Saturday, January 09, 2010

CBA evaluations -- countywide vacancies

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

Berland Vacancy

William H. Hooks -- Highly Qualified*
William H. Hooks is "Highly Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Hooks was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1981 and has extensive litigation experience in both the state and federal courts. Mr. Hooks has served as a prosecutor and defense attorney and has taught Advanced Trial Advocacy at DePaul University College of Law, Trial Advocacy at IIT-Kent College of Law, and Intense Trial Advocacy at the University of Chicago's Mandel Legal Clinic. Mr. Hooks also served as Chair of the Hearing Division of the Illinois Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission from 1994-2007. Mr. Hooks is highly regarded for his knowledge of the law and exceptional trial skills. Mr. Hooks is also actively involved in community service and is committed to continuing legal education and pro bono practice. Mr. Hooks is highly regarded by members of the bench and the bar and will be an asset to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Deidre Baumann -- Not Recommended**
Deidre Baumann is “Not Recommended” for the office of Associate Judge. While Ms. Baumann was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1992, she has not been diligent or timely in managing her cases and meeting court deadlines. Concerns were raised about Ms. Baumann’s lack of organizational skills and ability to effectively manage a high volume court call.

William Burnett Raines -- Qualified
William Raines is "Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Raines was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1993 and has concentrated his practice in criminal law. Mr. Raines has extensive trial experience and is well regarded for his knowledge of the law and legal experience.

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* This evaluation was apparently prepared before Judge Hooks was appointed 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. (Original text of footnote in CBA Green Guide.)


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Bronstein Vacancy

Terry MacCarthy -- Qualified
Terence Fulton MacCarthy is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. MacCarthy was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1990 and is well regarded for his knowledge of the law and trial skills. Mr. MacCarthy teaches trial advocacy on a local and national level and is a leading expert on evidence. Mr. MacCarthy is committed to the law and to public service and possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

Diann K. Marsalek -- Qualified
Diann K. Marsalek is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Marsalek was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1990 and currently serves as a hearing officer in the Illinois Secretary of State’s office. Ms. Marsalek possesses the legal knowledge and ability to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

Sharon Finegan Patterson -- Qualified
Sharon Finegan Patterson is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Finegan Patterson was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1980. Since that time she has handled a variety of complex civil matters, representing plaintiffs and defendants. She possesses the necessary qualifications to serve as a circuit court judge.

Thomas William Flannigan -- Not Recommended
Thomas Flannigan is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Flannigan was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1983 and has had limited practice experience in the areas of copyright and domestic relations. Mr. Flannigan does not possess the requisite depth and breadth of legal experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

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Dolan Vacancy

Susan Kennedy Sullivan -- Qualified
Susan Kennedy Sullivan is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Sullivan was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1994 and concentrates in elder law and probate court work. Ms. Sullivan possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

Linda J. Pauel -- Qualified
Linda Johanna Pauel is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Pauel was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991 and currently serves as senior counsel for the Building and License Enforcement Division of the City of Chicago. Ms. Pauel is well spoken, thoughtful, and possesses the requisite legal knowledge and experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

Kevin J. Murphy -- Not Recommended
Kevin Jerome Murphy is "Not Recommended" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Murphy was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1981 and is engaged in solo practice in suburban Cook County. Mr. Murphy does not possess the requisite legal ability and practice experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

Ubi O’Neal -- Not Recommended
Ubi O'Neal is "Not Recommended" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. O'Neal was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1993. Although Mr. O'Neal has practiced law for 16 years, his experience is limited to non-complex matters. In addition, Mr. O'Neal has had two questionable incidents regarding his integrity and needs to improve his understanding and commitment to the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct.

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Hayes Vacancy

Raymond W. Mitchell -- Qualified*
Raymond W. Mitchell is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Mitchell was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1993. Mr. Mitchell has trial and appellate experience and has handled complex cases in both the trial and appellate courts. Mr. Mitchell receives high marks from his colleagues and opponents for his knowledge of the law, legal ability, diligence, and integrity.

