CBA evaluations in the race for the O'Brien vacancy on the Appellate Court

The Chicago Bar Association has released its evaluations of candidates running for the O'Brien vacancy on the Illinois Appellate Court. Candidates are listed in ballot order. All of the following are candidates in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this (or any other) Appellate Court vacancy.

Jesse G. Reyes -- Qualified

Judge Jesse G. Reyes is “Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. Judge Reyes was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1984 and became a judge in 1997. Judge Reyes is currently assigned to the Chancery Division’s Mortgage Foreclosure and Mechanics Lien Division. Judge Reyes is very involved in community, philanthropic and professional activities. Judge Reyes possesses the legal knowledge and ability to serve as an Appellate Court Justice.

Rodolfo (Rudy) Garcia -- Qualified

Judge Rodolfo (Rudy) Garcia is “Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. Judge Garcia was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1981 and was elected a Circuit Court Judge in 1996. In 2003, Judge Garcia was assigned to the Illinois Appellate Court by the Illinois Supreme Court and appointed in 2011 to fill a vacancy on the Appellate Court. Judge Garcia currently serves as the Presiding Judge of the Sixth Appellate Division and is well regarded for his knowledge of civil and criminal law, writing skills, strong work ethic, and diligence. Judge Garcia is qualified to serve as an Appellate Court Justice.

William Stewart Boyd -- Qualified

Judge William Stewart Boyd is “Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. Judge Boyd was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1981 and became an Associate Judge in 1998. Judge Boyd is currently assigned to the Domestic Relations Division and is well respected for his legal knowledge, strong work ethic, calm demeanor, and professionalism. Judge Boyd is qualified to serve as an Appellate Court Justice.

Ellen L. Flannigan -- Not Recommended

Judge Ellen Flannigan is “Not Recommended” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. Judge Flannigan was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1988 and was elected to the Circuit Court in 2006. Judge Flannigan served in the Traffic Division and is currently assigned to the Domestic Violence Division. Judge Flannigan’s judicial experience is limited and currently the candidate does not possess the requisite depth and breadth of judicial experience to serve on the Illinois Appellate Court.

Don R. Sampen -- Highly Qualified

Don R. Sampen is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. Mr. Sampen was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1975 and began his career as law clerk for a U.S. Court of Appeals Judge in the Seventh Circuit. Mr. Sampen has had a long and distinguished career in both government and the private sector. Mr. Sampen served in the Illinois Attorney General’s Office as Chief of the Public Interest Bureau and Chief of the Special Litigation Bureau. Mr. Sampen has handled appeals throughout the country and in Illinois. Mr. Sampen has served as an adjunct professor of law and has served on community boards that have utilized his expertise in cable, zoning, and security issues. Mr. Sampen is well regarded for his legal knowledge, work ethic, and vast experience.

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