In this post, I'll cover the CBA's ratings in judicial races in Cook County subcircuits. For more about the CBA's judicial evaluation process, see this post or consult the CBA's Green Guide.
Candidates who refused to participate in the CBA's evaluation process are automatically found "Not Recommended" under the CBA JEC rules.
2nd Subcircuit -- O'Neal Vacancy
NYSHANA K. SUMNER (D) -- NOT RECOMMENDED
The candidate did not participate in the evaluation process and was automatically found “Not Recommended” under the Judicial Evaluation Committee bylaws.
STEVEN G. WATKINS (D) -- QUALIFIED
Steven G. Watkins is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Watkins was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991 and concentrates his practice in criminal, civil litigation, and real estate law. Mr. Watkins is well rounded in the law and has tried a number of complex murder cases. Mr. Watkins is well regarded for his knowledge of the law and legal ability. Mr. Watkins is also involved in community service.
3rd Subcircuit -- Donnelly Vacancy
LAUREN BROUGHAM GLENNON (D) -- NOT RECOMMENDED
The candidate did not participate in the evaluation process and was automatically found “Not Recommended” under the Judicial Evaluation Committee bylaws.
TERRENCE J. MCGUIRE (D) -- QUALIFIED
Terrence J. McGuire is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. McGuire was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991 and has been a solo practitioner his entire career. Mr. McGuire concentrates his practice in real estate, estate planning and probate law and served as an Administrative Law Judge for the City of Chicago for 15 years and for Cook County in the Department of Administrative Hearings for three years. Mr. McGuire is well rounded in the law and has had considerable experience as an Administrative Law Judge. Mr. McGuire possesses the requisite legal knowledge and experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
4th Subcircuit -- Billik Vacancy
BRIAN JOSEPH STEPHENSON (D) -- QUALIFIED
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.
JOHN J. MAHONEY (D) -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED
John J. Mahoney is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Mahoney was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1984 and is currently serving as Deputy Supervisor of the Public Corruption and Financial Crimes Unit of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Mr. Mahoney has extensive criminal trial experience and has handled many complex cases. Mr. Mahoney is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal ability, fine demeanor, and temperament.
JAMES J. RYAN (D) -- NOT RECOMMENDED
The candidate did not participate in the evaluation process and was automatically found “Not Recommended” under the Judicial Evaluation Committee bylaws.
DANIEL LAWRENCE PETERS (D) -- QUALIFIED
Judge Daniel L. Peters is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Peters was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991 and was appointed to the bench in 2011. Judge Peters is assigned to the Circuit Court’s Fifth Municipal District and presides over misdemeanor and traffic calls in the Bridgeview Court. Judge Peters has a calm demeanor and possesses the requisite legal knowledge and experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
MAUREEN MASTERSON PULIA (D) -- QUALIFIED
Maureen Masterson-Pulia is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Masterson-Pulia was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1994 and has served as an arbitrator for the past ten years in the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. Ms. Masterson-Pulia manages a large caseload and has handled hundreds of contested hearings. Ms. Masterson-Pulia is highly regarded by lawyers who appear before her for her fairness and knowledge of the law.
4th Subcircuit -- Mulhern Vacancy
MARTIN D. REGGI (D) -- QUALIFIED
Martin Reggi is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Reggi was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1980 and served as an Assistant State’s Attorney for five years before entering private practice. Mr. Reggi has a general practice with an emphasis on DUI, criminal law, and administrative hearings before the Secretary of State’s office. Mr. Reggi is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal ability, and fine temperament.
JOHN MICHAEL ALLEGRETTI (D) -- QUALIFIED
John Michael Allegretti is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Allegretti was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1995 and is currently the General Counsel for the Cook County Treasurer’s Office. In addition, Mr. Allegretti has had private practice and corporate practice experience and has served as an Administrative Law Judge. Mr. Allegretti has extensive experience in tax matters and is well regarded by his peers. Mr. Allegretti possesses the depth and breadth of legal knowledge and experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
7th Subcircuit -- Hardy-Campbell Vacancy
ROBERT D. KUZAS (D) -- QUALIFIED
Robert D. Kuzas is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Kuzas was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1989 and is engaged in private practice concentrating in criminal law and personal injury matters. Mr. Kuzas has both criminal and civil jury trial experience and is well regarded by opposing counsel and the judges before whom he appears. Mr. Kuzas has an outstanding temperament and possesses the depth and breadth of experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
7th Subcircuit -- Taylor Vacancy
JUDY RICE (D) -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Judy Rice is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Rice was admitted to practice law in 1988 and served in the Criminal Appeals Division of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office from 1988-1989 and as an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago (1989-90). Ms. Rice has held a number of positions with the City of Chicago: Director of Administrative Adjudication (1990-1992); Managing Deputy Director, Department of Revenue (1992-1993); Revenue Director (1993-1995); Executive Assistant to the Mayor (1995-1996); Commissioner, Department of Water (1996-1999); Chicago City Treasurer (2000-2006); and Deputy Chief of Staff (2006-2007). In 2007, Ms. Rice joined the Harris Bank, where she is currently Senior Vice-President, Head of Community Affairs & Economic Development. Ms. Rice has had a successful career in the government and corporate sectors, but has not engaged in the practice of law since 1990. While Ms. Rice possesses a fine demeanor and temperament, her knowledge of the law and overall practice experience is limited and falls short of the CBA’s guidelines for a minimum of twelve years as a practicing attorney.
