CCL evaluations in the race for the Urso vacancy in the 11th Subcircuit

The Chicago Council of Lawyers has released its evaluations of candidates running for the Urso vacancy in the 11th 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.

Lisa Ann Marino -- Qualified

Lisa Ann Marino was admitted to practice in 1988. She is currently a sole practitioner focusing on real estate and zoning issues. From 1993 to 1997, she was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney in the civil division, real estate tax unit. From 1988 to 1993 she was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney where she conducted more than 200 misdemeanor bench trials and traffic offenses, and handled felony financial crime cases. Ms. Marino is considered to be very knowledgeable about her area of practice and she is reported to be a good lawyer with a good temperament. She has experience in more complex litigation matters. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Pamela McLean Meyerson -- Qualified

Pamela McLean Meyerson was admitted to practice in 1983. Since 1989, she has been a sole practitioner, handling civil and commercial litigation in the Circuit Court of Cook County. She also organizes and advises small businesses. Between 1983 and 1985, she was in private practice at Antonow & Fink and was an associate with Goldberg Kohn Bell Black Rosenbloom & Moritz between 1985 and 1989. She teaches trial practice at the University of Chicago Law School. Ms. Meyerson reports no jury trial experience but has acted as lead counsel in 17 civil law bench trials. Ms. Meyerson is reported to have good legal ability and a professional demeanor. She is respected as a hard-working, knowledgeable, and highly ethical practitioner.
The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Deborah J. Fortier -- Not Qualified

Deborah J. Fortier was admitted to practice in 1977. Since August 2011 she has been a special counsel to the Cook County Health Hospital System. From 2007 to 2008 she was an assistant director of Cook County Department of Planning and Development. From 2004 to 2007 she was the Deputy Chief Legal Advisor for the Cook County Recorder of Deeds. From 2003 to 2004 she served as a hearing officer for the Illinois Department of Employment Security. From 1999 to 2002, she was in private practice doing legal research and from 1992 to 1999, she supervised the fee arbitration program for the Illinois State Bar Association. She is a past president of the Cook County Bar Association. Ms. Fortier reports having no litigation experience. She is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for her research abilities. She is reported to have a good temperament. The Council is concerned, however, that she lacks sufficient litigation experience in more complex matters. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Jennifer Blanc -- Not Qualified

Jennifer Blanc was admitted to practice in 1999. She is in private practice focusing on bankruptcy, probate, and real estate. She is very active in community service. Ms. Blanc is considered to be knowledgeable about her area of practice and she is to be commended for her community work. However, her practice is narrow and she lacks sufficient litigation experience to be a judge at this time. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

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