CBA evaluations -- 15th Subcircuit

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

Lipinski Vacancy

Linzey D. Jones -- Qualified
Linzey D. Jones, Jr. is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Jones was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1982 and concentrates his practice in labor and employment law. Throughout his legal career, Mr. Jones has been very active in civic and community affairs. Since 1997, Mr. Jones has served as Village President of Olympia Fields and is a highly respected community leader. Mr. Jones is well regarded for his fine demeanor, legal knowledge, and problem solving ability.

Frank James Ryan -- Qualified
Frank James Ryan is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Ryan was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1981 has broad practice experience. Mr. Ryan has a fine temperament and possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

Pat Flanagan -- Qualified
Pat Flanagan is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Flanagan was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1999 and concentrates his practice in litigation and insurance defense. Mr. Flanagan is well regarded for his integrity, fine temperament, and legal experience. Mr. Flanagan possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

Nicholas W. Karas -- 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.

Richard G. Karwaczka -- Not Recommended
Richard Karwaczka is "Not Recommended" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Karwaczka was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2000. Mr. Karwaczka served as an Assistant State's Attorney in both Kane and Cook County and is currently engaged in private practice. Mr. Karwaczka is dedicated to the justice system and has a fine temperament. The Committee recommends that Mr. Karwaczka reapply after acquiring additional practice and court experience.

Karla Marie Fiaoni -- Qualified
Karla Marie Fiaoni is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Fiaoni was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1989 and has had considerable experience in law enforcement. Ms. Fiaoni is well regarded for her integrity, work ethic, diligence, and knowledge of criminal law.

Michael Brendan Barrett -- Qualified
Michael B. Barrett is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Barrett was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991 and is well versed in both civil and criminal law. Mr. Barrett concentrates his practice in personal injury and workers’ compensation matters. Mr. Barrett possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

Joan Marie G. Kubalanza -- Qualified
Judge Joan Marie G. Kubalanza is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Kubalanza was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1984 and served as an Associate Judge in 1998-1999. Judge Kubalanza was recalled in 2008 and currently serves in the Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Division of the Circuit Court. Judge Kubalanza is thorough, efficient, and well regarded by the lawyers and litigants who appear before her.

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Panichi Vacancy

George F. Scully -- Qualified*
George F. Scully, Jr. is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Scully was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1981 and possesses the requisite depth and breadth of legal experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

Mary Therese Quinn -- Qualified
Mary Therese Quinn is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Quinn was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1988 and has served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney since her admission to the bar. Ms. Quinn has tried more than 50 jury cases and is a member of the Capital Litigation Bar. Ms. Quinn possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

Michael T. Huguelet -- Qualified
Michael T. Huguelet is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Huguelet was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1979 and concentrates his practice in estate planning, probate, and real estate law. In addition, Mr. Huguelet serves as a village prosecutor. Mr. Huguelet has a fine temperament and possesses the requisite legal knowledge and experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

Peter A. Fera -- Qualified
Peter Fera is “Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Fera was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1968. Mr. Fera is well regarded for his knowledge of the law and extensive practice experience. Mr. Fera possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

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* This evaluation appears to have been prepared prior to Judge Scully's appointment to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court.

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Phelan Vacancy

John C. Griffin -- Qualified**
John C. Griffin is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Griffin was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1976 and has a wide range of civil litigation experience. Mr. Griffin has an outstanding demeanor and possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

Carl Evans, Jr. -- Qualified
Carl Evans, Jr. is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Evans was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1993. Mr. Evans possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

Nichole C. Patton -- Not Recommended ***
Nichole C. Patton is “Not Recommended” for the office of Associate Judge. Ms. Patton was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1997. While Ms. Patton has an interesting and diverse legal background, at this stage of her career she does not possess the requisite depth and breadth of experience to serve as an Associate Judge.

Thomas "TJ" Somer -- Qualified
Thomas "TJ" Somer is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Somers was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991 and has broad experience in both civil and criminal law. Mr. Somers is well respected for his legal knowledge and ability, integrity, and fine temperament.

Mary Beth Kent Duffy -- 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.

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** This evaluation appears to have been made prior to Judge Griffin's appointment to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court.

*** Pursuant to Section 27.4 of the JEC Resolutions and Procedures, a candidate who has been evaluated and found “NOT RECOMMENDED” for the office of Associate Judge and who shall within two years of such a finding be a candidate for Circuit Judge shall be found “NOT RECOMMENDED” without hearing. (Text of Footnote in CBA Green Guide.)