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.