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 18, 2014 primary.
This race was profiled in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.
Updated 3/13/14
Michael Francis Otto -- #177
Campaign Website
Questionnaire Response: Chicago Tribune
Video Interviews: NTNM(1),
NTNM(2)
Bar Association Evaluations
The Chicago Bar Association says: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.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:Hon. Michael Otto was admitted to practice in 1998 He was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to be a judge in 2012. He is currently sitting in the Chancery Division, hearing foreclosure matters. The Council evaluated Judge Otto before he was appointed to the bench. At that time, he was a lawyer with the law firm of Jenner & Block. He was a judicial clerk for about ten years prior to joining Jenner & Block. He was considered to have good legal ability and temperament. As a judge, lawyers report that he is doing a very good job in his current position. 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 | Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
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Abbey Fishman Romanek -- #178
Campaign Website
Questionnaire Response: Chicago Tribune
Bar Association Evaluations
The Chicago Bar Association says: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.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:Abbey Romanek has practiced law since 1987. She has served as a Senior Assistant Attorney General in the Medicaid Fraud Division. From 1987 until 2004, she was in private practice first handling criminal defense matters and focusing for the next eleven years on medical malpractice cases. Ms. Romanek is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. She has had substantial trial and appellate experience in complex civil and criminal law matters. The Council finds her Qualified to serve in 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 | Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
Endorsements
49th Ward Democrats
Personal PAC
Cong. Jan Schakowsky
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Michael Alan Strom -- #179
Campaign Website
Candidate Statements: Michael Alan Strom: In his own words,
Cook County Clerk's website
Questionnaire Response: Chicago Tribune
Video Interviews: NTNM(1),
NTNM(2),
Taped With Rabbi Doug
Bar Association Evaluations
The Chicago Bar Association says: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.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:Michael A. Strom has been in private practice since his admission to the bar in 1977. He is currently has a litigation practice with Strom & Associates. From 1997 to 2011 he was Staff Counsel to CNA while in private practice. He was a lawyer and then a partner with Schaffenegger, Watson & Peterson from 1978 to 1984. Mr. Strom has very good legal ability and has been widely praised for his good temperament. He has extensive experience as a trial lawyer on a variety of challenging cases. He is also involved in numerous community activities such as the Chicago Coalition for Law-Related Education. The Council finds him Well 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 | Highly Recommended |
| Hellenic Bar Association | Recommended |
| Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois | Highly Qualified |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Highly Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Highly Recommended |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
Endorsements
Chicago Tribune
IVI-IPO
Jewish Chicago
Personal PAC
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Brian Alexander -- #180
Campaign Website
Questionnaire Response: Chicago Tribune
Video Interviews: NTNM,
NTNM Election Special
Bar Association Evaluations
The Chicago Bar Association says: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.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:Brian Edward Alexander was admitted to practice in 1976. He is currently the lead partner in a two-person law firm, and has spent most of his legal career as a sole practitioner. He reports no jury trial experience but reports more than 100 civil bench trials and 20 criminal bench trials. Much of his practice involves domestic relations matters, but he also practices in the areas of bankruptcy, probate, and commercial law. He is considered to have good legal ability and has substantial litigation experience in a variety of areas. He is praised for being well-prepared and for 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 | Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
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Thomas M. Cushing -- #181
Campaign Website
Questionnaire Response: Chicago Tribune
Video Interview: NTNM
Bar Association Evaluations
The Chicago Bar Association says: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.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:Thomas M. Cushing has been an associate at the civil litigation firm of Ambrose & Cushing, PC since his admission the Illinois bar in 1988. Mr. Cushing is reported to be a solid practitioner with very good ability and an excellent temperament. He has substantial litigation experience in complex matters. He has been involved with numerous community activities, including teaching and environmental advocacy. The Council finds him Well 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 | Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
Endorsements
Chicago Federation of Labor
Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters
Laborers' District Council of Chicago & Vicinity
41st Ward Democratic Organization
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