Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Andrea Schleifer appointed to 12th Subcircuit vacancy

Andrea M. Schleifer has been appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to fill the 12th Subcircuit vacancy created by the recent resignation of Judge Mary K. Rochford. (Rochford, like her former Chancery Division colleague, Judge James R. Epstein, will not be retired long. Rochford is unopposed for the South vacancy on the First District of the Appellate Court and will assume those duties in December.)

Schleifer's appointment is effective November 16, 2010 and terminates December 3, 2012.

Schleifer is currently the principal of Andrea M. Schleifer & Associates, P.C. A 1979 graduate of the Loyola University of Chicago School of Law, Schleifer is a Past President of the Decalogue Society of Lawyers and a former member of the Board of Governors of the Illinois State Bar Association. Schleifer has also been a volunteer for Chicago Volunteer Legal Services for over 25 years, serving on its board of directors between 2003 and 2009.

Associate Judge applications close November 1

Individuals seeking appointment to the office of Associate Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County have until November 1 at 5:00pm to submit their completed applications to the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, 222 N. LaSalle Street, 13th Floor.

Application forms are available online, from the AOIC, or from the Office of the Chief Judge on the 26th Floor of the Daley Center.

Additional information can be found in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.

Full disclosure department: I submitted my own application for Associate Judge today.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Illinois Judges Association weighs in on Kilbride retention

The Illinois Judges Association has issued a statement deploring what it sees as "unfair criticism" of Supreme Court Justice Thomas L. Kilbride by "special interest groups" seeking to prevent Kilbride's retention next Tuesday.

A complete copy of the IJA's press release is reproduced in full on Page Two of this blog.

Despite the various pro- and anti-Kilbride commercials that are airing on Chicago radio and television stations, Kilbride is not on the ballot in Cook County.

Kilbride, who becomes Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court tomorrow, due to the resignation of Chief Justice Thomas R. Fitzgerald, will be on the ballot in the 21 counties that together comprise the Third Appellate District.

Will, Grundy, and Kankakee Counties are the counties closest to Chicago where Justice Kilbride will be on the ballot.

The IJA does not name the "special interests" that are seeking Justice Kilbride's ouster, but the reference is presumably to JUSTPAC, the political action committee of the Illinois Civil Justice League. The ICJL is the sponsor of the IllinoisJudges.net page that is frequently linked from this blog. Edward D. Murnane is the President of the ICJL and a member of the board of directors of the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA). According to Michael Smothers' October 23, 2010 article in the Pekin Times, when Kilbride sided with the majority upholding "a previous high court ruling that found a statute limiting plaintiffs’ damages in medical malpractice lawsuits unconstitutional, Murnane vowed to 'raise as much money as we can' to unseat him." The case to which Smothers refers is Lebron v. Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, 237 Ill.2d 217, 930 N.E.2d 895 (2010). Smothers continues, "Kilbride’s campaign had to reply in kind, and a multi-million-dollar battle of political advertisements was engaged."

Because Justice Kilbride is not on the ballot in Cook County, neither the Chicago Bar Association nor any of the "Alliance" bar groups have expressed an opinion regarding Justice Kilbride's exception except the Illinois State Bar Association. The ISBA urges a "yes" vote on Kilbride's retention, stating:
Justice Kilbride was elected to the Illinois Supreme Court in 2000 and is completing his first term. Justice Kilbride is regarded as a knowledgeable, thoughtful, prepared, and hard working judge. He is considered to have the highest integrity and moral character. As a Justice, he has advanced professionalism and diversity, continuing legal education, and pro bono reporting. He also spearheaded a judicial education program that he presents to Illinois schools and civic organizations. Prior to becoming a judge, Justice Kilbride practiced law for over twenty years in the Quad Cities area. The ISBA Committee for Judicial Evaluations recommends “yes” for Justice Kilbride’s retention.
The ISBA Standing Committee on Supreme and Appellate Court Judicial Election Campaign Tone and Conduct has issued this statement about JUSTPAC's efforts to defeat Justice Kilbride:
The Standing Committee finds that the “JUSTPAC” campaign directed at Justice Kilbride is inappropriate and distorts his record. As such, it reflects negatively on the integrity and independence of the judiciary. Specifically, based upon the advertisements reviewed by the Standing Committee, we find that “JUSTPAC” has distorted the record and rulings of Justice Kilbride by characterizing him as allegedly soft on crime and criminals.
The Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times have both endorsed Kilbride's retention bid. Justice Kilbride's campaign website may be accessed by following this link.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Sun-Times publishes bar ratings

The Chicago Sun-Times posted a comprehensive table on its website Saturday showing both the Chicago Bar Association and the Alliance of Bar Association ratings, side-by-side, for both the judicial retention candidates and the almost entirely unopposed judicial election candidates. That's a link to the Sun-Times site in the preceding sentence; sadly, my HTML skills are inadequate to reproduce the table here. However, you'll find links to the Alliance grids for the retention judges, the CBA Green Guide, the Chicago Council of Lawyers Evaluation Report, the report of the Judicial Performance Commission of Cook County, the Cook County Retention Judges' own website, and candidate responses to questionnaires posed by both the Tribune and the Illinois Civil Justice League -- all in the Sidebar of this blog.

