation process, submitting no information in support of her candidacy. The Council received insufficient information to judge her qualifications for the Circuit Court. The Council finds her Not Recommended.
2000 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Donna Phelps Felton is a 1983 graduate of Loyola University Law School. Since 1997, she has worked as a Labor Relations Hearing Officer, presiding over labor disputes between management and employees at the appeal level. From 1996 to 1998, she worked for the Illinois Department of Public Aid. Prior to that, she spent eleven years as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Since 1985, she has also had her own general private practice. Lawyers report that she has good temperament and her integrity is unquestioned. But she reportedly has average legal ability, and she has not demonstrated sufficient experience in complex litigation matters to be a judge. The Council finds her not qualified.
2006 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Donna Felton was elected in 2000 and presently sits in the Third Municipal District hearing violations of village ordinances, traffic, and misdemeanor cases. Prior to her election, she worked as a Labor Relations Hearing Officer. From 1996 to 1998, she worked for the Illinois Department of Public Aid. Prior to that, she spent eleven years as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Judge Phelps Felton is considered to be a capable jurist in her current assignment. She is considered to have average legal ability. Some lawyers question her temperament, saying that she can be short-tempered and arbitrary. On balance, the Council finds her Qualified.
Daniel J. PIERCE
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division
Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 2008
Evaluation None
11/10 Retention Election, Circuit Court: Qualified
Judge Daniel J. Pierce was admitted to practice in 1972 and was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in April 2008. Before becoming a judge, he was in private practice doing civil and criminal law litigation and real estate tax cases. His practice involved complex legal issues. He also served for five years as a Chief Deputy in the Cook County Assessor’s Office and for five years as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. As a judge, he served for a time in Traffic Court and then was assigned to preside over aging Law Division cases with the goal of getting them to trial. Lawyers praise him for his court management skills and for his temperament. He is considered to have very good legal ability. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Edward N. PIETRUCHA
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, Juvenile Justice Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1996-1998: Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1996.
Evaluation 3/96 Primary Election–Circuit Court: Not Recommended
Edward N. Pietrucha did not participate in the Council’s evaluation process, submitting no information in support of his candidacy. The Council received insufficient information to judge his qualifications for the Circuit Court. The Council finds him Not Recommended.
11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Edward N. Pietrucha was elected to the bench in 1996. He began his judicial career with an assignment to the First Municipal District. Since 1998, he has sat in the Juvenile Justice Division, where he has been a floating judge since January 2002. Judge Pietrucha is hard working and well respected for his legal ability. He runs a “tight ship,” and has turned around a poorly run call, clearing up a backlog of cases. Judge Pietrucha is seen as honest and respectful to the parties that appear before him in the Juvenile Division. The Council finds Judge Pietrucha Qualified for retention.
2008 Retention: Not Qualified
Hon. Edward N. Pietrucha was elected to the bench in 1996. He began his judicial career with an assignment to the First Municipal District. Since 1998, he has sat in the Juvenile Justice Division, where he has been a floating judge since January 2002. Judge Pietrucha is considered to be a smart and hard working judge. However, during his evaluation, many judges, defense counsel, prosecutors, and probation officers expressed outrage at the temperament displayed by Judge Pietrucha. He is reported to exhibit bullying behavior toward lawyers, children, and their parents and guardians. Some lawyers commented that he can be inconsistent in his rulings. Other commented that he inappropriately does not take into account the recommendations of probation officers – an important part of the juvenile justice system. The Council finds him Not Qualified for retention.
William G. PILEGGI
Present Judicial Duties 1998-Present: Associate Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1998.
Evaluation None
Edmund PONCE DE LEON
Present Judicial Duties Presiding Judge, Circuit Court, Fourth Municipal District Previous Judicial Duties 2001-2002: Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division; 1996-2001: Present: Judge, Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1996.
Evaluation 1996 Primary & General Elections – Circuit Court: Not Qualified
Edmund Ponce De Leon, 42, has practiced law for eleven years. He is currently of counsel to a private firm, specializing in bankruptcy litigation and creditor/debtor litigation. He has also been a solo practitioner and a partner in a small private firm. He is a former Chicago police officer. He is considered to be of high integrity and has an excellent temperament. Overall, however, he has little experience in contested or complex litigation matters.
The Council finds him Not Qualified.
