Monday, March 03, 2014

Organizing the Data: countywide Connors vacancy

Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this vacancy. Information on this post will be updated as time permits until the March 18, 2014 primary.

This race was also profiled by the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.
Updated 3/15/14

Kristal Rivers -- #145

Campaign Website

Candidate Statements: Kristal Rivers: In her own words, Cook County Clerk's website

Questionnaire Responses: Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald

Video Interview: NTNM

Bar Association Evaluations
The Chicago Bar Association says:
Kristal Rivers is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Rivers was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1997 and engaged in private practice for approximately ten years before becoming an Assistant Attorney General. Ms. Rivers handles civil commitments of sexually violent persons and has a good background in both civil and criminal law. Ms. Rivers is passionate and enthusiastic about the justice system and possesses the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Kristal Rivers was admitted to practice in Texas in 1996 and in Illinois in 1997. She is an Assistant Illinois Attorney General where she practices in the Sexually Violent Persons Bureau. She served as a Dallas County, Texas Assistant District Attorney from 1996 to 2000. In 2000 she returned to Illinois and from 2001 to 2010 practiced law as a solo practitioner and then as a member of a small firm before joining the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. Her work in private practice did not involve more complex litigation matters. Most respondents say that she has good legal ability and temperament. But the Council is concerned that her litigation experience lacks sufficient depth and breadth. Additionally, some lawyers in recent cases have questioned her litigation skills and diligence. On balance, the Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Other Bar Association Evaluations:

Asian American Bar Association of the
Greater Chicago Area		Not Evaluated
Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater ChicagoRecommended
Cook County Bar AssociationRecommended
Decalogue Society of LawyersNot Recommended
Hellenic Bar AssociationRecommended
Hispanic Lawyers Association of IllinoisQualified
Illinois State Bar AssociationQualified
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of ChicagoRecommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of IllinoisRecommended
Women’s Bar Association of IllinoisRecommended

Endorsements
Cook County Democratic Party
Chicago Federation of Labor
Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters
Laborers' District Council of Chicago & Vicinity
IVI-IPO
Chicago Police Sergeant's Association
Citizen Action/ Illinois
Soul Slate
Democratic Women of the South Suburbs
Personal PAC
Chicago Crusader
18th Ward Community Action Network

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Peter J. Vilkelis -- #146

Campaign Website

Candidate Statement: Cook County Clerk's website

Questionnaire Responses: Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald

Video Interviews: NTNM, Election 2014 Special, NTNM Election Special

Bar Association Evaluations
The Chicago Bar Association says:
Judge Peter Vilkelis is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Vilkelis was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1980 and served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for nine years prior to entering private practice where he concentrated his practice in criminal defense work for 21 years. Judge Vilkelis was appointed to the bench in 2011 and is currently assigned to the Child Protection Division where he presides over abuse, neglect, and dependency child welfare cases. Judge Vilkelis is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, work ethic, and outstanding demeanor and temperament.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Hon. Peter J. Vilkelis was admitted to practice in 1980. He was appointed to the Circuit Court by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2011. Before becoming a judge, he was in private practice focusing on criminal defense work. He served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney between 1981 and 1990. He is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for his professionalism. He has substantial experience in more complex legal matters. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Other Bar Association Evaluations:

Asian American Bar Association of the
Greater Chicago Area		Qualified
Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater ChicagoRecommended
Cook County Bar AssociationRecommended
Decalogue Society of LawyersRecommended
Hellenic Bar AssociationRecommended
Hispanic Lawyers Association of IllinoisQualified
Illinois State Bar AssociationQualified
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of ChicagoRecommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of IllinoisRecommended
Women’s Bar Association of IllinoisRecommended

Endorsements
Chicago Tribune
Jewish Chicago
United Hellenic Voters of America
43rd Ward Democrats
Democratic Party of the 49th Ward
48th Ward Democrats

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