The Chicago Council of Lawyers has now released its evaluations of Cook County judicial candidates. The CCL's complete report, including its full explanation of the criteria it uses in evaluating judicial candidates, can be accessed from this page on the CCL website. For a summary of the Council's process in evaluating judicial candidates, see this post.

There are six candidates for the two Appellate Court vacancies. The Council found three of these candidates "Qualified," one "Well Qualified," and one "Highly Qualified." One candidate was deemed "Not Qualified" by the CCL.

Herewith, then, the Council's evaluations of the candidates for the Appellate Court.


Maureen P. O’Leary – Not Qualified

Maureen P. O’Leary was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2002. Since 2014, she has been Vice President of Litigation and Claims for Aperion Care, Inc., where she provides oversight for the Nursing Home Care Act and medical malpractice litigation for over 50 long-term care facilities in Illinois, Indiana, and Kansas, as well as approximately 2,000 therapists in 140 long-term care facilities in 7 states. Previously, she was a Solo Practitioner at the Law Office of Maureen O’Leary, a general practice (2008-2013), an Associate at Susan E. Loggans & Associates, a medical malpractice and personal injury firm (2004-2007), a Prosecutor in the traffic court division at the Department of Law in the Chicago Corporation Counsel’s Office (2001-2003), and as a Cook County Law Clerk for Presiding Judge Jacqueline Cox (1999-2001). She served as a registered nurse before going to law school.

Ms. O’Leary is considered to have good legal ability and to be knowledgeable about her practice field. She is reported to have a very good, highly professional temperament She had litigation experience in less complex matters earlier in her career and oversees medical malpractice litigation in her current position. However, the Council is concerned that Ms. O’Leary is running for the Illinois Appellate Court, and lacks both litigation experience in complex matters and demonstrated substantial published writing. On balance, the Council finds her Not Qualified for the Illinois Appellate Court.

Hon. Carolyn J. Gallagher – Qualified

Hon. Carolyn J. Gallagher was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1982. Since 2018, she has been assigned to the Probate Division, County Department, where she hears Decedent’s Estates cases, Adult Guardianship cases, and Minor Guardianship cases. Her previous judicial assignments were in the Municipal Department of the First Municipal District, in the Housing Division (2017-2018) and the Traffic Division (2016-2017). Previously she was a Solo Practitioner at the Law Office of Carolyn J. Gallagher (2004-2016), where she handled Appellate Law and Complex Commercial Litigation, Real Estate Law, and Financial Institution Law. She also worked as a Legal Writing Instructor at DePaul University College of Law (2000-2004) and again as a Solo Practitioner at the Law Office of Carolyn Gallagher Brocksmith (1996-2000).

Judge Gallagher is considered to have good legal ability and is reported to have a good temperament with a calm and respectful demeanor on the bench. She is praised for her integrity and diligence. The Council finds her Qualified for the Appellate Court.

Hon. Sandra G. Ramos -- Qualified

Hon. Sandra G. Ramos was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1986. Since 2010, she has been a Cook County Circuit Court Judge, where she is currently assigned to the Law Division/Trial Section. Her previous judicial assignments were at Traffic Court (2010-2013) and at the First Municipal/Branch 48 court (2013-2018), where she presided over felony preliminary hearings, and reviewed bonds and search or arrest warrants for execution. Prior to becoming a judge, she worked as a Solo Practitioner at S.G. Ramos Ltd. (1993-2010), where she handled criminal defense cases, and as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Cook County State’s Attorney Office (1986-1993).

Judge Ramos is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. Respondents find her a capable trial court judge, but the Council is concerned that she has had limited experience presiding over complex legal matters but she enjoys a reputation of being a solid trial court jurist. On balance, the Council finds her Qualified for the Appellate Court.

Hon. Michael Hyman – Highly Qualified

Hon. Michael Hyman was admitted to practice in 1977, Prior to taking the bench, he spent two years with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, and then began a career with the law firm of Much Shelist. Since 2013, he has been on the Appellate Court by appointment, including his appointment to the seat vacated when Justice Neville was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2018. He was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2008, elected in 2008, and retained in 2014.

Justice Hyman is considered to have excellent legal ability and is reported to be always prepared. He is reported to be an active and thoughtful during oral arguments. In addition to opinions, he has published extensively. Respondents spoke highly of his professionalism and temperament. The Council finds him Highly Qualified for the Appellate Court.


Hon. John C. Griffin – Well Qualified

Hon. John C. Griffin was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1976. Since 2018, he has served as a Judge of the Appellate Court of Illinois, First District. Prior to that, he served as a Cook County Circuit Court Judge, where he was assigned to the Law Division – Commercial Calendar T (2011-2018; Supervising Judge, 2013-2018), the Mortgage Foreclosure/Mechanics Lien Section of the Chancery Division (2008-2011), and Traffic Court in the First Municipal District (2008). Prior to becoming a judge, he was Partner/Owner at Griffin & Gallagher (1977-2008), where he handled civil litigation and real estate development and transactions.

Judge Griffin is considered to have excellent legal ability and to be both a sound researcher and hard-working. He is praised for the quality of his written opinions and he is reported to have good judicial temperament. He is a frequent contributor to judicial training sessions. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Appellate Court.

Hon. Sharon O. Johnson -- Qualified

Hon. Sharon O. Johnson was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1996. Since 2010, she has served as a Cook County Circuit Court Judge, where her assignments have included the Sixth Municipal District (2015-present), the Domestic Relations Division, Daley Center (2015), Domestic Relations – Parentage and Child Support (2011-2015), and the Traffic Division (2010-2011). Prior to becoming a judge, she was Sole Practitioner at the Law Office of S.D. Oden, P.C. (1999-2010), where she handled real estate, contract, corporate, and family law matters. She was also an Adjunct Professor at Olive Harvey College (2002-2006), where she taught business law.

Judge Johnson is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. She is praised for being thoughtful and hard-working. Overall, she is reported to be an excellent jurist. The Council finds her Qualified for the Appellate Court.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers has now released its evaluations of Cook County judicial candidates. The CCL's complete report, including its full explanation of the criteria it uses in evaluating judicial candidates, can be accessed from this page on the CCL website. For a summary of the Council's process in evaluating judicial candidates, see this post.

In this post we look at the CCL's ratings of countywide judicial candidates.


Tiesha L. Smith -- Not Recommended

Did not participate in the evaluation process.

Cristin McDonald Duffy -- Qualified

Cristin McDonald Duffy was admitted to practice in 1996 and has been a career Cook County State’s Attorney. She currently works in the Civil Division where she is currently the Deputy Supervisor of the Real Estate Tax Division.

Ms. Duffy has vast experience as a litigator in both criminal and civil matters. She is praised for her litigation skills. She is considered to have good legal ability and is reported to be always well prepared. She is also reported to have an excellent temperament and to be a mentor to less experienced attorneys in her office. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Hon. Kerrie Maloney Laytin -- Qualified

Kerrie Maloney Laytin was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2000 and was appointed to the Circuit Court by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2019. Prior to her appointment, she has served as an assistant corporation counsel for the City of Chicago’s Department of Law, where she practiced appellate law on behalf of the City of Chicago, City employees, and City agencies (2002-2019). Previously, she worked as a staff attorney at the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago (2000-2002). Since 2010, she has volunteered for Columbia Law School, Social Justice Initiatives, as the regional adviser in Chicago for students involved in government and public interest careers.

Judge Laytin is considered to have very good legal ability as an appellate lawyer. She is praised for legal skills and for her professional demeanor, even in the midst of heated legal matters. She is reported to have good judgment and has the ability to resolve contested disputes. The Council is concerned that she has no notable trial experience but we believe that her appellate career has demonstrated the analytical thinking and management skills necessary to be a good Circuit Judge. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.


Kelly M. McCarthy -- Qualified

Kelly M. McCarthy was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2001. She works as a supervisor in the First Municipal Division of the Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender. Other positions that she has held at the Public Defender’s Office include Assistant Public Defender in the Homicide Task Force (2 years); Felony Trial Division (12 years); and Civil Division (1½ years). She is a former board member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. She has volunteered as an evaluator and coach for mock trial and moot court competitions.

Ms. McCarthy is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. She is reported to be knowledgeable and hard-working. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Aileen Bhandari -- Qualified

Aileen Bhandari was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2002. She is an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Cook County State’s Attorney Office, where she prosecutes criminal cases, including Armed Robbery, Criminal Sexual Assault, Attempted Murder, and Murder cases, for the Felony Trial Division. Her pro bono activities include participation in Lawyers in the Classroom (2015).

Ms. Bhandari is considered to have good legal ability and has substantial trial experience in more complex criminal law matters. Her temperament is described as calm and affable. She is a well-respected prosecutor who is described as having a commitment to understanding the needs of different communities and of crime victims from different backgrounds. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Elizabeth “Beth” Ryan -- Qualified

Elizabeth Ryan was admitted to practice in 2004 and concentrates her practice on civil litigation. After law school, she was a judicial clerk for Judge Martin Agran in the Chancery Division of Cook County Circuit Court. Ms Ryan focuses her practice on representing plaintiffs in auto accidents, animal attacks, slip-and-falls, sexual battery, and Social Security disability claims.

Ms. Ryan is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. She is praised for her litigation skills and she has substantial litigation experience in more complex matters. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Hon. James Thomas Derico -- Qualified

James Thomas Derico was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1985 and was appointed to the Circuit Court by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2019. Before taking the bench, he was a partner and founding member of Derico & Associates, providing legal services to small and medium-sized businesses regarding real estate, contract negotiations, dispute resolution, and employee relations.

Judge Derico is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for his temperament and pro bono work. Much of his practice involved legal counseling to businesses. However, he also had substantial litigation experience in the Probate and Chancery Divisions of the Circuit Court and in the Federal courts. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.


U. O’Neal -- Not Recommended

Did not participate in the evaluation.

Laura Ayala-Gonzalez -- Qualified

Laura Ayala-Gonzalez was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2003. For the past 14 years, she has worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Cook County State’s Attorney Office. Currently she is a first chair in the Felony Trial Division.

Ms. Ayala-Gonzalez is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for her trial skills. She has substantial trial experience in complex matters. She is reported to have a very good temperament. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

John O’Meara -- Qualified

John O’Meara was admitted to practice in 1995. He is a trial attorney at the Curcio Law Offices. Mr. O’Meara is considered to have good legal ability and has substantial litigation experience in more complex matters. He is reported to have a good temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.


Jacqueline M. Griffin -- Qualified

Jacqueline M. Griffin was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2005. Since that time, she has been an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Cook County State’s Attorney Office, She is currently assigned to the Sex Assault and Domestic Violence Unit of the Felony Trial Division. Since 2007, she has also been a Solo Practitioner with a focus on wills and real estate transactions.

Ms. Griffin is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. She has substantial litigation experience in more complex matters, The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Daniel L. Collins -- Qualified

Daniel L. Collins was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1998. Since 2014, he has been President and Solo Proprietor of the Dan Collins Law Firm, where he handles worker compensation, business, and employment litigation. He also handled worker compensation litigation at Krol, Bongiorno, and Given, where he was an Associate from 2003 to 2014. From 1999 to 2003, he was an Assistant State’s Attorney at the Cook County State’s Attorney Office, where he tried preliminary hearing and misdemeanor cases and conducted felony review.

Mr. Collins is widely praised as having very good legal ability and excellent research and writing skills. He has substantial litigation experience and is reported to have very good litigation skills. He has a professional demeanor, and, in general, is a well respected practitioner with a variety of experiences. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Mary Therese Quinn -- Qualified

Mary T. Quinn was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1988. Since 2011, she has been a Solo Practitioner who handles criminal defense matters ranging from misdemeanors such as DUI, domestic violence, and traffic violations to felonies including drug cases, theft, robbery, and murder. Previously, she was an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Cook County State’s Attorney Office, where she worked in the Auto Theft Unit (2006-2011), Felony Trial Division (2001-2006, 1992-1998), the Financial Crimes Unit (1998-2001), the Narcotics Division (1990-1992), and at the Bridgeview courthouse, where she prosecuted misdemeanors (1989-1990). She is a member of the Cook County Bar Association and the South Suburban Bar Association, where she serves as Vice President and volunteers for the pro bono program.

Ms. Quinn is considered to have good legal ability with litigation experience in criminal law matters. She is reported to have a good temperament and is praised for her knowledge of the law. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Hon. Celestia L. Mays -- Well Qualified

Hon. Celestia L. Mays was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1990 and was appointed to the Circuit Court by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2019. She was elected to the bench by the Circuit Judges as an Associate Judge in December 2019 . Before taking the bench, she was principal of Celestia L. Mays, P.C., where she practiced in family law and probate law, and handled real estate closings. She previously worked as an associate at Bourgeois & Bourgeois (1994-1997); and at the Los Angeles County law firms of McIntosh, Schmidt & Long (1991-1994, law clerk); and Mercer & Zinder (1988-1991, law clerk). She has served on the board of directors of the Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago; as the deputy regional director and treasurer of Region VII of the National Bar Association; and in a variety of offices at the Cook County Bar Association, including president. She is a former board member of Legal Aid Chicago.

Judge Mays is considered to have very good legal ability and is praised for her temperament. She has substantial litigation experience and is reported to be an excellent practitioner with great integrity. She is praised for her litigation skills. She is exceptionally active in community activities. The Council finds her Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.


Hon. Levander Smith, Jr. -- Qualified

Hon. Levander Smith, Jr. was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1993 and was elected by the Circuit Judges in December 2019 to be an Associate Judge. Before taking the bench, he was a litigation attorney at the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS). Previously he was supervisory regional counsel for DCFS (2011-2015) in St. Clair County, Illinois; Assistant Attorney General in the Office of the Attorney General in Missouri, Labor Division (2006-2011); associate at Cordell & Cordell, P.C. (2005); Assistant State’s Attorney in the Cook County State’s Attorney Office (2003-2004); intermediate attorney in the St. Louis (Missouri) Family Court (2000-2003); and regional counsel and field regional counsel at DCFS in Cook County (1993-1999) and St. Clair County (1999-2000).

Judge Smith has substantial litigation experience and is considered to have good legal ability. He is praised for his trial skills. He is reported to have good temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Suzanne Therese McEneely -- Qualified

Suzanne McEneely was admitted to practice in 2001. She is a career Assistant Cook County Public Defender with the exception of her first year of practice when she was an associate with a civil litigation firm.

Ms. McEneely is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for her litigation skills and her diligence. She is also praised for her knowledge of the law. She has substantial litigation experience in more complex criminal law matters. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Megan Kathleen Mulay -- Qualified

Megan Kathleen Mulay was admitted to practice in 1999. Ms. Mulay is currently an Assistant State’s Attorney within the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. She serves as a First Chair in the Felony Trial Division. Ms. Mulay is responsible for the prosecution of over 300 active felony cases assigned to her courtroom. As a Felony Review Trial Supervisor, Ms. Mulay also manages and supervises a team of assistants responsible for all felony cases called in during their shift. She personally responds to police departments in Cook County when needed and has also presented witnesses before grand juries regarding homicide cases.

Ms. Mulay is a well respected prosecutor who is praised for her integrity and her courtroom skills. She is considered to have good legal ability. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.


Arthur D. Sutton -- Qualified

Arthur D. Sutton was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1993. He is an attorney at the Law Office of Arthur D. Sutton, where he is a general practitioner who focuses on litigation. He has also served as Deputy Chief of Parole in the Illinois Department of Corrections, and as an administrative law judge at the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services.

Mr. Sutton is considered to have good legal ability. He has substantial litigation experience, and is reported to have a good temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Bonnie Carol McGrath -- Not Recommended

Did not participate in the evaluation.

Jennifer Patricia Callahan -- Qualified

Jennifer Patricia Callahan was admitted to practice in 2006. She is a sole practitioner, but spent most of her career as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. She has substantial litigation experience including prosecuting complex felony cases in the Narcotics Prosecutions Bureau, and as a prosecutor in the Alternative Prosecutions Unit where she handled cases in Drug, Mental Health, and Veterans Treatment Courts.

Ms Callahan is praised for her legal ability and knowledge of the law and she is reported to exhibit great patience and sensitivity toward those she has prosecuted and those she now defends. She is also praised for her litigation skills. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Chris Stacey -- Qualified

Christ Stanley Stacey was admitted to practice in 1982. He is a sole practitioner focusing on civil litigation. He is exceptionally active in community affairs. Mr. Stacey is considered to have good legal ability and his praised as a solid practitioner with substantial litigation experience and good trial skills. He is reported to have a professional temperament, and his praised for his diligence and integrity. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Joy E. Tolbert Nelson -- Qualified

Joy E. Tolbert Nelson was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2000. Since that time, she has served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Cook County State’s Attorney Office, where she is currently the lead Attorney in the Felony Trial Division at Maywood, District 4. She is a member of the National Black Prosecutor’s Association, the Black Women’s Lawyer’s Association, and the Chicago Bar Association, where she has served on the Judicial Evaluation Committee, the Environmental Law Practice Committee, and the Environmental Law and Energy Committee.

Ms.Nelson is considered to have good legal ability. As a prosecutor, she has substantial litigation experience and is praised for her temperament. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Joseph Chico -- Not Qualified

Joseph Chico was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1993. Since 1995, he has been Managing Partner at Joseph Chico and Associates, P.C., a general practice. He is also a Hearing Officer at the City of Chicago’s Department of Human Resources (1996-present) and the Chicago Housing Authority’s Housing Choice Voucher Program (2012-present), as well as an Administrative Law Judge at the City of Chicago’s Department of Administrative Hearings (1997-present). Previously he worked as a Law Clerk and Associate Attorney at two general practice law firms, Moreno & Hernandez, Ltd. (1993-1994) and James J. Conlon and Associates (1992-1993).

Mr. Chico is considered to have good legal ability and knowledge of the law. He is particularly praised for his temperament as an administrative hearing officer presiding over sometime emotionally charged hearings. In 2015, the Council said:

Mr. Chico is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He has had a successful neighborhood law practice and serves as an Administrative Law Judge. The Council is concerned, however, that he lacks substantial litigation experience in more complex matters, and that his work as an Administrative Law Judge, while laudable, is not a sufficient substitute. He does report having published scholarly works.

Mr. Chico is respected as an administrative law judge but his career lacks substantial litigation experience in more complex matters. The Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.


Hon. Teresa Molina -- Qualified

Hon. Teresa Molina was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2001. Since July 24, 2019, she has served as a Cook County Circuit Court Judge, where she is assigned to the Traffic Section of the First Municipal District. Before becoming a judge, she served as Chief of Prosecutions for the Division of Real Estate in the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (2016-2019) and as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Cook County State’s Attorney Office (2001-2016), where she prosecuted criminal felonies and misdemeanors as well as civil cases related to the enforcement of child support.

Judge Molina is considered to have good legal ability. She had received good marks as a hard-working prosecutor before taking the bench. She is considered to be a good jurist in the limited time she has been on the bench. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Michael O’Malley -- Qualified

Michael O’Malley was admitted to practice in 2005. He serves as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney in the Civil Bureau. From 2013 to 2015 he was in the Special Prosecutions Bureau. He has worked in the Criminal Prosecutions Bureau and in the Child Support Unit. He is considered to have good legal ability. He is reported to have a good knowledge of the laws and has substantial litigation-related experience. He is praised for his temperament and for his litigation skills. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.


Hon. Sheree D. Henry -- Qualified

Sheree D. Henry was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1994, Since 1999, she has been an Assistant Public Defender in Cook County Public Defender's Office, where she represents indigent clients in felony cases. She has also worked as an Assistant Public Guardian in the Cook County Public Guardian’s Office (1995-1999), where she represented abused and neglected children in Juvenile Court.

Ms. Henry is considered to have good legal ability with substantial bench and jury litigation experience in a variety of criminal law matters. Respondents generally say that she is a good lawyer with good trial skills. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Dan Walsh -- Not Recommended

Did not participate in the evaluation.

Amanda Moira Pillsbury -- Not Qualified

Amanda Moira Pillsbury was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2004. Since 2005, she has worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Cook County State’s Attorney Office, where she currently serves in the Felony Trial Division at the Leighton Criminal Court building. Her previous assignments there included the Felony Trial Division Skokie Courthouse; the Branch 66 Homicide and Sex Crimes Unit; the Grand Jury Unit; the Preliminary Hearings Unit; and the Felony Review Unit.

Ms. Pillsbury is considered to have good legal ability. Most respondents praised her temperament but a few noted that she can, on occasion, be abrasive with opposing counsel. She has substantial litigation experience although some respondents noted that a substantial amount of her experience has been in less complex matters. Most respondents praised her trial skills, although there were a few respondents who questioned her diligence. Most respondents praised her as a prosecutor. On balance, the Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Keely Patricia Hillison -- Qualified

Keely Patricia Hillison was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1985. She is a Partner in the law firm of Parrillo Weiss LLP, where she handles civil litigation and appeals, working primarily on personal injury and insurance matters. She previously worked as an Associate for two law firms: Sidney L. Berger (1987-1989), where she handled civil litigation, appeals, and bankruptcy matters, and William L. Needler and Associates (1985-1986), where she handled bankruptcy matters.

Ms. Hillison is considered to have good legal ability. She is praised for her knowledge of the law in her field, and for her temperament. She has substantial litigation experience and is praised for her litigation skills. The Council notes that Ms. Hillison was involved earlier in her career in litigation matters where her firm was accused of filing frivolous claims. But in light of the totality of a well-respected career, the Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.


