Comparing bar evaluations on certain retention candidates

Updated 11/2/12

Updated and bumped up to reflect recommendations made by the Chicago Tribune.

There were seven Cook County Circuit Court judges singled out by the Chicago Council of Lawyers as "not qualified" for retention on the November ballot. Several of the judges cited by the Council were also rated "not recommended" or "not qualified" by some or all of the other evaluating bar groups. There were also three retention candidates rated "not recommended" by the Chicago Bar Association that were rated "qualified" by the Council.

Voters may want to compare all available information on each of these individuals before deciding whether to vote for or against their retention. We'll start with the Council's list.

Kathy M. Flanagan

The Chicago Council of Lawyers states:

Kathy Flanagan – Not Qualified
Prior to becoming a judge, Kathy Flanagan was in private practice. Judge Flanagan was elected to the Circuit Court in 1988. She was initially assigned to the Domestic Relations Division as a trial judge. Judge Flanagan currently sits in the Law Division on a motion call.

With regard to fairness and legal ability, Judge Flanagan is generally considered intelligent, with a good grasp of the law, and appropriate diligence. Respondents believe her to be very engaged in the courtroom, giving full attention to the details. With regard to rulings, she is described as “consistent, predictable and follows the law.” Many interviewees characterize her as “very fair” and “always prepared.”

However, a substantial number of respondents had a negative impression of Judge Flanagan’s judicial temperament. She was called “hostile,” “imperious,” “rude” and “discourteous.” She was frequently described as impatient or inflexible. A number of attorneys believe these qualities negatively affected her ability to manage her courtroom efficiently. However, even some respondents who were highly critical of her temper noted that she is “bright” and “truly cares” about the outcomes in her courtroom.

Responses indicate that Judge Flanagan is clearly diligent and capable on the bench. She is prepared for court, punctual and engaged in the proceedings with a reputation for intelligence and general fairness. However, responses show that Judge Flanagan displays inappropriate temper and has created a courtroom atmosphere that is readily described as hostile or unpleasant. In 2006 the Council found Judge Flanagan Not Qualified for retention for these same reasons. There reportedly has been no significant improvement. The Council finds her Not Qualified for retention.

The Chicago Bar Association states:

KATHY M. FLANAGAN -- QUALIFIED
Judge Kathy M. Flanagan is “Qualified” for retention as a Circuit Court Judge. Judge Flanagan was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1979 and has served as a judge since 1988. Judge Flanagan served in the Domestic Relations Division until 1993 and is currently supervising judge of the Law Division’s motion call. Judge Flanagan runs an efficient courtroom and is respected by the lawyers who appear before her. Questions regarding Judge Flanagan’s temperament were raised by some lawyers and the judge is working to address these concerns.

The Illinois State Bar Association states:

Hon. Kathy M. Flanagan - Qualified
Hon. Kathy M. Flanagan is currently the Supervising Judge within the Motion Section of the Law Division. She was elected to the Circuit Court in 1988, where she was initially assigned to the Domestic Relations Division. Judge Flanagan was retained for six-year terms in 1994, 2000, and 2006.

The Committee evaluation revealed that Judge Flanagan is considered tough but fair, works hard, and fully understands the law. For the 2012 General Election, the Illinois State Bar Association determined Hon. Kathy M. Flanagan is qualified for retention as a judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers and the Illinois State Bar Association participate in the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening. Although the screening process is handled collaboratively, each member group evaluates sitting judges and judicial candidates independently, and is free to arrive at its own conclusions. In Judge Flanagan's case, all of the other Alliance groups, that is, the Alliance are the Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area (AABA), Black Women’s Lawyers Association of Greater Chicago (BWLA), Cook County Bar Association (CCBA), Decalogue Society of Lawyers (DSL), Hellenic Bar Association (HBA), Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois (HLAI), Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago (LAGBAC), Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois (PRBA), and Women’s Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI), recommend a "yes" vote to retain Judge Flanagan.

Further information about Judge Flanagan is available on the 2012 Cook County Judges Retention Website and from the Chicago Tribune.

Cynthia Brim

The Chicago Council of Lawyers states:

Cynthia Brim – Not Qualified
Prior to becoming a judge, Cynthia Brim was an Assistant Illinois Attorney General. Judge Brim was elected to the Circuit Court in 1994 and initially assigned to the First Municipal District. Judge Brim is presently assigned to the Fifth Municipal District but has been suspended from duty since March 12, 2012. Judge Brim was arrested on March 10, 2012 on misdemeanor charges related to an altercation with a Cook County Sheriff’s Deputy at the Daley Center.

