Friday, February 24, 2012

CBA evaluations in the race for the Cahill vacancy on the Appellate Court

The Chicago Bar Association has released its evaluations of candidates running for the Cahill vacancy on the Illinois Appellate Court. Candidates are listed in ballot order. All of the following are candidates in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this (or any other) Appellate Court vacancy.

Pamela E. Hill-Veal -- Not Recommended
Judge Pamela E. Hill-Veal is “Not Recommended” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. Judge Hill-Veal was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1988 and was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2004. Judge Hill-Veal was elected to the Circuit Court in 2006 and has served in the Traffic Court and First Municipal Division. Judge Hill-Veal has not handled complex matters as a judge and during her career as a lawyer has only handled one appellate case. Judge Hill-Veal’s attendance is also problematic – she was absent from the bench 39 days in 2008, 31 days in 2009, and for most of the summer months in 2010. Judge Hill-Veal does not possess the requisite legal knowledge, experience, and writing skills to serve as an Appellate Court Justice.
Mathias William Delort -- Highly Qualified
Judge Mathias William Delort is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. Judge Delort was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1985 and concentrated his practice in local government, education, election law, and appellate practice. Judge Delort became an Associate Judge in 2007 and is currently assigned to the Mortgage Foreclosure/Mechanics Lien Section in the Chancery Division. Judge Delort is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, work ethic, and organizational and writing skills.
Kay Marie Hanlon -- Highly Qualified
Judge Kay Marie Hanlon is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. Judge Hanlon was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1985 and was elected to the Circuit Court in 2004. Judge Hanlon is currently assigned to the Third Municipal District and is presiding over a felony trial call. Judge Hanlon is knowledgeable about trial and appellate practice and is well regarded for her diligence and fine judicial demeanor. Judge Hanlon has written a number of opinions as a Circuit Court Judge and has served as an instructor for new judges.
Mary Brigid Hayes -- Qualified
Mary Brigid Hayes is “Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. Ms. Hayes was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1989 and is serving as an Assistant Cook County Public Guardian in the Juvenile Division. Ms. Hayes is a talented researcher and writer who is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, keen intellect, and extensive appellate practice experience. Ms. Hayes is a dedicated public servant and has zealously advocated to protect the rights of children.
James Michael McGing -- Highly Qualified
Judge James Michael McGing is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. Judge McGing was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1986 and was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2006. Judge McGing is experienced in both civil and criminal law and had extensive appellate practice experience before his appointment to the bench. Judge McGing writes a significant number of opinions in his current assignment and is well regarded for his work ethic and knowledge of the law.
Laura Marie Sullivan -- Qualified
Judge Laura Marie Sullivan is “Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. Judge Sullivan was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1988 and served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for 14 years before her election to the Circuit Court in 2002. Judge Sullivan is well respected by her colleagues on the bench and by those who appear before her for her legal knowledge and ability. Judge Sullivan is an experienced jurist who possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as an Appellate Court Justice.

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2 comments:

Anonymous said...

The more Pamela Hill-Veal is absent, the better. She is biased and shows tremendous disrespect to female attorneys. She will NOT be getting my vote.

Anonymous said...

Maybe it is that you are a poor attorney, notwithstanding your gender.