Friday, March 11, 2016

Organizing the Data: Countywide Howlett, Jr. vacancy

Updated 3/14/16
Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this vacancy.

This contest was also profiled in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.

Aleksandra "Alex" Gillespie - #206


Campaign Website

Tribune Questionnaire

Video Interview: Sonny Hersh Election Special

Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:
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.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Hon. Aleksandra Gillespie was admitted to practice in 1993, and was recently appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court. Before becoming a judge, she was a career First Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney, and served as a First Chair prosecutor in felony matters. She has substantial litigation experience in both jury and bench criminal law trials. Ms. Gillespie is considered to have very good trial skills. She is reported to have been a very knowledgeable, hard-working, and fair prosecutor. She is considered to have very good legal ability and a professional demeanor. She is praised for treating colleagues, opposing counsel, and pro se litigants with respect. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Aleksandra Gillespie was admitted to practice in 1993. She was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2014. Prior to her appointment she was a prosecutor with the State’s Attorney’s Office prosecuting felonies as a First Chair. She has substantial jury and bench trial and motion experience in complex cases. As a prosecutor, she was considered to be an excellent litigator, always prepared and professional. Judge Gillespie is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.
Other Bar Association Evaluations:
Asian American Bar Association of the
Greater Chicago Area
Recommended
Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater ChicagoRecommended
Cook County Bar AssociationRecommended
Decalogue Society of LawyersRecommended
Hellenic Bar AssociationRecommended
Hispanic Lawyers Association of IllinoisQualified
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
Jewish Chicago
Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge No. 7
Chicago Chapter of NOW
Personal PAC
United Hellenic Voters of America
Indo-American Democratic Organization

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Thomas Maloney Cushing - #207

Campaign Website

Tribune Questionnaire

Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:
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.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Thomas Maloney Cushing was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1988. He is currently of counsel to the offices of Christopher A. Kreid and Associates, focusing on commercial and chancery litigation. From 2006-2010, Mr. Cushing was Senior Vice President for Membership at the Chicago Climate Exchange, applying his legal skills in a business/environmental policy role. From 2005-2006, he was principal in his own law practice, specializing in personal injury practice. During this time, he also assisted Counsel to the Shakman Decree Monitor. From 1988- 2005, he was an associate at Ambrose & Cushing, specializing in civil trials, particularly personal injury, professional malpractice, and municipal liability. Since 2013, he has volunteered as a Hearing Board Member at the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission.
The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Thomas Maloney Cushing was admitted to practice in 1988 and is in private practice with Christopher Kreid and Associated doing commercial and chancery litigation. His prior experience includes being Senior Vice President at the Chicago Climate Exchange, and being a private practitioner specializing in personal injury and malpractice litigation. During that time he also acted as assisting counsel to the Shakman Decree monitor. He has substantial litigation experience in complex civil matters, and is regarded as a thoughtful, excellent attorney with a low-key demeanor. He has extensive professional and community involvement, including serving as a hearing board member for the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission. Mr. Cushing is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.
Other Bar Association Evaluations:
Asian American Bar Association of the
Greater Chicago Area
Recommended
Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater ChicagoRecommended
Cook County Bar AssociationRecommended
Decalogue Society of LawyersHighly Recommended
Hellenic Bar AssociationRecommended
Hispanic Lawyers Association of IllinoisQualified
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of ChicagoRecommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of IllinoisRecommended
Women’s Bar Association of IllinoisRecommended

Endorsement
Chicago Tribune
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