13th Subcircuit roundup (Tobin vacancy) -- Barnes v. Kulys-Hoffman

There are two contested judicial contests in the northwest suburban 13th Judicial Subcircuit.

In the race for the Tobin vacancy, Democrat Carol L. Barnes (at left) will face Republican Margarita Kulys-Hoffman.

Kulys-Hoffman is already serving as a judge, having been appointed to the post by the Illinois Supreme Court and, in September, being elected as an Associate Judge of the Cook County Circuit Court.

Barnes did not participate in the Chicago Bar Association evaluation process and was automatically found "NOT RECOMMENDED" as a consequence. She also did participate in the Alliance of Bar Association evaluation process; she was therefore found "not recommended" or "not qualified" by each of the Association members including the Chicago Council of Lawyers.

Here is what the CBA had to say about Kulys-Hoffman:

Judge Margarita Kulys Hoffman is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Hoffman was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1983 and practiced law for 23 years before her appointment to the bench in 2006. Judge Hoffman has extensive experience and is highly respected for her knowledge of the law, work ethic, integrity, and fine judicial temperament.

The Council stated:

Margaret Kulys-Hoffman has been a lawyer since 1983. She was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2006. She currently presides over traffic court and misdemeanor courtrooms in the Rolling Meadows courthouse. The Council, in an earlier evaluation done before she took the bench, found Judge Kulys-Hoffman Not Qualified due to insufficient litigation experience. The Council’s current evaluation is based on her performance as a judge. She is considered by lawyers appearing before her to have good legal ability and temperament. She is praised for her courtroom management skills in high volume courtrooms. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Here is the grid showing the ratings issued by each of the Alliance members in this race (click to enlarge):


The Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times both endorsed Kulys-Hoffman. Kulys-Hoffman's website may be accessed at www.judgehoffman.org. Barnes' website is found at www.votecarolbarnes.com.