CCL evaluations in the race for the countywide O'Brien, Jr. vacancy

The Chicago Council of Lawyers has released its evaluations of candidates running for the O'Brien, Jr. 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.

Cynthia Ramirez -- Qualified

Cynthia Ramirez has been practicing law since 1990. Following her admission to the bar, Ms. Ramirez served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender from 1990 to 1995, left the Office for private practice in 1996 to 1997, and returned to the Public Defender’s Office from 1997 to 1998. She has served as an administrative law judge with the Illinois Department of Human Services, and is currently an administrative law judge with the Illinois Department of Public Health. Ms. Ramirez is considered to have good legal ability, and is praised as an administrative law judge for her temperament and legal skills. She acquired first-hand litigation and courtroom experience both as an Assistant Public Defender and as a private practitioner. The Council finds her Qualified.

Gerald V. Cleary -- Qualified

Gerald Patrick Cleary III has been a lawyer since 1989. He is currently a partner at SmithAmundsen, doing a variety of civil litigation. He leads the firm’s aerospace practice and also represents municipalities and corporations in civil rights matters. From 1990 to 1997 he was an associate attorney at Querrey & Harrow doing civil litigation. Mr. Cleary is considered to have good legal ability and an excellent temperament. He is praised for being exceptionally knowledgeable, hard-working, and fair. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

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