The Sun-Times also ran an editorial Saturday urging voters to make informed choices in judicial elections. A substantial excerpt:
Most overwhelmed voters skip [the judicial races], or worse, just pick the names they like.

It doesn't have to be that way.

Each election cycle, a dozen bar associations invest hundreds of hours evaluating Illinois judges for us. They do all the work and simply ask us to spend a few minutes making an informed choice.

Don't let that good work go to waste. On our website, you'll find charts laying out how different bar associations rate judges.

The good news is that they largely agree on the lemons. Based on their recommendations, the Chicago Sun-Times is urging voters to toss three Cook County Circuit Court judges: Susan Jeanine McDunn; Dorothy F. Jones, and James "Jim" Ryan. We're also urging yes votes for three quality Illinois Supreme Court Justices: Charles E. Freeman, Thomas Kilbride and Bob Thomas.
For the record, Cook County voters will have the opportunity only to pass on the retention of one Illinois Supreme Court Justice. Only Justice Charles E. Freeman is on the ballot in Cook County. Despite the commercials, Cook County voters don't have a say on whether Justice Kilbride will remain in office. (Justice Thomas is on the ballot in Lake, McHenry, DuPage, Kane and all the other counties in the Second Appellate District; Justice Kilbride is on the ballot in Will, Grundy, LaSalle, Kankakee and 17 other counties in the Third Appellate District.)

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Stanley L. Hill appointed to Circuit Court bench

The Illinois Supreme Court has appointed Chicago attorney Stanley L. Hill to a Cook County Circuit Court vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Claudia Grace Conlon.

Hill's appointment is effective December 15, 2010 and will terminate December 3, 2012.

Currently, Hill is the principal of the West Loop firm of Stanley L. Hill & Associates, P.C.. A 1973 graduate of the University of Michigan Law School, Hill got his undergraduate degree in 1970 from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. Hill is a former president of and current member of the Board of Directors of Ada S. McKinley Community Services, Inc. He is also a yachtsman, presently serving as Rear Commodore of the Chicago Yachting Association.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Newspapers weigh in on Cook County judicial retention ballot

The Chicago Tribune made its Cook County Circuit Court judicial recommendations in its October 9, 2010 editions, but I wanted to see whether the Chicago Sun-Times made different recommendations and report on them together.

The Sun-Times weighed in this morning, and both papers are urging a "no" vote on the retention bids of three Cook County Circuit Court judges.

The judges singled out by both papers for "no" votes are Dorothy F. Jones, Jim Ryan, and Susan Jeanine McDunn. (The Tribune, but not the Sun-Times, also recommended a "no" vote on William D. O'Neal. The Tribune's retention recommendations tracked those made by the Chicago Bar Association.)

Judge Dorothy F. Jones

The Tribune states, "Judge Dorothy Jones has been on the bench for 18 years, but hasn't improved with time. She shows her contempt for the public by refusing to be evaluated by local bar associations, which give a professional assessment for voters' use. The bar groups have found that Jones has very poor legal skills and acts unprofessionally on the bench."

The Sun-Times says, "Dorothy Jones' arrogant claim to fame every six years is to be the only judge who refuses to even submit her credentials to the bar groups for evaluation. But, then, perhaps she is well aware she would never make the grade."

The Chicago Bar Association's evaluation on Judge Jones reads as follows:
DOROTHY F. JONES.................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.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers stated:
Hon. Dorothy Jones – Not Recommended
Judge Dorothy Jones refused to participate in the evaluation process. The Council finds her Not Recommended for retention.
Because Judge Jones chose not to participate in any bar evaluation process, she was rated not qualified or not recommended by each of the bar associations announcing ratings.

The new Judicial Performance Commission of Cook County also urges a "no" vote on Judge Jones. The JPC evaluation states:
The Judicial Performance Commission does not recommend Judge Dorothy F. Jones for retention.

Biography: Dorothy Jones graduated from DePaul University College of Law and was admitted to practice in 1979.

Judge Dorothy Jones was elected to the Circuit Court in 1992. She is currently assigned to a primarily pro se call in the First Municipal District. Prior to election, she was an assistant public defender in Cook County.

Summary: The Commission found predominantly unfavorable impressions of Judge Jones in the legal community. The investigation revealed a lack of clarity and consistency in her decisions, as well as questions about her temperament and ability to manage the courtroom. Although Judge Jones has a reputation for honesty and efficiency, the Commission does not feel those qualities outweigh the deficiencies of performance, temperament and management found in the investigation.

The Judicial Performance Commission does not recommend Judge Dorothy F. Jones for retention.
Judge Jones was invited to respond to questionnaires from the Chicago Tribune and the Illinois Civil Justice League. She did not respond to either. As of this writing, Judge Jones has also not submitted anything to the Cook County Retention Judges website.

