Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this vacancy. Information on this post will be updated as time permits until the March 20, 2012 primary.Updated 3/14/12
Michael Ian Bender - #181
Campaign WebsiteQuestionnaire Responses: Chicago Tribune, Illinois Civil Justice League
Candidate Statement: Cook County Clerk
Video Interviews: NTNM(1), NTNM(2)
Bar Association Evaluations
The Chicago Bar Association says:
Judge Michael I. Bender is “Qualified” to serve as a Recalled Judge of the Circuit Court. Judge Bender was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991 and was appointed to the bench in 2008. Judge Bender is well versed in civil and criminal law and is currently assigned to the Expedited Child Support Unit of the Domestic Relations Division. Judge Bender is dedicated and well regarded for his knowledge of the law, excellent temperament, diligence, and commitment to the justice system.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Judge Michael I. Bender was admitted to practice in 1991. He was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2008. Before being appointed, he was with a firm concentrating in family law. He has served as an assistant corporation counsel for the Village of Skokie and was a sole practitioner for 10 years. He clerked for Illinois Appellate Court Justice Allen Hartman after graduating law school. As a lawyer, Mr. Bender was reported to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council, in 2007, was concerned, however, that he lacked sufficient experience in complex litigation matters. Since being appointed to the bench, he has been assigned to Traffic Court, but has also presided over misdemeanor criminal bench trials and motions, misdemeanor criminal jury trials, and civil trials and motions in the First Municipal District. Respondents in general praise his judicial abilities, saying that he has done a good job grasping new concepts, understanding the issues, managing the courtroom, and having a good temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.Other Bar Association Evaluations:
| Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area | Qualified |
| Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago | Recommended |
| Cook County Bar Association | Recommended |
| Decalogue Society of Lawyers | Recommended |
| Hellenic Bar Association | Recommended |
| Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Highly Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Highly Qualified |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
Endorsements
Chicago Tribune
Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge No. 7
United Hellenic Voters of America
Jewish Chicago
Illinois Committee for Honest Government
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Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge No. 7
United Hellenic Voters of America
Jewish Chicago
Illinois Committee for Honest Government
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Lionel Jean-Baptiste - #182
Candidate WebsiteQuestionnaire Response: Chicago Tribune
Video Interviews: NTNM, Sonny Hersh Election Special
Bar Association Evaluations
The Chicago Bar Association says:
Lionel Jean-Baptiste is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Jean-Baptiste was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991. Mr. Jean-Baptiste is engaged in the private practice of law and concentrates his practice in transactional litigation, real estate, immigration, and contract matters. Mr. Jean-Baptiste currently serves as an Alderman in Evanston and is active in community work. Mr. Jean-Baptiste is well regarded for his integrity and work ethic.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Judge Lionel Jean-Baptiste was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2011. He was admitted to practice in 1991. He is involved in numerous community service pro bono activities, including immigration law work for Haitians to pursue political asylum, Temporary Protective Status, and other relief under immigration law. Before becoming a judge, he had served as the Alderman for the 2nd Ward of Evanston, Illinois since 2001. At the time of his appointment to the bench, he was a sole practitioner doing administrative law (such as representing clients before the Illinois Department of Human Rights) and litigation. From 1997 to 2001 he practiced law with state Senator Kwame Raoul. He was a sole practitioner between 1993 and 1997 and from 1991 to 1993 he practiced in the firm of Gainer & Dillard.Other Bar Association Evaluations:
Mr. Jean-Baptiste is reported to be a hard-working lawyer dedicated to social justice. He is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He has sufficient litigation experience in more complex matters. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
| Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area | Qualified |
| Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago | Recommended |
| Cook County Bar Association | Highly Recommended |
| Decalogue Society of Lawyers | Recommended |
| Hellenic Bar Association | Recommended |
| Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
Endorsements
Chicago Federation of Labor
IVI-IPO
Citizen Action Illinois
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