March 5 fundraiser for Travis Richardson at MVie Chicago

Supporters of Travis Richardson's 2nd Subcircuit judicial bid are planning a March 5 fundraiser, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., for their candidate at MVie Chicago, 1372 W. Grand.

Event hosts include vocalist, actress, and humanitarian Terisa Griffin and members of the "Divine 9," the nine member organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Hors d'oeuvres and wine will be served from 6:30 to 7:30.

Individual tickets are $50, but sponsorships are available (Bronze - $250, Silver - $500, Gold - $1,000). For more information about the event, or to reserve tickets, email info@Richardson4Judge.com.

Jewish Chicago announces judicial endorsements

Jewish Chicago has hit the streets (and the Internet -- the link will take you to the site). In contested Cook County judicial races, Jewish Chicago has made the following endorsements:

Countywide races

Rossana Patricia Fernandez - Elrod vacancy
Alison C. Conlon - Hogan vacancy
Aleksandra "Alex" Gillespie - Howlett, Jr. vacancy
Carolyn J. Gallagher - Johnson vacancy
Mary Kathleen McHugh - Karzenis vacancy
Pat Heneghan - Palmer vacancy
William S. Wojcik - Ruscitti Grussel vacancy
Fredrick H. Bates - Walsh vacancy

Subcircuit races

Anna Loftus - 6th Subcircuit, "A" vacancy

Jerry Esrig - 9th Subcircuit, Berman vacancy

Eve Marie Reilly - 10th Subcircuit, Howard vacancy

Marguerite Anne Quinn - 12th Subcircuit, Kazmierski, Jr. vacancy
Janet Cronin Mahoney - 12th Subcircuit, Mathein vacancy
James Edward Hanlon, Jr. - 12th Subcircuit, "A" vacancy (Democrat)
Steven A. Kozicki - 12th Subcircuit, "A" vacancy (Republican)

Jameika Mangum fundraiser tomorrow night

Supporters of Jameika Mangum's bid for the Eadie-Daniels vacancy in the 5th Subcircuit are planning a fundraiser for their candidate tomorrow night, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Mangum Committee's office, 1525 E. 53rd St., Suite 460. The suggested donation for the fundraiser is $75 per person.

To reserve tickets, or for more information, email info@mangumforjudge.com. Reservations are encouraged, but not required: The committee advises that interested persons can buy tickets at the door, but anyone attending must have a picture ID in order to get past building security.

Welcome early voters!

"Regular" early voting starts today and continues pretty near constantly until the polls open on Primary Election Day itself. If you're not certain about hours or locations of early voting sites, consult your nearest telephone: It'll ring, any second now, with yet another robocall. Alternatively, if you live in the City of Chicago, consult this page of the Chicago Board of Elections website. If you live in one of those places that the first Mayor Daley charmingly, if condescendingly, referred to as the 'county towns,' i.e., a Cook County suburb, click on this page of Cook County Clerk David Orr's website (the Clerk's office also has an explanation of early voting procedure, and rules and regulations, here).

Hopefully, if the search engine spirits have been kind to you, you've arrived in this little corner of the Blogosphere specifically because you are interested in making intelligent decisions about Cook County judicial candidates. My Organizing the Data posts are not done yet; they are apparently becoming a relic of those carefree, bygone days when people actually had to wait until Election Day to vote. Isn't that the bee's knees? 23 skidoo.

I'll have the Organizing the Data posts done as soon as I can -- but, since you may be impatient, and ready to exercise your franchise immediately, I can offer these resources:

If you're planning to take a Republican ballot, unless you live in the far northern or northwestern reaches of the County Cook, you have no worries about making intelligent judicial choices. You have no choices to make at all. You have no candidates. No Republican filed in any countywide judicial race, neither the two Appellate Court races, nor the 11 countywide Circuit Court races. If you live in any judicial subcircuit (it's one of the many numbers on your voter registration card) except the 12th or 13th, there are no Republicans running there either (there are no vacancies at all in Subcircuits 3, 8, and 15; voters there have a say in countywide races only, and only in the Democratic primary). If you live in the 12th or 13th Subcircuit, and plan on taking a Republican ballot, skip ahead two paragraphs.

For Democratic primary voters, the Chicago Bar Association, the Chicago Council of Lawyers, and the Illinois State Bar Association have all provided explanations of the ratings these respective associations have given to each candidate (those are links to FWIW posts, but the CBA and CCL source materials can be accessed from those those respective posts). Several races are uncontested, including both Appellate Court vacancies.

