Sunday, November 02, 2008

13th Subcircuit roundup (Ryan vacancy) -- Brady v. O'Donnell

In the race for the Ryan vacancy in the 13th Judicial Subcircuit, Republican Annie O'Donnell opposes Democrat Ann Catherine Brady (at right).

The Chicago Bar Association found O'Donnell qualified:
Annie O'Donnell is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. O'Donnell was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1987 and has extensive experience in criminal law. Ms. O'Donnell is knowledgeable, hardworking, and possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers stood by the "not qualified" rating it issued to O'Donnell at the time of the 2004 judicial primary:
Annie O'Donnell received her license to practice law in 1987. She has been a solo practitioner engaged in criminal defense work since 1995. Before that, she served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. Ms. O'Donnell has good legal ability and a good temperament. The Council is concerned about the narrowness of her practice, including lack of sufficient courtroom experience in complex matters. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Brady was found qualified by the CBA:
Ann Catherine Brady is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Brady was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1987. Ms. Brady is well regarded for her legal knowledge and ability and possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
The Council disagreed:
Ann Catherine Brady has been a lawyer since 1987. She has handled principally domestic relations cases in private law firms throughout her career. Lawyers report that she has good legal ability and a good temperament. The Council is concerned, however, that her practice is narrow and too often involves non-complicated litigation matters. She has no jury trial experience. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Here is the chart showing all of the Alliance ratings for these candidates (click to enlarge):

The Chicago Sun-Times endorsed Brady in this race. The Chicago Tribune said, "Democrat Ann Catherine Brady and Republican Annie O'Donnell are capable, experienced lawyers, each with 21 years of private practice. A slight edge goes to O'Donnell for her broader range of litigation experience as a criminal defense lawyer and public defender. She is endorsed."

I have been unable to find a website for O'Donnell. Brady's website can be found at bradyforjudge.org.

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