CCL evaluations -- 1st Subcircuit

For the complete report of the Chicago Council of Lawyers, follow this link (.pdf format).

Coleman Vacancy

Thaddeus L. Wilson – Qualified (Evaluated to fill a judicial vacancy. He was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2007 to fill a judicial vacancy.)
Thaddeus L. Wilson was admitted to practice law in 1994. He has been in private, small firm practice throughout his legal career. He currently serves as a hearing examiner for the Chicago Board of Elections. Mr. Wilson is reported to have good legal ability and is praised for his professional demeanor by both lawyers and judges. He has substantial trial experience in both civil and criminal law matters and practices in both the state and federal courts. He is also praised for his community service. The Chicago Council of Lawyers finds Mr. Wilson to be Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Linnae Bryant – Not Recommended
Linnae Bryant refused to be evaluated. She is Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

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Steele Vacancy

Sharon Oden-Johnson – Not Qualified
Sharon Dolores Oden-Johnson was admitted in 1996. She is a sole practitioner focusing on real estate, family law, probate, and small business matters. She reports having no jury trial experience and acting as lead counsel in 4 civil bench trials. She is very active in community activities and pro bono work. Ms. Oden-Johnson is praised as a smart lawyer with a good temperament. The Council is concerned, however, that she has little litigation experience in more complex matters. The Council believes that a judicial candidate must have substantial
litigation experience before becoming a judge. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Michelle Hugghis Flagg – Not Qualified
Michelle Flagg was admitted to practice in Wisconsin in 2000 and in Illinois in 2003. She is currently a sole practitioner focusing on real estate matters. She served as an associate in a firm between 2000 and 2002. She is praised for her public service. She reports having no jury trial experience but she reports acting as lead counsel in two bench trials. Ms. Flagg is considered a knowledgeable lawyer who is public-minded. The Council is concerned that she has little litigation experience. The Council finds Ms. Flagg Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Jesse Outlaw -- Qualified
Jesse Outlaw was admitted to practice in 1980. He is a sole practitioner concentrating in commercial and residential real estate, bankruptcy, family law, and probate. He serves as a guardian ad litem in the Probate Division. Much of his current practice involves bankruptcy in Chapter 7 and 13 proceedings. He reports acting as lead counsel in two jury trials and ten civil bench trials. While he has had relatively few trials, he reports that much of his work as a lawyer involves motion practice. He has been an arbitrator with the Cook County arbitration program
for many years. Mr. Outlaw is praised for his temperament and for his diligence. He is considered an intelligent lawyer who is a zealous advocate for his clients. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Joseph Chico – Not Recommended
Joseph Chico refused to be evaluated. He is Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

Theodore "Ted" London – Not Recommended
Theodore “Ted” London refused to be evaluated. He is Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

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"A" Vacancy

Bonita Coleman-John – Not Qualified*
Bonita Coleman-John was admitted to practice in 1992. She has been in private practice for most of her career doing family law, criminal defense, and probate work. She reports acting as lead counsel in 2 criminal jury trials, and more than 100 bench trials. She serves on the ARDC Hearing Board. She is considered to have merely adequate legal ability and many respondents commented unfavorably on her demeanor. Some respondents indicate that she is sometimes late to court. Overall, she is not considered to possess the necessary skills. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

* Ms. Coleman-John is unopposed in the Democratic primary and has no Republican opponent in November.