If you live in Subcircuit 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 or 7, the Chicago Bar Association, Chicago Council of Lawyers, and Illinois State Bar Association explanations of these groups' ratings of candidates seeking these vacancies can be found by clicking on the links embedded in this sentence.

Voters living in Subcircuit 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 can likewise access explanations offered by the Chicago Bar Association, the Chicago Council of Lawyers, and the Illinois State Bar Association regarding candidates seeking these vacancies by clicking the links embedded in this sentence. These links identify the Republicans running in the 12th and 13th Subcircuits, as well as the Democrats which is why, Republican voters, I told you to skip ahead here.

New or infrequent judicial voters are often surprised to learn that there are 12 bar associations that screen and evaluate the credentials of candidates seeking judicial office. We've only covered three so far. The other nine, all members (along with the Chicago Council of Lawyers and the Illinois State Bar Association) of the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening, publish 'grids' explaining their respective ratings for each and every judicial candidate. You can access the countywide Alliance grids here, the Alliance grids for candidates in Subcircuits 1-7 here, and the Alliance grids for candidates in Subcircuits 9-14 here.

Bar ratings or evaluations are not endorsements. This is why, as you will notice, the bar associations may have favorable or unfavorable ratings about every candidate in a race. And you will also notice that, sometimes, bar associations may disagree over whether a particular candidate is or is not qualified or recommended.

If, after reviewing the explanations and the grids, you're still not certain how to choose between two candidates who seem equally qualified to you, feel free to consult the blog Sidebar: The candidates with websites (at least those I've been able to find or who have told me about their websites) are all listed there in alphabetical order. You may have a better feel about who is worthy of your vote after such a visit. The candidates hope so, anyway; that's why they spend the money for websites.

I'll pull all this information together, along with the various endorsements that each candidate garners (each endorsement that I can independently verify, that is) in the Organizing the Data posts. But, for now, if you feel you must vote today, I hope you may find this information helpful.

Chicago FOP announces March primary endorsements

The Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge No. 7, has announced its endorsements for the upcoming primary. (Click here for a complete list of candidates endorsed by the Chicago FOP.)

In contested Cook County judicial races, the FOP has made these endorsements:

Countywide Vacancies

Rossana Patricia Fernandez - Elrod vacancy
Michael I. O'Malley - Hogan vacancy
Aleksandra "Alex" Gillespie - Howlett, Jr. vacancy
Carolyn J. Gallagher - Johnson vacancy
Pat Heneghan - Palmer vacancy
Daniel Patrick Duffy - Ruscitti Grussel vacancy
Fredrick H. Bates - Walsh vacancy

Subcircuit Vacancies

D. Renee Jackson - 2nd Subcircuit Savage vacancy
Anna Loftus - 6th Subcircuit "A" vacancy
Colleen Reardon Daly - 10th Subcircuit Howard vacancy
Marc Martin - 11th Subcircuit Kelly vacancy
Ketki "Kay" Steffen - 13th Subcircuit - Fecarotta, Jr. vacancy

The FOP also endorsed Appellate Court candidate Bertina E. Lampkin (Quinn vacancy) and countywide Circuit Court candidate Maureen O'Donoghue Hannon (O'Brien vacancy).

The FOP has also decided to back Jacob Meister for Clerk of the Circuit Court.

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Looking for more information about Cook County judicial candidates? Click here for the most complete information about every Cook County judicial contest.

United Hellenic Voters of America announce Cook County Judicial endorsements

The United Hellenic Voters of America have announced their endorsements for the March 15 primary election. (Click here for the complete list of all candidates endorsed by the UHVA.)

