All candidates listed below are running in the Democratic Primary. There are no Republican candidates for any of these offices.
Biebel, Jr. Vacancy
JOHN FITZGERALD LYKE, JR. -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED
Judge John F. Lyke, Jr. is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Lyke was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1994 and was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2015. Judge Lyke is currently assigned to the First Municipal District Traffic Court and also serves in the five suburban municipal districts hearing misdemeanor and felony cases. Judge Lyke is well regarded for his knowledge of criminal law and judicial demeanor.
Elrod Vacancy
SCOTT EDWARD LIPINSKI -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Scott E. Lipinski is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Lipinski was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2002 and currently serves as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender in the 5th Municipal District. Although Mr. Lipinski has court experience, at this stage of his career he does not possess the depth and breadth of legal knowledge and experience to effectively serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
ROSSANA PATRICIA FERNANDEZ -- QUALIFIED
Judge Rossana Fernandez is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Fernandez was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1997. Before her appointment to the Circuit Court in 2015, Judge Fernandez had extensive civil litigation experience that included both bench and jury trials. Judge Fernandez receives high marks from lawyers for her knowledge of the law, work ethic, fine temperament and demeanor.
Hogan Vacancy
MICHAEL I. O’MALLEY -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Michael I. O’Malley is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. O’Malley was admitted to practice law in 2005 and has served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for 10½ years. Mr. O’Malley is currently assigned to the Civil Division, but has had criminal bench and jury trial experience and experience in handling financial crimes. Mr. O’Malley is a CPA and prior to his admission to the bar worked in the banking industry. Mr. O’Malley is knowledgeable and has good practice experience. The Committee believes that additional practice experience will better prepare him for service as a circuit court judge.
ALISON C. CONLON -- QUALIFIED
Alison Conlon is “Qualified” to serve as a Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Conlon was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2000. Ms. Conlon clerked for a U.S. District Court Judge for one year and served as an Assistant Corporation Counsel for one year before entering private practice. Ms. Conlon is currently a litigation partner in a large law firm. Ms. Conlon is highly regarded for her integrity, legal knowledge, trial skills, and excellent demeanor. Ms. Conlon is also involved in several pro bono and public interest organizations. Ms. Conlon will be a credit to the bench.
Howlett, Jr. Vacancy
ALEKSANDRA “ALEX” GILLESPIE -- QUALIFIED
Judge Aleksandra Gillespie is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Gillespie was admitted to practice law in 1993 and served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney before her appointment to the Circuit Court in 2014. Judge Gillespie is currently assigned to the First Municipal Division where her assignments have included Marriage Court, Branch Courts and Traffic Court. As a judge, she hears DUI trials, suspended license cases, misdemeanors, felony preliminary hearings and bond cases. Judge Gillespie efficiently manages a high volume court call and is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, fine temperament, and fairness.
THOMAS MALONEY CUSHING -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED
Thomas M. Cushing is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Cushing was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1988 and is currently Of Counsel concentrating his practice in general, business, and civil litigation. Mr. Cushing has extensive litigation experience in both criminal and civil law. Mr. Cushing is highly regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal ability, and outstanding temperament. Mr. Cushing has been involved in community activities and community service throughout his career.
Johnson Vacancy
GREGORY RAYMOND LAPAPA -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Gregory LaPapa is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. LaPapa was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1982 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in criminal law, injury law, traffic law and DUI matters. Mr. LaPapa has been the subject of numerous lawsuits for unpaid bills and several lawsuits for breach of contract. In addition, Mr. LaPapa’s license to practice law was suspended by the Illinois Supreme Court for one year from September 2001-September 2002.
SEAN S. CHAUDHURI -- QUALIFIED
Sean Chaudhuri is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Chaudhuri was admitted to practice law in 2001 and is engaged in the general practice of law. Mr. Chaudhuri is dedicated to the profession and also handles a number of pro bono matters. Mr. Chaudhuri has an even temperament and demeanor and possesses the minimum qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
MARK A. LYON -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED
Mark A. Lyon is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Lyon was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1986 and is currently serving as a Supervising Assistant Public Defender in the office of the DuPage County Public Defender. Mr. Lyon has extensive criminal trial experience which includes death penalty cases. Mr. Lyon is an expert in criminal forensics and well regarded by opposing counsel and by the judges before whom he has appeared.