OWENS J. SHELBY (D) -- NOT RECOMMENDED
The candidate did not participate in the evaluation process and was automatically found “Not Recommended” under the Judicial Evaluation Committee bylaws.
MARIANNE JACKSON (D) -- QUALIFIED
Judge Marianne Jackson is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Jackson was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1973 and was appointed an Associate Judge in 1997. Judge Jackson is currently assigned to the Juvenile Justice Division’s Child Protection Department. Judge Jackson effectively manages her courtroom and is well regarded for her knowledge of the law and outstanding demeanor and temperament.
9th Subcircuit -- Goldberg Vacancy
JERRY A. ESRIG (D) -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED
Jerry A. Esrig is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Esrig was admitted to practice law in 1978 and has been in private practice for 35 years. Mr. Esrig has extensive experience in personal injury, commercial, and construction litigation. Mr. Esrig is well regarded by his peers and the judges he has appeared before for his knowledge of the law and legal ability. Mr. Esrig has served as an adjunct professor and NITA instructor and is involved in various civic activities.
MEGAN ELIZABETH GOLDISH (D) -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED
Megan Elizabeth Goldish is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Goldish was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1997 and is currently a supervisor in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office at the George Leighton Criminal Court. Ms. Goldish has extensive criminal jury and bench trial experience. Ms. Goldish has also tried many murder cases and is well regarded by the judges before whom she has practiced for her knowledge of the law, legal ability, and even temperament. Ms. Goldish is actively involved in public service and various charitable organizations.
NATHAN BENJAMIN MYERS (D) -- NOT RECOMMENDED
The candidate did not participate in the evaluation process and was automatically found “Not Recommended” under the Judicial Evaluation Committee bylaws.
9th Subcircuit -- Meyer Vacancy
ANJANA HANSEN (D) -- QUALIFIED
Anjana Hansen is “Qualified” to serve as a Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Hansen was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1998 and served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for 12 years. During that time, she also served a four-year term as an Alderman in Evanston. Ms. Hansen is currently a solo practitioner and administrative law judge for the City of Evanston. Ms. Hansen is intelligent and possesses an excellent demeanor and outstanding people skills. Ms. Hansen has broad experience in both civil and criminal matters and although she lacks complex trial experience, she is hardworking, diligent, and possesses the requisite legal knowledge and experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
THOMAS PETER KOUGIAS (D) -- QUALIFIED
Thomas Peter Kougias is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Kougias was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1988 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in criminal defense work. Mr. Kougias served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney from 1991-2012 and has extensive criminal trial experience. Mr. Kougias is well regarded by his adversaries and the judges before whom he appears. Mr. Kougias possesses the requisite legal knowledge, experience, and qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
MONICA A. FORTE (D) -- NOT RECOMMENDED**
Monica A. Forte is “Not Recommended” for the office of Associate Judge. Ms. Forte was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1994 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in commercial litigation, civil litigation, and banking law. Ms. Forte does not possess the requisite depth and breadth of legal ability and practice experience to serve as an Associate Judge.
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** Pursuant to Section 27.4 of the JEC Resolutions and Procedures, a candidate who has been evaluated and found "NOT RECOMMENDED" for the office of Associate Judge and who shall within two years of such a finding be a candidate for Circuit Judge shall be found "NOT RECOMMENDED" without hearing.
9th Subcircuit -- Preston Vacancy
MICHAEL FRANCIS OTTO (D) -- QUALIFIED
Judge Michael F. Otto is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Otto was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1998. Judge Otto practiced in a large law firm until his appointment to the bench in 2012. Judge Otto is a bright, articulate, and conscientious judge who has grown significantly since his appointment to the bench.
ABBEY FISHMAN ROMANEK (D) -- QUALIFIED
Abby Fishman Romanek is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Romanek was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1987 and served as an Assistant Illinois Attorney General before entering private practice. Ms. Romanek is experienced in both criminal and civil law and is well regarded by her peers for her legal knowledge and excellent demeanor. Ms. Romanek is also actively involved in community work.