While the UHVA makes endorsements in both Democratic and Republican primary races, the UHVA did not this year make any endorsements of Republicans in any Cook County judicial races. In contested Cook County judicial races, the UHVA made the following endorsements:

Countywide races

Rossana Patricia Fernandez - Elrod vacancy
Alison C. Conlon - Hogan vacancy
Aleksandra "Alex" Gillespie - Howlett, Jr. vacancy
Carolyn J. Gallagher - Johnson vacancy
Devlin J. Schoop - Karnezis vacancy
Pat Heneghan - Palmer vacancy
Daniel Patrick Duffy - Ruscitti Grussel vacancy
Fredrick H. Bates - Walsh vacancy

Subcircuit races

Jerry Esrig - 9th Subcircuit Berman vacancy
Eve Marie Reilly - 10th Subcircuit Howard vacancy
Louis George Apostol - 12th Subcircuit Kazmierski Jr. vacancy
Janet Cronin Mahoney - 12th Subcircuit Mathein vacancy
James Edward Hanlon, Jr. -12th Subcircuit "A" vacancy

The UHVA also endorsed a number of Cook County judicial candidates who are running in uncontested races. These include both Appellate Court candidates, Judge Eileen O'Neill Burke and Justice Bertina E. Lampkin; Countywide Circuit Court candidates John Fitzgerald Lyke, Jr. (Biebel, Jr. vacancy), Brendan A. O'Brien (Love vacancy), Maureen O'Donoghue Hannon (O'Brien vacancy); and 12th Subcircuit candidate Judge Carrie Hamilton (Tristano vacancy). Only Hamilton faces Republican opposition in November.

ISBA releases explanations of its ratings of candidates seeking judicial office in Subcircuits 9-14

The Illinois State Bar Association has, for the first time in a primary election, released its explanations of the ratings it has given Cook County judicial candidates. (The ISBA did offer narrative explanations of the ratings it gave Cook County judges seeking retention in 2012.)

In the posts immediately below this one you will find the the ISBA's explanations of its ratings in judicial races in Subcircuits 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 and in countywide judicial vacancies. In this post, I'll cover the ISBA's explanations of its ratings of judicial candidates in Subcircuits 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14.

In the 12th and 13th Subcircuits there are some races in which both Democratic and Republican candidates filed. In those cases, party affiliation is provided. If no party affiliation is indicated, the candidate is running in the Democratic Primary.

9th Subcircuit - Berman vacancy

Thomas Peter Kougias – Not Qualified

Thomas Kougias has been licensed since 1988. He worked at the State’s Attorney’s Office from 1991 to 2012 and has been in private practice since 2012. While he has litigated many criminal cases, some attorneys have expressed concern about his litigation and courtroom management skills, diligence and punctuality. Mr. Kougias is found to be Not Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Jerry Esrig - Qualified

Jerry Esrig was admitted to practice in 1978. He was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2013 and subsequently reappointed. He currently sits in the First Municipal District. Prior to his appointment, he was in private practice doing commercial and personal injury cases. He has extensive trial experience in complex matters and has an impeccable reputation as an even-keeled, diligent and accomplished litigator. He also took pro bono cases. Judge Esrig is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

10th Subcircuit - Howard vacancy

Colleen Reardon Daly – Qualified

Colleen Reardon Daly was admitted to the bar in 1996. After thirteen years with the State’s Attorney’s Office, she opened a private practice specializing in criminal defense, juvenile law, traffic matters, appellate work, and administrative proceedings. She has conducted numerous jury and bench trials, including complex criminal matters, and is considered to have good legal knowledge and ability. She is diligent and professional with a good temperament. Ms. Daly is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Eve Marie Reilly – Qualified

Eve Marie Reilly was admitted to practice in 1997. She was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2014. Prior to her appointment, she had spent her legal career at the State’s Attorney’s Office where she obtained both trial court and appellate experience. She is considered to be hard-working and knowledgeable. Judge Reilly is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Michael John Malatesta – Qualified

Michael John Malatesta has been licensed since 1992. He owns and operates his own firm, concentrating in personal injury and other civil litigation. He has substantial litigation experience including trials, and is considered to be smart, proficient and well-prepared with a good demeanor. Mr. Malatesta is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Richard “Rick” Cenar, Jr. – Qualified

Richard Cenar, Jr. was admitted in 1986 and has spent the vast majority of his career in the State’s Attorney’s Office. He has worked in many different divisions and is currently a first-chair prosecutor in the Felony Trial Division. He has extensive litigation experience, including two years doing civil litigation from 1986 – 1988, and is considered to be a formidable, but fair, opponent by opposing counsel. He is also praised for his professional and calm demeanor. Mr. Cenar is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

11th Subcircuit - Kelly vacancy

Marc Martin – Qualified

Marc Martin was admitted to practice in 1987. He was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2014. Prior to his appointment, he was in private practice as a criminal defense attorney, mainly in federal court. As an attorney he was well-regarded in the legal community for his extensive legal knowledge and high integrity, and extensive litigation experience. Judge Martin is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

James DiChristofano – Not Recommended

James DiChristofano declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Mr. DiChristofano is found to be Not Recommended for the election to the Circuit Court, pursuant to ISBA guidelines.

