CCL evaluations in the race for the Epstein vacancy in the 9th Subcircuit

The Chicago Council of Lawyers has released its evaluations of candidates running for the Epstein vacancy in the 9th Subcircuit. Candidates are listed in ballot order. All of the following are candidates in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this Circuit Court vacancy.

Mary S. Trew -- Qualified

Judge Mary S. Trew was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2010. She currently sits in the Domestic Relations Division. She was admitted to practice in Michigan in 1981 and in Illinois in 1991. From 1991 to 2010, she was a lawyer and Executive Director of the Domestic Violence Law Clinic. Judge Trew was an Adjunct Professor of Law at John Marshall Law School from 2008 to 2010. As a lawyer, Judge Trew was well-respected for her legal ability and litigation skills, with a variety of experience in both civil and criminal law matters. As a judge, she is praised for her courtroom management skills, for her temperament, and for the quality of her opinions. She is considered to have an outstanding knowledge of procedural and substantive law. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Abbey Fishman Romanek -- Qualified

Abbey Romanek has practiced law since 1987. From 2004 to 2009, she was a Senior Assistant Attorney General in the Medicaid Fraud Division. From 1987 until 2004, she was in private practice first handling criminal defense matters and then focusing for the next eleven years on medical malpractice cases. Ms. Romanek is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. She has had substantial trial and appellate experience in complex civil and criminal law matters. The Council finds her Qualified to serve in the Circuit Court.

David C. Adams -- Not Recommended

David C. Adams did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds him Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

Larry G. Axelrood -- Well Qualified

Judge Larry Axelrood became an Associate Judge in 2005. He has been assigned to the Second Municipal District since 2008. From 1989 to 2005 Judge Axelrood worked as a sole practitioner specializing in criminal defense. From 1985 to 1989, he served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney.

Judge Axelrood participates in a program “What Teens Need to Know.” This program is presented at area high schools to teach teenagers about the legal consequences of certain decisions. In June 2010, Judge Axelrood was given the Honorary Chairperson Award by the Alliance of Illinois Judges. He is the author of three published novels.

Judge Axelrood is considered to be a very good jurist, with a good grasp of the law and an even demeanor. He is considered to be hard-working and is adept at handling the requirements of presiding over two specialty court calls, Veterans Court and Mental Health Court, in addition to hearing felony criminal matters in the Criminal Division. He communicates well with defendants and is praised for his courtroom management. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.

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