Elizabeth Anne Walsh -- Qualified

Elizabeth A. Walsh was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2006. Since 2007, she has been an Attorney at Bruce Farrel Dorn & Associates, where she handles insurance defense cases. From 2006 to 2007, she was an Associate Attorney at Paul H. Wharton & Associates, where she defended personal injury actions.

Ms. Walsh is considered to have good legal ability. She is praised for her temperament and for her responsiveness to opposing counsel. She has substantial litigation experience. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Hon. Lloyd James Brooks -- Qualified

Lloyd James Brooks was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2000. Since 2013, he has been a partner at the Consumer Legal Group, P.C., where he focuses on insurance coverage, consumer protection, and real estate and mortgage foreclosure defense. Previously, he was owner of The Brooks Law Firm (2004-2013); an associate at Lord, Bissell & Brook (2002-2004); and an associate at Zevnik Horton (2000-2002). Since 2008, he has taken on pro bono cases for the Access to Justice Program at Chicago Volunteer Legal Services.

Mr. Brooks is considered to have good legal ability. He is considered to be well-prepared with a good grasp of the law and procedure. He is reported to have an excellent temperament – a zealous advocate while showing respect for opposing counsel and judges. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Heather Kent Jacobsmeier (Heather Anne Kent) -- Qualified

Heather Kent Jacobsmeier was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2006. Since that time, she has served as an Assistant State’s Attorney at the Cook County State’s Attorney Office, where her assignments have included Second Chair, Felony Trial Division (2016-present);Trial Supervisor, Felony Review Unit (2018); and Third Chair, Felony Trial Division (2013-2016); Preliminary Hearings and Grand Jury Unit (2013); Felony Review Unit (2011-2013); Delinquency Division (2009-2011), Child Protection Division (2007-2009) of the Juvenile Justice Bureau; and the First Municipal Division of the Criminal Prosecutions Bureau (2006-2007).

Ms. Kent Jacobsmeier is considered to have good legal ability. She is reported to have good temperament and respondents noted her high integrity. She has substantial litigation experience. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.


Hon. Lynn Weaver Boyle -- Qualified

Lynn K. Weaver was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1990. Before her appointment to the bench, she was a partner at Grotefeld, Hoffmann, Schleiter, Gordon, Ochoa, & Evinger, where worked since 2007. There, she handled commercial litigation matters with a focus on contract, tort, product liability, and construction defects. Previously she was a partner at Grotefeld & Denenberg (1999-2007), and an Assistant State’s Attorney at the Cook County State’s Attorney Office (1990-1999), where she worked in the Felony Trial Division, as well as the Narcotics Unit and Gang Crimes Unit of the Special Prosecutions Bureau. She provides pro bono services for Wills for Heroes.

Ms. Weaver is considered to have good legal ability. She has substantial trial experience, particularly while an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney, and has had litigation experience more recently, as well. She is a respected practitioner with a good temperament. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.


Lorraine Mary Murphy -- Qualified

Lorraine Mary Murphy was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2003. She is an Assistant State’s Attorney at the Cook County State’s Attorney Office, where she currently is First Chair in a felony courtroom at the George Leighton Criminal Courthouse. She is a member of several bar associations, including the Chicago Bar Association, where she served on the Judicial Evaluation Committee.

Ms. Murphy is considered to have good legal ability. She is reported to have a good temperament and is praised for her trial skills. She has substantial experience in complex litigation matters and is currently a lead prosecutor in a felony trial courtroom. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

James Patrick Crawley -- Qualified

James Patrick Crawley was admitted to practice in 1990. He is currently a sole practitioner. From 1999 to 2002 he was Deputy General Counsel in the Cook County Treasurer’s Office. Before 1999 he was a lawyer in small law firms handling personal injury litigation work. He has substantial experience handling more complex personal injury litigation. Mr. Crawley is praised a solid litigator who is hard-working with a good temperament. He is considered to have good legal ability and is exceptionally knowledgeable. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Araceli Reyes De La Cruz -- Qualified

Araceli Reyes De La Cruz was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2001. Since 2016, she has been the General Counsel/Chief Administrative Officer for Arcero Schools, a larger Chicago charter school network. There, she handles a variety of matters, including student law, labor and employment, and corporate transactions. Previously, she was Chief of General Prosecutions at the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations (2014-2016); Deputy Chief of Staff (2009-2011) and Chief Safety and Security Officer (2011-2014) of the Chicago Transit Authority; and an Assistant State’s Attorney at the Cook County State’s Attorney Office (2001-2009). She provides pro bono services to the Casa Central Social Service Agency.

Ms. De La Cruz is considered to have very good legal ability with substantial litigation experience in both civil and criminal law matters. She is reported to always be prepared and is praised for her litigation skills. Her career has included a variety of legal areas, and she has demonstrated that she is adept at learning new law and applying that law to a variety of approaches. She is reported to have an excellent temperament – respectful while being a zealous advocate. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.


Deidre Baumann -- Qualified

Deidre Baumann was admitted to practice in 1992. She is an owner of a small firm focusing on litigation in personal injury, employment discrimination, civil rights, legal malpractice, First Amendment, and general commercial litigation. From 1993 to 1996 she worked for a small firm doing trial and appellate litigation around First Amendment issues. From 1996 to 2001, she was a sole practitioner.

Respondents in our evaluation say Ms. Baumann has good legal ability, and that she has a good temperament. Ms. Baumann is reported to be a respected attorney with substantial litigation experience and a demonstrated commitment to court reform. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Maura McMahon Zeller -- Qualified

Maura McMahon Zeller was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1993. For the past 15 years she has been is an Attorney and Solo Practitioner at Maura McMahon Zelller, Attorney at Law, where she focuses on Child Representative, Guardian Ad Litem, and mediation matters. Prior to that, for ten years she served as an Assistant Public Guardian at the Office of the Public Guardian in Chicago, Illinois.

Ms. Zeller is considered to have good legal ability and she is praised for her temperament. She has substantial litigation experience, although her area of practice is narrow. However, she is highly respected for her knowledge and for her skills, including her work in a Special Litigation Unit in the Office of the Public Guardian where her office filed Section 1983 civil rights actions on behalf of children who were injured or killed while in foster care. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Hon. Russell W. Hartigan -- Well Qualified

Hon. Russell W. Hartigan was admitted to practice in 1976. He served as a Circuit Court judge between 2010 and 2017. He was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2010. As a lawyer he practiced for 34 years before becoming a judge and has practiced since retiring from the bench in 2017. He has been exceptionally active in bar association activities.

As a lawyer, Judge Hartigan had substantial litigation experience in both civil and criminal law matters, including appellate court experience. He was praised for his litigation skills, for his temperament, and for his integrity. As a judge, he spent much of his career in the Bridgeview Courthouse hearing a variety of cases. He was a well-respected jurist who was praised for his courtroom demeanor and management skills. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.


Jill Rose Quinn -- Qualified

Jill Rose Quinn was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1983. Ms. Quinn began her career at Michael Barford as an associate. She then spent three years at Mevorah and Associates. In 1988, she worked at Jegen and Associates handling municipal law matters. She worked there until she started a solo practice in 1996, focusing on real estate. Additionally, she has worked as a Cook County arbitrator and a DuPage County arbitrator.

Ms. Quinn is considered to have good legal ability and temperament, and has substantial litigation experience in more complex legal areas. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

James Samuel Worley -- Qualified

James S. Worley was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2004. Since 2019, he has been the Managing Attorney at Gottreich, Grace, & Thompson, where he handles domestic relations matters and represents police officers before the Citizens Organization for Police Accountability and the Chicago Police Internal Review Board. Previously, he was Owner of the Law Offices of J. Samuel Worley, LLC, where he handled domestic relations matters (2009-2018), and an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Cook County State’s Attorney Office, where he worked in the Felony Review department (2009); the Preliminary Hearing and Grand Jury Division (2008-2009); the Maywood courthouse, where he prosecuted misdemeanor cases (2006-2008); and the Child Enforcement Division (2004-2006).

Mr. Worley receives high praise for his legal knowledge, ability, and experience. He is reported to have a good temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Wendelin “Wendi” DeLoach -- Not Recommended

Did not participate in the evaluation.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers has now released its evaluations of Cook County judicial candidates. The CCL's complete report, including its full explanation of the criteria it uses in evaluating judicial candidates, can be accessed from this page on the CCL website. For a summary of the Council's process in evaluating judicial candidates, see this post.

In this post we look at the CCL's ratings of judicial candidates running in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 6th Subcircuits.



Krista D. Butler -- Not Recommended

Did not participate in the evaluation process.


Hon. Tyria B. Walton – Well Qualified

Hon. Tyria B. Walton. was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1997. Appointed to the bench in 2018, she previously served as an Assistant Public Defender and a Grade IV Murder Task Force Attorney at the Law Office the Cook County Public Defender.

Ms. Walton is considered to have very good legal ability with substantial litigation experience in complex matters. She is praised for her trial skills, her diligence and for her integrity. She is considered to be exceptionally knowledgeable and serves as a mentor to less experienced attorneys. The Council finds her Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.



Hon. Sondra Nicole Denmark -- Qualified

Hon. Sondra Nicole Denmark was admitted to practice in 2004 and was appointed to the Circuit Court by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2018. Before taking the bench, she served as an Assistant Will County State’s Attorney since 2008, and was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney from 2004 to 2007. Ms. Denmark is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. She has substantial litigation experience. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Felicia H. Simmons-Stovall -- Qualified

Felicia H. Simmons-Stovall was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1996. Since 2006, she has served as an Enforcement Attorney in the Illinois Department of Securities. Previously, worked for the Administrative Hearings division of the Illinois Secretary of State as an Administrative Formal Hearing Officer (2000-2006) and a Prosecutor/Representative (1999-2000). She provides pro bono services at the Apostolic Church of God, where she organizes legal workshops, and at the annual Second Chance Expungement Summit at the office of the Clerk of Circuit Court of Cook County.

Felicia H. Simmons-Stovall is considered to have good legal ability and has a variety of legal experiences. She is generally praised for her professional demeanor. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Chelsey R. Robinson -- Qualified

Chelsey R. Robinson was admitted to practice in 1996. She is a Partner in a small firm where she handles civil and criminal litigation matters. Her practice also includes bankruptcy and employment discrimination matters in federal court. She is widely praised for her legal ability and for her knowledge of the law. She has litigation experience in a variety of matters in both state and federal courts. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.



Hon. Daniel Edward Maloney -- Qualified

Hon. Daniel Edward Maloney was admitted to practice in 2001. He was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2019. Before taking the bench, Judge Maloney served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. He was assigned to the Complex Narcotics Unit of Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. For two years, he had been the sole Assistant State’s Attorney assigned to the DEA/HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) Strike Force. While there, Mr. Maloney assisted law enforcement agencies in the investigation and prosecution of high level narcotics dealers. Judge Maloney had been employed within the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office from 2001 to his appointment to the bench. He has also worked within the Special Prosecutions Bureau and the Criminal Prosecutions Bureau.

As a lawyer, Judge Maloney is considered to have good legal ability and has substantial experience in prosecuting complex criminal law matters, including murder cases. He is praised for his courtroom skills and for his temperament. He is reported to be an excellent mentor to less experienced lawyers. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.


Lauren Brougham Glennon -- Qualified

Lauren B. Glennon was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2003. Since 2017, she has been a Solo Practitioner at Glennon Law LLC, where she handles general legal matters, including traffic tickets, commercial and residential real estate transactions, and property tax appeals. Previously, she worked as a Senior Associate at Odelson & Sterk, LTD (2014-2017), a Senior Associate at Worsek & Vihon, LLP (2006-2014), and Assistant Corporation Counsel for Buildings and Land Use Litigation at the City of Chicago’s Law Department (2000-2006).

Lauren Glennon is considered to have good legal ability, and is praised for her litigation skills. She is reported to have experience in a variety of legal areas and to have good temperament. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

David A. Bonoma -- Qualified

David Alan Bonoma was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1988. He is a Partner in Chicago office of Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, LLP, where he serves as the firm’s representative in interacting with current or potential governmental clients, and for business development in the States of Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Previously he served as Acting Director of External Affairs, North Region, of Commonwealth Edison (2012-2014), as Founding Partner of Reyes & Bonomona, Ltd. (2005-2011), as Shareholder in the Government Group of Greenberg & Traurig, LLP (2003-2005), as Chief of Staff and Assistant State’s Attorney in the Cook County State’s Attorney Office (1997-2003), and as an Associate Attorney with Phelan Pope & John, Ltd./Shefsky Froelich & Devine, Ltd. (1988-1997). He provides pro bono services for the Maryville Academic, a Catholic social services organization, where he is currently Chair of the Legal Affairs Committee.

Mr. Bonoma is considered to have good legal ability, and is reported to be exceptionally hard-working and a good problem solver. He has vast experience handling transactional work, but has never handled a jury trial. He has some litigation experience in more complex matters, and is praised for his integrity and for his temperament. The Council is concerned about his lack of substantial litigation experience, but he has excelled in a variety of settings throughout his career. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Regina Ann Mescall -- Qualified

Regina Mescall was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2008, but has practiced since 2004. Since 2008, she worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Cook County State’s Attorney Office, where she currently serves as a First Chair in the Felony Trial Division and previously served in the Felony Review Unit (2018—Jan. 2019, 2015-2016, 2008-2009), the Felony Trial Division (2016-2018, 2012-2015), and the Preliminary Hearing/Grand Jury Unit (2009-2012). Prior to that, she was Assistant District Attorney in the state of New Mexico (2004-2008). She is a member in good standing of the National District Attorney’s Association.

Ms. Mescall is considered to have good legal ability and handles some of the most complex matters in the State’s Attorney’s Office. She is praised for her litigation skills and for her professional demeanor. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

James John Knibbs -- Qualified

James John Knibbs was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1985. He is Of Counsel at Foran Glennon Palandech Ponzi & Rudloff, where he handles civil litigation in state and federal court. He began his legal career at the Cook County State’s Attorney Office, where he served as an Assistant State’s Attorney from 1985 to 1989 and from 2002 to 2008. He has also worked at several private law firms where he handled personal injury and wrongful death matters.

Mr. Knibbs is considered to have good legal ability with substantial litigation experience in both criminal and civil matters. He is praised for his work ethic, knowledge of the law, and demeanor. He is also praised for his litigation skills and is reported to be always prepared. He is reported to have good temperament and to be diligent and punctual. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Thomas Condon, Jr. -- Qualified

Thomas Condon, Jr. was admitted to practice in 2001 and is currently in private practice. In the past has been an attorney with the Chicago Department of Law. He has substantial litigation experience in tort matters and commercial disputes.

Mr. Condon is considered to have good legal ability with substantial experience in a variety of legal areas. He is praised for his temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Brad S. Telander -- Qualified

Brad S. Telander was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1983. Since 2014, he has been the Owner of Telander & Associates, where he handles traffic, misdemeanor, and felony matters. Previously he was a Partner at Telander & Telander (1992-2014), an Attorney for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad (1991-1992), and an Assistant State’s Attorney for the Cook County State’s Attorney Office (1983-1991), where he worked in the Felony Review unit, the Preliminary Hearings unit, the Felony Trial Division, and Gang Crimes unit.

Mr. Telander is considered to have good legal ability. He is reported to be a solid practitioner with good legal knowledge and trial skills. He has substantial litigation experience, and is reported to have a good temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Scott Edward Lipinski -- Not Qualified

Scott Lipinski was admitted to practice in 2002. He is a career Assistant Cook County Public Defender, currently assigned to the felony rotation in the Markham Courthouse where he now handles felony defense matters. He handled misdemeanor and other less complex matters for much of his career, but he now has begun defending more complex cases. He is considered to have good legal ability and many lawyers report that he is a zealous advocate for his clients. However, there were several reports that Mr. Lipinski can be abrasive and lack courtesy. On balance, the Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.


Hon. Erin Haggerty Antonietti -- Qualified

Hon. Erin Haggerty Antonietti was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1991. She was appointed to the Circuit Court by the Illinois Supreme Court in June 2019. Prior to taking the bench, she worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Criminal Division of the Cook County State’s Attorney Office, where she was assigned to Central Bond Court, a position she held for more than 17 years. Between 1991 and 1994, she was an associate at Bresnahan & Garvey, an insurance defense firm. Since June 2019 she has been assigned to the First Municipal District assigned to traffic, civil non-jury, eviction, and pro se courtrooms. She has presided over bench trials, motions to dismiss, motions for sanctions, and motions to quash arrest and suppress evidence.

As a lawyer, Judge Antonietti has spent most of her professional career in Central Bond Court, where she was praised as professional, knowledgeable, and organized. She had litigation experience in more complex matters earlier in her career. As a Judge, she is reported to demonstrating good legal ability, temperament, and the ability to manage high volume courtrooms. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Thomas G. O’Brien -- Not Recommended

Did not participate in the evaluation.



Jamie Guerra Dickler -- Qualified

Jamie Guerra Dickler was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2005. Since that time, she has worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney at the Cook County State’s Attorney Office, where since 2013 she has been assigned to various felony courtrooms and has served as lead counsel on over one hundred bench trials. Her other assignments at the State’s Attorney Office include various preliminary hearing courtrooms and the Grand Jury, Sex and Homicide Unit, as well as the Felony Review Unit. She also handled various misdemeanor cases there, including domestic violence.

Ms. Dickler is praised for her legal ability and for her integrity in negotiating with opposing counsel. She is reported to be highly professional and always well prepared. All reports indicate that Ms. Dickler is an ethical prosecutor with good abilities. She is active in in the community. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Anne Shaw – Not Qualified

Anne I. Shaw was admitted to practice in 1995. Since 2003, she has been the founder and owner of Shaw Legal Services, Ltd. (formerly known as Shaw & Associates), where she focuses on civil litigation, civil rights, business transactions, real estate, bankruptcy, and estate planning matters. Previously, she was an Associate at the Law Offices of Robert Orman (1995-2003).

Ms. Shaw is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for her temperament. She has substantial litigation experience. The Council would find her Qualified for the Circuit Court but we are concerned about her role in a problematic ethics issue. The Council notes a recent court case involving her role in questionable real estate matters. She has offered an explanation. While Ms. Shaw admits offering the use of her real estate license, she claims to have never been an active part of the family company involved in the dealings. However, she also states that she trained the staff and licensed real estate sales agents and was responsible for compliance with all laws, rules and regulations for the first two years it operated. In light of the various issues raised by the court case and the need to maintain the highest levels of integrity in the Circuit Court, the Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.


Eileen Marie O'Connor – Qualified

Eileen Marie O’Connor was admitted to practice in 2006. She specializes in civil litigation and has worked in several private law firms. Her focus is in personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability, railroad and construction negligence, workplace injuries, and civil rights matters. She has handled other cases including criminal law on child abuse matters pro bono. She is considered to have good legal ability and is praised as being hard-working. She has substantial motion practice in more complex legal matters. She is considered to have a good temperament and to be diligent and punctual. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Cory Eli Oshita – Not Qualified

Cory Oshita was admitted to practice in 2008. He has been a sole practitioner since 2011 with a focus on domestic relations case. He also serves as an administrative hearing officer for the Chicago Board of Education. He was an attorney in a small firm between 2008 and 2010. Mr. Oshita is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for his knowledge of domestic relations law. He is reported to be diligent and have a very good demeanor. He has bench trial litigation experience. While the candidate is well respected as a lawyer, the Council is concerned about the depth and breadth of his practice, particularly in light of the relatively small number of years that he has been a lawyer. The Council finds him Not Qualified at this time.

Anthony Lucafo – Qualified

Anthony Lucafo was admitted to practice in 2006. He is an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney currently assigned to the Felony Trial Division at the Leighton Criminal Courts Building. He is described as a trial attorney who has good legal ability and temperament, He has substantial litigation experience in more complex matters and is praised for being willing to help train younger prosecutors. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers has now released its evaluations of Cook County judicial candidates. The CCL's complete report, including its full explanation of the criteria it uses in evaluating judicial candidates, can be accessed from this page on the CCL website. For a summary of the Council's process in evaluating judicial candidates, see this post.

In this post we look at the CCL's ratings of judicial candidates running in the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th Subcircuits.



Owens "Joe" Shelby -- Qualified

Owens J. Shelby was admitted to practice in 2007. He has been a career Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney working as a second chair prosecutor in a felony trial courtroom. He served for less than a year as the Assistant Counsel to the Speaker of the Illinois House, and as a contract attorney with Loevy & Loevy in 2007 to 2008. Mr. Shelby is considered to have good legal ability with a very good temperament. He is praised for his diligence. Most lawyers praise his abilities although a few say he lacks adequate experience. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Marcia O’Brien Conway -- Well Qualified

Marcia O’Brien Conway was admitted to practice in 1984. She was a sole practitioner between 1986 and 1991. She retired from the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office in 2018 after having served there since 1993. She represented Cook County and County officials in real estate tax litigation between 2008 and 2018. She drafted and negotiated purchase and sale agreements between 1994 and 2008. She was in private practice between 1994 and 1988, including at the law firm of Winston & Strawn.