Catherine Ann Schneider – Qualified

Catherine Ann Schneider was admitted to the bar in 1994. She is currently a senior staff attorney for Coordinated Advice & Referral Program for Legal Services (CARPLS), where she supervises staff attorneys providing free legal aid to low-income people. She also has done personal injury defense, commercial collections litigation and real estate work. She has an extensive background doing pro bono work. She has also published articles and worked as an arbitrator. She has sufficient litigation experience and is considered exceptionally smart with an excellent temperament. Ms. Schneider is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

11th Subcircuit - Zwick vacancy

William B. Sullivan – Qualified

William B. Sullivan was admitted to practice in 1992. He was appointed to the Circuit Court in June 2015. Prior to his appointment he was a sole practitioner concentrating in real estate and eviction cases, including some complex mattes. As an attorney he was reported to be professional, diligent and experienced. He has been active in community affairs. Judge Sullivan is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

12th Subcircuit - Kazmierski vacancy

Democratic Candidates

Louis George Apostol – Qualified

Louis George Apostol was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1980 and has been in private practice his entire career. He is currently the Executive Director and Counsel to the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board. He was also the Public Administrator of Cook County and as a Commissioner of the Illinois Court of Claims. He has also served as the general counsel to many closely held corporations, and he has substantial litigation regarding commercial matters in both state and federal court. He is considered to be a well-prepared and knowledgeable attorney with a good temperament. Mr. Apostol is found to be Qualified to election to the Circuit Court.

Marguerite Anne Quinn – Highly Qualified

Marguerite Anne Quinn was admitted to practice in 1986. In 2007 she was elected as an Associate Judge to the bench and has been retained ever since. She is currently assigned to the Skokie Courthouse where she hears primarily criminal matters. She has also presided over the specialized Veterans Court there. Prior to ascending to the bench, she was a prosecutor for twelve years and in private practice as well. Judge Quinn gets high marks for her legal knowledge and her fair treatment for all who appear in her courtroom. She is considered fair and impartial and is active in community matters. Judge Quinn is found to be Highly Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Jennifer E. Bae – Qualified

Jennifer E. Bae was admitted to practice in 1997. She has been in private practice since 2000 after spending three years in the State’s Attorney’s Office. She has also been a member of the Merit Board of the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. She handles mainly criminal defense with some civil and federal work. She has sufficient complex litigation experience, and is considered to be professional and always prepared. She has been a member of the Character and Fitness Committee as well. Ms. Bae is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Frank J. Andreou – Qualified

Frank J. Andreou has been licensed since 1995. Since 2002 he has been in private practice doing personal injury, employment and commercial litigation. He has substantial litigation experience and is well-respected for his above average legal knowledge and ability. He is involved in community and bar association affairs. Mr. Andreou is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Republican Candidate

Thomas William Flannigan – Not Qualified

Thomas Flannigan was admitted to practice in 1983. He is a sole practitioner doing mostly civil litigation. Early in his career he worked as an attorney in Japan and seemed to concentrate in international law; however, he later switched to other areas of law as well. He published articles and spoke about Japan during the 1990s. He is considered to be a competent attorney, but there are concerns over his lack of recent and complex trial and the depth of his more recent legal experience. Mr. Flannigan is found to be Not Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

12th Subcircuit - Mathein vacancy

Democratic Candidates

Janet Cronin Mahoney – Not Qualified

Janet Cronin Mahoney has been licensed since 1987. She has spent her entire career at the State’s Attorney’s Office where she is a supervisor in the Appellate Division. While she is considered to be a competent and diligent appellate lawyer, there are concerns about her limited trial court experience and her lack of recent non-appellate litigation. Ms. Mahoney is found to be Not Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Adam Scott Mathein – Not Qualified

Adam Mathein has been licensed since 1997. He is in private practice at Mathein & Rostoker doing insurance litigation and subrogation work. He does not have adequate jury trial experience, and while he litigates many motions, the cases rarely go to trial. He is considered knowledgeable and hard-working in his area as well as professional. There are concerns, however, about the lack of complex litigation and trials and the limited nature of his experience. Mr. Mathein is found to be Not Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Republican Candidate