Bonnie Carol McGrath -- Not Recommended**
Bonnie Carol McGrath is “Not Recommended” for the office of Associate Judge. Ms. McGrath was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1993. Ms. McGrath has an extensive background in legal analysis and writing and is active in community affairs. Ms. McGrath is also a panel member in the Circuit Court of Cook County’s Mandatory Arbitration program. However, at this stage of her career, Ms. McGrath does not possess the requisite breadth and depth of legal experience to serve as an Associate Judge.

Carl B. Boyd -- 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 was apparently prepared prior to Judge Mitchell's appointment 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. (Original text of footnote in CBA Green Guide.)

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Kelley Vacancy


John Patrick Callahan, Jr. -- Qualified
Judge John P. Callahan, Jr. is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Callahan was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1988 and served as an Assistant Cook County State's Attorney for eight years. Mr. Callahan practiced law from 1996-2009 before his appointment to the bench in September. Judge Callahan possesses an outstanding temperament and is well respected for his knowledge of civil and criminal law.

Joanne F. Fehn -- Not Recommended
Joanne Fehn is "Not Recommended" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Fehn was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1993. Ms. Fehn is bright, articulate, and has a strong commitment to community service. However, at this stage of her career, Ms. Fehn does not possess the requisite depth and breadth of legal knowledge and experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

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McCarthy Vacancy*

Daniel J. Gallagher -- Qualified
Daniel J. Gallagher is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Gallagher was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1994. Mr. Gallagher serves as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender and is assigned to the Felony Trial Division. Mr. Gallagher is highly regarded by his peers and adversaries for his legal knowledge and ability. He is known as a passionate advocate and must continue to work on appropriate courtroom civility and decorum. He possesses the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

* Gallagher is unopposed in the Democratic primary. Two Republicans filed in this race. They are:

Maureen Masterson Pulia -- Qualified
Maureen Masterson Pulia is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Pulia was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1994 and serves as an Arbitrator for the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. Ms. Pulia is noted for her fine temperament and possesses all the requisite experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

Michaela Nolan Ryan -- 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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O'Malley Vacancy

Thomas V. Lyons -- Qualified*
Thomas V. Lyons is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Lyons was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1987 and has experience in both civil and criminal law. Mr. Lyons has a fine temperament and possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

* Judge Lyons is unopposed in the Democratic primary and has no Republican opponent in November. This evaluation was apparently prepared prior to Judge Lyons' appointment by the Illinois Supreme Court.

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Riley Vacancy

Sandra G. Ramos -- Not Recommended*
Sandra Gisela Ramos is “Not Recommended” for the office of Associate Judge. Ms. Ramos was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1986 and served as an Assistant State’s Attorney for eight years. Since 1994, Ms. Ramos has been in private practice as a solo practitioner concentrating primarily in criminal defense. Ms. Ramos possesses the requisite litigation and jury trial experience in criminal law, but lacks knowledge and experience in civil practice. Concerns were raised about Ms. Ramos’ temperament and ability to effectively manage a high volume court call.

Russell William Hartigan -- Highly Qualified
Russell W. Hartigan is "Highly Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Hartigan was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1976. He has practiced a wide range of complex civil litigation matters. He has tried a variety of civil jury trials. He is respected by his peers and possesses an excellent temperament. The committee finds he is “Highly Qualified” to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

James Michael Bailey -- Qualified
James M. Bailey II is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Bailey was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1984 and has served as an Assistant Cook County State's Attorney for his entire career. Mr. Bailey has extensive civil and criminal trial experience. Mr. Bailey is well regarded for his fine temperament and possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

John Patrick Nyhan -- 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.

Edmund Paul Michalowski -- 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.

Marvin W. Gray -- Not Recommended*
Marvin W. Gray is “Not Recommended” for the office of Associate Judge. Mr. Gray was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1972. While Mr. Gray has practiced law for many years, he does not possess the requisite legal experience and ability to serve as an Associate Judge.

Tracey J. Stokes -- Highly Qualified
Tracey J. Stokes is "Highly Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Stokes was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1985 and has a broad range of legal and trial experience. Ms. Stokes is well respected for her knowledge of the law, legal experience, professionalism, and outstanding temperament.

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* 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. (Original text of footnote in CBA Green Guide.)

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