Ms. Conway is praised for her legal ability and knowledge. She was often cited as an expert in real estate and taxation law. She is reported to always be well prepared and she is praised for her litigation skills. She is considered to have a very good temperament with a patient but effective demeanor. She is said to be exceptionally hard working. The Council finds her Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Pamela Reaves-Harris -- Qualified

Pamela Reaves-Harris was admitted to practice in 1992. She was an Illinois State Representative for the 10th District. From 1996 to 2015 she was a sole practitioner and served as Assistant Vice President/Compliance Officer for Citibank between 1993 and 1995. She has served as an Administrative Law Judge for several municipalities. She is considered to be smart and knowledgeable. She has an extraordinary record of community service and is well respected for her work as a practicing attorney and as an administrative law judge. She has an exemplary temperament. The Council is concerned that she has little litigation experience but we note that her overall experience demonstrates the ability to be a good judge. On balance, the Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Mable Taylor -- Not Recommended

Did not participate in the evaluation.

Kristen Marie Lyons -- Not Recommended

Did not participate in the evaluation.



Jonathan Clark Green -- Qualified

Jonathan C. Green was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1986. He is senior counsel/supervisor of the Department of Law at the City of Chicago, Federal Civil Rights Litigation Division, where is responsible for all aspects of civil rights and torts litigation. From 2003 to 2013, he worked as a principal of the Law Offices of Green and Green, P.C., and of counsel at Rock, Fusco & Garvey Ltd. At both firms his practice included domestic and international civil litigation, including business and construction litigation, real estate and commercial transactions, and international law.

Mr. Green is viewed by many respondents as knowledgeable about substantive and procedural law with good legal ability. To these lawyers, he is a solid practitioner. Most respondents report that he has a good temperament. In general, he has had an impressive legal career with substantial litigation experience in more complex matters. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Bradley R. Trowbridge -- Qualified

Bradley R. Trowbridge was admitted to practice in Illinois in 2000. Prior to law school he served as a social worker. Since 2004 he has served as a solo practitioner focusing on domestic relations issues. He has worked as a staff attorney at the Chicago Department of Law; a staff attorney at the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago; and as an associate with Audrey Gaynor & Associates. He has handled domestic violence order of protection pro bono work.

Mr. Trowbridge is considered to have good legal ability. He has had substantial litigation experience in a variety of areas. Judges and practitioners praise his litigation skills. A few respondents questioned his temperament, but on balance, the Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.


Hon. Michael A. Forti -- Qualified

Hon. Michael A. Forti was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1980. In 2016, he was appointed a Circuit Judge by the Illinois Supreme Court and was elected by the Circuit Judges in 2019 as an Associate Judge. He is currently assigned to the Domestic Relations Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Previously he was Chief Counsel and Ethics Officer at the Illinois Department of Transportation (2012-2015); Deputy Corporation Counsel (1999-2012) and Chief Assistant Corporation Counsel (1994-1998) for the City of Chicago Department of Law; and associate (1980-1988) and equity and income partner (1988-1994) at Bell Boyd & Lloyd (now K&L Gates), where he handled commercial litigation and antitrust counseling.

Judge Forti was considered to be a good attorney with good legal ability and temperament. As a judge, he continues to receive very positive marks. He has demonstrated his ability to handle a high volume call and is praised for his handling of pro se litigants – respectful and informative without going beyond the role of judge. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.



Pamela "Pam" Stratigakis -- Qualified

Pamela J. Stratigakis was admitted to practice in 2001. She is Partner/Of Counsel at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP, where she handles cases involving long-term care and elder law, health care, and medical malpractice. From 2003 to August 2019, she served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Cook County State’s Attorney Office, where her assignments included Felony Trial Division, First Chair, Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Division; Special Prosecutor, Office of Violence Against Women, Women VOICES Campus Initiative Grant (2015-2018); the Special Litigation Unit; the Post-Conviction Unit; the Narcotics Division; and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. From 2001 to 2003, she was an Associate Attorney at the Huppert Richard and Wood Law Firm, where she handled civil litigation, contracts for commercial and corporate transactions, business agreements, acquisitions, and sales mergers.

Ms. Stratigakis is considered to have good legal ability and has litigation experience in both criminal and civil matters. She is praised for her litigation skills and for her temperament. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Hon. Thomas M. Cushing -- Well Qualified

Hon. Thomas Maloney Cushing was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1988. He was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2019. Before taking the bench, he was of counsel to the offices of Christopher A. Kreid and Associates, focusing on commercial and chancery litigation. From 2006-2010, Mr. Cushing was Senior Vice President for Membership at the Chicago Climate Exchange, applying his legal skills in a business/environmental policy role. From 2005-2006, he was principal in his own law practice, specializing in personal injury practice. During this time, he also assisted Counsel to the Shakman Decree Monitor. From 1988-2005, he was an associate at Ambrose & Cushing, specializing in civil trials, particularly personal injury, professional malpractice, and municipal liability. Since 2013, he has volunteered as a Hearing Board Member at the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission.

As a lawyer Judge Cushing is reported to have been a solid practitioner with very good ability and an excellent temperament. He has substantial litigation experience in complex matters, and is praised for his litigation skills and for his temperament. He has been involved with numerous community activities, including teaching and environmental advocacy. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Ira I. Silverstein -- Not Qualified

Ira I. Silverstein was admitted to practice in 1985. He was an elected official serving as a State Senator of the 8th District from 1999 to 2018. He has been a sole practitioner from July 1988 to the present, handling civil litigation and probate. From 1988 to approximately 1990, he co-counseled for a collection law firm, handling more than 30 trials a year. He was accused of harassment but was cleared after an investigation by the legislative inspector general. But the inspector general’s report found that he have behaved in a way “unbecoming of a legislator.” He lost his re-election bid in 2018.

Mr. Silverstein is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He has had litigation experience throughout his extensive legal career. The Council is concerned about his past ethical lapse. On balance, the Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Timothy Patrick Carter -- Qualified

Timothy Patrick Carter was admitted to practice in 1995. He has been in private practice since 2012 and served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney from 1992 to 2012. He is considered to a solid practitioner with good legal ability and temperament. He is praised for his litigation skills, and has substantial litigation experience. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.


Thomas Peter Kougias -- Not Qualified

Thomas P. Kougias was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1988. Mr. Kougias He is currently in private practice handling criminal defense work. He served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for most of his career, leaving the State’s Attorney’s Office in 2012. In 2013, the Council said, “Mr. Kougias has had substantial litigation experience, but the Council is concerned that he has not distinguished himself as a prosecutor. Many lawyers say that he lacks sufficient trial management skills to become a judge and some lawyers say that he is not always punctual. The Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.“ While the current investigation shows some improvement in these areas, the Council’s previous concerns continue to exist. The Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Julie Bess Aimen -- Well Qualified

Julie Bess Aimen was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1984. She has had a solo private practice since 1986, specializing in criminal, family, municipal, and civil rights law. From 1984 to 1986, Ms. Aimen was an Assistant Appellate Defender with the Office of the State Appellate Defender (OSAD). She has also been a Hearing Officer for the City of Chicago Department of Revenue (1992-1997). She has taught Trial Advocacy and, since 1999, has been a judge for the National Trial Advocacy Competition. Ms. Aimen has been a chair-qualified Cook County Arbitrator since 1990 and is a past president of Illinois Attorneys for Criminal Justice.

Ms. Aimen is considered to have very good legal ability and a good temperament. She has extensive complex litigation experience in the areas of criminal law, family law, civil rights, and appellate law. She is considered to be a zealous advocate for her clients. Her integrity is unquestioned. Ms. Aimen is highly regarded as an excellent practitioner and she is praised for her work in improving the administration of justice through her pro bono efforts. The Council considers Ms. Aimen to be Well Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.

Hon. Michael Alan Strom -- Well Qualified

Hon. Michael A. Strom was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1977. Before his appointment to the bench, in early 2019, Strom had a litigation practice with Strom & Associates. From 1997 to 2011 he was Staff Counsel to CNA while in private practice. He was a lawyer and then a partner with Schaffenegger, Watson & Peterson from 1978 to 1984. Mr. Strom has good legal ability and has been widely praised for his good temperament. He has extensive experience as a trial lawyer on a variety of challenging cases. He is also involved in community activities such as the Chicago Coalition for Law-Related Education. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Basileios “Bill” John Foutris -- Qualified

Basileios “Bill” John Foutris was admitted to practice in 2000. His practice has been devoted to representing victims of police misconduct. As a civil rights lawyer, he has been involved in litigating wrongful death, police shootings, police brutality, illegal searches, false arrest, coerced confessions, malicious prosecution and other police misconduct. He has substantial litigation experience in both state and federal courts. He is praised for his knowledge of the law. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.



Hon. John G. Mulroe -- Qualified

Judge John Mulroe was admitted to practice in 1988. He was appointed to the Circuit Court by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2019. Before being appointed to the bench, he served in the Illinois legislator as a Senator from 10th Senate District. Judge Mulroe has served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney, a hearing officer with the Chicago Park District and an arbitrator with the Cook County Mandatory Program. His professional background includes working as a Certified Public Accountant.

As an attorney, Judge Mulroe was considered to have good legal ability and was respected for his trial skills and for his integrity. He was reported to have a very good temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.


John Garrido – Not Recommended

Did not participate in the evaluation.

Jon Stromsta -- Qualified

Jon K. Stromsta was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1985. He is a partner at the Enterprise Law Group, where he focuses on civil litigation in commercial, chancery, intellectual property, and family law cases. He has also worked as an attorney at Pasulka & Associates (2008-2010); an Assistant Appellate Defender in the Office of the State Appellate Defender, Post-Conviction Unit (2004-2008); a solo practitioner (2000-2004), an attorney at the Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Health and Welfare and Pension Funds (1997-2000); and an associate and partner at Ross & Hardies (1985-1997). He provides pro bono services at the Expungement Summit sponsored by the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Cabrini Green Legal Aid (2016-present), and as a courtroom facilitator in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Domestic Relations Division (2009-present).

Mr. Stromsta is considered to have good legal ability and is widely respected for his knowledge of the law in a variety of areas. He has litigation experience both at the trial court and at the appellate court levels. He has a professional demeanor. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Maire Aileen Dempsey -- Qualified

Maire A. Dempsey was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2002. Since 2016, she has served as a Partner at Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd., where she is a medical malpractice defense litigator. Previously, she also handled medical malpractice defense matters at Hickey Mella & Associates, where she was an Associate Attorney (2008-2015).

Ms. Dempsey is considered to have good legal ability. She is praised for her temperament and her litigation skills. She has substantial litigation experience in more complex matters. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.


Hon. Daniel Alexander Trevino -- Well Qualified

Hon. Daniel Alexander Trevino was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1999. Before he became an associate judge, in 2018, Mr. Trevino had spent his entire career at Hinshaw and Culbertson, where he was a partner. From 2007 his practice focused on product liability, toxic exposure and wrongful death matters. Since 2011, Mr. Trevino has also served as a commissioner on the Illinois Medical District Commission (IMD). As one of two commissioners appointed by the Mayor, he helps govern the IMD along with six other members. This is an uncompensated four-year part-time position. Mr. Trevino is the president of the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois. Mr. Trevino has also been the legal affairs director for the Edgebrook Community Association since 2007.

In private practice, Mr. Trevino handled complex litigation matters and was considered a “go-to” person at his firm on legal questions. He is praised as having very good legal ability and is exceptionally knowledgeable. Respondents praised his character and integrity. He is active in mentoring less experienced attorneys. He is reported to have an exceptional temperament – a strong advocate but always professional in his dealings with opposing counsel. He is also praised for his litigation skills. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.

John Hourihane -- Qualified

John N. Hourihane was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1998. He is a partner, founder, and member manager at Murphy & Hourihane, LLC, where he represents clients in commercial transactions, private securities transactions, commercial litigation, appeals, probate, and real estate matters. He handled civil litigation and commercial appeals as an associate at the following firms: Bryan Cave, LLP (2004-2005), Horwood, Marcus & Berk, Chtd. (2001-2004), and Quinlan & Chrisham, Ltd. (1999-2001).

Mr. Hourihane is considered to have good legal ability and is described as a solid practitioner. He has substantial litigation experience and is reported to have good trial skills and temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Audrey Victoria Cosgrove -- Qualified

Audrey Victoria Cosgrove was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1990. Ms. Cosgrove volunteers her time as a pro bono attorney at the National Immigrant Justice Center for DACA and Special Immigrant Juvenile cases. Since 1998, she has been owner of The Cosgrove Law Firm, specializing in criminal defense, traffic and real estate, with limited scope in family law and guardianship. Ms. Cosgrove is also of counsel at the Law Office of Sheldon Sorosky. From 1990-1994, she was an Assistant Public Defender at the Office of the Cook County Public Defender. Ms. Cosgrove acts as a State of Illinois hearing officer contractor and WBE subcontractor. She also acted as an Administrative Law Judge for the Illinois Department of Employment Security for seven years. Ms. Cosgrove has a variety of experiences as a lawyer – including litigation in more complex matters earlier in her career. She is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Hon. Mary Catherine Marubio -- Qualified

Hon. Mary Catherine Marubio was admitted to practice in 1997. Before she became an associate judge, in 2016, Ms. Marubio was an Administrative Law Judge within the Department of Financial and and Professional Regulation for the State of Illinois. She presided over formal adversarial hearings throughout the state involving various licensed professionals, such as physicians, real estate brokers and public accountants. Ms. Marubio also served as an ethics officer for IDFPR employees and professional boards, where she provides guidance on the interpretation and implementation of the State Employees and Officials Ethics Act. From 1997 to 2012, she was a sole practitioner focusing on criminal defense and immigration matters. She participates in numerous pro bono and charitable community activities.

Judge Marubio was considered to be a smart, solid practitioner with a variety of litigation experiences. She is praised for her temperament. She is praised for being able to master the various areas of law that her career has involved, including financial regulation, criminal defense, and immigration. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Liam Kelly -- Not Recommended

Did not participate in the evaluation.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers has now released its evaluations of Cook County judicial candidates. The CCL's complete report, including its full explanation of the criteria it uses in evaluating judicial candidates, can be accessed from this page on the CCL website. For a summary of the Council's process in evaluating judicial candidates, see this post.

In this post we look at the CCL's ratings of judicial candidates running in the 12th, 13th, 14th, and 15th Subcircuits.



Democratic Candidates

Hon. Patricia M. Fallon -- Qualified

Hon. Patricia Maria Fallon was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2001. Prior to her appointment to the Circuit Court, in 2019, she served as Chief of Human Resources for the Cook County Recorder of Deeds. From 2004 to 2017, she worked for the Labor and Employment Unit of the Cook County State’s Attorney Office, where she served as an Assistant State’s Attorney and also as a Supervisor (2015-17) and Deputy Supervisor (2013-2015).

Ms. Fallon is considered to have good legal ability with litigation experience in both state and federal court. She is described as hard-working with good temperament, and is praised for her supervisory skills. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Howard J. Wise -- Qualified

Howard Jay Wise was admitted to practice in 1997. He has been a sole practitioner since 2001 focusing on Criminal Law, Traffic, and Personal Injury matters. He served as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney between 1998 and 2001.
Mr. Wise is considered to be a solid practitioner with good legal ability and temperament. He has substantial litigation experience. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Carmine Trombetta -- Qualified

Carmine Vincent Trombetta was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1983. Since 1984, he has worked as a Solo Practitioner at the Law Firm of Carmine V. Trombetta in Schaumberg. He represents clients in criminal cases, civil litigation, real estate, wills and trusts, and bankruptcy matters.

Mr. Trombetta is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He has substantial litigation experience in a variety of both criminal and civil matters. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Republican Candidate

Frank R. DiFranco -- Qualified

Frank Rocco DiFranco was admitted to practice in 1987. He has been in private practice as a sole practitioner or as a lawyer within a small firm since 1995 handling criminal defense and personal injury cases. From 1987 to 1995 he served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney.

Mr. DiFranco is reported to have good legal ability. He enjoys a reputation of being a zealous and knowledgeable advocate. Most respondents say he has a good temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.



Democratic Candidates

Joe Gump -- Qualified

Joseph Michael Gump was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1987. He has spent his legal career at the Office of the Cook County Public Defender, where he is currently a Felony Trial Assistant.

Mr. Gump is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for being a zealous advocate. He has substantial litigation experience in complex matters, and is praised for his knowledge of the law as well as for his research skills. He is praises for his judicial temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Matt Flamm -- Well Qualified

Matt Flamm was admitted to practice in 1978. He is a partner in a small law firm focusing on both litigation and transactional work. He is exceptionally active in bar association and community activities. Mr. Flamm is considered to have excellent legal ability. He is a “go to” person in his practice fields, and is reported to be very knowledgeable with a very good temperament. He has substantial experience in a variety of litigation matters. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Michael Harry Minton -- Qualified

Michael H. Minton was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1971. Since 1985, he has been a Partner and Sole Shareholder in The Minton Firm, P.C., where he handles domestic relations, family related matters including adoptions, paternity, wills, estates, and real estate closings. Previously he was an Associate and Partner at Facchini & Minton (1975-1985), where he handled personal injury matters and domestic and family law, and an Associate at Biestek & Facchini (1971-1975).
Mr. Minton has extensive experience as a practitioner in the domestic relations area. He has earned a good reputation for his legal knowledge and ability. He is reported to have a good temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Susanne Michele Groebner -- Qualified

Susanne Groebner was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2000. Since 2001, she has worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Cook County State’s Attorney Office, where she currently works in the Felony Trial Division in Rolling Meadows, IL (2013-present). She previously served in the Felony Trial Division in Chicago (2008-2013); in the Felony Review, Preliminary Hearings, and Grand Jury Units (2004-2008); in the Juvenile Division (Abuse and Neglect/Delinquency, 2001-2004); and in the Child Support Division (2001).

Ms. Groebner is considered to have good legal ability. Respondents to this evaluation say that she has good litigation skills and that she is an honest and fair prosecutor. She has substantial litigation experience in more complex matters. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Hon. Michael P. Gerber -- Qualified

Hon. Michael P. Gerber was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1980. He was appointed to the bench as a Circuit Judge by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2016. He presides over criminal misdemeanors, felony preliminary hearings, and traffic matters. Previously, he worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Cook County, where he prosecuted criminal matters (1984-2016); as an Assistant Public Defender in Cook County (1981-1984), where he handled motions and trials and, during his last 18 months there, felony preliminary hearings; and as an associate for Martin S. Gerber (1980-1981), where he handled civil municipal and misdemeanor cases in the Circuit Court of Cook County.

As a lawyer, Judge Gerber was considered to be an outstanding practitioner with very good legal ability and temperament. He was respected for his litigation skills and he had substantial litigation experience in more complex matters. He is reported to be exceptionally knowledgeable. As a judge he is reported to be handling a high volume call with efficiency and fairness. On the basis of this 2017 evaluation the Council would have found Judge Gerber to be Well Qualified.

However, subsequent to the evaluation the Council conducted in 2017, the Council notes that a post conviction judge vacated a murder case conviction that then Mr. Gerber had prosecuted many years earlier. In vacating the conviction, the judge stated in regard to Mr. Gerber, as the prosecutor, that he had made “factually false arguments to the jury” about a key piece of evidence. The judge further stated,

"This Court cannot say the prosecutor's improper remarks did not contribute to petitioner's conviction; a jury could have reached a contrary verdict had the improper remarks not been made. * * * Indeed, such statements amounted to a purposeful due process violation that led to petitioner's conviction. As such, petitioner was prejudiced by appellate counsel's failure to raise this claim."

The defendant was exonerated. The Council considers these findings to be exceptionally serious. However, the Council also must consider the totality of Judge Gerber’s well-respected career. In a close call, the Council finds Judge Gerber to be Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Republican Candidates

Angel Garcia -- Not Recommended

Did not participate in the evaluation.

Gary William Seyring -- Qualified

Gary W. Seyring was admitted to practice in 1978. He is also a Certified Public Accountant. He is a solo practitioner focusing on domestic relations, real estate, estate planning, tax planning, and business law. A substantial percentage of Mr. Seyring’s practice involves litigation. He is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.



Hon. Gerardo Tristan Jr. -- Qualified

Hon. Gerardo Tristan Jr. was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2002 and was appointed to the Circuit Court by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2019. Before becoming a judge, he worked at Tristan & Cervantes as an associate, assisting the partners in their day-to-day legal obligations, focusing on labor, estate and business law. Then in 2003, Mr. Tristan began serving as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney.

Judge Tristan is considered to have good legal ability and had substantial litigation experience in more complex matters before becoming a judge. He is reported to have a good temperament and respondents praised his fairness. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Steve Demitro – Not Recommended

Did not participate in the evaluation.


Hon. Daniel O. Tiernan -- Qualified

Daniel O. Tiernan was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1995. After being appointed to the Lacy vacancy by the Illinois Supreme Court in early 2019, Tiernan was elected by the Circuit Judges in December 2019 as an Associate Judge. Before becoming a judge, he was an Investigator at the Office of the Cook County Independent Inspector General, where he oversees investigations into fraud, waste, mismanagement, and criminal activity by employees of Cook County and vendors doing business with Cook County. Previously, he was a partner/owner at Delgado & Tiernan, P.C., where his practice focused on criminal defense, probate, real estate, and immigration (2007-2015). From 1995 to 2007 he worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Cook County State’s Attorney Office, where for three years he served as first chair in a felony courtroom.