James Leonard Allegretti - Qualified

James Leonard Allegretti was admitted to practice in 1978. He is in private practice and was an alderman in Park Ridge from 2005 to 2011. He has a strong background in traffic and DUI law. Since 2007 his practice has focused more on personal injury and workers’ compensation cases, along with federal civil rights matters. He receives good marks for legal ability and demeanor, and has had some bar association involvement. Mr. Allegretti is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

12th Subcircuit - Tristano vacancy

Democratic Candidate

Carrie Hamilton – Qualified

Carrie Hamilton was admitted to practice in 1996. She was appointed to the Circuit Court in July 2015. Prior to her appointment, she worked for the United States Attorney’s Office, most recently as Deputy Chief of the Public Corruption Unit, handling several high-profile cases. She has extensive complex litigation experience and is praised for her legal ability, courtroom skills and temperament. Judge Hamilton is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Republican Candidate

David Studenroth – Qualified

David Studenroth has been licensed since 1987. After several years working for the State’s Attorney’s Office, in 1998 he opened his solo practice focusing on criminal defense. He has substantial trial experience and is considered knowledgeable with a good temperament and high character. He is active in his community. Mr. Studenroth is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

12th Subcircuit - "A" vacancy

Democratic Candidates

James Edward Hanlon, Jr. – Qualified

James Edward Hanlon, Jr. has been licensed since 1984. He has spent his entire career in private practice with several different firms and had his own firm from 2008 to 2010. Since 2010, he has been with Novus Law, LLC as the director of Client Services. He has extensive experience in commercial litigation at both the state and federal level. He is considered to be a highly seasoned, very professional attorney who does good work. He is active in bar association and community affairs. Mr. Hanlon is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Allan W. Masters – Qualified

Allan W. Masters was admitted to practice in 1968. He served as a judge of the Circuit Court by appointment from 2001 to 2004. The majority of his career has been spent in private practice, doing mainly domestic relations cases with some chancery and personal injury work. Prior to becoming an attorney, he was a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He is considered to be a good litigator who knows the law, although concerns have been raised over his temperament. Mr. Masters is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Republican Candidates

Alex Kaplan – Not Recommended

Alex Kaplan declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Mr. Kaplan is found to be Not Recommended for election to the Circuit Court, pursuant to ISBA guidelines.

Steven A. Kozicki – Qualified

Steven A. Kozicki was admitted to practice in 1985. Before opening his own practice in 1998, he worked as both a prosecutor and public defender in DuPage County, as well as spending three years with a firm handling civil cases. In his practice, he does mostly criminal work, with some civil and immigration as well. He has substantial jury and other litigation experience and he is considered knowledgeable with strong legal skills and a polite demeanor. He has been active in bar association activities and written on domestic violence. Mr. Kozicki is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

13th Subcircuit - Fecarotta vacancy

Democratic Candidate

Ketki “Kay” Steffen – Highly Qualified

Ketki Steffen was licensed in 1991. She was appointed in November 2015 to the Circuit Court. She also served as a Circuit Court judge by appointment from 2010 to 2013, and was then appointed to be an Administrative Law Judge for the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission from 2013 to 2015. Before her original appointment to the bench, she spent nineteen years with the State’s Attorney’s Office where she obtained extensive litigation experience. She is considered knowledgeable in a variety of areas of law and is highly regarded by attorneys who have appeared before her. Judge Steffen is found to be Highly Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Republican Candidates

Kevin Michael O’Donnell – Not Qualified

Kevin O’Donnell has been licensed since 1988. He is a sole practitioner in Park Ridge who concentrates in estate planning, probate and some real estate. Most of this recent experience is transactional in nature. He has not tried any matters to a jury and has limited trial experience overall. He is praised for his knowledge of probate law and generally considered well-prepared. There are concerns about his limited trial experience and lack of recent complex litigation. Mr. O’Donnell is found to be Not Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Gary W. Seyring - Qualified

Gary W. Seyring has been licensed since 1978. He is a sole practitioner and a CPA focusing on domestic relations, real estate, estate planning, and business law. He does have litigation experience in those areas. It is reported that he has good legal knowledge and is diligent with a good demeanor. Mr. Seyring is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

14th Subcircuit - Murphy vacancy

Matthew Link – Not Recommended

Matthew Link declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Mr. Link is found to be Not Recommended for election to the Circuit Court, pursuant to ISBA guidelines.

