Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot. Information on this post will be updated as time permits until the February 2, 2010 primary.
Steven J. Fruth - #191
No campaign website known
Questionnaire response: Chicago TribuneBar Association Evaluations
The Chicago Bar Association says:
Judge Steven James Fruth is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Fruth was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1976. Judge Fruth was appointed to the bench in 2009 and is well respected by his peers for his work ethic and knowledge of the law.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Steven J. Fruth graduated from the John Marshall Law School in 1976 and received his license to practice in November of that year. He has been in private practice concentrating in personal injury litigation since 1977. Mr. Fruth is regarded as a well-prepared and hard-working trial lawyer. He is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council finds Mr. Fruth Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.
Other Bar Association Evaluations:Asian American Bar Association of the
Greater Chicago Area | Qualified |
| Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago | Recommended |
| Cook County Bar Association | Recommended |
| Decalogue Society of Lawyers | Recommended |
| Hellenic Bar Association | Recommended |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
Endorsements
Chicago Federation of Labor
Chicago Fire Fighters Union, Local 2
Democratic Party of Oak Park
Maine Township Democratic Organization
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Maritza Martinez - #192
Campaign websiteQuestionnaire response: Chicago TribuneBar Association Evaluations
The Chicago Bar Association says:
Maritza Martinez is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Martinez was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1989 and has civil and criminal law experience in government service and the private sector. Ms. Martinez has also served as a Hearing Officer in the Court of Claims. Ms. Martinez is active in public service and is well respected for her integrity and work ethic.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Maritza Martinez was admitted to practice in 1989. Since 2005 she has been an associate at the Law Offices of Robert Fisher doing criminal defense work. In 2004, she was at a small firm doing insurance defense and catastrophic loss work, and from 1991 until 2004, she was with the City of Chicago Department of Law doing prosecution and civil rights defense. Prior to 1991, she spent two years at a small firm doing real estate work. Since November 2007, she has also served part-time as a hearing officer with the Illinois Court of Claims, conducting trials and making recommendations to the Court of Claims judges regarding the disposition of various claims against the State of Illinois. She also currently serves on the Inquiry Board of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission. Ms. Martinez reports that she has litigation experience in both state and federal courts, acting as lead counsel in two jury trials in criminal law matters, three juries in civil matters, and numerous prosecutions involving bench trials in municipal ordinance violations. Ms. Martinez is reported to have good legal ability and is considered knowledgeable about her areas of practice. She has had litigation experience in a variety of areas and she is reported to possess a good temperament. She is active in community activities. The Council finds her 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 Chicago | Recommended |
| Cook County Bar Association | Recommended |
| Decalogue Society of Lawyers | Not Recommended |
| Hellenic Bar Association | Not Recommended |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Not Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Not Recommended |
Endorsement
Illinois Committee for Honest Government
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Ann Finley Collins - #193
Campaign websiteQuestionnaire response: Chicago TribuneBar Association Evaluations
The Chicago Bar Association says:
Ann Finley Collins is "Highly Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Collins was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1985 and has served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender her entire career. Since 1997, Ms. Collins has served in the Homicide Task Force and has tried approximately ninety (90) jury trials. Ms. Collins is highly regarded for her outstanding trial skills, fine demeanor, and dedication to the law. In addition, Ms. Collins has been active in teaching and lecturing at the University of Chicago Law School.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Ann Collins was admitted in 1985. She is currently an Assistant Public Defender dealing with homicide cases. As lead trial counsel she has brought 75 criminal cases to a jury verdict and 60 to a bench verdict. Ann Collins is reported to have excellent legal ability and is praised as a fair but zealous advocate for her clients. She has a professional demeanor and is widely respected as a lawyer. The Council finds her Well 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 Chicago | Recommended |
| Cook County Bar Association | Recommended |