Judge Jim Ryan

The Tribune says, "Shortly after Judge Jim Ryan was elected, he refused to answer questions in a deposition that was part of an investigation into alleged beatings of inmates at Cook County Jail. Ryan had been a top aide and legal adviser to former Sheriff Michael Sheahan. A judge asserting his constitutional right against self-incrimination shows, we suppose, at least passing knowledge of the law. But it sure doesn't inspire confidence. The Council of Lawyers says it has found "certain misstatements and omissions" from Ryan about his judicial assignment. Some lawyers report his courtroom behavior is "an embarrassment."

The Sun-Times stated:
James J. Ryan has similar deficiencies [to Judge Jones]. The CBA says Ryan "does not possess the requisite legal knowledge, ability and temperament" to be a judge. The Chicago Council of Lawyers, commenting on the real reason Ryan was pulled from an assignment in the Bridgeview courthouse, writes, "He can be short-tempered on the bench, and some [lawyers] have characterized his judicial behavior as an embarrassment."

Shortly after he was elected to the bench six years ago, Ryan was questioned by lawyers about whether, as a top aide to his second-cousin Sheriff Michael Sheahan, he had helped deep-six an investigation into an alleged mass-beating of prisoners at the County Jail. Ryan, invoking his 5th Amendment protection against self-incrimination, refused to answer most questions.
The Chicago Bar Association evaluation stated:
JIM RYAN..................................NOT RECOMMENDED
Judge Jim Ryan is “Not Recommended” for retention as a Circuit Court Judge. Judge Ryan was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1992 and was elected to the Circuit Court in 2004. Judge Ryan does not possess the requisite legal knowledge, ability, and temperament to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers initially recommended Judge Ryan's retention, but subsequently changed its position:
Hon. James J. Ryan – Not Qualified

Judge James J. Ryan was admitted to practice in 1992 and was elected to the bench in 2004 after refusing to be evaluated by the Council. Before taking the bench, Judge Ryan was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney from 1993 to 1995 and was the Director of Operations and General Counsel for the Cook County Sheriff’s Office from 1995 to 2004. From 2004 to 2006 he sat in Traffic Court after which he was assigned to the courthouse in Bridgeview, where he presided over traffic and domestic violence cases. He currently hears felony preliminary hearings. His judicial career has mostly involved less complex matters.

While many praise Judge Ryan's ability to manage his voluminous court call, many others report that he can be short-tempered on the bench, and some have characterized his judicial behavior as an embarrassment. In addition, the Council has uncovered certain misstatements and omissions in Judge Ryan’s evaluation material with respect to the circumstances surrounding his assignment in Bridgeview and his transfer to his current assignment. These misstatements and omissions raise concerns for the Council regarding the candidate's judgment, his candor, and his respect for the judicial screening process. Subsequent investigation of these matters did not allay the Council’s concerns. The Council finds him Not Qualified for retention.
Judge Ryan did secure positive ratings from the Asian American Bar Association (AABA), Black Women Lawyers' Association of Greater Chicago (BWLA), Cook County Bar Association (CCBA), Decalogue Society of Lawyers (DSL), Hispanic Lawyers of Illinois (HLAI), Puerto Rican Bar Association (PRBA), and Women's Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI). The Judicial Performance Commission of Cook County also recommended Judge Ryan's retention. Three other Alliance members made negative recommendations, namely, the Hellenic Bar Association (HBA), Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) and Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago (LAGBAC).

Judge Ryan also did not respond to either the Tribune questionnaire or the ICJL questionnaire. Judge Ryan has also not submitted anything, at least as of the present time, to the Cook County Retention Judges website.

Judge Susan Jeanine McDunn

The Chicago Tribune writes, "The Illinois Appellate Court several years ago said Judge Susan Jeanine McDunn had 'disgraced the judiciary and the people of Illinois.' McDunn tried to sidetrack two adoptions by lesbian parents, putting her personal beliefs above the law. She hasn't had such a notorious professional lapse since then. But she's still a poor judge and richly deserves to be removed."

The Sun-Times also writes about this incident in recommending a "no" vote:
Susan Jeanine McDunn has been rebuked by an Illinois Appellate Court for conduct that, the court says, "disgraced the judiciary and the people of Illinois." Her offense was overruling an order by her presiding judge in an effort to derail an uncontested adoption by lesbian parents. The Chicago Council of Lawyers called her failure to follow adoption law ''unacceptable" and "well beyond the pale of appropriate judicial conduct." The council says McDunn continues to display an "inappropriate temperament" on the bench. The Chicago Bar Association concluded she "does not possess the requisite legal knowledge and ability" to serve as a judge.
The Chicago Bar Association evaluation reads:
SUSAN JEANINE MCDUNN.......NOT RECOMMENDED
Judge Susan Jeanine McDunn is “Not Recommended” for retention as a Circuit Court Judge. Judge McDunn was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1980 and has served as a judge since 1993. Since 2007, Judge McDunn has served in the Law Division and is considered a hard worker. However, Judge McDunn does not possess the requisite legal knowledge and ability to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers states:
Hon. Susan J. McDunn -- Not Qualified
Judge Susan McDunn was elected to the bench in 1992. She is currently assigned to the Law Division. Previously, she was in the County Division and the First Municipal District. Judge McDunn was admitted to practice in 1980. Prior to election, she was in private practice.