ISBA releases explanations of its ratings of candidates seeking judicial office in Subcircuits 1-7

The Illinois State Bar Association has, for the first time in a primary election, released its explanations of the ratings it has given Cook County judicial candidates. (The ISBA did offer narrative explanations of the ratings it gave Cook County judges seeking retention in 2012.)

In the post immediately below this one you will find the the ISBA's explanations of its ratings in countywide judicial vacancies, beginning with the candidates for the Appellate Court. In this post, I'll cover the ISBA's explanations of its ratings of judicial candidates in Subcircuits 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7.

All of the following are candidates in the Democratic Primary. No Republican filed in any of these races.

1st Subcircuit - Brim vacancy

Jesse Outlaw – Qualified

Jesse Outlaw was admitted to practice in 1980. He has primarily been a solo practitioner handling bankruptcy, real estate, divorce, and probate matters. He also received Guardian Ad Litem appointments in the Probate Division. In addition, he represents some government agencies. He receives positive marks for his legal knowledge and ability, professionalism and diligence. Mr. Outlaw is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Maryam Ahmad - Qualified

Maryam Ahmad was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2014. She has been licensed since 2000 and has worked in private practice and for both the Cook County Public Defender and the State’s Attorney’s Office. In her private practice she specialized in criminal defense with some employment law. She received positive marks for her legal knowledge and ability, and considerable litigation experience. Judge Ahmad is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

1st Subcircuit - Hopkins vacancy

Anthony E. Simpkins – Qualified

Anthony E. Simpkins was admitted to practice in 1994. He was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2014. Prior to his appointment, he was the Deputy Commissioner for Housing Preservation for the Chicago Department of Housing. He also spent about ten years as the senior Counsel in the Building and Land Use Litigation Division of the Chicago Department of Law, handling civil litigation. He has substantial litigation experience and ability along with being diligent and even-keeled. He has some bar association and community involvement. Judge Simpkins is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Rhonda Crawford – Not Recommended

Rhonda Crawford declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Ms. Crawford is found to be Not Recommended for election to the Circuit Court, pursuant to ISBA guidelines.

Lisa A. Copland – Not Qualified

Lisa Copland was admitted to practice in 1997. She is in private practice concentrating in domestic relations. In addition, she has served as a court appointed guardian ad litem and appeared before DCFS hearings. She is active in pro bono work. While Ms. Copland is considered to be intelligent, professional and well-prepared, concerns were raised over her lack of any jury trial experience. Ms. Copland is found to be Not Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

2nd Subcircuit - Savage vacancy

Celeste K. Jones - Qualified

Celeste K. Jones has been licensed since 1995. She is currently a supervising attorney in the Accounts Department for the Cook County Public Guardian’s Office after previously serving in several other divisions of the office. She has substantial litigation experience in various divisions of the Circuit Court system and is praised for her legal knowledge and ability. Ms. Jones is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Chelsey R. Robinson – Not Qualified

Chelsey Robinson was admitted to the bar in 1996. She is in private practice in a small firm handling civil and criminal litigation matters. In addition, she serves as legal advisor to the Judge Mathis television show. While she is considered to be well-prepared and even-keeled, concerns were raised during the evaluation process as to her lack of more recent and complex courtroom litigation. Ms. Robinson is found to be Not Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

D. Renee Jackson – Not Recommended

D. Renee Jackson declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Ms. Jackson is found to be Not Recommended for election to the Circuit Court, pursuant to ISBA guidelines.

Travis Richardson – Qualified

Travis Richardson has been licensed since 1997. He has spent most of his career in private practice, litigating in both state and federal court and before administrative agencies in both civil and criminal matters. In addition, he has been a hearing officer for the Chicago Board of Elections. He has substantial litigation experience in complex matters and is considered to be professional, knowledgeable and even-tempered. Mr. Richardson is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

4th Subcircuit - Kunkle vacancy

Edward J. King – Qualified

Edward J. King was admitted to practice in 1981. He was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2014. Prior to his appointment, he worked as a sole practitioner doing personal injury, chancery, estates, and criminal defense. He also represented municipal entities and state agencies. He has substantial jury and bench litigation experience. He is considered to be a strong advocate with a collegial demeanor and high integrity. Judge King is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

5th Subcircuit - Eadie-Daniels vacancy

Jameika Mangum – Not Recommended

Jameika Mangum declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Ms. Mangum is found to be Not Recommended for election to the Circuit Court, pursuant to ISBA guidelines.