MICHAEL ALAN STROM (D) -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED
Michael Alan Strom is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Strom was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1977 and concentrates his practice in civil litigation, plaintiffs’ personal injury and workers’ compensation law. Mr. Strom has extensive litigation and trial experience and is well regarded for his knowledge of the law and outstanding temperament. Mr. Strom has made a substantial commitment to community service initiatives through the organized bar.
BRIAN ALEXANDER (D) -- QUALIFIED
Brian E. Alexander is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Alexander was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1976 and is currently engaged in the sole practice of law concentrating in civil, family, and real estate law. Mr. Alexander is a part-time legislative assistant to a state senator and is frequently appointed by the Circuit Court to represent children in domestic relations proceedings. Mr. Alexander has an excellent demeanor and temperament and possesses the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
THOMAS M. CUSHING (D) -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED
Thomas M. Cushing is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Cushing was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1988 and is currently Of Counsel concentrating his practice in general, business, and civil litigation. Mr. Cushing has extensive litigation experience in both criminal and civil law. Mr. Cushing is highly regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal ability, and outstanding temperament. Mr. Cushing has been involved in community activities and community service throughout his career.
10th Subcircuit -- "A" Vacancy
ANTHONY C. “TONY” KYRIAKOPOULOS (D) -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED
Judge Anthony C. “Tony” Kyriakopoulos is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Kyriakopoulos was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1990 and was appointed a Circuit Court Judge in 2010. Judge Kyriakopoulos is currently assigned to the Circuit Court’s Chancery Division. Judge Kyriakopoulos is well regarded by those who appear before him for his legal knowledge, excellent temperament, and fine demeanor.
KATHERINE A. O’DELL (D) -- QUALIFIED
Katherine A. O’Dell is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. O’Dell was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2000 and concentrates her practice in property taxation matters. Ms. O’Dell has a high-volume caseload with significant practice experience before tribunals such as the Board of Review. Ms. O’Dell is articulate and well regarded for her fine demeanor and knowledge of the law.
11th Subcircuit -- "A" Vacancy
GINA A. CRUMBLE (D) -- QUALIFIED
Gina A. Crumble is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Crumble was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1994 and is currently a supervisor in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office in the Juvenile Justice Bureau. Ms. Crumble has handled complex cases in the Juvenile Court and is well regarded for her legal knowledge, ability, and fine demeanor. Ms. Crumble is committed to public service.
JOANNE F. ROSADO (D) -- QUALIFIED
Joanne F. Rosado is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Rosado was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2002 and since her admission has served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. Ms. Rosado is assigned to the Felony Trial Division and has tried many murder jury trials and numerous bench trials. Ms. Rosado is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, extensive legal experience, and fine demeanor.
SCOTT MICHAEL KOZICKI (D) -- QUALIFIED
Scott Michael Kozicki is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Kozicki was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1999 and is currently serving as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. Mr. Kozicki has been assigned to the Forensic Science Unit for the past eight years and specializes in DNA, fingerprints, historical cell site tower analysis, and other complex evidentiary and expert witness issues. Mr. Kozicki has considerable trial and court experience and has been involved in numerous high profile and complex criminal cases. Mr. Kozicki is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, integrity, and excellent demeanor.
PAMELA MCLEAN MEYERSON (D) -- QUALIFIED
Pamela McLean Meyerson is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Meyerson was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1983 and has concentrated her practice in civil litigation, appeals and business law. Ms. Meyerson has considerable trial experience and is well regarded by her adversaries and by the judges before whom she has appeared. Ms. Meyerson is serving as chair in the Cook County Arbitration Program and is also an instructor for the University of Chicago’s Legal Clinic. Ms. Meyerson possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
12th Subcircuit -- Jordan Vacancy
JAMES PAUL PIECZONKA (R) -- NOT RECOMMENDED
James Pieczonka is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Pieczonka was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1983 and is currently a solo practitioner concentrating in Taxation, Real Estate and Condominium Law. Mr. Pieczonka’s practice and court experience is limited. Mr. Pieczonka held a real estate broker’s license from 2004-2007 and was actively involved as a broker during this period. The candidate owns a number of properties that are currently in foreclosure and is personally involved in several residual court actions. Mr. Pieczonka needs to gain additional practice experience and resolve these financial responsibility concerns before reapplying to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
SAMUEL BAE (D) -- QUALIFIED
Samuel Bae is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Bae was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1999 and concentrates his practice in personal injury and domestic relations. Mr. Bae is well regarded by his peers and the judges before whom he appears for his knowledge of the law and fine temperament. Mr. Bae is actively involved in community service and possesses the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
RALPH EUGENE MECZYK (D) -- QUALIFIED
Ralph Eugene Meczyk is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Meczyk was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1977 and has extensive civil and criminal trial experience. Mr. Meczyk is well regarded for his legal knowledge and ability.