Most respondents indicated a lack of confidence in her legal abilities. Even though the judge hears generally non-complex matters, her rulings are often described as unpredictable and delayed. Respondents indicate that they regularly file motions for substitution of judge, despite the cost and inconvenience to their clients.

Additionally, there are many complaints that Judge Brim is late to take the bench. Attorneys report repeated continuances because court starts late and because the call is handled inefficiently. Attorneys feel that Judge Brim is particularly rude and unaccommodating of counsel who are on call in multiple courtrooms. Many attorneys described her as “consistently late” and there is some concern that her case management delays resolution of cases.

The consistently negative reports about Judge Brim’s judicial performance and her arrest at the courthouse at the Daley Center in downtown Chicago raise serious questions about whether she can remain effective on the bench. The Council finds her Not Qualified for retention.

The Illinois State Bar Association states:

Hon. Cynthia Brim – Not Qualified
Hon. Cynthia Brim was elected to the Circuit Court of Cook County in 1994. She was retained for six-year terms in 2000 and 2006. She was in the 6th Municipal District presiding over Misdemeanor, Traffic Civil, Paternity, Child Support, Custody, Visitation, Domestic Violence, Bond hearings, and Ordinance Violation cases. Other previous judicial assignments include the Domestic Relations Division, the 1st Municipal District, and the 5th Municipal District. Hon. Cynthia Brim has currently been removed from all judicial duties by Special Order No. 2012-14 of the Executive Committee of the Circuit Court of Cook County.

The Committee evaluation questioned Judge Brim’s legal knowledge and ability. For the 2012 General Election, the Illinois State Bar Association determined Hon. Cynthia Brim is not qualified for retention as a judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County.

The Chicago Bar Association states:

CYNTHIA BRIM -- NOT RECOMMENDED
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 automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED.

All of the other Alliance Bar Associations, with the exceptions of the Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago and Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois, recommend a "no" vote on Judge Brim. The AABA did not evaluate Judge Brim; the HLAI recommends a "yes" vote.

The order removing Judge Brim from active judicial service because of the pending charges can be accessed via this press release on the Cook County Circuit Court website. In an October 14 Chicago Sun-Times article, Lisa Donovan writes:

On March 9, Brim turned up at the downtown Chicago Daley Center courthouse — miles from the south suburban courthouse where she worked. She allegedly threw a set of keys and shoved a sheriff’s deputy before officers handcuffed her and took her to a basement holding cell.

She was charged with misdemeanor battery before being released. The next week, a panel of Cook County supervising judges suspended her indefinitely.

Court records obtained by the Sun-Times reveal she was examined by a court-appointed psychiatrist who believes she’s “presently mentally fit with medication” but opined she was “legally insane” at the time of the reported skirmish with the sheriff’s officer.

Brim has declined to talk with the Sun-Times on the record about the charges she’s facing or comment about reports that she had been behaving erratically the day before her arrest while ruling on traffic cases in the Markham courthouse.

The next hearing date in Judge Brim's case is November 7, the day following the election.

The Chicago Tribune has recommended a "no" vote on Judge Brim's retention bid.

Christopher Donnelly

The Chicago Council of Lawyers states:

Judge Christopher Donnelly – Not Qualified
Prior to becoming a judge, Christopher Donnelly spent one year in private practice before working as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Judge Donnelly was elected to the Circuit Court in 1994. He served in the Juvenile Justice Division prior to being transferred to the Sixth Municipal District in Markham, where he currently sits.

Most attorneys agree that Judge Donnelly has the aptitude to understand the law and apply it. Attorneys reported that Judge Donnelly is “a smart man,” intelligent,” and has “an excellent grasp of what’s going on in his courtroom.” Regarding his courtroom management, interviewees repeatedly praised his efficiency, describing him as running a tight ship and being capable of moving the call along. His judicial diligence and preparedness were not generally questioned.

While many attorneys complimented his intelligence and legal aptitude, a substantial number raised concerns about Judge Donnelly’s temperament and his professionalism. Interview respondents roundly criticized his tone and demeanor while on the bench. Some respondents referred to him as a “bully,” stating that “he goes out of his way to demean people unnecessarily,” he is “mean spirited” and “sometimes can just explode over the insignificant,” and that he “is unprofessional, rude and disrespectful.”