Leonard Murray – Highly Qualified

Leonard Murray was admitted to practice in 1974. He was elected as associate judge in 2007, assigned to the First Municipal Division presiding over jury trials. Prior to his selection as an associate judge, he had been in private practice handling a wide variety of cases with a number of jury trials and some appellate work. He is well-respected for his knowledge and receives generally positive remarks as a judge. In his prior assignment hearing forcible entry and detainer cases, he was praised for his ability to manage a high-volume call with many pro se litigants. He has been involved in many bar association activities. Judge Murray is found to be Highly Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

5th Subcircuit - Stuart vacancy

Freddrenna M. Lyle - Qualified

Freddrenna M. Lyle was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1980. She was first appointed to the Circuit Court in 2011 and has subsequently been reappointed, most recently in 2014. She is assigned to the Elder Law Division. She was elected to the Chicago City Council in 1998 from the 6th Ward and served for thirteen years. She had been in private practice and litigated in both state and federal courts. She is considered to be knowledgeable, efficient and a hard worker who knows and understand the law. Judge Lyle is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

5th Subcircuit - Williams-Hayes vacancy

Daryl Jones – Not Qualified

Daryl Jones has been licensed since 2005. He is currently a member of the Illinois Prisoner Review Board and formerly was senior legal advisor and chief of Intergovernmental Affairs at the Illinois Department of Corrections. Prior to that he worked at the State’s Attorney’s Office. He is considered to be professional and well-prepared, and he has some litigation experience from his time as a prosecutor. Concerns are raised, however, over his lack of recent and complex litigation, and over the depth and breadth of his relatively brief legal career. Mr. Jones is found to be Not Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Robin Denise Shoffner – Qualified

Robin D. Shoffner was admitted to practice in 1990. She was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2014. Prior to her appointment, she worked for the City of Chicago Department of Law doing civil litigation defense, appearing mainly in federal court. She had also worked in private practice and as a litigation counsel for AON Corporation. She has substantial litigation experience and as an attorney, was considered to be very knowledgeable, always prepared and professional. Judge Shoffner is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

6th Subcircuit - Ponce de Leon vacancy

Eulalia “Evie” De La Rosa – Qualified

Eulalia De La Rosa was admitted to practice in 2004. She has worked for the Public Defender’s Office for the past eleven years, and is currently assigned to the felony trial division. She has considerable jury and bench experience and is praised for her legal knowledge and ability. She is considered diligent and hard-working, with a good temperament, and is particularly commended for her ability to represent clients with mental health issues. Ms. De La Rosa is found to be Qualified to election to the Circuit Court.

6th Subcircuit - Santiago vacancy

Richard C. Cooke – Qualified

Richard C. Cooke was admitted to practice in 1992. He is a solo practitioner and previously worked for a firm doing insurance defense and then for CNA Insurance as a trial attorney. He has handled contracts, personal injury cases, divorces, and business deals, including some complex litigation and transactional matters. He considered to be knowledgeable in his practice areas, professional and meticulous. He runs a self-funded pro bono legal clinic in conjunction with Casa Central, serving primarily a Hispanic clientele. Mr. Cooke is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

6th Subcircuit - "A" vacancy

Anna Loftus – Qualified

Anna Loftus has been licensed since 1988. She was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2014 and is currently assigned to Mortgage Foreclosures. Prior to her appointment, she was a partner at Hall, Prangel and Schoonveld, concentrating on medical malpractice cases and appellate work. She has substantial litigation experience and as an attorney was well-regarded for her legal ability and hard work. Judge Loftus is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Edward J. Underhill - Qualified

Edward J. Underhill was admitted to practice in Illinois is 1984. He has been with Masuda Funai Eifert & Mitchell since 1985 and has been a partner since 1997. Mr. Underhill’s focus is on business litigation and counseling. Mr. Underhill is considered to be a solid practitioner with good legal ability and substantial litigation experience. Mr. Underhill is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Carlos Claudio – Not Recommended

Carlos Claudio declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Mr. Claudio is found to be Not Recommended for election to the Circuit Court, pursuant to ISBA guidelines.