| Decalogue Society of Lawyers | Highly Recommended |
| Hellenic Bar Association | Recommended |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
Endorsements
Chicago Tribune
Chicago Sun-Times
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Pamela McLean Meyerson - #194
Campaign websiteQuestionnaire response: Chicago TribunePamela McLean Meyerson: In her own wordsBar Association Evaluations
The Chicago Bar Association says:
Pamela McLean Meyerson is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Meyerson was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1983 and concentrates her practice in commercial law and civil litigation. Ms. Meyerson is an experienced practitioner and is well regarded for her legal ability and outstanding temperament.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Pamela McLean Meyerson was admitted to practice in 1983. Since 1989, she has been a sole practitioner, handling civil and commercial litigation in the Circuit Court of Cook County. She also organizes and advises small businesses. Between 1983 and 1985 she was in private practice at Antonow & Fink and was an associate with Goldberg Kohn Bell Black Rosenbloom & Moritz between 1985 and 1989. She teaches trial practice at the University of Chicago Law School. Ms. Meyerson reports no jury trial experience but has acted as lead counsel in 17 civil law bench trials. Ms. Meyerson is reported to have good legal ability and a professional demeanor. She is respected as a hard-working, knowledgeable, and highly ethical practitioner. The Council finds her 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 Chicago | Recommended |
| Cook County Bar Association | Recommended |
| Decalogue Society of Lawyers | Highly Recommended |
| Hellenic Bar Association | Recommended |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Highly Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
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John Michael Lagattuta - #195
No campaign website known
Questionnaire response: Chicago TribuneBar Association Evaluations
The Chicago Bar Association says:
John M. Lagattuta is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Lagattuta was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1985 and worked as an Assistant State's Attorney before entering private practice. Mr. Lagattuta currently serves as an Administrative Law Judge for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Mr. Lagattuta possesses the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
John Lagattuta was admitted to practice in 1985. He spent his initial three years in practice as an Assistant States’ Attorney in Cook County, followed by eleven years of general practice as an associate or sole practitioner handling a variety of civil and criminal litigation as well as real estate and domestic relations matters. Since 1999 he has held a variety of positions with the State Department of Financial and Profession Regulation, working his way up from a staff attorney prosecuting wayward doctors to the Acting Deputy Director of Statewide Enforcement, supervising approximately 20 attorneys and staff members, as well as handling legislative and policy matters. He has had extensive criminal and some civil litigation experience in his various positions. He is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council finds him Qualified to serve in the Circuit Court.
Other Bar Association Evaluations:Asian American Bar Association of the
Greater Chicago Area | Qualified |
| Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago | Recommended |
| Cook County Bar Association | Recommended |
| Decalogue Society of Lawyers | Recommended |
| Hellenic Bar Association | Recommended |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
Endorsement
Chicago Fire Fighters Union, Local 2 (Recommended)
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Pamela M. Leeming - #196
Campaign websiteQuestionnaire responses: None
Bar Association Evaluations
The Chicago Bar Association says:
Judge Pamela Leeming is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Leeming was admitted to practice law in 1990 and served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. Judge Leeming has extensive trial and appellate experience and is well regarded for her integrity and fine temperament.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Pamela M. Leeming – Not Qualified (Evaluated for Associate Judge in 2004 and reviewed in 2009. She was appointed to fill a judicial vacancy by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2009)
Pamela M. Leeming was appointed to the Circuit Court by the Illinois Supreme Court in October 2009. Before becoming a judge, she served an Assistant Cook County Public Defender since her admission to practice in 1990. She concentrated her practice in the areas of paternity, criminal misdemeanor, preliminary hearings, a variety of other pre-and post-trial matters, and appeals. Ms. Leeming is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council is concerned, however, about the lack of breadth and depth in her legal experience, as well as an absence of sufficient experience in more complex litigation matters. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court at this time.