Judge McDunn is considered to have adequate legal ability. Judge McDunn was found Not Qualified for retention in 2004, having been publicly rebuked by the Illinois Appellate Court for judicial conduct the court says, “disgraced the judiciary and the people of Illinois.” The Council found her behavior in failing to follow Illinois adoption law based on her personal beliefs to be “unacceptable and fall well beyond the pale of appropriate judicial conduct.” The Council believes this behavior alone disqualifies Judge McDunn, but an evaluation conducted for the 2010 retention election revealed that many lawyers believe she has difficulty handling complex matters that come before her and that she demonstrates an inappropriate temperament. The Council finds her Not Qualified for retention.
The Judicial Performance Commission also recommends a "no" vote on Judge McDunn:
The Judicial Performance Commission does not recommend Judge Susan J. McDunn for retention.

Biography: Susan J. McDunn graduated from DePaul University College of Law and was admitted to practice in 1980.

Judge McDunn was elected to the bench in 1992 and seated in 1993. She is currently assigned to the Law Division. Previously, she was in the County Division and the First Municipal District. Prior to election, she was in private practice.

Summary: Judge McDunn appears attentive to proceedings and is punctual for court. However, the Commission notes significant concerns about her ability to handle difficult, complex matters. She is described as unwilling to reconsider rulings when presented with additional case law and demonstrates an inappropriate temperament. The Commission received reports of the judge losing her temper and appearing unable to control her courtroom.

In an adoption case in 1999, Judge McDunn was rebuked by the Appellate Court for judicial conduct that the court said “disgraced the judiciary and people of Illinois.”

Although the Illinois Judicial Inquiry Board concluded that Judge McDunn did not make statements against persons based upon their sexual orientation, her actions demonstrated a lack of respect for the law. There is no indication that Judge McDunn has rehabilitated her performance. Moreover, the Commission received comments from some lawyers that in light of this event, Judge McDunn does not command the respect of the legal community.

The Judicial Performance Commission does not recommend Judge Susan J. McDunn for retention.
Judge McDunn received "yes" recommendations from the Black Women Lawyers' Association of Greater Chicago (BWLA), the Cook County Bar Association (CCBA), the Hellenic Bar Association (HBA), and the Women's Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI). However, the Asian American Bar Association (AABA), the Decalogue Society of Lawyers (DSL), the Hispanic Lawyers of Illinois (HLAI), the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA), the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago (LAGBAC), and the Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois (PRBA) all recommended "no" votes.

Judge McDunn did respond to the Tribune questionnaire and the ICJL questionnaire. Her complete responses to both questionnaires are available by following the links in the preceding sentence. In both responses, Judge McDunn presents her response on the adoption case that features so prominently in her negative evaluations. She told the ICJL that she is proud of the actions she took in these cases, stating, in part:
These cases involved adoption petitions filed by lesbian couples. In these cases, I ordered that full evidentiary hearings be held to determine whether the adoptions would be in the best interest of the children as was required by then-existing, controlling law. In these highly controversial and sensitive cases, I followed the law and upheld the rights of these children under very difficult circumstances, and despite strong opposition and pressure to do otherwise. The Illinois Courts Commission, a constitutionally created body which included an Illinois Supreme Court Justice and two long-standing Illinois Appellate Court Justices, said that I "conscientiously [applied] existing law to an unresolved question: what impact does the sexual orientation of the petitioners have on the child's best interests?" It noted that judicial canons "required [me] to uphold the independence of the judiciary and to remain unswayed by partisan interests, public clamor or fear of criticism, and stated that I fulfilled my "mandated duty of placing the best interests of the children above all others."
Judge McDunn also has submitted information for the Cook County Retention Judges website which is available from the link in this sentence.

In response to a reader's question: More about recalled judges

My post the other day about the Supreme Court's recalling several judges to serve, including some judges who ran unsuccessfully in February's primary election, prompted an email from a reader who asked, "Whatever happened to the will of the voters? ... What about all the others who lose their elections? Please explain."

The reader cited the specific example of Judge Michael Ian Bender, who was appointed to a 9th Subcircuit vacancy, but was unable to hold that seat in the primary. Judge Bender's original Supreme Court appointment expires December 6, when the winner of that primary election, Steven James "Steve" Bernstein, will be sworn in as a judge. The will of the voters will thus not be frustrated. However, the Supreme Court has concluded that Judge Bender has performed well in office and has decided to extend Judge Bender's service by recalling him.