Judge Tiernan is considered to have good legal ability and is respected as a very capable lawyer. He has had substantial litigation experience in more complex matters during the course of his career. He is reported to have a professional temperament, and is praised for being knowledgeable and for being willing to mentor other lawyers. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Perla Tirado -- Qualified

Perla Tirado was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2005. Since 2016, she has served as the Supervising Attorney of Beyond Legal Aid, a nonprofit legal services provider, where she handles criminal defense, criminal records, traffic, immigration, removal defense, and family law matters. Previously she handled criminal defense, traffic, immigration, and domestic relations matters as a Solo Practitioner at the Law Office of Perla Tirado (2008-2016), as a Partner at TYT Law (2010), and as a Partner at Tirado Winters, LLP (2007-2008). She has also worked as a Contract Attorney for Genson & Gillespie, where she worked on a criminal case involving financial crimes and SEC violations (2007), as an Assistant Public Defender in the Cook County Public Defender Office (2005-2007), and as Staff Attorney at the Cabrini Legal Aid Clinic (2005).

Ms. Tirado is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for her knowledge of the law. She is reported to have good temperament and has substantial litigation experience in a variety of areas. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.



Heather Mulligan Begley -- Qualified

Heather A. Begley was admitted to practice in 2003. She is an Associate at Cunningham, Meyer and Vedrine, P.C., where she focuses on malpractice defense. Before that, she was a Solo Practitioner at Begley Law Offices, P.C. (2013-2014), where she handled personal injury matters. She handled personal injury and wrongful death matters as an Associate with first chair and second chair experience at the Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll (2007-2013), and also as an Associate (2003-2006) at Clifford Law Offices, P.C.

Ms. Begley is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for her litigation skills. She is reported to have a good temperament and respondents often noted her high integrity when dealing with opposing counsel. She has substantial litigation experience. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Hon. Nicole C. Patton -- Qualified

Nicole Catina Patton was admitted to practice in 1997. Before her appointment to the bench, in 2018, she served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney, focusing on court proceedings involving mental health commitments. From 1997 to 2001 she served as an Assistant Cook County State’s attorney doing both civil and criminal matters. From 2001 to 2002, she was an attorney with Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, and from 2003 to 2010, she was with small firms or worked as a sole practitioner. Before becoming a judge, Patton was considered to be knowledgeable about the law and was described as a “go to” person in the State’s Attorney’s Office. She is considered to have good legal ability and is praised as a good lawyer – a zealous advocate who is trustworthy and respectful both to clients and opposing counsel. She is active in community matters, and is the author of a recent article on expert witnesses. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Supporters of Justice Margaret Stanton McBride's Supreme Court bid are planning a "North Side Reception" and fundraiser for Wednesday, February 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Curragh Irish Pub, 6705 N. Northwest Hwy. in Edison Park.

Tickets for the event are $100 each but sponsorships are available (for $500, $1,500, or $2,500).

Listed hosts for the reception are Dan Allen, Janis Allen, Jim Allen, Pat Allen, Hon. Thomas R. Allen, Aurora Austriaco, Randy Barnette, Mary Jo Bohr, John D. Burke, David Cahill, George Cahill, Fred Chapekis, Tina Chapekis, Nancy Cullerton, Honorable P.J. Cullerton, Hon. Tim Cullerton, Donald Finn, Dennis M. Fleming, Hon. Patrick Levar, Hon. Marge Laurino, Hon. Joe Lyons, James J. Morici, Jr., Thomas Needham, Lance Northcutt, Katherine O'Sullivan, James T. Saltouros, Hon. James E. Sullivan (Ret.), Kathy Taylor, and Mike Tierney.

For more information, or to obtain tickets, call Trina at (312) 645-9400 ext. 1004 or email mcbride2020@haymarket.net.

The Illinois State Bar Association has released its narrative explanations of the ratings issued to candidates seeking judicial offices in Cook County in the upcoming primary.

The ISBA's full report can be accessed from this page of the ISBA website. (Note to any Downstate readers who may happen across this post, ISBA evaluations of Downstate judicial candidates can also be obtained starting at that same page.)

Downstate ISBA evaluations are done by practitioner surveys. In Cook County, the ISBA participates as a member of the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening (which also includes the Arab American Bar Association, the Asian American Bar Association, the Black Women Lawyers Association, the Chicago Council of Lawyers, the Cook County Bar Association, the Decalogue Society of Lawyers, the Hellenic Bar Association, the Hispanic Lawyers’ Association of Illinois, the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago, the Puerto Rican Bar Association, and the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois) in investigating candidates.

Candidates seeking screening from the Alliance must complete a lengthy questionnaire (a questionnaire that is similar to, but sufficiently different from, the separate Chicago Bar Association questionnaire that completion of one will not suffice for the other). Investigators will be assigned by the Alliance from any of the member groups; thus, ISBA members are not necessarily involved in the vetting of any candidate's written application (calling references, reviewing written submissions, and so forth). When that phase of the investigation is completed, and after medical waivers and ARDC (or JIB) waivers are obtained, a hearing is scheduled for the applicant. All Alliance groups are asked to participate in these hearings. Each evaluator at the hearings will have the benefit of the Alliance investigators' work, even though the investigators may not be associated with the evaluator's bar group.

So all the Alliance members start with the same investigative materials, and participate in the same candidate interviews -- but, because each group has their own evaluators present for the interviews, they do not always reach the same conclusions.

Without further adieu, then, the ISBA ratings for the seven candidates for the Freeman vacancy on the Illinois Supreme Court:

Jesse G. Reyes -- Highly Qualified

Jesse G. Reyes has been licensed since 1984. He currently sits on the Appellate Court – First District. He was selected as an associate judge in 1997, elected to the circuit court in 2008 and, subsequently, elected to the Appellate Court – First District in 2012. While a circuit court judge, he sat in Mortgage Foreclosure, Traffic, Domestic Violence, and the Sixth Municipal District (Markham). Before taking the bench, he was an assistant corporation counsel and an attorney for the Chicago Board of Education. He is a former president of the Illinois Judges Association and the Latin American Bar Association; former secretary of the Chicago Bar Association; and a former assembly member with the Illinois State Bar Association in addition to other committee work. He has lectured on legal topics and has been the recipient of several awards.

Attorneys described him as a hard worker who is prepared, strict and fair. He writes well-reasoned opinions and issues them in a timely fashion. ISBA finds Justice Jess G. Reyes highly qualified to serve as a justice to the Illinois Supreme Court – First District.

P. Scott Neville, Jr. -- Highly Qualified

P. Scott Neville, Jr. was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1974. He was appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court – First District in 2018. He was appointed to the circuit court in 1999, elected in 2000, then retained in 2006. After being assigned to the Appellate Court in 2004, he was elected in 2012. Prior to his appointment to the bench, he had been in private practice as a sole practitioner and with several firms focusing on appellate civil litigation. He is a past president of the Cook County Bar Association, a co-founder of the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening, and a committee member of several other bar associations. He has lectured on legal topics, been the recipient of several awards and has served on various Supreme Court committees.

Attorneys reported that he has excellent legal knowledge and ability and that his questions reflect a thorough review of the briefs. He is considered to be honest and a straight shooter. ISBA finds Justice P. Scott Neville, Jr. highly qualified to serve as a justice to the Illinois Supreme Court – First District.

Shelly A. Harris -- Not Qualified

Sheldon A. Harris was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1966. He is currently a justice on the Appellate Court – First District; he has sat on the Appellate Court since 2010, first by appointment and then by election in 2014. He was first appointed to the circuit court in 2000 and until 2014 had been recalled and reappointed several times. Before joining the circuit court, he spent the majority of his career in private practice focusing on tort litigation. He is a member of various bar associations, on the board of the Decalogue Society of Lawyers and the recipient of the Seymour Simon Award from the Jewish Judges Association.

Attorneys consider him to be diligent and knowledgeable with well-written opinions. Concerns were raised, however, about his demeanor. ISBA finds Justice Sheldon A. Harris not qualified to serve as a justice to the Illinois Supreme Court – First District.

Cynthia Y. Cobbs -- Qualified

Cynthia Y. Cobbs was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1988. She was appointed to the circuit court in 2011, was elected in 2014 and is an appellate justice in the Appellate Court – First District; a position she has held since being appointed in 2015. Prior to her judicial service she served several years with the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts. There she served first as an attorney, chief legal counsel and from 2002 to 2011 as director.

She is considered to be fair-minded, patient and intelligent. ISBA finds Judge Cynthia Y. Cobbs qualified to serve as a justice to the Illinois Supreme Court – First District.

Margaret Stanton McBride -- Highly Qualified

Margaret Stanton McBride has been licensed since 1977. She currently sits on the Appellate Court – First District. She was selected as an associate judge in 1987, elected to the circuit court in 1990, retained in 1996; elected to the Appellate Court in 1998 and retained in 2008 and 2018. Before joining the bench, she was a career assistant state’s attorney. As a circuit judge she served in Traffic, Criminal, Law, and Chancery before becoming presiding judge of the Third Municipal District (Rolling Meadows). She has served on several committees, including the Illinois Courts Commission, teaches appellate advocacy and speaks at seminars.

Attorneys have praised her for having an excellent grasp of the law and the facts, being very principled and committed to justice. She is prepared, efficient and polite but direct. ISBA finds Justice Margaret Stanton McBride highly qualified to serve as a justice to the Illinois Supreme Court – First District.


Daniel Epstein -- Not Recommended

Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, any candidate who has less than the minimum ten years of experience required for a judicial candidate shall be given a rating of not recommended. Due to the importance of the Illinois Supreme Court position, and to fulfill the goal of fully informing the public, an investigation and interview did take place.

Daniel Epstein has been licensed since 2015. From 2015 to 2019 he was an associate at Jenner & Block handling litigation matters. He left that position to focus on his campaign. He is active on committees with the Chicago Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association and the Lawndale Christian Legal Center. He has spoken and written on legal topics and is a founder and president of Perspective to the People.

Attorneys reported that he is an intelligent attorney clearly passionate about improving the judicial system. At this time in his career, however, Mr. Daniel Epstein does not have the requisite experience, as an attorney, litigator or in other judicial office to serve as a justice to the Illinois Supreme Court – First District.

Nathaniel Roosevelt Howse -- Highly Qualified

Nathaniel Roosevelt Howse was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1976. In 1998 he was elected to the circuit court and retained in 2004. He was elected to the Appellate Court in 2012 after being assigned there in 2009 while a circuit court judge. His other assignments in the circuit court included the County Division, First Municipal, Adoption, and Traffic. Before joining the bench, he was a solo practitioner with a general civil practice. He is a member of several bar
associations, speaks at seminars, mentored new judges, and is the recipient of many awards.

He is highly respected for his clear reasoning, his good solid writing and hard work. He is polite to all, diligent and punctual. ISBA finds Justice Nathaniel Howse highly qualified to serve as a justice to the Illinois Supreme Court – First District.

The Illinois State Bar Association has released its narrative explanations of the ratings issued to candidates seeking judicial offices in Cook County in the upcoming primary.

The ISBA's full report can be accessed from this page of the ISBA website. (Note to any Downstate readers who may happen across this post, ISBA evaluations of Downstate judicial candidates can also be obtained starting at that same page.)

Downstate ISBA evaluations are done by practitioner surveys. In Cook County, the ISBA participates as a member of the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening (which also includes the Arab American Bar Association, the Asian American Bar Association, the Black Women Lawyers Association, the Chicago Council of Lawyers, the Cook County Bar Association, the Decalogue Society of Lawyers, the Hellenic Bar Association, the Hispanic Lawyers’ Association of Illinois, the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago, the Puerto Rican Bar Association, and the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois) in investigating candidates.

Candidates seeking screening from the Alliance must complete a lengthy questionnaire (a questionnaire that is similar to, but sufficiently different from, the separate Chicago Bar Association questionnaire that completion of one will not suffice for the other). Investigators will be assigned by the Alliance from any of the member groups; thus, ISBA members are not necessarily involved in the vetting of any candidate's written application (calling references, reviewing written submissions, and so forth). When that phase of the investigation is completed, and after medical waivers and ARDC (or JIB) waivers are obtained, a hearing is scheduled for the applicant. All Alliance groups are asked to participate in these hearings. Each evaluator at the hearings will have the benefit of the Alliance investigators' work, even though the investigators may not be associated with the evaluator's bar group.

So all the Alliance members start with the same investigative materials, and participate in the same candidate interviews -- but, because each group has their own evaluators present for the interviews, they do not always reach the same conclusions.

Without further adieu, then, the ISBA ratings for the candidates for the Illinois Appellate Court:


Maureen Patricia O’Leary -- Not Qualified

Maureen Patricia O’Leary has been licensed since 2002. She is currently the vice president for Claims and Litigation and Aperion Care managing professional liability lawsuits for nursing home facilities. Prior to taking that position in 2014, she has been in private practice focusing on civil law, both with a firm and with her own practice. Early in her career she worked as an assistant corporation counsel and as an assistant state’s attorney. She is a member of various bar associations.

While attorneys report that she is well-versed in her specific area of health care law, she lacks litigation experience and has no experience appearing before the Appellate Court. ISBA finds Ms. Maureen Patricia O’Leary not qualified to serve as a justice to the Illinois Appellate Court – First District.

Carolyn J. Gallagher -- Not Qualified

Carolyn J. Gallagher was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1982. She was elected to the circuit court in 2016 and was initially assigned to the Traffic Division. She was later assigned to the Housing Division and in August of 2018 was assigned to the Probate Division. Prior to her judicial service she was a sole practitioner handling a variety of commercial, real estate and appellate matters.

In her relatively brief time on the bench, she has not yet presided over matters of sufficient variety and complexity to enable her to acquire the knowledge and experience needed for advancement to the Appellate Court. ISBA finds Judge Carolyn J. Gallagher not qualified to serve as a justice to the Illinois Appellate Court – First District.

Sandra Gisela Ramos -- Not Qualified

Sandra Gisela Ramos was admitted in 1986. She was elected to the circuit court in 2010 and retained in 2016. She is currently assigned to the Law Division – Trial Section after previous assignments in First Municipal and Traffic Court. She was an assistant state’s attorney and a sole practitioner prior to her election. She is a founder of the Illinois Latino Judges Association.

While she is considered to be even keeled and diligent, she has insufficient complex civil trial experience at this time. ISBA finds Judge Sandra Gisela Ramos not qualified to serve as a justice to the Illinois Appellate Court – First District.

Michael B. Hyman -- Highly Qualified

Michael B. Hyman has been licensed since 1977. He was appointed to the Appellate Court – First District in 2018. In 2006 he was appointed to the circuit court, elected in 2008 and retained in 2014. In 2013 he was assigned to the Appellate Court after serving in Chancery, Domestic Relations and First Municipal. Prior to his appointment to the bench, he spent the majority of his career at Much Shelist focusing on securities, antitrust and fraud litigation. He has served as president of the Illinois Judges Association, the Chicago Bar Association, the Jewish Judges Association, and the Decalogue Society of Lawyers; in addition, he has been an assembly and committee member of the Illinois State Bar Association. He writes and speaks frequently on legal topics and sits on several Supreme Court committees. He is the recipient of numerous awards.

Attorneys overwhelmingly praised his legal knowledge, intelligence and preparation. He asks pertinent questions in oral arguments and his written opinions are well-reasoned and timely. ISBA finds Judge Michael B. Hyman highly qualified to serve as a justice to the Illinois Appellate Court – First District.


John Griffin -- Highly Qualified

John Griffin was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1976. He was appointed to the Appellate Court – First District in 2018. In 2008 he was appointed to the circuit court, elected in 2010 and retained in 2016. His assignments in the circuit court included five years as supervising judge of the Commercial Calendar Section in the Law Division, Traffic and Mortgage Foreclosures and Mechanics Liens. Before his appointment to the bench he had a general civil private practice. He has been a speaker on legal topics, edited and wrote part of the Mortgage Foreclosure Bench Book, and is a member of various bar associations and Supreme Court committees.

Attorneys praised him as a hard worker and solid researcher with outstanding legal knowledge and ability. His written opinions are clear and understandable, and he is respectful to all. ISBA finds Judge John Griffin highly qualified to serve as a justice to the Illinois Appellate Court – First District.

Sharon O. Johnson -- Qualified

Sharon O. Johnson was admitted in 1996. She was elected to the circuit court in 2010 and retained in 2016. After previous assignments in Traffic and Domestic Relations, she currently sits in Domestic Relations in the Sixth Municipal District (Markham). At the time of her election, she owned a solo general practice. She is past chair of the Illinois Judicial Council, speaks on legal topics, a member of several bar associations, sits on several Supreme Court committees, and is the
recipient of some awards.

Attorneys generally reported that she is bright and prepared with good legal knowledge, though a few expressed concern over the breadth of her experience. She is patient with litigants and has a calm demeanor. ISBA finds Judge Sharon O. Johnson qualified to serve as a justice to the Illinois Appellate Court – First District.

The Illinois State Bar Association has released its narrative explanations of the ratings issued to candidates seeking judicial offices in Cook County in the upcoming primary.

The ISBA's full report can be accessed from this page of the ISBA website. (Note to any Downstate readers who may happen across this post, ISBA evaluations of Downstate judicial candidates can also be obtained starting at that same page.) For more about how ISBA evaluations are conducted, see this post.

These are the ISBA's evaluations of candidates seeking countywide vacancies:


Tiesha L. Smith -- Not Recommended

Tiesha L. Smith declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Ms. Tiesha L. Smith is found to be not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Cristin Keely McDonald Duffy -- Qualified

Cristin Keely McDonald Duffy has been licensed since 1996. She is a career Assistant State’s Attorney and is currently Deputy Supervisor of the Real Estate Tax Division after previous assignments in Appeals and Felony Trial. She has been a continuing legal education presenter, is a member of various bar associations and has participated in Moot Court and Trial Advocacy programs at the John Marshall and Loyola Law schools.

Ms. Duffy has both civil and criminal experience. Attorneys report she is always very well prepared on both the facts and the law and is was praised for her legal knowledge and ability. She is also a mentor to new lawyers. ISBA finds Ms. Cristin Keely McDonald Duffy qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Kerrie Maloney Laytin -- Qualified

Kerrie Maloney Laytin was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2000 and was appointed to the Circuit Court in January 2019. She is currently assigned to the Municipal Department, Traffic Section. From 2000 to 2002 she worked for the Legal Assistance Foundation; from 2002 until her appointment she was an assistant corporation counsel to senior counsel in the Appeals Division. Before being licensed in Illinois, she clerked for two federal judges and was a trial attorney with the Department of Justice. She is a member of various bar associations and participates in community activities.

Judge Laytin is well-regarded by attorneys for her legal knowledge and ability to deal with substantive issues. She is considered to be professional, courteous and to have high ethical standards. ISBA finds Judge Kerrie Maloney Laytin qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.


Kelly Marie McCarthy -- Qualified

Kelly Marie McCarthy has been licensed in Illinois since 2001. She is a career assistant public defender currently holding the position of Attorney Supervisor. She spent two years on the Homicide Task Force and twelve years in the Felony Trial Division. She is a member of several bar associations, is active in community events and has been a continuing legal education presenter.

She has extensive criminal jury and bench experience, including complex litigation experience. She received praise for her knowledge and her ability to handle complex matters. ISBA finds Ms. Kelly Marie McCarthy qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Aileen Bhandari -- Qualified

Aileen Bhandari was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2002. She is a career assistant state’s attorney currently assigned to the Felony Trial Division. She has been active with various bar associations, including serving as treasurer of the Indian American Bar Association, has spoken on various legal issues, works on diversity issues with the Sate’s Attorney’s Office, and helped organize a naturalization drive.

Ms. Bhandari has extensive criminal jury and bench trial experience. Attorneys report that she is punctual, prepared, follows court rules, and presents evidence honestly and straightforwardly. ISBA finds Ms. Aileen Bhandari qualified to serve as a judge for the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Elizabeth “Beth” Ryan -- Qualified

Elizabeth “Beth” Ryan has been licensed since 2004. Since 2011 she has been a solo practitioner handling mainly personal injury matters. Earlier in her career, she spent two years as a law clerk in Chancery followed by three years in a law firm. She is a member of various bar associations and has been a guest lecturer at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law.

Ms. Ryan reports that she has tried eight civil jury trials. She received overall positive comments for her legal knowledge and ability; a few questioned the extent of her experience in complex matters. She is considered to be very professional, diligent and punctual, with a good temperament and high ethical standards. ISBA finds Ms. Elizabeth Ryan qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

James T. Derico, Jr. -- Qualified

James T. Derico, Jr. was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1985. He was appointed to the Circuit Court in January 2019 and is currently assigned to the Municipal Department, District 1. Prior to his appointment, he had his own firm for 26 years handling mainly real estate and corporate matters. Previously, he had worked as an assistant corporation counsel for Gardner, Carton & Douglas and for Borg-Warner. He had some appellate and federal experience as well.

He was a founder of a legal clinic based at Trinity Church of Christ and is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from Chicago Volunteer Legal Services.

The majority of attorneys interviewed reported that Judge Derico is even keeled and personable; and he is considered by most to have sufficient legal knowledge and ability. A few expressed concerns that at times he could be uncivil. He is generally considered to be fair and impartial. ISBA finds Judge James T. Derico, Jr. qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.


U. O’Neal -- Not Recommended

Mr. Ubi O’Neal declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Mr. Ubi O’Neal is found to be not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Laura Ayala-Gonzalez -- Qualified

Laura Ayala-Gonzalez was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2003. She is a career assistant state’s attorney and is currently a supervisor in the Felony Trial Division at the Leighton Courthouse. Her prior assignments include Juvenile Justice, Complex Homicide/Gang Unit, Appeals and Felony Review. She has some bar association memberships and community involvement and has been active in spearheading immigration and domestic violence initiatives within the State’s Attorney’s Office.

