CCL evaluations in the race for the Gallagher vacancy on the Appellate Court

The Chicago Council of Lawyers has released its evaluations of candidates running for the Gallagher 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

Patrick J. Sherlock -- Not Qualified

Judge Patrick J. Sherlock was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2007. From 1994 to 2007, Judge Sherlock worked as a sole practitioner specializing in commercial litigation. From 1990 to 1994, he worked for two private law firms doing commercial litigation. He currently sits in the First Municipal District doing post-judgment enforcement matters. As a lawyer, Judge Sherlock was considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He had substantial litigation experience before going onto the bench and was well-respected as a practitioner. As a judge, he is reported to have a good temperament with good courtroom management skills. He is praised for his ability to handle pro se litigants with respect and professionalism. The Council is concerned, however, that he has not had sufficient judicial experience to be an appellate judge. He has been a Circuit Judge for only four years where he has served in high volume courtrooms which does not provide an opportunity to draft written opinions. Further, he does not have published material. The Council finds him Not Qualified at this time for the Appellate Court.

P. Scott Neville, Jr. -- Qualified

Judge P. Scott Neville was appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court, First District, by the Illinois Supreme Court on June 11, 2004. He was appointed to the Circuit Court in 1999 and was elected to the bench in 2000. He had extensive litigation experience in both civil and criminal law matters before becoming a judge. He was reported to be a good trial judge before his appointment to the Appellate Court. Judge Neville has taught at the University of Chicago as an Annual Participant as a Judge and Lecturer from 1999 to present. He also was a Lecturer at Loyola School of Law from 2008-2011.

Judge Neville is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He is reported to always well-prepared and he is praised for his questioning during oral argument and for his written opinions. The Council finds him Qualified for the Appellate Court.

Marguerite Anne Quinn -- Not Qualified

Judge Marguerite A. Quinn was admitted to practice in 1986. She was elected as an Associate Judge in 2007. From 1999 to 2007, Judge Quinn was in private practice focusing on real estate taxation. From 1986 to 1998, she served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. As a lawyer, she was considered to have good legal ability and had substantial litigation experience. As a judge, she is praised for her calm and even temperament. She is considered well-versed in the law and respondents say she is always well-prepared. The Council is concerned, however, that she lacks the depth of experience necessary to become an appellate judge. She has been a judge for only four years and has little published writing. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Appellate Court.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Back to Chicago Council of Lawyers releases judicial candidate evaluations