CBA evaluations in Supreme Court race

The Chicago Bar Association has released its evaluations of candidates running for the Fitzgerald vacancy on the Illinois Supreme Court. Candidates are listed in ballot order.

Democratic candidates

Mary Jane Theis -- Highly Qualified

Justice Mary Jane Theis is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court. Justice Theis was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1974 and served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender until her appointment to the Circuit Court of Cook County in 1983. Justice Theis served in the First Municipal Division from 1983-1987; in the Criminal Division from 1988-1992; and in the Chancery Division before her appointment and election to the Illinois Appellate Court in 1994. In 2010, Justice Theis was appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court. Justice Theis is highly respected for her legal knowledge and experience, outstanding temperament, and unquestioned integrity. Justice Theis is intelligent, thoughtful, and dedicated to the law and our justice system.

Aurelia Marie Pucinski -- Qualified

Justice Aurelia Marie Pucinski is “Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court. Justice Pucinski was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1976 and was elected to the Circuit Court of Cook County in 2004 and to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2010. During her brief tenure on the Illinois Appellate Court, Justice Pucinski has heard a number of major civil and criminal appeals and has written 14 opinions. Justice Pucinski’s management experience, knowledge of administrative law, and commitment to public service would serve her well on the Illinois Supreme Court.

Joy Virginia Cunningham -- Highly Qualified

Justice Joy V. Cunningham is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court. Justice Cunningham was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1982 and had practice experience in the government, private and corporate sector before becoming an Associate Judge in 1997. Justice Cunningham served as a judge hearing civil and misdemeanor criminal cases until 2000 when she became Senior Vice President, Corporate Secretary and General Counsel for Northwestern Memorial Healthcare. In 2006, Justice Cunningham was elected to the Illinois Appellate Court and is currently serving as the Presiding Justice of the Appellate Court’s Second Division, First District. Justice Cunningham is hardworking and well regarded for her legal knowledge and broad range of practice and judicial experience.

Thomas W. Flannigan -- Not Recommended

Thomas W. Flannigan is “Not Recommended” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court. Mr. Flannigan was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1983 and for the past 18 years has been a solo practitioner concentrating in civil and international law. Mr. Flannigan has had limited trial and appellate experience. In addition, Mr. Flannigan has no prior judicial experience. At this stage of his career, Mr. Flannigan does not possess the requisite practice and appellate experience to serve as a Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court.

Republican Candidate

James Gerard Riley -- Qualified

Judge James G. Riley is “Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court. Judge Riley was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1982 and was engaged in the private practice of law until his election to the Circuit Court in 1996. Judge Riley is assigned to the Probate Division and handles the disabled adult and decedent calls. Judge Riley is widely known for his integrity and strong work ethic. References praise him for his grasp of the intricacies of probate law and efficiently handling voluminous calls including the issuing of opinions.

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