The court could have appointed Judge Bender to another vacancy. In fact, the court has just appointed another candidate from that same crowded 9th Subcircuit primary field, Mary S. Trew, to a new vacancy in that subcircuit. But the recall mechanism is authorized under Section 15(a) of Article VI of the Illinois Constitution which provides, in relevant part, "Any retired Judge or Associate Judge, with his or her consent, may be assigned by the Supreme Court to judicial service for which he or she shall receive the applicable compensation in lieu of retirement benefits." Before the mandatory retirement age for judges was struck down, the recall mechanism had been used to keep productive judges in service. But it has also been used to keep other, well-regarded jurists in office.

A number of very highly regarded judges are among the more than 60 who will face the voters in November on the Cook County retention ballot. Any judge who fails to secure a 60% favorable vote will be removed from office -- but no Cook County judge has lost a retention election since 1990. Historically, the most highly regarded judges get the most favorable votes when the retention votes are counted. It is therefore safe to predict that, even if one or more judges are removed from office via the retention ballot this year, the voters will choose to keep the vast majority of jurists, including the most highly regarded ones.

Twenty years ago, however, the Supreme Court recalled a judge who lost a retention vote back to judicial service. There was an outcry, at the time, from several of the bar associations, the Chicago Council of Lawyers in particular. Because no Cook County Circuit Court judge has lost a retention election since 1990 (and because I have no inside information whatsoever) I can present this only as speculation on my part; however -- unless something truly unforeseen happens on the retention ballot -- it is probably safe to predict that the Supreme Court will not recall any jurist turned out of office in that election to the bench.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Illinois Supreme Court recalls, or extends recall appointments, of several Cook County judges

Judge Michael Ian Bender lost his bid to hold the "A" vacancy in the 9th Judicial Subcircuit in this year's primary election, but the Illinois Supreme Court will recall Judge Bender to service December 6, 2010.

The Illinois Supreme Court appointed Judge Pamela M. Leeming to the countywide McCarthy vacancy after she'd filed to run in the 11th Subcircuit in this year's primary. Judge Leeming lost her primary bid and the McCarthy vacancy will be filled by either Democrat Daniel J. Gallagher or Republican Maureen Masterson Pulia, depending on the outcome of next month's voting. However, the Illinois Supreme Court will also recall Judge Leeming to service December 6, 2010.

Judge Nicholas Geanopoulos did not run for election this year. Geanopoulos had been appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to fill the countywide Bronstein vacancy (that Terry MacCarthy will fill after his uncontested November election). Geanopoulos, however, has also been recalled to service effective December 6.

The recall appointments of Judges Bender, Leeming and Geanopoulos are effective through November 30, 2013.

Each of the following judges has also been recalled to serve from December 6, 2010 through November 30, 2013:
Hon. Roger G. Fein
Hon. William J. Haddad
Hon. Sidney A. Jones III
Hon. Henry M. Singer
Hon. Rhoda D. Sweeney
In its October 15 recall order, the Illinois Supreme Court also recalled Cook County Circuit Judges Curtis Heaston and Charles R. Winkler for an additional year's service, through November 30, 2011. Associate Judge John B. Grogan has also been recalled through November 30, 2011. The court also extended the recall appointment of Judge Sheldon A. Harris through November 30, 2013.

James L. Kaplan appointed to 8th Subcircuit

The Illinois Supreme Court has announced that James L. Kaplan has been appointed to the 8th Subcircuit vacancy that will be created by the retirement of Cook County Circuit Court Judge Melvin J. Cole.

Kaplan is currently of counsel to the Law Offices of Sheldon Sorosky, Ltd. (f/k/a Kaplan & Sorosky, Ltd.). A 1971 graduate of the Chicago-Kent College of Law, Kaplan serves on the school's Board of Overseers. Kaplan was a member of the Illinois Board of Higher Education from 1999 until early 2007. He was IBHE Chairman from 2003 until the time of his resignation. He has also served as a Judge of the Illinois Court of Claims.

Kaplan's appointment is effective December 6 and will terminate December 3, 2012.

Erica L. Reddick appointed to Cook County Circuit Court

Erica L. Reddick, the Deputy Chief of the Felony Trial Division of the Office of the Cook County Public Defender, has been appointed to the countywide vacancy created by the pending retirement of Judge Dorothy Kirie Kinnaird. (Judge Kinnaird has been the Presiding Judge of the Chancery Division of the Circuit Court.)

Reddick's appointment is effective December 6 and will terminate December 3, 2012. An Illinois attorney since 1991, Reddick is among the adjunct faculty members of the Center for Advocacy and Dispute Resolution at John Marshall Law School.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Mary S. Trew appointed to 9th Subcircuit vacancy

Per email received, Mary Susan Trew has been appointed to a 9th Subcircuit vacancy on the Circuit Court of Cook County. Trew will fill the vacancy created by the 'retirement' of the Judge James R. Epstein ('retirement' being set out in quotes because Judge Epstein will take office as a justice of the Appellate Court in December). Trew's appointment is effective November 22 and will terminate December 3, 2012.

