CBA evaluations -- 11th Subcircuit

For the complete Chicago Bar Association judicial evaluation report (the Green Guide) follow this link.

There are 12 candidates (all in the Democratic primary) for the single vacancy in the 11th Subcircuit.

Steven J. Fruth -- Qualified
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.

Maritza Martinez -- Qualified
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.

Ann Finley Collins -- Highly Qualified
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.

Pamela McLean Meyerson -- Qualified
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.

John Michael Lagattuta -- Qualified
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.

Pamela M. Leeming -- Qualified
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.

Thomas David Bilyk -- Qualified
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.

Lisa A. Marino -- Qualified
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.

Eugene Joseph Berkes -- Qualified
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.

Kim R. Kardas -- Qualified
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.

John W. Chwarzynski -- Not Recommended
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.

Radusa Ostojic -- Qualified
Radusa Ostojic is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Ostojic was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1986 and concentrates her practice in personal injury defense. Ms. Ostojic has extensive trial experience and is well regarded for her integrity, fine demeanor, and temperament.