Many respondents had negative responses about Judge Donnelly’s judicial fairness, with most attorneys reporting that he has an unabashedly pro-prosecution perspective. Another attorney suggested that Judge Donnelly’s experience as a former prosecutor weighs heavily on his current role as a judge. One interviewee who summed up many concerns in moderate terms hoped that the evaluation process would inspire the Judge to consider the impression his demeanor makes. The Council finds him Not Qualified for retention.

The Illinois State Bar Association states:

Hon. Christopher Donnelly – Not Qualified
Hon. Christopher Donnelly is currently assigned to the 6th Municipal District, hearing traffic and misdemeanor cases. Prior to serving the 6th Municipal District, Judge Donnelly was assigned to the Juvenile Justice Division. In 1994, he was elected to the Circuit Court of Cook County. Judge Donnelly was retained for six-year terms in 2000 and 2006.

Judge Donnelly’s litigation and professional experience along with his legal knowledge and ability are considered adequate. The Committee evaluation, however, revealed that there are concerns regarding his poor judicial temperament. In addition, Judge Donnelly failed to fully participate in the evaluation process by not completing the evaluation materials and refusing to answer questions posed during his interview. Therefore, in accordance with its guidelines for judicial candidates, for the 2012 General Election the Illinois State Bar Association determined Hon. Christopher Donnelly is not qualified for retention as a judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County for failure to complete the evaluation process.

The Chicago Bar Association states:

CHRISTOPHER DONNELLY -- QUALIFIED
Judge Christopher J. Donnelly is “Qualified” for retention as a Circuit Court Judge. Judge Donnelly was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1985 and has served as a judge since 1994. Judge Donnelly is currently assigned to the Sixth Municipal District. Judge Donnelly is experienced, dedicated, thoughtful, and well versed in both civil and criminal law. Judge Donnelly is diligent and compassionate about helping explain the law to the litigants who appear before him.

Some Alliance members agreed with the Council and the ISBA and recommend a "no" vote on Judge Donnelly. These groups are the Cook County Bar Association, the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago, the Woman's Bar Association of Illinois, and the HLAI. Alliance members recommending a "yes" vote on Judge Donnelly are the Black Women's Lawyers Association of Greater Chicago, the Decalogue Society of Lawyers, the Hellenic Bar Association, the Puerto Rican Bar Association, and the AABA.

Judge Donnelly responded to the Tribune questionnaire. The Tribune has recommended a "no" vote on Judge Donnelly's retention bid.

Joyce M. Murphy Gorman

The Chicago Council of Lawyers states

Judge Joyce M. Murphy Gorman – Not Qualified
Prior to becoming a judge, Joyce M. Murphy Gorman worked with the Office of the Presiding Judge of the Sixth Municipal District in Markham for four years. Judge Murphy Gorman then worked as a sole practitioner for one year immediately before being elected to the bench. Judge Murphy Gorman was elected to the Circuit Court in 2000. She was initially assigned to the First Municipal District’s Traffic Court. In 2002, Judge Murphy Gorman was assigned to the Civil Trial Section, non-jury call where she presently presides.

Judge Murphy Gorman was described by most respondents as knowledgeable about the law. Attorneys say she takes the time to understand the issues and respondents reported that she keeps current on developments in the law relevant to the cases heard in her courtroom. There were several respondents who praised her for using her courtroom mediators effectively. The judge is described as punctual and prepared for court and she issues her rulings in a prompt, timely manner. She is considered fair and independent.

Judge Murphy Gorman’s courtroom management skills were given generally favorable marks. Several interviewees stated that she always started her call on time and did not “dilly dally.” Others mentioned how she worked to accommodate attorneys with multiple cases in order to keep the call moving.

Many interviewees stated that Judge Murphy Gorman was diligent. Most attorneys believed she was “always engaged” and “interested in doing a good job.” She also “allowed each side to make their case.” Judge Murphy Gorman was also repeatedly praised for her handling of pro se litigants. Respondents said that she explains things well to pro se litigants “while remaining even-handed.”

However, many respondents believed that Judge Murphy Gorman needs to improve her judicial temperament. Comments included: “could be calmer;” “she can be short with people;” “she lets lawyers get under her skin;” “she is short and testy with people in her courtroom.” The Council found Judge Murphy Gorman Not Qualified for retention in 2006 due primarily to reported problems with her temperament. We continue to hear these complaints. On balance, the Council finds her Not Qualified for retention.

The Illinois State Bar Association states:

Hon. Joyce M. Murphy Gorman – Qualified
Hon. Joyce Murphy Gorman is currently assigned to the 1st Municipal District, Civil Non-jury Trial Call. Judge Murphy Gorman was elected to serve as a judge in 2000, and she was retained for a six-year term in 2006.