Trew was a candidate for the "A" vacancy in the 9th Subcircuit in the 2010 primary. Although unsuccessful in that effort, Trew won the endorsement of the Chicago Sun-Times as well as favorable recommendations from each of the evaluating bar associations in the course of the campaign. Trew is currently the Executive Director of the Domestic Violence Legal Clinic of Chicago.

(Updated October 18, 2010)

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Kevin W. Horan appointed to 4th Subcircuit seat

The Illinois Supreme Court appointed Kevin W. Moran to the Cook County Circuit Court this week. Horan will fill the vacancy in the Fourth Judicial Subcircuit created by the October 31 retirement of Judge Daniel A. Riley. Horan's appointment is effective November 1 and will terminate on December 3, 2012.

Horan is currently a partner with Rock Fusco LLC. An attorney since 1979, Horan is a graduate of the DePaul University School of Law. His did his undergraduate work at Marquette. Horan has been active in the Celtic Legal Society of Chicago and has served as an officer of the organization.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Gallagher vs. Pulia: The only judicial contest in Cook County

Judges running for retention have no opponents. Voters are asked merely whether each judge should be retained in office.

A number of new judges will, technically, be elected in Cook County in November but, since all but one of these races is unopposed, the election is a mere formality.

The one contested judicial race in Cook County is for the McCarthy vacancy. In this race, Republican Maureen Masterson Pulia will face Democrat Daniel J. Gallagher.

Maureen Masterson Pulia




Campaign Website

Tribune questionnaire




Of Pulia, the Chicago Bar Association says:
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.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers states:
Maureen H. Masterson Pulia – Not Qualified
Maureen Pulia was admitted to practice in 1984. From 2003 to present, she has been an Arbitrator with the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission. From 1997 to 2003 she was Senior Public Service Administrator and Staff Attorney for the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission. Ms. Pulia is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council is concerned, however, that her practice has been narrow and that she lacks sufficient litigation experience as a practitioner in complex matters. The Council finds her Not Qualified to serve in the Circuit Court.

Other Bar Association Evaluations
for Maureen Masterson Pulia


Asian American Bar Association - Qualified
Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago - Recommended
Cook County Bar Association - Not Evaluated
Decalogue Society of Lawyers - Recommended
Hellenic Bar Association - Recommended
Illinois State Bar Association - Qualified
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago - Recommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois - Qualified
Women’s Bar Association of Illinois - Recommended


Daniel J. Gallagher





Campaign Website

Tribune questionnaire




Of Gallagher, the Chicago Bar Association says:
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.

The Chicago Council of Laywers says:
Daniel James Gallagher – Qualified
Daniel James Gallagher was admitted in 1994. He is currently an Assistant Public Defender (APD) in the Felony Trial Division, and has been in the office since 1996. He was in private practice before becoming an APD. As lead trial counsel he reports taking one civil case and 35 criminal cases to a jury verdict, as well as approximately 20 civil and 100 to criminal cases to a bench verdict. Mr. Gallagher is reported to be a diligent, fair, and zealous advocate. He is praised as being well prepared with a professional demeanor. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Other Bar Association Evaluations
for Daniel J. Gallagher


Asian American Bar Association - Qualified
Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago - Recommended
Cook County Bar Association - Recommended
Decalogue Society of Lawyers - Recommended
Hellenic Bar Association - Recommended
Illinois State Bar Association - Qualified
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago - Recommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois - Qualified
Women’s Bar Association of Illinois - Recommended

Gallagher was endorsed for this vacancy by the Chicago Tribune in its October 9 editions. This post will be updated as additional endorsements become available.

Saturday, October 09, 2010

Welcome judicial voters! Too bad the election is already (mostly) over in Cook County

If you are visiting here for the first time, motivated by pending civic duty, it is my sad duty to inform you that it is already too late to choose new Cook County Circuit Court judges. With one exception, all of these were elected in the February primary. The February Democratic primary. Cook County voters taking Republican ballots, or Green Party ballots in the primary were effectively disenfranchised, at least in so far as electing judges was concerned. Scan down the sample ballot below and you'll see there is only one contested countywide judicial race in Cook County (and none in any of the subcircuits).

That one contested countywide race will be covered here tomorrow.



There is also the lengthy retention ballot to consider. There have been a number of posts here covering the retention ballot; there will be more as November approaches.

Friday, October 08, 2010

Illinois Civil Justice League posts questionnaires returned by judges on Cook County retention ballot

The Illinois Civil Justice League has posted responses to questionnaires received from several Cook County Circuit Court judges seeking retention in November. Links to those responses are posted below. Judges responding the ICJL questionnaire so far are:
For updates on ICJL questionnaire responses, or to see responses provided by judges running for retention in other parts of Illinois, visit IllinoisJudges.net.

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Related: The Tribune posts retention judge questionnaires

"Who picks the pickers?" Local bar associations present seminar on judicial selection

The Chicago Bar Association hosted a CLE presentation on judicial selection Tuesday afternoon.

The seminar was widely publicized, both because of its unique pricing (it was free -- something that I certainly appreciated) and because it was jointly sponsored by the CBA, the Illinois State Bar Association, the Women's Bar Association of Illinois and the Cook County Bar Association.