JAMES EDWARD HANLON, JR. (D) -- QUALIFIED
James Edward Hanlon, Jr. is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Hanlon was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1984 and worked as an associate and partner at a large Chicago law firm concentrating in commercial litigation. In 2000, Mr. Hanlon became an equity partner at another large firm where he worked until 2007. From 2007-2009, Mr. Hanlon was engaged in the solo practice of law concentrating in commercial litigation and criminal misdemeanor matters. In 2009, Mr. Hanlon became Director of Client Services for Novus Law, LLC, where his duties included e-discovery, document review, and management analysis. Mr. Hanlon is well rounded in the practice of law and has considerable experience in complex commercial litigation matters. Mr. Hanlon has a fine temperament and possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
JAMES L. KAPLAN (D) -- QUALIFIED
Judge James L. Kaplan is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Kaplan was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1971 and was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2010. Judge Kaplan is thoughtful, possesses a good demeanor, and has performed well on the bench.
13th Subcircuit -- Iosco Vacancy
JOHN CURRY (R) -- QUALIFIED
John Curry is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Curry was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1978 and concentrates his practice in civil, business and commercial litigation. Prior to entering private practice, Mr. Curry served as an Assistant State’s Attorney and in the Department of Justice. Mr. Curry has complex litigation experience and is well regarded by his peers for his knowledge of the law, legal ability, and fine temperament.
GARY W. SEYRING (R) -- QUALIFIED
Gary W. Seyring is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Seyring was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1978 and has practiced in a small firm or as a solo practitioner for 35 years. Mr. Seyring, who is also a Certified Public Accountant, concentrates his practice in probate, estate planning, real estate, and general business matters. Mr. Seyring has an even temperament and is well regarded by his peers for his knowledge of the law. Mr. Seyring is also involved in pro bono and public service work.
15th Subcircuit -- Doody Vacancy
PATRICK KEVIN COUGHLIN (D) -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED
Patrick Kevin Coughlin is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Coughlin was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1996 and has served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for seventeen years. Mr. Coughlin is currently Deputy Chief of the State’s Attorney’s Narcotics Prosecution Bureau at the Criminal Court. Mr. Coughlin has a fine demeanor and temperament and is highly regarded for his knowledge of the law, extensive trial and court experience, and policy/legislative work.
JOHN S. FOTOPOULOS (D) -- QUALIFIED
John Spyros Fotopoulos is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Fotopoulos was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2000 and is engaged in private practice concentrating in criminal defense, personal Injury, and workers compensation. Mr. Fotopoulos has considerable trial experience and has tried a number of difficult cases. Mr. Fotopoulos has an excellent demeanor and possesses the requisite legal knowledge and ability to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
DIANA EMBIL (D) -- QUALIFIED
Diana L. Embil is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Embil was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1988 and served as a clerk for the Illinois Appellate Court and Illinois Supreme Court. For the last 15 years, Ms. Embil has worked for the United States Environmental Protection Agency and is currently Associate Regional Counsel for Region 5. Ms. Embil is well regarded for her integrity, good temperament, legal knowledge, and experience.
15th Subcircuit -- Sterba Vacancy
MICHAEL B. BARRETT (D) -- QUALIFIED
Michael B. Barrett is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Barrett was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in plaintiffs’ personal injury and workers’ compensation matters. Mr. Barrett has extensive trial and court experience. Mr. Barrett is well regarded by his peers and by the judges he appears before for his knowledge of the law, legal ability, and fine temperament.
SONDRA DENMARK (D) -- NOT RECOMMENDED
The candidate did not participate in the evaluation process and was automatically found “Not Recommended” under the Judicial Evaluation Committee bylaws.
CHRIS LAWLER (D) -- QUALIFIED
Judge Chris Lawler is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Lawler was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1988 and practiced law for 25 years concentrating in insurance defense and plaintiffs’ personal injury work. Judge Lawler had extensive bench and trial experience before his appointment to the Circuit Court in 2013. Judge Lawler is currently assigned to a pro se litigation call and serves as a floating judge when needed in other courts. Judge Lawler is well regarded for his legal knowledge, fine demeanor and temperament, and commitment to excellence. Judge Lawler is also involved in educational and charitable organizations.
MARY BETH DUFFY (D) -- QUALIFIED
Mary Beth Duffy is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Duffy was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1992 and has served for the past seventeen years as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Ms. Duffy was recently promoted to Deputy Supervisor in the State’s Attorney’s Domestic Violence Division. Ms. Duffy has extensive criminal trial experience along with some civil experience and is well regarded by her peers and by the judges before whom she appears. Ms. Duffy possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
ROBBIN PERKINS (D) -- NOT RECOMMENDED
The candidate did not participate in the evaluation process and was automatically found “Not Recommended” under the Judicial Evaluation Committee bylaws.
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