Attorneys give her high marks for her character and integrity and report that she is fair, impartial and prepared with good legal knowledge and ability. She has substantial criminal jury and bench trial experience. ISBA finds Ms. Laura Ayala-Gonzalez qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

John O’Meara - Qualified

John A. O’Meara was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1995. In November 2016 he was appointed to the circuit court where he served in the First Municipal District – Non-Jury Civil Section until his terms ended in December 2018. He is currently an administrative law judge with the Illinois Department of Labor. Prior to his appointment, he was a partner at Curcio Law Offices, where he concentrated in civil litigation. He was also a litigation and trial attorney for several other private firms and was an arbitrator for Cook County. He has extensive civil jury and bench trial experience, and is considered to have excellent courtroom skills, and to be professional with high integrity. Mr. O’Meara is currently with the Illinois Department of Labor. ISBA finds Mr. John A. O’Meara qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.


Jacqueline Marie Griffin -- Qualified

Jacqueline Marie Griffin was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2005. She is a career assistant state’s attorney, currently assigned to the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Unit after previous assignment in Juvenile Justice and Child Support. She has lectured students through the Lawyers in the Classroom program.

She has jury and bench trial experience and has handled complex matters. Attorneys report that she is diligent, punctual, respectful, and has good character and integrity. ISBA finds Ms. Jacqueline Marie Griffin qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Daniel L. Collins -- Qualified

Daniel L. Collins has been licensed since 1998. He spent four years as an assistant state’s attorney before joining two different firms, concentrating on workers’ compensation matters. In 2014 he opened a solo practice handling workers’ compensation, criminal, business, and employment matters. He is a member of several bar associations and is active with his local little league.

He is well-respected by other attorneys, considered to be level-headed with high integrity and a great temperament. He was praised for his excellent research and writing skills. ISBA finds Mr. Daniel L. Collins qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Mary Therese Quinn -- Qualified

Mary Therese Quinn was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1988. After spending 22 years as an assistant state’s attorney, she opened her own practice in 2011 concentrating on criminal defense. As a prosecutor, her assignments included the Auto Theft Unit, Financial Crimes, Narcotics and Appeals. She is a member of several bar associations, is vice president of the South Suburban Bar Association, and does some pro bono work through that same group.

She is considered by other attorneys to be knowledgeable and well-prepared with high character and integrity. She has a diverse clientele and treats all with respect. ISBA finds Ms. Mary Therese Quinn qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Celestia L. Mays -- Qualified

Celestia Mays has been licensed since 1990. She was appointed to the circuit court in January 2019 and, subsequently, became an associate judge in January 2020. Judge Mays is currently assigned to the Municipal Department – Fourth District (Maywood). Prior to her appointment, she had been a private practitioner with her own firm for 22 years, concentrating in family law, probate and real estate. Prior to that, she had clerked in California and worked for a law firm. She is a past president of the Cook County Bar Association; after holding other offices, was a board member of the Legal Assistance Foundation (now Legal Aid Chicago), and was
appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to the Committee on Character and Fitness. She has received many awards from the CCBA and other groups.

Judge Mays received positive marks from attorneys for her legal knowledge and ability and is highly regarded for her professionalism, diligence and her temperament. ISBA finds Judge Celestia L. Mays qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.


Levander “Van” Smith, Jr. -- Qualified

Levander Smith, Jr. has been licensed since 1993. He was appointed to the circuit court in March 2019 and, subsequently, became an associate judge in January 2020. After first sitting in First Municipal – Traffic, he is currently assigned to Domestic Violence. Prior to his appointment he was Assistant Deputy General Counsel for the Department of Children and Family Services where he had worked twice, most recently from 2011 until 2019. Before that, he had been a prosecutor for two different counties – Cook and St. Louis, an associate with a firm, and an assistant attorney general in Missouri. He is a member of various bar associations serving on the boards of the Cook County Bar Association and the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association.

Attorneys report that he has an excellent understanding of the law, is sensitive to all, punctual, diligent, and fair. ISBA finds Judge Levander Smith, Jr. qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Suzanne Therese McEneely -- Qualified

Suzanne Therese McEneely has been licensed since 2001. After spending a year with a private insurance defense firm, she joined the Public Defender’s Office. She currently handles felony cases in the Second District (Skokie), including specialty and diversion courtrooms after previous assignments in Child Protection, Traffic, Domestic Violence, and First Municipal. She is a member of some bar associations and volunteers at her parish.

She has criminal jury and bench trial experience, and her work is respected by other attorneys. Comments received during the investigation were overwhelmingly positive as to her legal knowledge, diligence, ability to handle complex matters, sensitivity to diversity, and her temperament. ISBA finds Ms. Suzanne Therese McEneely qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Megan Kathleen Mulay -- Qualified

Megan Kathleen Mulay has been licensed since 1999. She is a career assistant state’s attorney currently assigned as a First Chair handling felony cases at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse. She is a member of several bar associations and has some community involvement. She has substantial criminal jury and bench trial experience, including complex matters. She received uniformly positive comments on her legal knowledge and ability, temperament, and diligence. A few attorneys, while commending her legal knowledge, did raise some concerns over her diligence in responding to discovery requests. ISBA finds Ms. Megan Kathleen Mulay qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.


Arthur D. Sutton -- Qualified

Arthur D. Sutton was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1993. He is a private practitioner with a general practice handling mostly criminal matters but also some civil and probate. He also served as an administrative law judge for the Department of Children and Family Services. He has some bar association memberships and does some pro bono work and speaking.

The majority of attorneys generally reported that he has good legal knowledge, is impartial and timely, and has a great temperament. He has some jury and bench trial experience in both criminal and civil matters. ISBA finds Mr. Arthur D. Sutton qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Bonnie Carol McGrath -- Not Recommended

Bonnie Carol McGrath declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Ms. Bonnie Carol McGrath is found not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Jennifer Patricia Callahan -- Qualified

Jennifer Patricia Callahan was licensed in 2006. From 2006 until 2017 she was an assistant state’s attorney with assignments in First Municipal, Narcotics and the Alternative Prosecutions Unit. In 2017 she opened a solo practice handling criminal defense and transactional matters, some civil matters, and also serving as an administrative law judge for the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. She is a volunteer with Chicago Volunteer Legal Services and helps with mock
trials.

She is considered by attorneys to be prepared, punctual, and knowledgeable with high integrity. Attorneys particularly stated that while assigned to the Alternative Prosecutions Unit she did a good job and was sensitive to the situations that arose in diversion courts. ISBA finds Ms. Jennifer Patricia Callahan qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Chris Stacey -- Qualified

Chris Stacey was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1992. After first clerking in federal court, he worked at several tort and criminal litigation firms. He opened his own practice in 1997 where he continues to concentrate on tort litigation in both state and federal court. He has been a volunteer and board member with Cabrini-Green Legal Aid and has been active with various community groups doing refugee and immigrant work including LaSalle Street Church. He is a member of various bar associations.

Attorneys overwhelmingly praised him for his legal knowledge, intelligence, professionalism, and fairness. He has civil jury and bench experience. ISBA finds Mr. Chris Stacey qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Joy E. Tolbert Nelson -- Qualified

Joy E. Tolbert Nelson has been licensed since 2000. She is a career assistant state’s attorney currently assigned to Felony Trial in the Fourth Municipal District (Maywood). She was also previously assigned to the Northside Community Justice Center. She has been a committee member with the Chicago Bar Association and active with the National Black Prosecutors Association, as well as in community affairs.

She has substantial criminal jury and bench trial experience including in complex cases. Attorneys reported that she has excellent legal knowledge and is diligent and trustworthy. ISBA finds Ms. Joy E. Tolbert Nelson qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Joseph Chico -- Not Qualified

Joseph Chico was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1993. After spending a year at Moreno & Hernandez, he opened his own firm, Joseph Chico & Associates, PC focusing on probate, wills and DUIs. He is also an administrative law judge for the City of Chicago and the Chicago Housing Authority. He is a member of various bar associations and supports community sports activities.

While attorneys reported that he has good legal knowledge and temperament, he has limited experience with jury trials and complex legal matters. There were concerns about the depth and breadth of his overall legal experience. ISBA finds Mr. Joseph Chico not qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.


Teresa Molina -- Qualified

Teresa Molina was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2001. She was appointed to the circuit court in July 2019 and is currently assigned to the Municipal Department – Traffic. Prior to her appointment she was the chief of Real Estate Prosecutions for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations where she had been employed since 2016. Prior to that she had been an assistant state’s attorney where her assignments included Child Support and Felony Trial. She has been a committee chair for the Puerto Rican Bar Association, is a member of several bar associations, conducted training for the Chicago Police Department, and lectured on real estate law.

She received favorable comments regarding her temperament, diligence and integrity, and is considered to have a high level of legal knowledge and ability. As a prosecutor, she litigated more than 25 criminal jury trials. ISBA finds Judge Teresa Molina qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Michael O’Malley -- Qualified

Michael O’Malley has been licensed since 2005. He is a career assistant state’s attorney. He has been assigned to various units including Felony Trial, the Civil Actions Bureau and the Special Prosecutions Bureau, Public Corruption and Financial Crimes Unit. He is a member of various bar associations, has community involvement, and has coached law school trial teams.

Attorneys report that he is a straight shooter with excellent legal knowledge and is always prepared. He has some jury trial experience and has prosecuted complex financial crimes. ISBA finds Mr. Michael O’Malley qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.


Sheree Desiree Henry -- Qualified

Sheree Desiree Henry was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1986. She was appointed to the circuit court in August 2019 and is currently assigned to the First Municipal District – Traffic Section. Prior to her appointment, she was an assistant public defender where she spent the majority of her career; her first four years were with the Cook County Public Guardian’s Office. She is a member of various bar associations and is involved in her community. She was also a
member of the Illinois National Guard.

As a public defender she had criminal jury and bench trial experience, including complex cases. She received favorable comments about her legal knowledge and temperament; is considered to be smart and a hard worker, with good integrity and sensitivity to racial and ethnic diversity issues. ISBA finds Judge Sheree D. Henry qualified to serve as a judge for the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Dan Walsh -- Not Recommended

Dan Walsh declined to participate in the evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Mr. Dan Walsh is found to be not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Keely Patricia Hillison -- Not Qualified

Keely Patricia Hillison has been licensed since 1985. She is partner at Parrillo Weiss and also worked briefly at two other firms, focusing on civil litigation. She is also an arbitrator. She has been active in bar association activities and is a member of the Board of the Appellate Lawyers Association. While she is considered to be professional and pleasant, concerns were raised over the extent of her experience with complex litigation and depth and breadth of her practice, as it is reported that much of her practice consists of high-volume, simpler cases. In addition, three of her appellate briefs resulted in sanctions from the Appellate Court against her firm for frivolous appeals. ISBA finds Ms. Keely Patricia Hillison not qualified to serve as a judge for the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Amanda “Mandy” Pillsbury -- Not Qualified

Amanda Moira Pillsbury has been licensed to practice in Illinois since 2004. She is a career assistant state’s attorney currently assigned to the felony courtrooms at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse. She has some community and parish activities. She has some jury trial experience.

Some attorneys reported that she is knowledgeable and a good litigator, while others questioned the extent of her involvement in complex matters and the depth of her experience. Opinions on her diligence and temperament were also divided between positive and negative. ISBA finds Ms. Amanda Moira Pillsbury not qualified to serve as a judge for the Circuit Court of Cook County.


Elizabeth Anne Walsh -- Qualified

Elizabeth Anne Walsh has been licensed since 2006. She handles insurance defense cases at Bruce Farrell Dorn and Associates. She is a past president and current board members of the Southwest Bar Association and is involved with the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois.

Attorneys respect her for her legal knowledge, preparation, temperament, and professionalism. She has substantial civil trial experience. ISBA finds Ms. Elizabeth Anne Walsh qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Lloyd James Brooks -- Qualified

Lloyd James Brooks was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2000. In December 2018 he was appointed to the circuit court and currently sits in the First Municipal District. After being licensed he worked for two law firms before opening his own practice in 2004 where he concentrated on consumer advocacy cases. In 2013 he became a founding partner of the Consumer Legal Group where he worked until his appointment. He has some bar association memberships and engages in community speaking.

He is considered to be professional and well-prepared with excellent legal knowledge. As a practicing attorney he was a zealous advocate with a diverse clientele. ISBA finds Judge Lloyd James Brooks qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Heather Anne Kent -- Qualified

Heather Anne Kent has been licensed since 2006. She is a career assistant state’s attorney who has been assigned to the Felony Trial, Sexual Assault and Juvenile Justice divisions. She has coached mock trial teams, lectured, is a member of several bar associations, and participates in community activities.

She has criminal jury trial experience and is considered to be prepared, even-handed and of high character. ISBA finds Ms. Heather Anne Kent qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.


Lynn Weaver-Boyle -- Qualified

Lynn Weaver-Boyle has been licensed since 1990. She was appointed to the circuit court in January 2019 and is currently assigned to the First Municipal District. At the time of her appointment, she was litigation partner at Grotefeld Hoffmann handling commercial litigation. From 1990 to 1999 she was an assistant state’s attorney. She has spoken on legal subjects and is an Adjunct Professor of Trial Advocacy. ISBA finds Judge Lynn Weaver-Boyle qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.


Lorraine Mary Murphy -- Qualified

Lorraine Mary Murphy was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2003. She is a career assistant state’s attorney assigned to the Leighton Criminal Courthouse. She is a member of several bar associations and has served on committees with the Chicago Bar Association. She has some community activities.

Attorneys respect her as an accomplished attorney with impressive legal knowledge. It was overwhelmingly reported that she is hard working an seeks to do justice. She has substantial jury trial experience. ISBA finds Ms. Lorraine Mary Murphy qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

James Patrick Crawley -- Qualified

James Patrick Crawley has been licensed since 1990. He handles tort litigation for Kennedy and Associates. He is a member of several bar associations, has been a volunteer attorney and serves on several Illinois Supreme Court committees including the Judicial Performance and Evaluation Committee. He is involved with community activities.

He is considered to be a thorough, knowledgeable, honest, and fair attorney. ISBA finds Mr. James Patrick Crawley qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Araceli Reyes De La Cruz -- Not Qualified

Araceli Reyes De La Cruz was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2001. Since 2016 she has been the General Counsel/Chief Administrative Officer for Acero Schools handling policy and labor relations and coordinating with outside counsel on litigation. Prior to this, she has been Chief of General Prosecutions for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation from 2014 to 2016; Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief Safety and Security Officer for the Chicago Transit Authority from 2009 to 2014; and an assistant state’s attorney from 2001 to 2009. She is a member of various bar associations, has spoken on legal topics and is on the executive board of Casa Central.

While attorneys reported that she has good legal knowledge in her area and is prepared, with a good demeanor, concerns were raised about the depth and breadth of her overall legal experience and her minimal jury and complex trial experience. ISBA finds Ms. Araceli Reyes De La Cruz not qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.


Deidre Baumann -- Qualified

Deidre Baumann has been licensed since 1992. After first working for a law firm, in 1996 she opened her own firm, Baumann and Shuldiner, handling civil litigation in state and federal court. She is active with various bar associations and is currently president of the Suburban Bar Coalition and on the board of the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago. Previously, she served as president of the Decalogue Society and the North Suburban Bar Association as well as on the executive board of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois. She serves on several committees for the Illinois State Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association.

Most attorneys gave her favorable comments for legal knowledge and litigation experience. She is considered diligent and professional with strong writing skills. She has jury and bench trial experience, with some appellate experience. ISBA finds Ms. Deidre Baumann qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Maura McMahon Zeller -- Not Qualified

Maura McMahon Zeller was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1993. She is currently a sole practitioner with Maura McMahon Zeller, Attorney at Law serving as a guardian ad litem and a mediator. Prior to opening her practice, she was with the Public Guardian’s Office. She has been a panelist at legal forums and is a member of various bar associations.

While she is respected for her integrity, professionalism and her knowledge in her particular area of practice, she has no jury trial experience and her litigation experience overall is limited. There are concerns about the depth and breadth of her overall legal experience. ISBA finds Ms. Maura McMahon Zeller not qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Russell W. Hartigan -- Highly Qualified

Russell W. Hartigan was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1976. He was appointed to the circuit court in 2010 and then elected in 2012. His assignments included First Municipal and the Fifth District (Bridgeview). In 2017 he resigned from the bench upon being elected president of the Illinois State Bar Association. From 1976 until his appointment in 2010 he concentrated on civil litigation for several different firms, as a partner and owner, the last one being Hartigan and O’Connor. Before becoming president, he had served the ISBA in many different positions. He is a past president of the West Suburban Bar Association and is active with other legal groups. He has also served as trustee for several western suburbs. He teaches at The John Marshall Law School, speaks statewide on legal topics and writes articles. In June 2019 he received an award for dedicated service from the Illinois Bar Foundation.

Attorneys have a high regard for his legal knowledge, preparedness and his approachable demeanor. They report that as a judge he was patient and fair with pro se litigants. He has extensive civil jury trial experience and has handled some appeals. ISBA finds Mr. Russell W. Hartigan highly qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.


Jill Rose Quinn -- Qualified

Jill Rose Quinn has been licensed since 1983. She is a sole practitioner with a general practice, focusing on family, criminal, probate, real estate, and business matters. Prior to opening her practice in 1997 she worked for several private firms., was the village attorney for Glen Ellyn, and has been an arbitrator in DuPage and Cook counties. She is a member of several bar associations. She has limited criminal jury experience but many civil bench trials and has handled some appellate matters. She is considered to have good legal ability with good demeanor. Ms. Jill Rose Quinn is found to be qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

James Samuel Worley -- Not Qualified

James Samuel Worley was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2004. After spending five years as an assistant state’s attorney, where his assignments included Child Support, Felony and Misdemeanors in the Fourth Municipal District (Maywood), he opened a solo practice handling domestic relations, traffic and misdemeanor cases. Since January 2019 he has been managing director for domestic relations at Gottreich Grace & Thompson. He is a member of some bar associations. In general, it was reported that he has adequate legal knowledge and was praised for his demeanor. Concerns were raised by some attorneys about the depth and breadth of his experience and his minimal experience with jury trials and complex litigation. ISBA finds Mr. James Samuel Worley not qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Wendelin “Wendi” DeLoach -- Not Recommended

Wendelin DeLoach declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Ms. Wendelin DeLoach is found to be not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

The Illinois State Bar Association has released its narrative explanations of the ratings issued to candidates seeking judicial offices in Cook County in the upcoming primary.

The ISBA's full report can be accessed from this page of the ISBA website. (Note to any Downstate readers who may happen across this post, ISBA evaluations of Downstate judicial candidates can also be obtained starting at that same page.) For more about how ISBA evaluations are conducted, see this post.

These are the ISBA's evaluations of candidates seeking vacancies in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 6th Subcircuits:



Krista D. Butler -- Not Recommended

Krista D. Butler declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Ms. Krista D. Butler is found to be not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.


Tyria B. Walton -- Qualified

Tyria B. Walton has been licensed since 1997. She was appointed to the circuit court in June 2019 and is currently assigned to the First Municipal District – Traffic Section. Prior to her appointment, she was an assistant public defender assigned to the Sixth District (Markham) where she handled homicide cases. Prior assignments included Felony Trial, Domestic Violence, Child Protection, Traffic, and Misdemeanors. She also had a general solo practice for one year before joining the Public Defender’s Office. She is a member of several bar associations and serves on committees with the Black Women Lawyer’s Association; has coached high school mock trial students; and participated in community organizations.

She has extensive criminal jury and bench trial experience involving complex legal issues and pretrial motions. Attorneys report that she is very smart with excellent legal knowledge, was very good with clients as a public defender, and possesses an excellent temperament with high integrity. ISBA finds Judge Tyria B. Walton qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.



Sondra Nicole Denmark -- Qualified

Sondra Nicole Denmark as admitted to the Illinois bar in 2004. She was appointment to the circuit court in December 2018 and currently sits in the First Municipal District. At the time of her appointment, she had been an assistant state’s attorney in Will County for ten years handling felonies. Before that, she was a sole practitioner for a year, and a Cook County assistant state’s attorney for three years. She served as an administrative hearing officer for the Village of Matteson for two years as well.

She is considered to have a good knowledge and was praised for her professionalism, preparation and fairness. As an attorney, she litigated a substantial number of criminal jury and bench trials. ISBA finds Judge Sondra Nicole Denmark qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Felicia H. Simmons-Stovall -- Not Qualified

Felicia H. Simmons-Stovall was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1996. She is currently an enforcement attorney in the Department of Securities for the Illinois Secretary of State. In the past she has had a private civil practice and been a prosecutor and administrative hearing officer for the Secretary of State. She has served on committees with the Cook County Bar Association.

While attorneys consider her to be a hard worker with knowledge of her specific area of law, concerns were raised about the depth and breadth of her overall legal experience and her lack of jury and other complex litigation. ISBA finds Ms. Felicia H. Simmons-Stovall not qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Chelsey R. Robinson -- Not Qualified

Chelsey R. Robinson has been licensed since 1996. She is a founding partner of Owens & Robinson, a general practice handling both criminal and civil matters. She is also a legal consultant to the Judge Mathis television program. She is a member of some bar associations, a volunteer at the Juvenile Detention Center and is active with other community organizations. She has limited jury and bench trial activities and limited experience with complex matters.

While she is considered to be ethical and honest, attorneys gave mixed comments as to the depth and breadth of her overall legal experience. ISBA finds Ms. Chelsey R. Robinson not qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.