There was some lively, if skeptical, conversation on the ISBA Listserv in anticipation of the event. Wrote one commenter, "Call me crazy, but I predict [the seminar] will be an unalloyed endorsement of appointment, because as we all know, in Illinois the political class can be trusted to do the right thing."

Well, there were a few highly partisan advocates of merit selection among the presenters, and former State Senator and State Comptroller Dawn Clark Netsch opened the proceedings with a historical perspective on judicial reform in Illinois generally and on the struggle for merit selection in particular.

Professor Netsch made no secret of her support for merit selection of judges. She made a few observations about just how our present system works. Netsch said that a main argument of election proponents is that the people should not be deprived of their right to vote yet, according to Netsch, 41% of trial judges are associate judges, judges who are essentially appointed, not elected. (Technically, associate judges are elected by the sitting judges in their circuits). Moreover, Netsch said, many other judges are initially appointed to the bench to fill vacancies and have the advantage of incumbency in seeking election.

And while people may say they want to vote for judges, Netsch said, the fact is that many do not. There's a "roll off" or "fall off" of voters as they work down the ballot -- nationwide, she said, as many as one-third of the voters who start a ballot do not vote in judicial elections. In the 2000 Illinois primary, Netsch said, there was a 50% dropoff between the top of the ballot to the judicial races.

Netsch cited her concerns about the way Illinois selects its judges. Money plays and increasing role, she said, in judicial races. Illinois is now the leading state in judicial campaign spending. Also, Netsch said, judicial races are increasingly partisan. As many subsequent speakers would echo, Professor Netsch argued that judicial races should not be the same as elections for the legislature or the county sheriff. Finally, she said, there has been a change in the public perception of the judiciary. Public belief in judicial independence and integrity is dwindling. Merit selection, Netsch said, is needed to restore confidence in courts.

However, the seminar was neither an infomercial nor a pep rally for merit selection.

Two panels followed Professor Netsch's opening remarks. Cook County Commissioner (and the CBA's Springfield lobbyist) Larry Suffredin moderated a group of legislators who addressed judicial selection options from the standpoint of practical politics.

House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie (D-25) was the most vocal advocate of merit selection in this group (though Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-57) said she supports merit selection in "whatever form") but Rep. Currie emphasized that her support for merit selection over judicial election stems from a belief that the former would better guarantee the independence, impartiality and competence of the judiciary.

State Sen. Kirk Dillard (R-24) voiced skepticism about merit selection proposals, the first of several speakers to question "who picks the pickers?" Every merit selection proposal depends on a nominating commission of some sort. Who would serve on the commission? How would these people be selected? Sen. Dillard agreed there is legitimate concern about the increasing role that money plays in judicial elections. He's supported public financing of judicial elections and would favor proposals requiring lawyers to have 10 years' minimum experience before taking the bench.

State Sen. Kwame Raoul (D-13) acknowledged that no merit selection proposal can "de-politicize" the judicial selection process. Like Sen. Dillard, he would support a minimum experience requirement for lawyers aspiring to the bench. Assistant Senate Majority Leader Don Harmon (D-39) also expressed support for a 10 year minimum experience requirement. Harmon acknowledged that there is wide support for improving the quality of the judiciary -- but broad disagreement as to what a "better" judiciary would look like. Sen. Harmon expressed reservations about merit selection and pointed to the recent election in his home subcircuit (Cook County's 11th Judicial Subcircuit) as an illustration of the election process working well, with the highest rated candidates garnering the most votes.

State Senate Deputy Minority Leader Dale A. Righter (R-55) provided a Downstater's perspective. While he's supported public financing for judicial elections, he's skeptical of any proposal that removes power from the voters. Sen. Righter expressed concern about the 10-year minimum experience level as well. Righter, who hails from Mattoon, pointed out that, in some Downstate counties, there may be only a handful of attorneys. Imposing a 10-year limit, however sensible that may seem in a crowded metropolitan area, may seriously diminish the pool of available judicial candidates in some areas. As for merit selection, Sen. Righter noted that if either an elective or appointive process can be improperly influenced, he and his constituents would rather stick with an elective system. At least we'd have a chance this way, he said.

The second panel (shown above in a photo obtained from the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin website - subscription required) was moderated by Law Bulletin editor Olivia Clarke (who also edits the Chicago Lawyer).

Retired Illinois Appellate Court Justice Gino DiVito was the most enthusiastic proponent of merit selection in this group though he warned seminar attendees that he has an article in an upcoming issue of the Illinois Bar Journal which makes a case for the non-partisan election of judges. This should not be construed as an "abandonment" of his support for merit selection, however.

Current Appellate Court Justice Joy V. Cunningham noted that she has attained judicial office both by appointment and election. She was initially appointed an Associate Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, later seeking election to the Appellate Court. She said she was a beneficiary of both systems and can see arguments on both sides of the issue. Personally, though, she said, she comes down on the side of merit selection.

