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 3/17/12Alfred M. Swanson, Jr. - #169
Campaign WebsiteQuestionnaire Response: Chicago TribuneVideo Interviews: NTNM(1),
NTNM(2)
Bar Association Evaluations
The Chicago Bar Association says:Judge Alfred M. Swanson, Jr. is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Swanson was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1982 and was appointed a Circuit Court Judge in 2010. Prior to his appointment to the Circuit Court, Judge Swanson concentrated his practice in litigation, tort and product liability, and general defense work. Judge Swanson has extensive civil litigation experience and is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, work ethic, and fine judicial temperament.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:Judge Alfred M. Swanson was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2010. He was admitted to practice in 1982. Before taking the bench, he did commercial and construction litigation in private practice. He served for three years as an Assistant Illinois Attorney General in the Consumer Fraud and Charitable Trust Divisions. As Editor of the ISBA Bench & Bar Section Newsletter, he frequently wrote or co-authored articles for publication in the newsletter. As a practitioner, Judge Swanson was considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He was highly regarded as a solid and diligent practitioner. As a judge, he is praised for his temperament and for his courtroom management skills. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Other Bar Association Evaluations:Asian American Bar Association of the
Greater Chicago Area | Recommended |
| 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 | Recommended |
| 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
Cook County Democratic Party
Chicago Federation of Labor
IVI-IPO
Chicago Fire Fighters Union, Local 2 (recommended)
Chicago Defender
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Denise Marie Nalley - #170
Candidate WebsiteBar Association Evaluations
The Chicago Bar Association says:The candidate declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association’s governing resolution for the JEC, is auto¬matically found NOT RECOMMENDED.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:Marie Nalley did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds her Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.
Other Bar Association Evaluations:Asian American Bar Association of the
Greater Chicago Area | Not Qualified |
| Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago | Not Recommended |
| Cook County Bar Association | Not Recommended |
| Decalogue Society of Lawyers | Not Recommended |
| Hellenic Bar Association | Not Recommended |
| Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois | Not Recommended |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Not Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Not Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Not Qualified |
Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Not Recommended |
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Elizabeth Mary Hayes - # 171
Campaign WebsiteQuestionnaire Response: Chicago TribuneBar Association Evaluations
The Chicago Bar Association says:Elizabeth Mary Hayes is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Hayes was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1986 and is currently serving as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender in the First Municipal District. At this stage of her career, Ms. Hayes does not possess the requisite knowledge of the law, temperament, demeanor, and practice experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:Elizabeth Mary Hayes was admitted to practice in 1986. In 2010 she became an Assistant Cook County Public Defender involved in misdemeanor matters. From 1994 to 2007 she was a Hearing Officer in the Child Protection Division. From 2007 to 2010 she worked in the Child Protection Division as a court coordinator. She was a staff attorney with the Illinois Guardianship & Advocacy Commission, Legal Advocacy Services from 1987 to 1993. The Council is concerned that her legal career lacks sufficient experience with litigation matters in more complex cases. Much of her work has been administrative in nature. The Council finds her Not 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 | Not Recommended |
| Cook County Bar Association | Not Recommended |
| Decalogue Society of Lawyers | Not Recommended |
| Hellenic Bar Association | Not Recommended |
| Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Not Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Qualified |
Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Not Recommended |
Endorsement
Chicago Fire Fighters Union, Local 2 (recommended)
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Joan Marie Kubalanza - #172
Campaign WebsiteQuestionnaire Responses: Chicago Tribune,
Illinois Civil Justice LeagueCandidate Statement: Cook County ClerkBar Association Evaluations
The Chicago Bar Association says:Judge Joan Marie G. Kubalanza is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Kubalanza was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1984 and clerked for an Illinois Supreme Court Justice for two years before entering private practice. Judge Kubalanza concentrated in commercial litigation and appellate practice. Judge Kubalanza served as an Associate Judge in 1998-1999 and was recalled in 2008. Judge Kubalanza is currently assigned to the Child Protection Division of the Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Division. Judge Kubalanza knows the law, is hardworking, diligent, and possesses a fine demeanor.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:Judge Kubalanza was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to be a trial judge in 2008. She is assigned to the Child Protection Division of the Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Her assignment began on the date of her recall December 1, 2008. When she was on the bench previously as an Associate Judge, 1998 to 1999, she was also assigned to the Child Protection Division of the Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Division. She was admitted to practice in 1984. Prior to becoming a judge, she was in private practice. Ms. Kubalanza is considered to have good legal ability and had solid litigation experience in more complex matters before taking the bench. She is praised for her temperament. The Council finds her 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 | Recommended |
| 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
Arab American Democratic Club
Advocates Society
Chicago Fire Fighters Union, Local 2 (recommended)
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Peter J. Vilkelis - #173
Campaign WebsiteQuestionnaire Response:Chicago TribuneVideo Interviews: Issue Forum,
NTNMBar Association Evaluations
The Chicago Bar Association says:Peter Vilkelis is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Vilkelis was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1980 and served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for nine years. Since that time, Mr. Vilkelis has been a sole practitioner concentrating in criminal defense work. Mr. Vilkelis enjoys an outstanding reputation for his integrity, legal knowledge, trial skills, temperament, and fine demeanor.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:Peter J. Vilkelis was admitted to practice in 1980. He is in private practice focusing on criminal defense work. He served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney between 1981 and 1990. He is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for his professionalism. He has substantial experience in more complex legal matters. 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 | Recommended |
| 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 Tribune
Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge No. 7
Jewish Chicago
Illinois Committee for Honest Government
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Brian J. Stephenson - #173
No candidate website knownBar Association Evaluations
The Chicago Bar Association says:Brian J. Stephenson is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Stephenson was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1988 and is currently in private practice concentrating in civil and criminal law. Mr. Stephenson is an experienced practitioner with varied litigation experience. Mr. Stephenson has a fine temperament and possesses the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:Brian Stephenson was admitted to practice in 1988. He has been in private practice throughout his career doing insurance defense, other types of civil litigation, and criminal defense. He is praised for his community service. He reports acting as lead counsel in 15 criminal jury cases, five civil jury cases, about 50 civil bench trials, and 25 criminal bench trials. Mr. Stephenson is considered to have good legal ability with a professional demeanor. He is respected as a good practitioner who is diligent and well-prepared. 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 | Highly 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 |
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