Daniel E. Maloney -- Qualified

Daniel E. Maloney has been licensed since 2001. He was appointed to the circuit court in February 2019 and is currently assigned to the Sixth Municipal District (Markham). Prior to his appointment he was the Division Counsel for the Chicago Field Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration where he handled legal matters and trained law enforcement agencies. Prior to taking that position in 2017, he had been an assistant state’s attorney for sixteen years where his assignments included stints as supervisor of the Complex Narcotics Unit and in the Special Prosecutions and Criminal Prosecutions Bureau. He has taught and coached mock trials at local universities, volunteered in his community, and is a member of several bar associations.

He has extensive criminal litigation experience, including in complex matters and some appellate experience. Opposing counsel described him as a tough litigator, but fair and ethical and overall he is described as having superb knowledge and skills. ISBA finds Judge Daniel E. Maloney qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.


Lauren Brougham Glennon -- Not Qualified

Lauren Brougham Glennon was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2003. She opened a solo practice in 2017 focusing on property tax appeals. Before that, she worked at two firms also handling property tax appeals. She was also an assistant corporation counsel and has served as an administrative law judge for several suburbs. She is a member of several bar associations, sits on committees for the American Bar Association, has spoken on legal topics and recently founded a technology company called LawCo.

While attorneys praised her legal knowledge in her area of practice, and her ability to explain complex ideas as an ALJ, concerns were raised over her lack of any jury trial and recent courtroom litigation experience and the breadth of her practice. ISBA finds Ms. Lauren Brougham Glennon not qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

David A. Bonoma -- Not Qualified

David A. Bonoma was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1988. He is a partner with Linebarger Googan Blair & Sampson representing governmental entities. He has previously been in private practice with several firms focusing on corporate law; managed government relationships with Commonwealth Edison from 2012 to 2014; sat on the Board of Review for the Illinois Department of Employment Security from 2011 to 2013; and was chief of staff with the State’s Attorney’s Office from 1997 to 2003. He is chair of the Legal Affairs Committee for the Board of Maryville.

Attorneys praised his intelligence, diligence, integrity, knowledge in his area, and temperament. Concerns were raised over his lack of jury and bench trial experience. ISBA finds Mr. David A. Bonoma not qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Regina Ann Mescall -- Highly Qualified

Regina Ann Mescall was admitted to the New Mexico bar in 2002 and the Illinois bar in 2007. From 2002 to 2008 she was a prosecutor with the district attorney in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 2008 she became an assistant state’s attorney in Cook County. She is currently a first chair at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse after previous assignments in Felony Review at the Fifth Municipal District (Bridgeview) and the Sixth Municipal District (Markham). She belongs to various prosecutors’ bar associations.

She has extensive criminal jury and bench trial experience including in serious and complex felonies. ISBA finds Ms. Regina Ann Mescall highly qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

James John Knibbs -- Qualified

James John Knibbs has been licensed since 1985. He is currently ‘of counsel’ at Foran Glennon Palandech Ponzi & Rudloff, handling civil litigation matters. He has also been a partner at several other civil litigation firms and spent ten years as an assistant state’s attorney, six of them as a supervisor in the Financial Crimes and Professional Standard Units. He is a member of several bar associations, including as a committee member, has written on legal topics, and taught Trial
Advocacy for several years at Loyola University School of Law.

Attorneys praise him for his knowledge, demeanor, work ethic, impartiality, and low-key demeanor. He has extensive jury trial experience, both civil and criminal. ISBA finds Mr. James John Knibbs qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Thomas J. Condon, Jr. -- Qualified

Thomas J. Condon, Jr. has been licensed since 2002. He joined Peterson, Johnson and Murray in 2016 where he is a partner handling litigation matters. Before that he worked at several other litigation firms and also was an associate corporation counsel for the City of Chicago for four years. In that position he helped draft ordinances and was head of the Fast Track demolition team. He has been a prosecutor for various suburbs. He is a member of several bar associations and is active with different community organizations.

Attorneys respect him for his legal knowledge, and he has substantial civil jury and bench trial experience. He is considered to be well-prepared, ethical and diligent. ISBA finds Mr. Thomas J. Condon, Jr. qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Brad S. Telander -- Qualified

Brad S. Telander has been licensed since 1983. He has been the owner of Telander & Associates since 2014 focusing mainly on criminal defense cases. Prior to that he was a partner at Telander & Telander from 1992 to 2014; an attorney with the Chicago Northwestern Railroad from 1991 to 1992; and an assistant state’s attorney from 1983 to 1991. He is a member of several bar associations.

He is a well-respected trial attorney who is considered to be a ‘straight shooter’, prepared and unflappable. He has jury and bench experience, including in complex cases. ISBA finds Mr. Brad S. Telander qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Scott Edward Lipinski -- Qualified

Scott Edward Lipinski has been licensed since 2002. He is a career assistant public defender currently assigned to felonies in the Sixth Municipal District (Markham); previous assignments include Child Protection and the Fifth Municipal District (Bridgeview). He is a member of the Southwest Bar Association.

He has substantial jury and bench trial experience, mainly criminal. Attorneys generally reported that he has sufficient legal knowledge and is considered to be diligent. He did received some mixed comments regarding temperament; some who did not see it as an issue did agree that he could be abrasive, others described him as condescending at times, and other attorneys expressed no concern at all. ISBA finds Mr. Scott Edward Lipinski qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.


Erin Haggerty Antonietti -- Qualified

Erin Haggerty Antonietti has been licensed since 1991. She was appointed to the circuit court in June 2019 and is currently assigned to the First Municipal District – Traffic Section. After spending three years with a civil litigation firm doing defense work, she became an assistant state’s attorney; a job she held until her appointment. Her assignments included Juvenile Justice, Misdemeanor and Bond Court. She has taught at Prairie State College and is active in her community.

Attorneys report has she is organized, punctual, even-handed, and professional. She has some trial experience. ISBA finds Judge Erin Haggerty Antonietti qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Thomas G. O’Brien -- Not Recommended

Thomas G. O’Brien declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Mr. Thomas G. O’Brien is found to be not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.



Jamie Guerra Dickler -- Qualified

Jamie Guerra Dickler was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2005. She is a career assistant state’s attorney currently assigned to the Felony Trial Division as the Leighton Criminal Courthouse. Prior assignments include Misdemeanor, Felony Review and the Grand Jury, Sex and Homicide Unit. She is a member of several bar associations, a mentor with Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, and has been on the Junior Board of the Chicago Lighthouse.

She has substantial criminal jury and bench trial experience, including handling complex cases. Attorneys praise her for her extensive legal knowledge, her temperament, organization, and impartiality. ISBA finds Ms. Jamie Guerra Dickler qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Anne Shaw -- Not Qualified

Anne Shaw was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1995. Since 2003 she has been a private practitioner focusing on civil matters, civil rights, real estate, and business matters. She is a past president of the Asian American Bar Association, on the board of the ACLU and a past commissioner at the Board of Ethics. She has spoken on legal topics and helped found a legal clinic.

While attorneys considered her to be even keeled and fair, and to have adequate legal knowledge, concerns were raised about her lack of jury trial, complex and recent litigation, as well as her organizational skills. ISBA finds Ms. Anne Shaw not qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.


Eileen O’Connor -- Qualified

Eileen O’Connor was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2006. She is a partner in her family’s law practice, O’Connor Law Group, where she handles civil litigation, primarily in the areas of personal injury, medical malpractice and civil rights. She has been a speaker on legal topics, a committee member with the Chicago Bar Association and is active in her community.

She has civil jury and bench trial experience in both state and federal court, and significant pre-trial motion practice. Attorneys consider her professional, level-headed and prepared. ISBA finds Ms. Eileen O’Connor qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Cory Eli Oshita -- Not Qualified

Cory Eli Oshita was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2008. After two years as an associate with Richard C. Irvin, in 2011 he opened a solo practice focusing on domestic relations and some criminal defense. He is also a hearing officer for the Chicago Board of Education. He is a member of several bar associations and is active in the community.

While he is considered to be knowledgeable in his area of family law with an excellent demeanor, concerns were raised over his limited practice area and his lack of jury and complex trial experience. ISBA finds Mr. Cory Eli Oshita not qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Anthony Lucafo -- Qualified

Anthony Lucafo has been licensed since 2006. He is a career assistant state’s attorney currently assigned to the Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Unit. Prior assignments include Felony Review, Juvenile Justice and First Municipal. He has taught as IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law and is a member of the Justinian Society.

Attorneys praised his trial skills and described him as well-versed in the law, prepared and fair to all. He has criminal jury and bench trial experience including complex matters. ISBA finds Mr. Anthony Lucafo qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

The Illinois State Bar Association has released its narrative explanations of the ratings issued to candidates seeking judicial offices in Cook County in the upcoming primary.

The ISBA's full report can be accessed from this page of the ISBA website. (Note to any Downstate readers who may happen across this post, ISBA evaluations of Downstate judicial candidates can also be obtained starting at that same page.) For more about how ISBA evaluations are conducted, see this post.

These are the ISBA's evaluations of candidates seeking vacancies in the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th Subcircuits:



Owens “Joe” Shelby -- Qualified

Owens “Joe” Shelby has been licensed since 2007. Aside from a brief period as assistant counsel to the Speaker of the Illinois House, he has been a career assistant state’s attorney currently assigned to a felony courtroom in the Fourth Municipal District (Maywood). He has been treasurer of the National Black Prosecutors Association – Chicago Chapter, and is active with the NAACP – Chicago Westside Chapter.

Attorneys generally reported that he has solid legal knowledge and ability and knows how to apply the law to the facts. He is considered to be respectful of all with solid character. He has some criminal jury trial experience, though attorneys reported not necessarily in very complex matters. ISBA finds Mr. Owens Shelby qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Marcia O’Brien Conway -- Qualified

Marcia O’Brien Conway was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1984. She was an assistant state’s attorney from 1993 until 2018. Her assignments included Real Estate Tax Division, Corporate Transactions and Chancery. Prior to her employment with the State’s Attorney’s Office, she had been a sole practitioner handling real estate matters, and both a consulting attorney and an associate attorney with Winston and Strawn handling commercial litigation and real estate cases. She was a member of the River Forest Plan Commission from 1995 to 2008; is a member of various bar associations; and is active in community affairs. She has civil litigation experience and attorneys report that she has excellent legal knowledge citing her ability to reduce complicated issues into manageable parts. She is considered
to be professional and compassionate. ISBA finds Ms. Marcia O’Brien Conway qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Pamela Reaves-Harris -- Qualified

Pamela Reaves-Harris has been licensed since 1992. Since 2017 she has been the special assistant for Legal Affairs for the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development. From 2015 to 2017 she served as the state representative for the 10th District and sat on the Civil Judiciary Committee. Before her election she had been in private practice for eleven years and had also held several positions with Citibank, including associate/assistant, president/compliance officer. While
in private practice, she also served as an administrative law judge for Chicago, Maywood and Broadview. She has been active in community affairs.

Attorneys reported that she is smart, knowledgeable, a quick learner, and fair. Although some concerns were raised about her lack of litigation experience, she was well-respected as an administrative law judge and attorneys stated that she keeps up with the law. ISBA finds Ms. Pamela Reaves-Harris qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Mable Taylor -- Not Recommended

Mable Taylor declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Ms. Mable Taylor is found to be not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Kristen Marie Lyons -- Not Recommended

Kristen Marie Lyons declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Ms. Kristen Marie Lyons is found to be not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.



Jonathan Clark Green -- Qualified

Jonathan Clark Green was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1986. He is currently a supervising attorney with the Corporation Counsel’s Office for Chicago doing civil litigation. He is also the liaison city attorney for the Civilian Office of Police Accountability in court proceedings. Prior positions have included time in private practice, including doing business law in Belgium; serving on the legal staff for the Illinois House of Representatives; and as an assistant attorney general; and a fellowship with the American Society of International Law. He is active with several bar associations, including serving as current First Vice President (and incoming President) of the Advocates Society. He is active in the community and is an advisory member to the board of the Little City Foundation.

Some attorneys contacted during the investigation reported that he is capable, competent, civil, and fair; a few expressed concerns over ongoing discovery issues in federal court in civil rights cases with the City’s Law Department, and his role and responsibility concerning those issues. He has handled several civil juries as lead counsel. ISBA finds Mr. Jonathan Clark Green to be qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Bradley R. Trowbridge -- Qualified

Bradley R. Trowbridge has been licensed in Illinois since 2000. He has had his own law practice since 2003 handling domestic, chancery, probate, and criminal matters. He also serves as an appointed guardian ad litem and has taught at The John Marshall Law School. He previously worked for several agencies included the Legal Assistance Foundation and is a mediator and arbitrator. He has published articles, volunteered with First Defense Legal Aid, and was president of the Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women’s Network.

Attorneys consider him to be professional, civil and fair. ISBA finds Mr. Bradley R. Trowbridge qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.


Michael A. Forti -- Qualified

Michael A. Forti has been licensed since 1980. He was first appointed to the Circuit Court in 2016, reappointed in 2018 and became an associate judge in January 2020. He is currently assigned to Domestic Relations. Prior to his appointment, from 2012-2015, he was the chief counsel for the Illinois Department of Transportation. Earlier in his career, he was Deputy Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago Law Department, and a partner at Bell Boyd & Lloyd.

Attorneys report that he has good legal knowledge, considers matters thoughtfully, is even keeled and treats all equally. Judge Michael A. Forti is found to be qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.



Pamela “Pam” Stratigakis -- Qualified

Pamela Stratigakis was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2001. In August 2019, after spending sixteen years as an assistant state’s attorney, she joined Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith as a partner handling insurance defense for medical malpractice cases. As an assistant state’s attorney, her assignments included Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Division, Child Support, Narcotics, and Felony Review. She has spoken on legal topics and internet safety, is a member of several bar associations, and is on the board of the North Suburban Bar Association.

She has substantial criminal jury and bench trial experience. Attorneys praised her legal knowledge and ability, her diligence, demeanor, and professionalism. ISBA finds Ms. Pamela Stratigakis qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Thomas M. Cushing -- Qualified

Thomas M. Cushing has been licensed since 1988. He was appointed to the circuit court in June 2019 and is currently assigned to Domestic Violence. Prior to his appointment he had been ‘of counsel’ to Christopher Kreid & Associates since 2010. Before joining that firm, from 2006 to 2010 he had been senior vice president at the Chicago Climate Exchange. He also had his own practice for many years before that handling professional and municipal liability matters. He was assisting counsel on the Shakman Decree case. He has taught trial practice, written and spoken on legal matters; was a hearing board member for the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission; and a volunteer with Chicago Volunteer Legal Services.

He has extensive civil jury and bench trial experience in both state and federal courts. Attorneys universally praised his experience, diligence and demeanor; he is considered to be well-versed in evidence. ISBA finds Judge Thomas M. Cushing qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Ira I. Silverstein -- Not Qualified

Ira I. Silverstein was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1985. He is a sole practitioner focusing on domestic relations, real estate and guardianship. From 1999 to 2018 he was a state senator in the Illinois Legislature representing the Eighth District. He was chair of the Illinois Senate Judiciary Committee and a member of both the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission and the Holocaust and Genocide Commission.

While some attorneys gave positive comments about his diligence and knowledge, concerns were raised about the depth and breadth of his legal experience and his lack of litigation experience. In addition, a harassment complaint filed against him in 2017 resulted in a finding by the Inspector General that his conduct was unbecoming for a legislator, with a recommendation for ethics counseling. ISBA finds Mr. Ira I. Silverstein not qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Timothy Patrick Carter -- Qualified

Timothy Patrick Carter has been licensed since 1995. He has been in private practice since 2012 currently with Carter & Opdyke, PC focusing on criminal defense. From 1996 to 2012 he was an assistant state’s attorney serving in the Appeals, Traffic, Juvenile, and Felony Trial divisions. He has been a moot court judge, is a member of several bar associations and is a past president of the Northfield Bar Association.

He has extensive jury and bench trial experience including in complex matters. He is well-respected for his legal knowledge and ability, integrity and professionalism. He treats all with respect and is fair and diligent. ISBA finds Mr. Timothy Patrick Carter qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.


Thomas Peter Kougias -- Not Qualified

Thomas Peter Kougias was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1988. He worked as an assistant state’s attorney from 1992 until 2012 and has been in private practice since 2012 focusing on criminal defense and traffic cases. He is a member of some bar associations.

While attorneys report that he is an experienced criminal litigator with good legal knowledge, some concerns were raised about his lack of civil experience, organizational skills and temperament. ISBA finds Mr. Thomas Peter Kougias not qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Julie Bess Aimen -- Highly Qualified

Julie Bess Aimen has been licensed since 1984. She is a sole practitioner primarily in criminal defense, family law and civil rights matters. Prior to opening her practice, she did criminal appeals for the Office of the State Appellate Defender. She has taught and lectured at law schools, is a past president and board members of the Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers/Illinois Attorneys for Criminal Justice, and a past board member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. She has also been an arbitrator for Cook County.

Attorneys and judges highly praised her legal knowledge and ability. She is considered to be diligent and straightforward. She has substantial pre-trial motion, jury and bench trial experience, both criminal and civil, in complex matters. ISBA finds Ms. Julie Bess Aimen highly qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Michael Alan Strom -- Qualified

Michael Alan Strom has been licensed since 1977. He was appointed to the circuit court in January 2019 and is currently assigned to the First Municipal District. From October 2014 until his appointment, he was a staff attorney in the Legal Research Division, Office of the Chief Judge. Prior to that, he was a civil litigator concentrating on tort cases, both with his own practice and as a partner in a firm. He is a board member and past president of the Decalogue Society of Lawyers and has been a speaker and author on legal topics. He was a founding member of the Chicago Coalition for Law Related Education.

He has extensive experience as a trial lawyer in civil matters and is respected by other attorneys for his knowledge, ability, diligence, and professionalism. ISBA finds Judge Michael Alan Strom qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Basileios “Bill” Foutris -- Qualified

Basileios “Bill” Foutris has been licensed since 2000. Since 2005 he has been a sole practitioner with Foutris Law Office, Ltd. where he represents plaintiffs in civil rights and police misconduct civil litigation matters. Prior to opening his own firm, he was an associate and a contract attorney with two other civil litigation firms. He is a member of several bar associations and does pro bono work through his practice.

He has substantial civil jury and bench trial experience in both state and federal courts and has handled some high-profile cases as well as some appeals. Most attorneys generally reported that he a formidable opponent respected for his knowledge. A few attorneys interviewed felt that at time he took advantage of less-experienced colleagues in resolving disputed and was not always easy to work with; some attributed any such issues to his passion for his clients. ISBA finds Mr. Basileios Foutris qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.



John G. Mulroe -- Qualified

John G. Mulroe has been licensed since 1988. He was appointed to the circuit court in June 2019 and is currently assigned to the First Municipal District – Traffic Section. After starting his legal career as an assistant state’s attorney, he opened his own practice handling probate and real estate matters and also serving as an arbitrator and hearing officer. He was elected to the Illinois State Senate from the 10th District in 2020 and chaired the Judiciary Committee. He resigned from that position upon his appointment as a judge. He is a member of various bar associations and is active in community affairs.

Attorneys reported that he is a knowledgeable and well-rounded attorney who treats all with respect. He has both jury and bench trial experience and has handled appeals. ISBA finds Judge John G. Mulroe qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.


John Garrido -- Not Recommended

John Garrido declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Mr. John Garrido is found to be not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Jon Stromsta -- Qualified

Jon Stromsta was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1985. He was an associate and partner with Ross & Hardies doing civil litigation from 1985 to 1997 after which he moved to the Teamsters Central States Funds dealing with employee benefits issues. He was a solo practitioner for four years then moved to the Office of the State Appellate Defender, handling appeals and post-conviction matters. After that he practiced family law with David Pasulka & Associates until 2010 when he became a partner with Enterprise Law Group when he currently practices. He has taught at Loyola University School of Law and held leadership positions in community organizations. He is a member of various bar associations and has served as a courtroom facilitator in Domestic Relations assisting pro se parties.

He is considered by attorneys to be very smart and trustworthy, with a good demeanor and a higher than average understanding of various areas of law. He has jury trial experience. ISBA finds Mr. Jon Stromsta qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Maire Aileen Dempsey -- Qualified

Marie Aileen Dempsey has been licensed since 2002. She is currently a partner at Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd. handling medical malpractice defense litigation involving hospitals and health care professionals. Before joining her current firm, she was an associate at several other medical malpractice defense firms. She is a member of several bar associations, has been a volunteer with the Legal Assistance Foundation, and currently assists refugees through the Syrian Community Network.

She has substantial civil jury and bench trial experience, as well as in depositions and pretrial motions. She is known to be prepared and professional, with a good demeanor. ISBA finds Ms. Maire Aileen Dempsey qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.


Daniel Alexander Trevino -- Qualified

Daniel Alexander Trevino has been licensed since 1999. He was appointed as an associate judge in June 2018 and is currently assigned to Domestic Relations. Before his appointment, he spent his entire career as an associate and then partner at Hinshaw & Culbertson where he concentrated on products liability transportation litigation. He is a past president of the Hispanic Lawyers Association, served as a commissioner of the Illinois Medical District, has spoken on legal topics, and been a community volunteer.