Cook County Circuit Court Judge Michael B. Hyman, a former CBA President, and just elected to the bench in 2008, also expressed his support for merit selection. Proponents of judicial election are laboring under three illusions, Hyman said. First, though judges may be elected, judicial elections should not be conducted like any other election for public office. Second, campaign contributions in judicial races are not like those in any other race: Campaign contributions in judicial races come from a very narrow base of contributors. And the third illusion, Hyman said, is that voters know as much about judicial candidates as any other. He offered a challenge to proponents of judicial election: Stop any random group of people in the street. Judge Hyman was quite positive that the vast majority of these would be able to name one or more judges on American Idol before ever being able to come up with the name of justice of the Illinois Supreme Court.

Retired Appellate Court Justice William Cousins, Jr. argued that judicial election is democratic and results in a more diverse judiciary. He pointed out that our elected bench compares favorably with their appointed counterparts in other states, citing the William H. Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence bestowed last year by the National Center for State Courts on Cook County Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans.

John Marshall Law School Professor Ann Lousin suggested that the merit selection vs. judicial election debate will soon be over because, she said, judicial elections as we know them are doomed to extinction within 10 years because of a trio of Supreme Court cases, Republican Party of Minnesota v. White, Caperton v. A.T. Massey Coal Co., and Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. We'll have to wait a decade to see if Professor Lousin's prediction comes true; in the meantime, the merit selection vs. judicial election debate is likely to continue.

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Additional Law Bulletin coverage: Legislators weigh in on judicial selection (subscription required)

Wednesday, October 06, 2010

Judge Connors moves up to the Appellate Court

Cook County Circuit Court Judge Maureen E. Connors has been assigned by the Illinois Supreme Court to the Appellate Court.

Judge Connors, who has sat in the Probate Division since 1994, will fill the vacancy created by the elevation of Appellate Justice Mary Jane Theis to the Illinois Supreme Court. (Supreme Court press release here.)

Judge Delehanty appointed to McGann vacancy

Maureen Leahy Delehanty was appointed to the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Ronald C. Riley last November. However, Judge Delehanty did not seek election to that seat and her appointment was set to expire in December (when Sandra Ramos takes office).

But the Illinois Supreme Court has now appointed Judge Delehanty to a different vacancy, this time to the 3rd Subcircuit vacancy created by the recent retirement of Judge Patrick E. McGann. This appointment is effective today and will expire on December 3, 2012.

Judge Delehanty filed for the Donnersberger vacancy in the 3rd Subcircuit for the 2008 primary but withdrew in December 2007, allowing Judge Patrick J. Sherlock to hold that seat by default.

Monday, October 04, 2010

The Tribune posts retention judge questionnaires

Cook County Circuit Court retention candidates were offered the opportunity to respond to questionnaires propounded by the Chicago Tribune. Not every retention candidate responded, though many did. Herewith a list of the retention judges, linked to the Tribune "Election Center" where the responses are posted:

The Cook County Retention Judges own website is available as well. Information on some (but not all) of the retention judges can be accessed at that site (depending on whether the judge has provided information for posting).

And there is more: Responses to questionnaires promulgated by the Illinois Civil Justice League are expected to be available later this week at IllinoisJudges.net.

On further review, Chicago Council of Lawyers finds Judge Ryan "Not Qualified"

The Chicago Council of Lawyers has changed its evaluation for Cook County Circuit Court Judge James J. Ryan. Although, as reported here earlier, the Council previously found Judge Ryan qualified for retention, persons clicking over to the Council's evaluation will now find this entry:
Hon. James J. Ryan – Not Qualified

Judge James J. Ryan was admitted to practice in 1992 and was elected to the bench in 2004 after refusing to be evaluated by the Council. Before taking the bench, Judge Ryan was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney from 1993 to 1995 and was the Director of Operations and General Counsel for the Cook County Sheriff’s Office from 1995 to 2004. From 2004 to 2006 he sat in Traffic Court after which he was assigned to the courthouse in Bridgeview, where he presided over traffic and domestic violence cases. He currently hears felony preliminary hearings. His judicial career has mostly involved less complex matters.

While many praise Judge Ryan's ability to manage his voluminous court call, many others report that he can be short-tempered on the bench, and some have characterized his judicial behavior as an embarrassment. In addition, the Council has uncovered certain misstatements and omissions in Judge Ryan’s evaluation material with respect to the circumstances surrounding his assignment in Bridgeview and his transfer to his current assignment. These misstatements and omissions raise concerns for the Council regarding the candidate's judgment, his candor, and his respect for the judicial screening process. Subsequent investigation of these matters did not allay the Council’s concerns. The Council finds him Not Qualified for retention.
Judge Ryan did secure positive ratings from the AABA, BWLA, CCBA, DSL, HLAI, PRBA, and WBAI. The Judicial Performance Commission of Cook County recommended Judge Ryan's retention, but the Chicago Bar Association did not. In addition to the Council, three other Alliance members made negative recommendations, namely, the HBA, ISBA and LAGBAC.