Other Bar Association Evaluations:Asian American Bar Association of the
Greater Chicago Area | Qualified |
| Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago | Recommended |
| Cook County Bar Association | Recommended |
| Decalogue Society of Lawyers | Recommended |
| Hellenic Bar Association | Recommended |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
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Thomas David Bilyk - #197
Campaign website:
Campaign websiteQuestionnaire response: Chicago TribuneVideo interviewBar Association Evaluations
The Chicago Bar Association says:
Thomas David Bilyk is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Bilyk was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1983 and is currently serving as Chief of the Cook County State's Attorney's Juvenile Division. Mr. Bilyk is well respected for his work ethic and integrity and possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Thomas Bilyk was admitted to practice in 1983. He is currently the Chief of the Juvenile Justice Division of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. He is a career prosecutor. From 1998 to 2007 he served in the Special Prosecutions Bureau. He has also served as the Supervisor of the Public Corruption and Financial Crimes Unit. He was assigned to the felony trial division between 1987 and 1998. He has extensive litigation experience in both jury and bench criminal law trials. Mr Bilyk is considered to be a very knowledgeable and able prosecutor with a wide variety of experiences in more complex criminal law 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 Chicago | Not Recommended |
| Cook County Bar Association | Not Recommended |
| Decalogue Society of Lawyers | Not Recommended |
| Hellenic Bar Association | Recommended |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
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Lisa A. Marino - #198
No campaign website known
Questionnaire responses: None
Bar Association Evaluations
The Chicago Bar Association says:
Lisa A. Marino is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Marino was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1988 and served as an Assistant Cook County State's Attorney until 1996 when she entered private practice. Ms. Marino concentrates her practice in real estate tax, zoning and land use, and commercial and residential real estate. Ms. Marino possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Lisa Ann Marino was admitted to practice in 1988. She is currently a sole practitioner focusing on real estate and zoning issues. From 1993 to 1997, she was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney in the civil division, real estate tax unit. From 1988 to 1993 she was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney where she conducted more than 200 misdemeanor bench trials and traffic offenses, and handled felony financial crime cases. Ms. Marino is considered to be very knowledgeable about her area of practice and she is reported to be a good lawyer with a good temperament. She has experience in more complex litigation matters. The Council finds her 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 Chicago | Recommended |
| Cook County Bar Association | Recommended |
| Decalogue Society of Lawyers | Not Recommended |
| Hellenic Bar Association | Recommended |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Not Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
Endorsement
Chicago Fire Fighters Union, Local 2 (Recommended)
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Eugene Joseph Berkes - #199
Campaign websiteQuestionnaire response: Chicago TribuneBar Association Evaluations
The Chicago Bar Association says:
Eugene Joseph Berkes is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Berkes was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1983 and concentrates his practice in litigation, arbitration, and real estate law. Mr. Berkes is well respected by his peers and possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Eugene Joseph Berkes was admitted to practice in 1983. He is a sole practitioner with a general practice of law. As part of his practice, he serves as an administrative law judge for the City of Berwyn, and is the elected City Clerk for the City of Berwyn. He reports acting as lead counsel in one jury trial, 60 civil bench trials, and 5 criminal bench trials. Respondents consider Mr. Berkes to have good legal ability and to possess a good temperament. The Council is concerned, however, that much of his practice has been involved in less complex litigation matters or in the real estate area. The Council believes a judge must have experience in complex litigation matters before taking the bench. In addition, his practice lacks sufficient breadth. The Council finds Mr. Berkes Not 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 Chicago | Not Evaluated |
| Cook County Bar Association | Not Recommended |
| Decalogue Society of Lawyers | Recommended |
| Hellenic Bar Association | Recommended |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Not Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
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Kim R. Kardas - #201
No campaign website known
Questionnaire response: Chicago TribuneBar Association Evaluations
The Chicago Bar Association says:
Kim R. Kardas is “Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Kardas was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1980 and has both civil and criminal law experience. Mr. Kardas is well regarded for his temperament and demeanor and possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Kim R. Kardas has been a lawyer since 1980. He has been a sole practitioner since 2004, specializing in both criminal and civil litigation. From 1992 to 2004, he was a partner in the firm of Belgrade & O’Donnell, litigating construction defense, maritime, admiralty and product liability cases. He was a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney between 1981 and 1992 doing juvenile and adult criminal prosecutions. He was an adjunct professor at John Marshall law school between 1991 and 2000, teaching trial advocacy. He has extensive civil and criminal trial experience. Lawyers report that he has very good legal ability and temperament. He is widely praised for being well-prepared and hard-working. He has experience in both the civil and criminal law areas. The Council finds him Well 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 Chicago | Recommended |
| Cook County Bar Association | Recommended |
| Decalogue Society of Lawyers | Recommended |
| Hellenic Bar Association | Recommended |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
Endorsement
Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge No. 7
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John W. Chwarzynski - #202
No campaign website known.
Questionnaire responses: None known.
Bar Association Evaluations
The Chicago Bar Association says:
The candidate 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.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Mr. Chwarzynski refused to be evaluated. The Council finds him Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.
Other Bar Association Evaluations:Asian American Bar Association of the
Greater Chicago Area | Not Qualified |
| Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago | Not Recommended |
| Cook County Bar Association | Not Recommended |
| Decalogue Society of Lawyers | Not Recommended |
| Hellenic Bar Association | Not Recommended |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Not Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Not Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Not Qualified |
Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Not Recommended |
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