CCL evaluations in the race for the Toney vacancy in the 7th Subcircuit

The Chicago Council of Lawyers has released its evaluations of candidates running for the Toney vacancy in the 7th 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.

Arthur P. Wheatley -- Qualified

Judge Arthur P. Wheatley was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2010. He was admitted to practice in 1974. Before becoming a judge, he was Deputy General Counsel of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). He spent much of his career as an attorney with the CTA, although he worked for the federal government and was in private practice for four years. As a lawyer, he was considered to have good legal ability and was praised for his temperament and for his knowledge of tort law. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Mable Taylor -- Not Qualified

Mable Taylor was admitted to practice in 1994. She is a sole practitioner doing both criminal and civil law matters. Some lawyers report that she is a good lawyer with good temperament. She has demonstrated her commitment to public service. However, while Ms. Taylor has litigation experience, the Council is concerned that she lacks sufficient experience in more complex matters. In addition, she showed questionable judgment during the evaluation process through her unwillingness to cooperate fully with the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening (which includes the Chicago Council of Lawyers) in its efforts to gather meaningful information about her record and candidacy. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Kimberly D. Lewis -- Not Recommended

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

Mark Battaglia -- Not Qualified

Mark Battaglia was admitted to practice in 2000. He served for five years as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. He is now in private practice doing criminal defense, family law, and personal injury matters. Mr. Battaglia is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council is concerned that he lacks sufficient experience in more complex litigation matters. The Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

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