Judge Murphy Gorman is described as being knowledgeable about the law and always prepared. For the 2012 General Election, the Illinois State Bar Association determined Hon. Joyce Murphy Gorman is qualified for retention as a judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County.

The Chicago Bar Association states:

JOYCE MARIE MURPHY GORMAN -- QUALIFIED
Judge Joyce M. Murphy Gorman is “Qualified” for retention as a Circuit Court Judge. Judge Gorman was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1995 and has served as a judge since 2000. Judge Gorman is currently assigned to the First Municipal District and presides over a high-volume civil injury call. Judge Gorman knows the law and has a fine judicial demeanor and temperament.

Among the Alliance bar groups, only the Decalogue Society of Lawyers recommends a "no" vote on Judge Murphy Gorman; the other nine members of the Alliance (including the ISBA, quoted above) recommend a "yes" vote. Further information about Judge Murphy Gorman is available on the 2012 Cook County Retention Judges Website. Judge Murphy Gorman also responded to the Tribune questionnaire.

Pamela Hill-Veal

Judge Hill-Veal chose not to participate in screening by any of the bar associations and was therefore found not qualified or not recommended by every single one. The CBA and each of the Alliance of Bar Association members recommends a "no" vote on Judge Hill-Veal.

For the record, the Chicago Council of Lawyers states:

Judge Pamela Hill-Veal – Not Recommended
Judge Hill-Veal failed to submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds her Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association states:

Hon. Pamela E. Hill-Veal – Not Qualified
Hon. Pamela E. Hill-Veal is currently assigned in the 1st Municipal District within the Civil Trial Section. She was appointed to the Circuit Court of Cook County in 2004 and elected in 2006.

Judge Hill-Veal did not submit documentation for evaluation for the 2012 General Election. Therefore, in accordance with its guidelines regarding judicial candidates, for the 2012 General Election the Illinois State Bar Association determined that Hon. Pamela E. Hill-Veal is not qualified for retention as a judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County for failure to complete the evaluation process.

The Chicago Bar Association states:

PAMELA E. HILL-VEAL -- NOT RECOMMENDED
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 automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED.

Further information about Judge Hill-Veal is available on the 2012 Cook County Retention Judges Website. The Chicago Tribune has recommended a "no" vote on Judge Hill-Veal's retention bid.

Gloria Chevere

The Chicago Council of Lawyers states:

Judge Gloria Chevere – Not Qualified
Prior to becoming a judge, Gloria Chevere was a partner at the general practice firm of Ogden & Chevere. From 1987 to 1991, Judge Chevere was Senior Executive Deputy Director for the Chicago Transit Authority. Then from 1991 until 2006, she was a prosecutor and hearing officer for the Secretary of State, as well as a hearing officer for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. She was elected to the Circuit Court in 2006, and was assigned to the First Municipal District.

In May 2010, Fox Chicago News in conjunction with the Better Government Association, investigated whether Cook County Judges were leaving work early. The article mentioned Judge Chevere as a judge who often left the courthouse early. Judge Chevere was reassigned shortly after the story was made public.

Judge Chevere generally received good scores from most attorneys for being able to “move her call.” One respondent stated that he had “seen hundreds in her courtroom” and that Judge Chevere was “still able to keep on top of things.” Many interviewees also believed they were treated fairly in her courtroom.

Her legal ability is generally considered adequate for her call and attorneys believe she runs her courtroom efficiently. However, she is reported to be sometimes "dismissive and rude" on the bench. She reportedly is often unprepared -- many respondents believe she has not read pleadings sufficiently before ruling. She has the reputation of unilaterally cancelling her 2:30 pm call, saying that it is not necessary. There were many negative comments about her performance as a judge, primarily related to temperament and diligence.

Several respondents believe the judge unnecessarily issues arrests warrants for defendants who are late to court, which wastes resources. About half of the respondents also complained that her rulings are erratic, which some attributed to her being too often unprepared. The Council finds her Not Qualified for retention.

The Illinois State Bar Association states:

Hon. Gloria Chevere - Not Qualified
Hon. Gloria Chevere is currently assigned as a “swing judge” in various branches within the 1st Municipal District. She ran unopposed for a vacancy in the 6th Subcircuit in 2006 and was assigned to hear misdemeanor and felony ordinance offenses.

The Committee evaluation raised concerns over Judge Chevere’s diligence, legal knowledge and ability. For the 2012 General Election, the Illinois State Bar Association determined Hon. Gloria Chevere is not qualified for retention as a judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County.

