CCL evaluations -- 3rd Subcircuit

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

Carmody Vacancy

Allen F. Murphy -- Qualified (evaluated to fill a judicial vacancy in 2008. He was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to the Circuit Court bench in September 2008)
Allen Francis Murphy was admitted to practice in 1991. He served as an Assistant Cook County Public Guardian before becoming an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney in 1995. Mr. Murphy is considered to have good legal ability. He is praised by opposing counsel as being knowledgeable and trustworthy. His temperament is described as low key and professional. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Peter M. Kramer – Not Recommended
Peter M. Kramer refused to be evaluated. He is Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

Thomas G. O'Brien -- Not Recommended
Thomas G. O’Brien did not participate in the 2010 judicial evaluation process. He is Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

Steven G. Watkins – Qualified
Steven G. Watkins was admitted to practice in 1991. Since 2001, he has been a sole practitioner focusing on criminal defense, civil litigation, and real estate work. Between 1991 and 2000, he was the founding partner of a three-lawyer firm. Mr. Watkins reports that he has acted as lead counsel in 10 jury trials in criminal matters, one civil jury trial, “at least” 43 bench trials in criminal matters and four civil bench trials. Mr. Watkins is considered to have a low-key, professional demeanor and is considered a diligent attorney. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Charles Francis Fitzgerald – Not Qualified
Charles Francis Fitzgerald was admitted to practice in 1981. He has been a part-time administrative law officer for the City of Chicago since 1999. In 1987, after serving as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney, Mr. Fitzgerald entered private practice, where he handles mainly criminal defense matters. Mr. Fitzgerald is reported to have good legal ability and a good temperament. The Council is concerned, however, that he lacks sufficient experience in more complex litigation. The Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Daniela Silaides – Not Recommended
Daniela Silaides refused to be evaluated. She is Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

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Darcy Vacancy

Edward Harmening – Qualified*
Edward Harmening was admitted to the bar in 1994. From 1994 to 1997, and since 2003, he has been an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. He spent 1997 to 2003 in private practice handling insurance defense matters. Mr. Harmening is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. He has had sufficient litigation experience in complex matters to overcome the relatively few number of years that he has been in practice. The Council finds him Qualified to serve in the Circuit Court.

James Patrick Doran -- Qualified
James Doran was admitted to practice in 1992. He serves as an Assistant Illinois Attorney General, handling litigation maters. He reports serving as lead counsel in 13 jury trials and in one bench trial. His practice includes both state and federal court litigation. Mr. Doran is considered to have good legal ability and has substantial experience in more complex litigation matters. He is reported to have a good temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Thomas J. Murphy – Qualified
Thomas J. Murphy was admitted to practice in 1981. He is a sole practitioner at the Law Offices of Thomas J. Murphy (since 1989) and before that was an associate at Andich & Belgrade (1987-89) and an Assistant State’s Attorney in Cook County (1981-87). He reports being lead counsel in 30 trials that have gone to a jury verdict and 200 that have gone to a bench verdict. Mr. Murphy is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. He has substantial litigation experience in more complex matters and is described as well prepared and thorough. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

David J. Coleman – Well Qualified
David Joseph Coleman was admitted to practice in 1993. He has served throughout his career as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. He is currently assigned to the Special Prosecutions Unit where he prosecutes public corruption cases and cold case homicides. He reports serving as lead counsel in 24 jury trials and 500 bench trials. Lawyers report that Mr. Coleman has good legal ability and he is respected for his temperament. He has substantial litigation experience in exceptionally complex matters, and has been on the forefront of using new legal strategies and statutes to prosecute his cases. He is praised for his integrity. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.

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* This evaluation was apparently prepared before Judge Harmening was appointed to this vacancy by the Illinois Supreme Court.

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"A" Vacancy

Daniel Malone – Qualified
Judge Daniel B. Malone was admitted to practice in 1986. He was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in February 2009 and currently sits in Traffic Court hearing minor and misdemeanor traffic cases. Before taking the bench, Judge Malone had been in private practice throughout his career with a focus on personal injury and workers’ compensation litigation. He has both jury and bench trial experience in more complex matters. Judge Malone is considered to have good legal ability and as a judge, is praised for his temperament and courtroom management. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

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

Mary McNamara – Not Recommended
Mary McNamara refused to be evaluated. She is Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

Bernadette McNicholas -- Qualified
Bernadette McNicholas was admitted to practice in 1986. She is a sole practitioner focusing on domestic relations. She reports acting as lead counsel in four jury trials and more than 45 bench trials. Ms. McNicholas has substantial experience in more complex litigation matters. Lawyers report that she has good legal ability and a good temperament. She is praised for being hardworking and for her courtroom skills. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Pamela Cotten – Not Qualified
Pamela Cotten was admitted to practice in 1995. She is currently employed by the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) as Assistant General Counsel II for Housing Policy and Legislation. She represents the CHA in complaints and petitions for certiorari in state and federal courts and in inquiries before various state and federal agencies. She represents the CHA in state and federal court. From 2000 to 2009, she represented the CHA at trial and arbitrations. From 1998 to 2000 she reviewed contracts as an attorney for the CHA. She was a law clerk to Justice Charles Freeman of the Illinois Supreme Court. She reports having no jury trial experience and has acted as lead counsel in two personal injury bench trials. She is also president of Urban Comforts Company, which is a family business. Ms. Cotten is reported to be smart and diligent. However, the Council is concerned that she has little significant trial experience, including litigation of more complex matters. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.