Organizing the Data: 2nd Subcircuit - Valarie Turner Vacancy

Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this vacancy.

Judge Devlin J. Schoop is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Schoop was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1997 and clerked for a U.S. District Court Judge for two years before entering private practice. Judge Schoop was appointed to the bench in 2015 and is dedicated to the law and to the legal profession. Judge Schoop is hardworking and well regarded for his knowledge of the law, extensive legal experience, and skills.

Devlin Schoop was admitted to practice in 1997. He is a Partner with Laner Muchin. From 1997 to 1999 he clerked for Judge Blanche Manning. From 1999 to 2003 he was an Associate with Wildman Harrold Allen & Dixon. He then became an Associate with Laner Muchin. Mr. Schoop has authored IILCE continuing legal education materials on age and employment discrimination issues. He is exceptionally active in pro bono and civic matters and received the U.S. District Court’s Award for Excellence in Pro Bono Service. He is a Panel Chair for the Hearing Board of the ARDC. Mr. Schoop has extensive litigation experience in complex matters in both state and federal courts. His practice has included a variety of civil law areas including labor relations, Chancery work, and commercial litigation. He is considered to have very good legal ability and trial skills. His temperament is reported to be excellent and his integrity is unquestioned. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Devlin Schoop has been licensed since 1997. He was appointed to the circuit court from 2015 to December 2016. He is presently with the Federal Civil Rights Litigation Division of the City of Chicago’s Law Department. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Schoop was a partner with Laner Muchin where he focused on complex commercial, employment and civil rights litigation. He has authored articles and been active in pro bono and civic matters, including serving on the Heard Board of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission. He has extensive litigation experience in complex matters and is considered to be knowledgeable and well-pared with high integrity. Mr. Devlin Schoop is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Arthur Wesley Willis declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association’s governing resolution for the JEC, is automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED.

Arthur W. Willis was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1994. He is an Assistant Public Defender in the Cook County Public Defender’s Office, where he represents indigent clients in felony matters.

Mr. Willis is considered to have good legal ability. He is praised by prosecutors, other defense counsel, and judges for the quality of his motion practice, research, and grasp of legal issues. He has a professional demeanor. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Arthur Wesley Willis was admitted in 1994. He is an assistant public defender currently assigned to Markham. He has handled all levels of felony cases including complex matters and has substantial jury and bench trial experience. He is considered to be very knowledgeable, hard-working, and fair. He is involved in church and legal activities. Mr. Arthur Wesley Willis is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.