CCL evaluations in the race for the Rochford vacancy in the 12th Subcircuit

The Chicago Council of Lawyers has released its evaluations of candidates running for the Rochford vacancy in the 12th Subcircuit. Candidates are listed in ballot order.

Democratic Candidates

Andrea M. Schleifer -- Well Qualified

Andrea Schleifer was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in November 2010. Before taking the bench, she was a solo practitioner concentrating in family law matters for most of her career since being admitted to practice in 1979. From 1986 to 1987, she was a partner in the general practice firm of Kaszak & Schleifer. From 1980 to 1981, she was a partner in the general practice firm of Mullane & Schleifer. Judge Schleifer is reported to have very good legal ability and temperament. As a lawyer she has substantial litigation experience in complex matters and was praised for her community service and for her service to the legal profession. The Council finds her Well Qualified to serve in the Circuit Court.

Michael John Halloran -- Qualified

Michael J. Halloran has been a lawyer since 1986. He is a career Cook County Assistant Public Defender. Mr. Halloran is considered to be a good lawyer who is a zealous, but fair advocate for his clients. He has a good temperament and substantial bench and jury trial experience. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Robert P. Babbitt -- Not Recommended

Robert P. Babbitt did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds him Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

Daniel P. Scott -- Not Recommended

Daniel P. Scott did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds him Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

James C. Murray -- Well Qualified

Judge James C. Murray was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2001 and served until 2002. He was recalled to the Circuit Court in 2005. He serves in the First Municipal District, in the Tax and Miscelleous Remedies Section. Before being appointed, he was a partner at Katten Muchin & Zavis, where his practice concentrated in bankruptcy, environmental, and insurance litigation. He is reported to have been an excellent attorney. As a judge, he is reported to have good legal ability. He is praised for being well-prepared, and for having a good temperament. He is reported to be very good at dealing with litigants unrepresented by counsel. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Republican Candidate

James Paul Pieczonka -- Not Qualified

James Paul Pieczonka was admitted to practice in 1983. He has spent most of his career as a sole practitioner doing both transactional work and litigation. In addition to his legal practice, he has been involved in real estate development matters. From 1985 to 1996, he also worked as an Administrative Law Judge for the Illinois Department of Revenue in the Hearings Division. Mr. Pieczonka has limited litigation experience. Some question his litigation skills. Much of his career has been related to transactional work and real estate development. The Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

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