CCL evaluations in the race for the countywide Ward vacancy

The Chicago Council of Lawyers has released its evaluations of candidates running for the Ward vacancy. Candidates are listed in ballot order. All of the following are candidates in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this (or any other) countywide Circuit Court vacancy.

Alfred M. Swanson, Jr. -- Qualified

Judge Alfred M. Swanson was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2010. He was admitted to practice in 1982. Before taking the bench, he did commercial and construction litigation in private practice. He served for three years as an Assistant Illinois Attorney General in the Consumer Fraud and Charitable Trust Divisions. As Editor of the ISBA Bench & Bar Section Newsletter, he frequently wrote or co-authored articles for publication in the newsletter. As a practitioner, Judge Swanson was considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He was highly regarded as a solid and diligent practitioner. As a judge, he is praised for his temperament and for his courtroom management skills. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Denise Marie Nalley -- Not Recommended

Marie Nalley did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds her Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

Elizabeth Mary Hayes -- Not Qualified

Elizabeth Mary Hayes was admitted to practice in 1986. In 2010 she became an Assistant Cook County Public Defender involved in misdemeanor matters. From 1994 to 2007 she was a Hearing Officer in the Child Protection Division. From 2007 to 2010 she worked in the Child Protection Division as a court coordinator. She was a staff attorney with the Illinois Guardianship & Advocacy Commission, Legal Advocacy Services from 1987 to 1993. The Council is concerned that her legal career lacks sufficient experience with litigation matters in more complex cases. Much of her work has been administrative in nature. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Joan Marie Kubalanza -- Qualified

Judge Kubalanza was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to be a trial judge in 2008. She is assigned to the Child Protection Division of the Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Her assignment began on the date of her recall December 1, 2008. When she was on the bench previously as an Associate Judge, 1998 to 1999, she was also assigned to the Child Protection Division of the Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Division. She was admitted to practice in 1984. Prior to becoming a judge, she was in private practice. Ms. Kubalanza is considered to have good legal ability and had solid litigation experience in more complex matters before taking the bench. She is praised for her temperament. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Peter J. Vilkelis -- Qualified

Peter J. Vilkelis was admitted to practice in 1980. He is in private practice focusing on criminal defense work. He served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney between 1981 and 1990. He is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for his professionalism. He has substantial experience in more complex legal matters. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Brian J. Stephenson -- Qualified

Brian Stephenson was admitted to practice in 1988. He has been in private practice throughout his career doing insurance defense, other types of civil litigation, and criminal defense. He is praised for his community service. He reports acting as lead counsel in 15 criminal jury cases, five civil jury cases, about 50 civil bench trials, and 25 criminal bench trials. Mr. Stephenson is considered to have good legal ability with a professional demeanor. He is respected as a good practitioner who is diligent and well-prepared. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

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