The Chicago Bar Association states:

GLORIA CHEVERE -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Judge Gloria Chevere is “Not Recommended” for retention as a Circuit Court Judge. Judge Chevere was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1981. The candidate was elected in 2006 and is assigned to various First Municipal Felony courtrooms. Reports from attorneys describe the candidate as punctual with adequate legal knowledge and that she runs an efficient courtroom. Nevertheless, the candidate is found not recommended due to her unwillingness to conform to attendance policies established for all judges. This comes after she was the subject of a highly publicized news report about leaving her courtroom assignment early.

With one exception, all of the other Alliance bar groups also recommend a "no" vote on Judge Chevere. The Puerto Rican Bar Association, however, recommends a "yes" vote for this candidate.

The Chicago Tribune recommends a "no" vote on Judge Chevere's retention bid. The IVI-IPO has recommended a "yes" vote for Judge Chevere.

One other judge received unanimously negative reviews from both the Chicago Bar Association and every Alliance bar group, namely, Judge James Egan. According to to the ISBA's Joyce Williams, who coordinates judicial evaluations for the Alliance, Judge Egan advised the group some time ago that he would be retiring in December and, accordingly, he was not scheduled for interviews. Unfortunately, because of a paperwork snafu, Judge Egan did not get his name removed from the retention ballot in time.

FWIW has been informed that Judge Egan has accelerated his retirement plans and has already left office; in fact, the Illinois Supreme Court has already named Egan's successor. Judge Egan's name, however, will still be on the November retention ballot.

There were also three candidates rated "not recommended" by the Chicago Bar Association that were not mentioned by the Chicago Council of Lawyers. We'll look at these candidates next.

Rodney Hughes Brooks

The Chicago Bar Association states:

RODNEY HUGHES BROOKS -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Judge Rodney Hughes Brooks is “Not Recommended” for retention as a Circuit Court Judge. Judge Brooks was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1980 and has served as a judge since 1994. Judge Brooks has a pleasant demeanor, but does not possess the requisite knowledge of the law and judicial ability to effectively manage a court call. Judge Brooks has made no attempt to improve his knowledge of the law and judicial ability and should not be retained.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers states:

Judge Rodney Brooks – Qualified
Prior to becoming a judge, Rodney Brooks worked as a solo practitioner maintaining a diverse general practice. Judge Brooks was elected to the Circuit Court in 1994 and assigned to the First Municipal District Traffic Center. In 1996, he was transferred to the Juvenile Justice Division, where he is presently assigned as a floater or coverage judge.

Judge Brooks received high marks from attorneys on both sides of the aisle. His legal ability and knowledge of the law is considered one of his most obvious strengths. Attorneys commented that he “reads statutes literally and follows them” to the letter of the law, that he is “extremely well versed in the law” and does research when he is uncertain about a particular issue. Judge Brooks garnered praise for his courtroom management, with respondents noting that he does a “great job moving through his cases” and the call is “very smooth” in his courtroom. Our research shows that he is prepared for court.

As a trial judge in the past, the Council heard negative reports about Judge Brooks’ temperament and ability to control a courtroom. As a floater judge with a more limited call in this evaluation, the reports have been more positive. On balance, the Council finds him Qualified for retention.

The Illinois State Bar Association states:

Hon. Rodney Hughes Brooks - Qualified
Hon. Rodney Hughes Brooks is currently assigned to the Juvenile Justice Division. He was a “floater” judge within the Division until he was recently assigned to a permanent calendar. In 1994, he was elected to the Circuit Court of Cook County and was initially assigned to the 1st Municipal District Traffic Court. He was transferred to his current Division in 1996. Judge Brooks was retained for six-year terms in 2000 and 2006.

Judge Brooks is procedurally oriented and very diligent. He is punctual and has good judicial temperament. For the 2012 General Election, the Illinois State Bar Association determined Hon. Rodney Hughes Brooks is qualified for retention as a judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Every one of the Alliance bar groups joins with the Council and the ISBA in recommending a "yes" vote for Judge Hughes. Further information about Judge Brooks is available on the 2012 Cook County Judges Retention Website. Judge Brooks responded to the Tribune questionnaire; however, the Tribune has recommended a "no" vote on Judge Brooks.