Attorneys praised him for his character, impartiality, extensive knowledge of the law, and his ability to handle complex litigation. ISBA finds Judge Daniel Alexander Trevino qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

John Hourihane -- Qualified

John Hourihane has been licensed since 1998. Since being licensed he has practiced with a variety of firms handling commercial litigation. In 2018, he founded John Hourihane, Jr. Ltd, concentrating on complex commercial matters and business counsel. He is also ‘of counsel’ to Brotschul Pott, LLC. He is an at-large members of the board of Lurie Children’s Surgical Foundation, Inc. and is a member of some bar associations.

Attorneys generally reported that he has good legal knowledge and ability, is efficient, fair, and even tempered. He has civil litigation experience and has handled some appeals. ISBA finds Mr. John Hourihane qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Audrey Victoria Cosgrove -- Qualified

Audrey Victoria Cosgrove was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1990. She is currently the deputy chief legal counsel for the Illinois Lottery, a position she took after serving as deputy chief legal counsel for the Illinois Department of Labor. After obtaining her license, she initially spent nine years as an assistant public defender where her assignment included Child Protection and Felony Trial. She then operated her own practice for nineteen years, handling criminal defense, juvenile, real estate, traffic, and family law cases while serving as an administrative law judge for several state agencies. She is currently secretary and incoming first vice president of the Advocates Society and has been president of the Pulaski-Elston Business Association; volunteers with the National Immigrant Justice Center; and is active in other community organizations.

Attorneys report that she is very knowledgeable, a good litigator, has experience in various areas of law, and is both diligent and ethical. She has both jury and bench trial experience. ISBA finds Ms. Audrey Victoria Cosgrove qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Mary Catherine Marubio -- Highly Qualified

Mary Catherine Marubio has been licensed since 1997. She was appointed as an associate judge in 2016 and is currently assigned to the Pretrial Division at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse after previously sitting in Domestic Relations. From 1997 to 2012 she had her own firm handling criminal defense and immigration cases in both state and federal courts. In 2012 she joined the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, first as a prosecutor and then as an administrative law judge. She is president of the Alliance of Illinois Judges, a board member of the Illinois Judges Association and the American Civil Liberties Union and was involved in pro bono work as an attorney.

Attorneys report that she has a keen intellect, is a hard worker and has a good temperament. She has substantial jury and bench trial experience. ISBA finds Judge Mary Catherine Marubio highly qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Liam Kelly -- Not Recommended

Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, any candidate who has less than the minimum ten years of experience required for a judicial candidate shall be given a rating of not recommended. Timothy Liam Kelly was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2011 and has less than the minimum then years of experience required for a judicial candidate. Mr. Timothy Liam Kelly is found to be not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

The Illinois State Bar Association has released its narrative explanations of the ratings issued to candidates seeking judicial offices in Cook County in the upcoming primary.

The ISBA's full report can be accessed from this page of the ISBA website. (Note to any Downstate readers who may happen across this post, ISBA evaluations of Downstate judicial candidates can also be obtained starting at that same page.) For more about how ISBA evaluations are conducted, see this post.

These are the ISBA's evaluations of candidates seeking vacancies in the 12th, 13th, 14th, and 15th Subcircuits:



Democratic Candidates

Patricia M. Fallon -- Qualified

Patricia Fallon has been licensed since 2001. She was appointed to the circuit court in July 2019 and currently sits in the First Municipal District – Traffic Section. From June 2017 until her appointment, she was chief of Human Resources at the Cook County Recorder of Deeds. She came to that position after spending thirteen years as an assistant state’s attorney in the Labor and Employment Unit becoming supervisor in 2015. Prior to joining the State’s Attorney’s Office, she had been a contract attorney for a law firm and for Abbott Laboratories. She has been on committees and a section council member for the Illinois State Bar Association and is a member of other bars. She has also done legal writing.

Attorneys gave favorable comments about her legal knowledge and ability, pointing to her experience in state and federal courts, diligence and good temperament. She has jury and pretrial motion experience and has handled appeals. She has appeared before several county and state agencies handling employment matters. ISBA finds Judge Patricia M. Fallon qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Howard J. Wise -- Qualified

Howard J. Wise has been licensed since 1997. He has been in private practice since 2001, currently with Howard J. Wise & Associates doing mainly criminal defense, DUI and traffic cases. From 1998 to 2001 he was an assistant state’s attorney; his assignments included Criminal Appeals, Traffic, Misdemeanors, Felony Preliminary Hearings, and Felony Review. He is a member of various bar associations.

He is considered to be smart and informed, professional and diligent. He has some jury trial experience and a lot of bench trial experience. ISBA finds Mr. Howard J. Wise qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Carmine Trombetta -- Qualified

Carmine Trombetta has been licensed since 1983. He has his own general practice: Law Office of Carmine V. Trombetta, focusing on civil matters, real estate and bankruptcy matters.

Attorneys, including adversaries, report that he is prepared, hardworking and has a good understanding of legal issues. He has some jury experience, both civil and criminal. ISBA finds Mr. Carmine Trombetta qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Republican Candidate

Frank R. DiFranco -- Qualified

Frank R. DiFranco has been licensed since 1987. From 1987 to 1995 he was an assistant state’s attorney where his assignments included Appeals, Traffic, Night Narcotics, and Felony Trial. Since 1995 he has been in private practice currently as the principal with DiFranco and Associates, focusing on criminal defense and civil cases. He is a member of some bar associations, has lectured to law enforcement officers and high schools, and is on the board of the Standing Tall Foundation.

Attorneys generally reported that he is very competent and diligent and represents his clients with great zeal. There were some mixed comments on temperament with some stating that he has a good temperament, while a few felt he could be argumentative at times. He has both civil and criminal jury trial experience and substantial criminal bench trial experience. ISBA finds Mr. Frank R. DiFranco qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.



Democratic Candidates

Joe Gump -- Qualified

Joe Gump was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1987. He was a career assistant public defender who recently retired from that office. After spending eleven years in the Appeals Division, he moved to Felony Trial in the Third Municipal District (Rolling Meadows). He has also handled real estate matters. He served in many leadership positions in AFSCME Local 3315, the public defenders’ union, including president, vice-president, chief steward, and as a bargaining committee member. He is considered to be a strong advocate and an experienced trial attorney who gets good dispositions for his clients.

Attorneys and judges reported that he writes well and has excellent research skills, is sensitive to diversity and even keeled. A few indicated that at time punctuality was an issue, though others attributed any issues there to the number of cases and nature of the job. He has substantial trial experience, including in complex matters, and also handled many appeals hear in his career. ISBA finds Mr. Joe Gump qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Matt Flamm -- Qualified

Matt Flamm has been admitted to the Illinois bar since 1978. Since 2018 he has been president and attorney at Flamm & Teibloom, LLC handling real estate, tax, business, and election law matters. Prior to that he was in private practice, both with his own and other business, real estate and tax law firms. He has been active with bar associations including serving on committees for the Chicago Bar Association and the Chicago Council of Lawyers, and also serving as associate editor to the Illinois State Bar Association’s State and Local Taxation Committee. He is also the Palatine Township democratic committeeman.

Attorneys report that he is knowledgeable, prepared and a critical thinker; he was referred to as the ‘go to guy’ in the real estate tax field who submits well-written briefs. He has civil jury and bench trial experience in various county and federal courts and has handled appeals as well. ISBA finds Mr. Matt Flamm qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Michael Harry Minton -- Not Qualified

Michael Harry Minton has been licensed since 1971. He is currently a partner at the Minton Firm handling domestic relations and civil matters. He has worked in various civil firms during his career. He is a member of several bar associations and active with Hope Learning Academy.

Attorneys report that he is an honest and experienced advocate. Concerns were raised, however, about the depth and breadth of his recent experience, his diligence and his lack of jury trial and recent complex litigation experience. ISBA finds Mr. Michael Harry Minton not qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Susanne Michele Groebner -- Qualified

Susanne Michele Groebner has been licensed since 2000. She is a career prosecutor first with Cook County and for the past few years in McHenry County. Her assignments in Cook County included Juvenile Justice, Child Support and Felony Trials in the Third Municipal District (Rolling Meadows).

She has extensive criminal jury trial experience and attorneys reported that she has a thorough knowledge of legal concepts, is well prepared, honest, and impartial. ISBA finds Ms. Susanne Michele Groebner qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Michael P. Gerber -- Highly Qualified

Michael Perry Gerber was admitted in 1980. He was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2016 and reappointed in 2019. He is currently assigned to the Third Municipal District (Rolling Meadows). Prior to his appointment, he spent over thirty years as an assistant state's attorney after a short stint in private practice and as an assistant public defender. As a prosecutor, he had extensive criminal jury trial experience; he was cited, however, several times for improper closing arguments. As a judge, attorneys report that he makes thoughtful rulings, is very knowledgeable, researches the law and runs his courtroom efficiently. Judge Gerber is found to be highly qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Republican Candidates

Angel Garcia -- Not Recommended

Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, any candidate who has less than the minimum ten years of experience required for a judicial candidate shall be given a rating of not recommended. Angel Garcia was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2011 and has less than the minimum ten years of experience required for a judicial candidate. Mr. Angel Garcia is found to be not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Gary William Seyring -- Qualified

Gary William Seyring has been licensed since 1998. He has been a private practitioner since with his own practice: Law Offices of Gary Seyring, focusing on various areas of civil law including domestic relations, real estate, probate and estate planning, and business law. He has taught at Roosevelt University, been active on committees with the Chicago Bar Association and the Northwest Suburban Bar Association and assisted military families with tax preparation through a pro bono program. He is on the board of the Illinois Youth Soccer Association.

He is considered to be a well-prepared litigator with good writing skills. He has a diverse clientele and is patient and calm. He has substantial civil trial experience including in complex matters. ISBA finds Mr. Gary William Seyring qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.



Gerardo Tristan, Jr. -- Qualified

Gerardo Tristan, Jr. was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2002. He was appointed to the Circuit Court in January 2019 and is currently assigned to the First Municipal District – Traffic Section. At the time of his appointment he had been an assistant state’s attorney for most of his career with assignments in Child Support, Juvenile Justice and Felony Trial. He is on the board of the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois, has been a committee member for the Illinois State Bar Association and is a member of other legal groups.

He has substantial criminal jury and bench trial experience. Attorneys reported that he is very organized with a great demeanor and specifically noted his proficiency in the technological aspects of courtroom litigation. ISBA finds Judge Gerardo Tristan, Jr. qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Steve Demitro -- Not Recommended

Steve Demitro declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Mr. Steve Demitro is found to be not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.


Daniel O. Tiernan – Highly Qualified

Daniel O. Tiernan has been licensed since 1995. He was appointed to the circuit court in February 2019 and then named an associate judge in January 2020. He is currently assigned to the First Municipal District – Traffic Section. At the time of his appointment he was an investigator for the Office of the Cook County Inspector General where he had been employed since January 2016. Earlier in his career he was an assistant state’s attorney from 1995 to 2007 when he went into private practice with Delgado& Tiernan. As a private practitioner he handled criminal, probate, real estate, and immigration matters. He is a member of various bar associations and has been involved in community activities.

He has substantial criminal jury and bench trial experience and has also handled appeals. Attorney described him as being well versed in pretrial and trial procedure, diligent and professional with an excellent temperament. ISBA finds Mr. Daniel O. Tiernan highly qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Perla Tirado -- Not Qualified

Perla Tirado was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2005. Since 2016 she has been supervising attorney at Beyond Legal Aid, a non-profit legal services provider focusing on criminal, traffic, immigration, and family law. Before that she was in private practice and also was an assistant public defender for two years. She is a past board member of the Puerto Rican Bar Association, has been involved in community activities on immigration issues, and has spoken on legal topics.

While attorneys praised her demeanor, intelligence and passion, there were concerns about her lack of jury trial and complex litigation experience. ISBA finds Perla Tirado not qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.



Heather Mulligan Begley -- Qualified

Heather Mulligan Begley has been licensed since 2003. She is currently as associate at Cunningham, Meyer and Vedrine handling mainly medical malpractice defense cases. She has worked for several other civil litigation firms and also had her own practice. She has written for the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, is a member of several bar associations and is active in her local community.

She has civil jury and pre-trial motion experience. She was praised by attorneys for her diligence, professionalism, knowledge, integrity, and level-headedness. ISBA finds Ms. Heather Mulligan Begley qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Nichole C. Patton -- Qualified

Nichole C. Patton has been licensed since 1997. She was appointed to the circuit court in June 2018 and currently sits in the County Division. At the time of her appointment she was an assistant state’s attorney in the Special Prosecutions Bureau – Mental Health Unit. She initially worked as a prosecutor from 1996 until 2001 serving in Juvenile, Appeals and Traffic. From 2001 until returning to the States’ Attorney’s Office in 2010 she worked for Liberty Mutual Insurance Co.; for a firm handling medical malpractice cases; and then in her own solo general practice. She is on the Board of Managers for the Chicago Bar Association and is active with other community organizations.

Attorneys reported that she is knowledgeable about the law, well prepared and is fair with a good temperament. She has some jury trial experience. ISBA finds Ms. Nichole C. Patton qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

The Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening has released its ratings for persons seeking election to judicial office in Cook County in the March primary.

The Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening is comprised of the Arab American Bar Association (AABAR) (this is the newest Alliance member), the Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago (AABA), the Black Women Lawyers' Association of Greater Chicago (BWLA), the Chicago Council of Lawyers (CCL), the Cook County Bar Association (CCBA), the Decalogue Society of Lawyers (DSL), the Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois (HBA), the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois (HLAI), the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA), the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago (LAGBAC), the Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois (PRBA), and the Women's Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI), working collaboratively to improve the process of screening judicial candidates in Cook County, Illinois.

The Alliance does not include the Chicago Bar Association (CBA), which maintains its own evaluation process.

Candidates seeking screening from the Alliance must complete a lengthy questionnaire (a questionnaire that is similar to, but sufficiently different from, the separate CBA questionnaire that completion of one will not suffice for the other). Investigators are then assigned by the Alliance from any of the member groups; thus, members of Alliance groups are not necessarily involved in the vetting of any one candidate's written application -- calling references (including lawyers that have been on the other side of the candidate's cases) reviewing written submissions, and so forth. When that phase of the investigation is completed, however, and after medical waivers and ARDC (or JIB) waivers are obtained, a hearing is scheduled for the applicant. All Alliance groups are asked to participate in these hearings. Each evaluator at the hearings (representing one or more Alliance members) will have the benefit of the Alliance investigators' work, even though the investigators may not be associated with the evaluator's bar group.

So all the Alliance members start with the same investigative materials, and participate in the same candidate interviews -- but, because each group has their own evaluators present for the interviews, they do not always reach the same conclusions.

The CBA issues written findings explaining its evaluations. Two of the Alliance members, the ISBA and the CCL, issue written findings to the public as well. The other Alliance members may or may not explain their ratings to individual candidates; whether they do or do not, however, these explanations are not made public.

Much of the evaluation process is confidential. Candidates do not learn which lawyers said what about them, good or bad. Candidates and evaluators all sign promises not to disclose what is said at a candidate's interview.

Different Alliance groups give different ratings. Some Alliance groups will issue no rating other than Qualified/Not Qualified or Recommended/Not Recommended. The Chicago Bar Association issues a Highly Qualified Rating, as do some Alliance members. Others offer a Highly Recommended rating. The CCL issues positive ratings of Qualified, Well Qualified, or Highly Qualified.

As you review these grids, keep in mind that, HQ = Highly Qualified, WQ = Well Qualified, Q = Qualified, NQ = Not Qualified, HR = Highly Recommended, R = Recommended, and NR = Not Recommended.

All Alliance members automatically give an "NR" rating to candidates who do not have enough years in practice or who failed or refused to participate in the evaluation process.

Some of the squares in the grids are blank. In these cases, the association has not yet finished its rating or the candidate is appealing a rating and the appeal process is not yet complete. Some squares will be marked with the symbol ¹. In these cases, the Alliance member was unable to get an evaluator, or a sufficient number of evaluators as required by its own bylaws, to a particular candidate's hearing. The reader will see many of these symbols in the AABAR column. In at least some of these cases, the Alliance may have decided, as permitted by its bylaws, to use a prior, but still recent evaluation of a candidate; it is my understanding that some of these evaluations may predate the AABAR's participation in the Alliance.

As updates become available, I will post them.

With all this firmly in mind, then, herewith the Alliance grids (click on any image to enlarge or clarify):

The Advocates Society, the association of Polish-American attorneys, has issued four endorsements and several "recommendations" for the forthcoming primary.

Non-lawyers visiting FWIW for the first time may be confused.

For the last several days you've been looking at posts about bar associations announcing their evaluations of candidates -- and, hopefully, you've understood that evaluations are not endorsements.

Even if they look a lot like endorsements -- Highly Recommended... Highly Qualified -- they are not.

Why aren't these endorsements?

The cynics in the room will say this is just another case of lawyers playing with words, splitting hairs, or picking nits.

But, really, the distinction is pretty easy to understand, if you think about it for a minute.

When a group endorses someone it chooses one candidate to the exclusion of all others. The endorsing group asks you, the voter, to vote for the endorsed candidate. With evaluations a group can say that everyone in a given race is just hunky-dory... or, maybe, that no one in a given race is. The group is not telling you who to vote for; it is merely giving you its opinions on the merits of each of the candidates. You the voter can take the group's opinions into account, or not, as you decide how to discharge your civic duty.

So... most of the bar associations, even most of the ethnic ones, at least those that belong to the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening, issue evaluations.

But the Advocates don't belong to the Alliance.

So the Advocates can, and do, issue endorsements.

In the forthcoming primary, the Advocates have endorsed Audrey Cosgrove for the O'Brien vacancy in the 10th Subcircuit, Jonathan Clark Green for the Fleming vacancy in the 8th Subcircuit, Kristen Lyons for the Jackson vacancy in the 7th Subcircuit, and Michael Strom for the Luckman vacancy in the 9th Subcircuit.

The Advocates have also made numerous "recommendations" for candidates seeking other vacancies. This list is taken from the Advocates website. It is largely in alphabetical order, although Araceli De La Cruz got pushed well down the list for reasons unknown to FWIW. I've taken the liberty of adding information about the races in which these candidates are running.

• Julie Aimen, who is running against Judge Strom for the Luckman vacancy in the 9th Subcircuit;
• Laura Ayala-Gonzalez, countywide Ford vacancy;
• Aileen Bhandari, countywide Coghlan vacancy;
• Hon. Lloyd Brooks, countywide O'Brien vacancy;
• Jennifer Callahan, countywide Mason vacancy;
• Hon. Cynthia Cobbs, Illinois Supreme Court candidate;
• James Crawley, countywide Roti vacancy;
• Hon. James T. Derico, Jr., countywide Coghlan vacancy;
• Jamie Guerra Dickler, 6th Subcircuit, Nega vacancy;
• Frank DiFranco, 12th Subcircuit, Hanlon vacancy (Republican candidate);
• Cristin McDonald Duffy, countywide Bellows vacancy;
• Hon. Patricia Fallon, 12th Subcircuit, Hanlon vacancy (Democratic candidate)
• Hon. Michael Forti, unopposed candidate for the Gubin vacancy in the 8th Subcircuit;
• Jacqueline Griffin, countywide Funderburk vacancy;
• Hon. Sheree D. Henry, countywide Murphy Gorman vacancy;
• Hon. Michael Hyman, Appellate Court candidate (Neville, Jr. vacancy);
• Heather Kent, countywide O'Brien vacancy;
• Hon. Kerrie Maloney Laytin, countywide Bellows vacancy;
• Hon. Celestia Mays, countywide Funderburk vacancy;
• Kelly McCarthy, countywide Coghlan vacancy;
• Suzanne McEneely, countywide Larsen vacancy;
• Hon. Teresa Molina, countywide McCarthy vacancy;
• Megan Mulay, countywide Larsen vacancy;
• Hon. John Mulroe, unopposed candidate for the Allen vacancy in the 10th Subcircuit;
• Eileen O'Connor, 6th Subcircuit, Pantle vacancy;
• Araceli De La Cruz, countywide Roti vacancy;
• Hon. Jesse Reyes, Illinois Supreme Court candidate;
• Beth Ryan, countywide Coghlan vacancy;
• Hon. Levander Smith, countywide Larsen vacancy;
• Christ Stacey, countywide Mason vacancy;
• Jon Stromsta, 10th Subcircuit, McGing vacancy;
• Hon. Daniel Tiernan, 14th Subcircuit, Lacy vacancy;
• Hon. Tyria B. Walton, 1st Subcircuit, Crawford vacancy; and
• Hon. Lynn Weaver Boyle, unopposed candidate for the countywide Patti vacancy.

As you will note, in several races, the Advocates are "recommending" multiple candidates. Because one can't "endorse" multiple candidates in a single race. So a recommendation is something short of an endorsement... but still a bullet point for a mailer or a door-piece.

Supporters of Liam Kelly's bid for the O'Brien vacancy in the 10th Subcircuit are planning a fundraiser for this Thursday, February 27, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., at 55 W. Monroe Street, Suite 3200.

Tickets are $100 each, but sponsorships are available (Friend - $250, Supporter - $500, Host - $1,000). Because this is an event in a private office, RSVPs are necessary. For more information, or to reserve tickets, email liamkellyforjudge@gmail.com.

Kelly has been licensed as an attorney since 2011, according to ARDC. He currently works for the Law Offices of Robert Louis Rascia, Ltd., handling criminal defense matters. He has previously worked for Steven Greenberg and Associates, Ltd.; Villalobos and Associates, P.C.; and Donald J. Angelini, Jr.