CAROLYN J. GALLAGHER -- QUALIFIED
Carolyn Joan Gallagher is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Gallagher was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1982 and is currently a solo practitioner concentrating in real estate, litigation, and financial institution law. Ms. Gallagher has litigation and extensive appellate practice experience. Ms. Gallagher is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, legal experience, and fine temperament.
BONNIE CAROL MCGRATH -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Bonnie McGrath 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.
Karnezis Vacancy
MARY KATHLEEN MCHUGH -- QUALIFIED
Mary Kathleen McHugh is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. McHugh was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1993 and is currently a litigation partner in a trial firm. Ms. McHugh has extensive trial experience in a wide array of cases in the Law, Chancery and Commercial Divisions. Ms. McHugh is well regarded by her peers for her knowledge of the law, legal ability, and excellent demeanor.
DEVLIN J. SCHOOP -- QUALIFIED
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.
BRIAN J. O’HARA -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Brian O’Hara 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.
Love Vacancy
BRENDAN A. O’BRIEN (D) QUALIFIED
Brendan A. O’Brien is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. O’Brien was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1996 and is a partner in a large defense firm concentrating in medical malpractice and construction law cases. Mr. O’Brien has extensive trial experience and is highly regarded by his peers for his knowledge of the law, excellent litigation skills, and outstanding demeanor and temperament.
O’Brien Vacancy
MAUREEN O’DONOGHUE HANNON -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED
Maureen O’Donoghue Hannon is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Hannon was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991 and has extensive civil trial experience at the federal and state levels. Ms. Hannon has tried many complex cases and is highly regarded for her knowledge of the law and legal ability.
Palmer Vacancy
PAT HENEGHAN -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED
Patrick J. Heneghan is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Heneghan was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1983 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in complex litigation, antitrust, and professional malpractice. Mr. Heneghan has tried a number of complex cases involving substantial damages. Mr. Heneghan is hardworking and well regarded by his peers and the judges before whom he has tried cases for his knowledge of the law and fine temperament.
SUSANA L. ORTIZ -- QUALIFIED
Susana L. Ortiz is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Ortiz was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2001 and for the past 13 years has worked as a staff attorney at the law offices of Chicago-Kent College of Law. Ms. Ortiz has extensive criminal trial experience and is well regarded by her peers for her knowledge of the law, legal ability, and outstanding demeanor and temperament.
DEIDRE BAUMANN -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Deidre Baumann 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.
Ruscitti Grussel Vacancy
JOHN E. MARSZALEK -- QUALIFIED
John Marszalek is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Marszalek was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1976 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in personal injury and general civil litigation matters. Mr. Marszalek is well regarded by his peers and by judges before whom he appears for his legal knowledge and ability. While the candidate is qualified, questions were raised about his ability to manage a high volume courtroom.
WILLIAM S. WOJCIK -- QUALIFIED
William S. Wojcik is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Wojcik was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1980 and has been a sole practitioner for 35 years concentrating in personal injury, medical negligence, and workers’ compensation matters. Mr. Wojcik has extensive civil trial experience and possesses the legal knowledge, ability, and demeanor to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
DANIEL PATRICK DUFFY -- QUALIFIED
Judge Daniel P. Duffy is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Duffy was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1995 and was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2014. He sits in the Municipal Division hearing high volume collection and tort cases. Prior to being appointed to the bench, Judge Duffy had a distinguished career as a civil litigator. He also was a hearing officer for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and a member of the ARDC Review Board. Apart from his legal and judicial career, he was involved as a personal guarantor in a failed business loan which was extensively litigated and the subject of negative publicity. He stated the litigation spun out of control and he has learned a lot from that difficult experience.
MONICA M. TORRES-LINARES -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Monica Torres-Linares 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.
Walsh Vacancy
PATRICK JOSEPH POWERS -- QUALIFIED
Patrick J. Powers is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Powers was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1987 and is currently a sole practitioner concentrating in domestic relations and real estate matters. Mr. Powers has experience in litigation and non-litigation matters and is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal ability, and excellent temperament.
FREDRICK BATES -- QUALIFIED
Frederick H. Bates is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Bates was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1983 and concentrated his practice in labor and employment law. For the last fifteen years, Mr. Bates has served as a full-time Hearing Officer for several government agencies. Mr. Bates presides over complex employment cases and other substantial matters and is well regarded for his legal knowledge and ability. Mr. Bates possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
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