Loretta Eadie-Daniels

The Chicago Bar Association states:

LORETTA EADIE-DANIELS -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Judge Loretta Eadie-Daniels is “Not Recommended” for retention as a Circuit Court Judge. Judge Eadie-Daniels was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1977 and served in the legal departments of the Chicago Transit Authority and the Chicago Housing Authority. In addition, Judge Eadie-Daniels served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney from 1989-2000 before her election to the Circuit Court in 2000. Judge Eadie-Daniels is currently assigned to the Sixth Municipal District in Markham. Judge Eadie-Daniels’ “Not Recommended” finding is the result of continuing concerns about the judge’s temperament and knowledge of the law.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers states:

Judge Loretta Eadie-Daniels – Qualified
Prior to becoming a judge, Loretta Eadie-Daniels was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney and, before that, an attorney for the Chicago Transit Authority. Judge Eadie-Daniels was elected to the Circuit Court in 2000 and was assigned to a misdemeanor call in the Sixth Municipal District. She remains in the Sixth District, but now handles traffic and ordinance violations. Attorneys report that Judge Eadie-Daniels takes her responsibility toward pro se litigants seriously, although some attorneys believe this slows down her call. She is generally described as having a good temperament. While some attorneys report that she could do a better job of managing her courtroom, she is well regarded by most attorneys in her current assignment. The Council finds her Qualified for retention.

The Illinois State Bar Association states:

Hon. Loretta Eadie-Daniels - Qualified
Hon. Loretta Eadie-Daniels is currently assigned to the 6th Municipal District. She has been assigned to the 6th Municipal District since she was elected to the Circuit Court of Cook County in 2000. Judge Eadie-Daniels was retained for a six-year term in 2006. Judge Eadie-Daniels is considered to have adequate legal knowledge and ability and is considered impartial with sufficient experience. For the 2012 General Election, the Illinois State Bar Association determined Hon. Loretta Eadie-Daniel is qualified for retention as a judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Every one of the Alliance bar groups lines up with the Council and ISBA in recommending a "yes" vote on Judge Eadie-Daniels.

Lisa Ruble Murphy

The Chicago Bar Association states:

LISA RUBLE MURPHY -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Judge Lisa Ruble Murphy is “Not Recommended” for retention as a Circuit Court Judge. Judge Murphy was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1984 and has served as a judge since 1994. Judge Murphy has been in the Domestic Relations Division since 1995. Judge Murphy has been an Individual Calendar Domestic Relations Judge since 1997. The judge is experienced and knowledgeable in the field of domestic relations. Concerns about diligence, work ethic, and considerable delays in issuing written decisions resulted in a “Not Recommended” finding.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers states:

Judge Lisa Ruble Murphy – Qualified
Prior to becoming a judge, Lisa Ruble Murphy was Deputy Chief Administration Officer for the Chicago City Council’s Committee on Finance. Judge Ruble Murphy was elected to the Circuit Court in 1994. Judge Ruble Murphy was initially assigned to the First Municipal District of the Cook County Circuit Court. In January 1995, she was assigned to the Domestic Relations Division, where she currently serves.

Many respondents praised Judge Ruble Murphy as a judge, but a significant number of respondents report concerns about her performance. For instance, while lawyers reported that Judge Ruble Murphy gives a fair trial, there were complaints that she sometimes pushes too hard to discourage parties from going to trial, even where the parties have clear and irreconcilable difficulties. Some of the attorneys interviewed also reported that she is often late in starting her call. However, Judge Ruble Murphy is considered to be a smart, solid jurist. On balance, the Council finds her Qualified for retention.

The Illinois State Bar Association states:

Hon. Lisa Ruble Murphy – Qualified
Hon. Lisa Ruble Murphy was elected to the Circuit Court of Cook County in 1994. Her current assignment is as an independent calendar judge in the Domestic Relations Division. She presides over pre- and post- decree domestic relations cases. Judge Ruble Murphy was retained for six-year terms in 2000 and 2006.

Judge Ruble Murphy prefers to have cases settled instead of being litigated. There were some concerns raised about the difficulty of scheduling contested matters in a timely fashion. She is considered to be well versed in the law and is praised for her judicial temperament. For the 2012 General Election, the Illinois State Bar Association determined Hon. Lisa Ruble Murphy is qualified for retention as a judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County.

The Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago recommends a "no" vote on Judge Ruble Murphy; all of the other Alliance bar groups, however, recommend a "yes" vote for this judge.

Judge Ruble Murphy responded to the Tribune questionnaire. The Tribune recommends a "no" vote on Judge Ruble Murphy's retention bid. The IVI-IPO has recommended a "yes" vote in favor of Judge Ruble Murphy.