In his campaign materials he acknowledges that he has not received positive ratings from the CBA or any of the Alliance bar groups because he does not have sufficient years in practice to satisfy these groups' minimum requirements: "The rules of the Chicago Bar Association and the Alliance of Bar Associations prevent judicial candidates from being rated ‘qualified’ or ‘recommended’ unless they have been practicing for a minimum number of years (12 years and 10 years respectively). This arbitrary policy unfairly penalizes young qualified judicial candidates who have already earned sufficient professional experience to serve the public as judges."

In a year when someone is running for the Illinois Supreme Court after being a lawyer for only four years... well, who knows?

Six of the seven candidates running in the primary election for the available Cook County seat on the Illinois Supreme Court have confirmed their participation in the Chicago Bar Association's Supreme Court Candidate Forum, this Wednesday, February 26, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., at the James R. Thompson Center.

The forum will be hosted by Paul Lisnek, WGN Political Analyst and Anchor of WGN’s Political Report. He will lead the candidates through a discussion on a variety of topics pertaining to the role of a Justice and the functions of the Court.

The candidates who have confirmed attendance at the forum are Illinois Appellate Court Justice Cynthia Cobbs, Daniel Epstein, Appellate Court Justice Nathaniel Howse Jr., Appellate Court Justice Margaret Stanton McBride, Supreme Court Justice P. Scott Neville Jr., and Appellate Court Justice Jesse Reyes.

In a written statement, CBA President Jesse Ruiz stated, "The Chicago Bar Association is very pleased to be hosting this candidate’s forum as a public service to help educate Illinois voters and inform the legal community about the qualifications of the candidates, their views on the operations of our state’s highest court and their vision for its future."

This event is complementary. To RSVP, or for any questions concerning the event, email events@chicagobar.org.

The CBA does not endorse any political candidate and will not endorse any of the candidates running for Illinois Supreme Court.

I link to Injustice Watch from the Sidebar here.

The site grew, at least in part, from out of the former Medill Watchdog group. A few elections back, FWIW readers may recall, Medill Watchdog and WGN partnered on a series investigating whether subcircuit judges and judicial candidates were really residing in the subcircuits where they were running. Injustice Watch co-director Rob Warden was one of the founders of the Center on Wrongful Convictions at Northwestern University. The site does have a definite point of view; a commenter in the last election cycle called Injustice Watch about as neutral as Bernie Sanders' birthday party.

Whether one embraces or rejects the site's predispositions, it does good and useful work: Injustice Watch is one of the few places interested persons can go for original reporting about judges and judging in Cook County.

Sometimes, though, its reporting is of the "yes, but..." variety.

A recent case in point is John Seasly's February 14 article, "Sham candidates for judge: an election secret you’re not supposed to know about," a piece also published in the Chicago Sun-Times.

If you haven't yet read the article, please do.

Then come back.

I've read Mr. Seasly's article now several times; I am acquainted with many of the persons named in his story. And shills -- shill candidates for judge -- is perhaps the number one topic on which I have probably flushed the most comments over the years. (If it's not 1A, it's 1B.)

And some of those who submit comments here get very agitated with me when I don't repeat their accusations that so-and-so is a shill. Why do I protect these persons? they will will demand.

These always-anonymous commenters must have experienced great joy and vindication in Mr. Seasly's article.

But... did you notice?

For all the accusations that this person is a shill, or that one, and even an expression of remorse by one person in aiding and abetting a shill, no one in the article copped to being a shill. No candidate admitted recruiting a shill. The one person identified in the article as having admitted to being a shill was allegedly a shill in 2004 -- and her confession was recorded in a 2009 Abdon Pallasch Sun-Times article (linked here).

Unnamed sources are the ones who point the fingers and connect the dots in Seasly's piece -- which is no different, in my view, from anonymous commenters here hurling accusations from the shadows.

And no more reliable.

Seasly's story also quotes an anonymous "political consultant," who says that "sham candidates no longer help as much as they once did":

“The results are showing they’re not really effective, and I believe it’s a waste of time and effort and money,” the consultant says. “I think its time has come and gone.”

I see no evidence in Seasly's piece that shills have ever helped in a judicial race.

I admit that I am naive... but I have read a little.

Here's my understanding of how the use of shills might actually benefit a candidate. First, the candidate would have to be a long-time incumbent, a state representative or alderman, for example. Second, the incumbent would have to represent a district whose ethnic balance has shifted away from the incumbent.

If an incumbent in these particular circumstances finds that a candidate from the incoming ethnic group is circulating petitions, the incumbent's supporters might then recruit one or more persons with names similar to the challenger's and circulate paper for them, too.

The first priority would be to knock the interloper off the ballot. The Election Code provides a series of obstacles to fend off unwanted challengers.

Only if that fails would the shill candidates be needed to siphon some votes away from the true challenger.

But this only works with an established incumbent because only an established incumbent knows that, in a primary, he or she can count on a minimum core of x votes. This core group will come out, rain or shine, whether from force of habit, family or ethnic ties, personal loyalty, or to protect their political jobs.

Successful politicians can count. They know their likely turnout, maximum and minimum; they know the likely overall turnout. Before using shills, the incumbent has to calculate whether the challenger's support can realistically be brought down below the incumbent's core number. If so, the incumbent can use shills, along with time-honored, if not honorable, voter suppression shenanigans -- moving polling places, for example -- to tamp down the opposition.

Judicial candidates only have to win one contested primary. So there's no certain way to determine, in advance, what any judicial candidate's 'core' will be. And no judicial candidate is likely to have any say in moving polling places.

Therefore, in my opinion, any judicial candidate who invests in the recruitment of shills is wasting money. And maybe recruiting someone for the job of a lifetime to boot. Although it may not always be so, judicial candidates should be smarter than that.

And one more thing -- before branding any candidate with a Scarlet S -- one needs to look at a factor besides fundraising and campaign expenditures.

A true shill candidate would be expected to do exactly nothing in furtherance of his or her campaign. As Pallasch summarized in the 2009 Sun-Times article,

The rules are clear for ringers, if unwritten: Don’t campaign, not even a sign in your front lawn. Your job is to siphon votes from Irish women candidates really running for judge — not to win, though sometimes that happens, and then you get to be judge.

A 2018 candidate named in Seasly's article did have a campaign website, and did respond to a Law Bulletin questionnaire -- but did not submit to screening before either the Chicago Bar Association or the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening.

Both current candidates named in Seasly's article have done more than that.

Countywide candidate Bonnie McGrath (Mason vacancy) submitted an "in her own words" essay to FWIW; she obtained an endorsement from Personal PAC. She loaned her campaign $12,500 on February 4, 10 days before Seasly's article posted. McGrath did not submit her credentials for bar association screening -- but she explained why in a 2018 essay on her Chicago Now site. Heck, she has a Chicago Now website. McGrath can be found. I recall stories about columnists trying to find sham candidates in other races in the past -- with about as much success as quests for Bigfoot or the Yeti.

Appellate Court candidate Maureen O'Leary has a campaign website. She has not raised any money from anyone else, but the Illinois State Board of Elections documents that a political committee was created on her behalf on January 21, before Seasly's article ran. There are some errors in the filings, novice errors perhaps, but she has apparently put $25,000 of her own money into the campaign. More, O'Leary apparently did submit her credentials to both the CBA and the Alliance. The submission to these screenings can be described in a single sentence, but these are not minor undertakings. And whether one receives favorable ratings or not (and O'Leary did not), why would a "shill" bother to expose herself to such scrutiny?

I'm not saying Seasly is wrong; it is possible, that, despite their denials, both McGrath and O'Leary are shills. Or one may be, and the other not. A possible means of proving that Candidate A recruited Candidate B is hinted at in Seasly's article, but not followed up on: If paid circulators were used to gather signatures for either or both of these candidates, as Seasly's anonymous sources suggest, who paid them? Seasly quotes election law attorney Richard Means as saying the law requires disclosures of these kinds of expenditures. (But not every nickel must be accounted for; basically, disclosure requirements kick in when $5,000 is raised or expended in support of, or opposition to, a candidate.)

Seasly's article quotes consultant Mary Kay Dawson (another frequent subject of flushed comments here) as claiming she helped get Bonnie McGrath on the ballot for a countywide vacancy in 2016:

So Dawson hired [Rod] McCulloch to gather signatures to put another woman on the ballot: Bonnie McGrath.

“Basically, what I did was I determined that having additional women on the ballot would be helpful,” Dawson says.

She says she didn’t know who had contacted McGrath, but she paid for the signatures using money Chaudhuri had given her for consulting.

Looking at Chaudhuri's ISBE disclosures, I can't find where Chaudhuri paid money to Dawson for anything. And, according to Seasly, Dawson denies that she recruited McGrath; Dawson doesn't even know who contacted McGrath.

The 2016 race Dawson refers to was for the Johnson vacancy. There were five candidates on the ballot in this contest, three men and two women. One of the women was Bonnie McGrath; the other was the woman who won the race, Carolyn Gallagher, the same Carolyn Gallagher now running for the Appellate Court and who is quoted in Seasly's article.

If alleged shill candidates aren't the most frequent subject of flushed comments at this site, Carolyn Gallagher is.

John Seasly did another article for Injustice Watch, on January 22, about Judge Gallagher's feud with Mary Kay Dawson, "Appellate candidate’s heated letter causes stir among party members, fellow judges." Unlike the Chaudhuri records, I can find, going through the ISBE records of the now-closed Gallagher for Judge Committee, where Gallagher paid money to Mary Kay Dawson for consulting.

That doesn't mean that Dawson didn't also do something for Chaudhuri. I have been told that some consultants subcontract work out to their peers; a candidate may not know who is actually toiling on his or her behalf. I do not report this for the truth of the matter asserted; I merely acknowledge the possibility that the statements made in Seasly's article may be accurate even though a direct expenditure trail may not exist.

But... if the goal was to siphon off votes from Gallagher, in a race with three men, why stop with just McGrath? Why not scrounge up five or six colleens? Chaudhuri had a difficult ballot name, but he had, in addition to the Democratic Party's slating, a potential core of South Asian voters. For a shill game (as opposed to a shell game) to work, votes must be peeled off from the indecisive, uninformed, and uncommitted until the favored candidate's core vote can be the winning total.

Here's the thing about shills and why I haven't accused anyone of being a shill on this site: The shill accusation is a double-edged sword. It is an insult to the candidate who may or may not be a shill (who may instead have expended all his or her resources on getting on the ballot, or staying there, or who is relying on his or her name alone to carry the day, or whose campaign for whatever reason gains no traction). It also injures the candidate who is allegedly responsible for putting the shill in the race.

And that's the point of these accusations, really, to hurt the alleged recruiter.

Besides, a candidate need not be actually recruited and still have the effect of being a shill.

Let's take a non-judicial race for an example. Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx is running for reelection against three opponents, newcomer Bill Conway, Donna More, and Bob Fioretti. It does not take any special prophetic ability to predict that more Cook County voters will vote against Foxx than for her. She can only win renomination if the anti-Foxx votes don't coalesce around any one challenger. On Monday, Shia Kapos reported on Politico that, according to a recent poll, Bill Conway has pulled within striking distance. Conway's camp is sending out mailers -- I've seen two so far -- that paint Fioretti as a tool of the party bosses trying to engineer Foxx's retention.

Given Fioretti's past campaigns against Party Chair Toni Preckwinkle, you'll never have me believing that Fioretti is a shill for Preckwinkle's preferred candidate, Foxx. Fioretti and Preckwinkle are almost certainly, as Michael Sneed would say, a don't invite 'em item. On the other hand, if (and it's always a mighty big if) the poll results reported on Politico this week are correct, then a vote for Fioretti is effectively a vote for Foxx.

Moreover, a candidate might be made a shill in a race without ever being recruited or even knowing that he or she was intended to be a shill.

A person might be flattered, cajoled, or maneuvered into a race instead.

Let's take another non-judicial race as an example. I do not subscribe to conspiracy theories as a general rule. But if future historians discover that, prior to the 2016 election cycle, a certain wealthy New York socialite, interested in the Democratic presidential nomination, flattered, cajoled, or otherwise maneuvered another wealthy New York socialite to run as a Republican -- not intending that he win, mind you, but hoping he would sow confusion and dissension in the ranks of the enemy -- I would not be surprised. Maybe she used her scamp of a husband, a golf-playing, party-going buddy of the targeted New York socialite, to give the nudge.

The targeted New York socialite would never have jumped in if he understood that he was just being used as a bull in a china shop. His colossal ego would never have permitted it. But he might have been persuaded, especially if the wealthy New York socialite interested in the Democratic presidential nomination persuaded her friends and classmates in the media elite to treat the planted candidate with kid gloves, just as if he were a legitimate candidate. By the time they all realized that things had gotten totally out of control, it was too late.

Here in the real world, a person interested in running for judge necessarily has a strong enough ego to believe that he or she would do a good job if elected. Accordingly, without assurances that they'd receive real consideration in a future race, such a candidate would not be receptive to accepting the thankless, invisible role of shill. But that same judicial candidate, especially a first-time candidate, might be manipulated into choosing one race over another -- maybe there's a promise of help with petitions in this race... but not that one. There's plenty of advice available to the candidate, especially one who's willing to pay for it, but not all of the advice is necessarily well-meant. And even well-meant advice may not actually work out. Taking bad advice, or making a bad choice about which race to get into, does not make a candidate a shill. Even if the accusations eventually see the light of day.

Cristin Keely McDonald Duffy is a candidate for the countywide Bellows vacancy. Her punch number is 182.


My name is Cristin Keely McDonald Duffy and I am running for the Bellow’s vacancy.

I have loved my career. For 23 years, I’ve been a Cook County State’s Attorney. I spent 14 years in the Criminal Division, including several years as a felony prosecutor, and 9 years in the Civil Division, where I am working on municipal and tax cases. I currently supervise 14 other attorneys and I am responsible for training all new hires in the Civil Division.

I am ready to further my public service by joining the judiciary. For most of my career, I have represented working men and women and advocated for them in the courtroom. I will dispense justice in a fair, even-keeled manner. I pride myself on remaining calm in tense courtroom proceedings, where people’s emotions run high.

Keen analytical and sound decision-making skills are critical to be an effective, respected judge. I have them. I am qualified to and interested in presiding over criminal or civil cases. Neither of my opponents have experience in both areas. One has been a career civil appellate lawyer. The other is a Public Defender with no civil experience.

The depth and breadth of my experience eclipses that of my opponents. I have tried hundreds of bench and jury trials. I have tried murder, sexual assault, domestic violence and many other criminal cases. I have also tried a variety of civil cases, including my signature civil trial where I won a multi-million-dollar verdict against the Chicago Bears, requiring the team to pay Cook County millions in unpaid taxes. The Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin covered the verdict in front-page articles. I have written over 30 appeals and argued in the Illinois Appellate Court 14 times.

The bar associations have rated me higher than my opponents. I have been found highly qualified by the Chicago Bar Association (“CBA”), and highly recommended by two bar associations, the Decalogue Society and the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago (LAGBAC). I was recommended or found qualified by the remaining bar associations. As part of its evaluation of me, the CBA wrote:

Cristin McDonald Duffy is "Highly Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge.... Ms. Duffy is highly regarded for her knowledge of the law, legal experience, excellent temperament, and managerial skills.

I have been endorsed by numerous organizations, including the Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization (IVI-IPO), the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge # 7, the Chicago Fire Fighters Union, Local 2, the Communication Worker’s Union, the Plumber’s Union LU 130, and Rick Garcia, the Founder of Equality Illinois, among others.

I have a strong support system. When it came time to get on the ballot, I drew on a deep well of sound personal relationships. Over 100 friends, neighbors, professional colleagues, and family fanned out across the county, securing almost three times the needed signatures. I am still humbled by their help.

I graduated from Indiana University and Loyola University Law School. For nearly 20 years, my husband, a professional liability lawyer, and I have lived in River Forest with our three children. We are active in the community. We coach youth sports and volunteer at our local schools. We also volunteer and support various local charities, including the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry, Hepzibah House, PADS Shelter, Ronald McDonald House, Misericordia, Ignite and Special Olympics.

To learn more about my candidacy, please visit DuffyforJudge2020.com. On March 17th, vote for Cristin Keely McDonald Duffy by punching No. 182!

The Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening has released updated ratings for persons seeking election to judicial office in Cook County in the March primary.

As always, my sincere thanks to Alliance Administrator Joyce Williams for sharing these with FWIW.

The Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening is comprised of the Arab American Bar Association (AABAR) (this is the newest Alliance member), the Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago (AABA), the Black Women Lawyers' Association of Greater Chicago (BWLA), the Chicago Council of Lawyers (CCL), the Cook County Bar Association (CCBA), the Decalogue Society of Lawyers (DSL), the Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois (HBA), the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois (HLAI), the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA), the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago (LAGBAC), the Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois (PRBA), and the Women's Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI), working collaboratively to improve the process of screening judicial candidates in Cook County, Illinois.

The Alliance does not include the Chicago Bar Association (CBA), which maintains its own evaluation process.

Candidates seeking screening from the Alliance must complete a lengthy questionnaire (a questionnaire that is similar to, but sufficiently different from, the separate CBA questionnaire that completion of one will not suffice for the other). Investigators are then assigned by the Alliance from any of the member groups; thus, members of Alliance groups are not necessarily involved in the vetting of any one candidate's written application -- calling references (including lawyers that have been on the other side of the candidate's cases), reviewing written submissions, and so forth. When that phase of the investigation is completed, however, and after medical waivers and ARDC (or JIB) waivers are obtained, a hearing is scheduled for the applicant. All Alliance groups are asked to participate in these hearings. Each evaluator at the hearings (representing one or more Alliance members) will have the benefit of the Alliance investigators' work, even though the investigators may not be associated with the evaluator's bar group.

So all the Alliance members start with the same investigative materials, and participate in the same candidate interviews -- but, because each group has their own evaluators present for the interviews, they do not always reach the same conclusions.

The CBA issues written findings explaining its evaluations. Two of the Alliance members, the ISBA and the CCL, issue written findings to the public as well. The other Alliance members may or may not explain their ratings to individual candidates; whether they do or do not, however, these explanations are not made public.

Much of the evaluation process is confidential. Candidates do not learn which lawyers said what about them, good or bad. Candidates and evaluators all sign promises not to disclose what is said at a candidate's interview.

Different Alliance groups give different ratings. Some Alliance groups will issue no rating other than Qualified/Not Qualified or Recommended/Not Recommended. The Chicago Bar Association issues a Highly Qualified Rating, as do some Alliance members. Others offer a Highly Recommended rating. The CCL issues positive ratings of Qualified, Well Qualified, or Highly Qualified.

As you review these grids, keep in mind that, HQ = Highly Qualified, WQ = Well Qualified, Q = Qualified, NQ = Not Qualified, HR = Highly Recommended, R = Recommended, and NR = Not Recommended.

All Alliance members automatically give an "NR" rating to candidates who do not have enough years in practice or who failed or refused to participate in the evaluation process.

Some of the squares in the grids are blank. In these cases, the association has not yet finished its rating or the candidate is appealing a rating and the appeal process is not yet complete. Some squares will be marked with the symbol ¹. In these cases, the Alliance member was unable to get an evaluator, or a sufficient number of evaluators as required by its own bylaws, to a particular candidate's hearing. The reader will see many of these symbols in the AABAR column. In at least some of these cases, the Alliance may have decided, as permitted by its bylaws, to use a prior, but still recent evaluation of a candidate; it is my understanding that some of these evaluations may predate the AABAR's participation in the Alliance.

As updates become available, I will post them.

With all this firmly in mind, then, herewith the Alliance grids (click on any image to enlarge or clarify):








Now... if you want to see what the Chicago Council of Lawyers said about the Supreme Court candidates, Appellate Court candidates, countywide candidates, candidates in Subcircuits 1-6, Subcircircuits 7-10, or Subcircuits 12-15, just click on the links in this sentence.

Similarly, if you want to see what the Illinois State Bar Association about the Supreme Court candidates, Appellate Court candidates, countywide candidates, candidates in Subcircuits 1-6, Subcircircuits 7-10, or Subcircuits 12-15, click on the links in this sentence.

And, finally, if you want to go outside the grids and see what the Chicago Bar Association said about the Supreme Court candidates, Appellate Court candidates, countywide candidates, candidates in Subcircuits 1-6, Subcircircuits 7-10, or Subcircuits 12-15, just click on the links in this sentence.

Ald. Andre Vasquez is not Committeeman of the 40th Ward, although he is facing off against Maggie O'Keefe for that position in the St. Patrick's Day Primary.

Vasquez has issued a number of endorsements in judicial races, however, for the upcoming primary.

As pictured above, Vasquez has endorsed Justice Nathaniel Roosevelt Howse for the Illinois Supreme Court.

In addition, Vasquez has endorsed


Kerry Maloney Laytin -- Bellows vacancy
Laura Ayala-Gonzalez -- Ford vacancy
Celestia L. Mays -- Funderburk vacancy
Levander "Van" Smith, Jr. -- Larsen vacancy
Sheree Desiree Henry -- Murphy Gorman vacancy
Araceli Reyes De La Cruz -- Roti vacancy
Deidre Baumann -- C. Sheehan vacancy
Jill Rose Quinn -- K. Sheehan vacancy


Brad Trowbridge -- 8th Subcircuit, Fleming vacancy

Michael Alan Strom -- 9th Subcircuit, Luckman vacancy

Jon Stromsta -- 10th Subcircuit, McGing vacancy
Mary Catherine Marubio -- 10th Subcircuit, O'Brien vacancy