11/02 Retention – Circuit Court: Qualified
Hon. Edmund Ponce de Leon was elected to the Circuit Court in 1996. From his election until 2001, he sat in the Domestic Relations Division. After that, he sat for one year in the Individual commercial calendar Section of the Law Division. Since February 2002, he has been the Presiding Judge in the Fourth Municipal District. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County. The comments from attorneys who have been before Judge Ponce de Leon varied. Many commented that Judge Ponce de Leon was doing well at his job: hard working, sensitive, and capable of handling his docket. A few commented that while the Judge sat on the Domestic Relations call, although he was sensitive to the parties’ needs and feelings, he sometimes looked at the whole case rather than carefully resolving the particular legal dispute presented to the court. He was also said to have given great deference to the opinions of experts and child representatives rather than reaching a decision based upon the law and the facts. The Council finds these concerns to be serious ones, yet these objections did not pervade the overall investigation. For these reasons, the Council finds Judge Ponce de Leon Qualified.
2/03 Appointment to Illinois Appellate Court: Qualified
Hon. Edmund Ponce de Leon was elected to the Circuit Court in 1996. From his election until 2001, he sat in the Domestic Relations Division. After that, he sat for one year in the Individual Commercial Calendar Section of the Law Division. Since February 2002, he has been the Presiding Judge in the Fourth Municipal District. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County. He was admitted to practice in 1984. Judge Ponce de Leon practiced law for 11 years. Immediately prior to his election, he was of counsel to a private firm, specializing in bankruptcy litigation and creditor/debtor litigation. He was also been a solo practitioner and a partner in a small private firm. He is a former Chicago police officer. Judge Ponce de Leon is considered to be a capable jurist and administrator. He has good judicial temperament and unquestioned integrity. As a jurist he is hard working and has issued lengthy and well-written opinions. The Council finds Judge Ponce de Leon Qualified for the Appellate Court 2008 Retention: Qualified
Hon. Edmund Ponce de Leon was elected to the Circuit Court in 1996. From his election until 2001, he sat in the Domestic Relations Division. After that, he sat for one year in the Individual commercial calendar Section of the Law Division. Since February 2002, he has been the Presiding Judge in the Fourth Municipal District. Judge Ponce de Leon is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He is praised for his willingness to hear all sides in administrative matters as the Presiding Judge. He is praised equally for his courtroom management skills. The Council finds him Qualified for retention.
Dennis J. PORTER
Present Judicial Duties Associate Judge, Circuit Court, Criminal Division
Previous Judicial Duties 1989-1994: Associate Judge, Evening Narcotics Court; 1988-1989: First Municipal District, Traffic Court
Elected Associate Judge by Circuit Judges in 1988.
Evaluation
None
Jackie Marie PORTMAN
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Elected Circuit Judge in 2008
Evaluation Not Recommended
Jackie Marie Portman did not submit materials for evaluation. She is Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.
Joan E. POWELL
Present Judicial Duties Judge, Circuit Court, First Municipal District
Appointed Circuit Judge in 2006 and was elected to the bench in 2008
Evaluation 2006 Evaluation to fill Judicial Vacancy: Qualified
Joan E. Powell has been practicing law since 1992. She maintained a solo practice between 1992 and 1996, focusing on contract, family, and elder law.
She then became a Law Clerk with the Circuit Court of Cook County, and spent four years as a law clerk to the Honorable Joseph N. Casciato. From 2000 to the present, Ms. Powell has been an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney doing medical malpractice defense, employment and labor law, and civil rights litigation. Ms. Powell is reported to possess good legal ability and she is praised for her temperament. She is considered to be a good practitioner and has been involved in a sufficient amount of sophisticated litigation to warrant the Council finding her Qualified to fill a vacancy.
Lee PRESTON
Present Judicial Duties 1997-present: Judge, Circuit Court, Law Division, Individual Commercial Calendar Section (Supervising Judge since 2005); 2005-present: Supervising Judge Previous Judicial Duties 1994-2007: 1994-19997: Judge, Circuit Court, Child Protection Division
Elected to the Circuit Court in 1994.
Evaluation 11/00 Retention – Circuit Court: Well Qualified
Lee Preston, 56, has been a judge since 1994. He has been assigned to the Juvenile Protection Division and currently is assigned an Individual commercial calendar in the Law Division. Prior to becoming a judge, much of his legal career was spent as a sole practitioner. Judge Preston is praised for his ability to handle an often-complex court call. He has very good legal ability and is considered