7th Subcircuit - Burrell vacancy

Marianne Jackson – Highly Qualified

Marianne Jackson was admitted to practice in 1973. She was elected an associate judge in 1997 and was appointed as a full judge to the Circuit Court in 2014. She has been assigned to the Juvenile Justice Division since 1999. She had previously served as a Deputy United States Attorney, including as Chief of the Criminal Division, and as a private criminal defense attorney. She is highly regarded for her legal knowledge and ability and has been widely praised for her involvement with diversion programs at Juvenile Court. Judge Jackson is found to be Highly Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

7th Subcircuit - Rivkin-Carothers vacancy

Patricia “Pat” S. Spratt – Qualified

Patricia S. Spratt has been licensed since 1991. She was appointed to the Circuit Court in September 2015. Prior to her appointment, she was a partner at Taft Stettinus & Hollister LLP and previously was at Shefsky and Froelich, where she handled trial and appellate work. She has extensive litigation experience doing complex civil cases in both federal and state court, and is highly respected for her wide range of knowledge and legal experience. She has participated in bar association and community activities as well as writing and lecturing. Judge Spratt is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Christopher J. Stuart – Not Qualified

Christopher J. Stuart was admitted to the bar in 1985. He has been in private practice for most of his career handling class actions involving antitrust, whistleblower, consumer fraud, and federal securities act claims. While it appears that he has litigated extensively in complex cases and is considered to be hard working, it was extremely difficult to ascertain the extent and nature of his most recent practice due to a lack of sufficient information. This raised concerns over the amount of recent and complex litigation. Mr. Stuart is found to be Not Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Jennifer Ballard – Not Recommended

Jennifer M. Ballard declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Ms. Ballard is found to be Not Recommended for election to the Circuit Court, pursuant to ISBA guidelines.

Mable Taylor – Not Recommended

Mable Taylor declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Ms. Taylor is found to be Not Recommended for election to the Circuit Court, pursuant to ISBA guidelines.

Patrick D. John - Qualified

Patrick D. John was admitted to practice in 1998. He is an associate with the Barclay Law Group, concentrating in family law and has been in private practice since being licensed. He is considered to be a diligent and skilled litigator in his area of practice, with a good temperament. Mr. John is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Rosa Silva – Qualified

Rosa Silva has been licensed since 2001. She currently works in the Felony Trial Division of the Public Defender’s Office. She also spent a year in private practice doing divorce and real estate, and from 2002 to 2003 she worked for the Will County Public Defender. She has substantial criminal litigation experience including many jury trials and complex cases and gets high marks for her legal knowledge, ability, diligence, and organizational skills. She is also active in bar association and civic activities. Ms. Silva is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Illinois State Bar Association releases explanations of judicial candidate ratings

The Illinois State Bar Association has, for the first time in a primary election, released its explanations of the ratings it has given Cook County judicial candidates. (The ISBA did offer narrative explanations of the ratings it gave Cook County judges seeking retention in 2012.)

We begin with the ISBA's explanations of its ratings in countywide judicial vacancies, beginning with the candidates for the Appellate Court.

Regular readers are no doubt tired of the repetition, but for persons happening upon this blog for the first time, all of the following are candidates in the Democratic Primary. No Republican filed for any countywide judicial office.

Appellate Court vacancies

Appellate Court - Epstein vacancy

Eileen O’Neill Burke - Qualified

Eileen O’Neill Burke was elected to the Circuit Court in 2008, retained in 2014 and currently sits in the Law Division on the Commercial Call. Since becoming a judge, she has served various courts of the First Municipal District until joining the Law Division in 2013. Before election to the bench, she had been in private practice after first starting out in the State’s Attorney’s Office. Judge Burke gets high marks from attorneys for her legal knowledge and ability. She has written over 300 opinions on different motions and legal issues and handles a high volume court call. Judge Burke is found to be Qualified for election to the Appellate Court.

Appellate Court - Quinn vacancy

Bertina E. Lampkin – Highly Qualified

Bertina E. Lampkin has been sitting on the Appellate Court by appointment since 2009. She was elected to the Circuit Court in 1992 after serving as an Associate Judge for five years. Prior to her appointment to the bench she had worked for the State’s Attorney’s Office and the City of Chicago’s Department of Law, gaining experience in both criminal and civil litigation. Before her appointment to the Appellate Court, she has been assigned to the felony trial Courts at the Leighton Criminal Court Building, where she was considered to be a knowledgeable and hardworking judge.

On the Appellate Court she receives high marks for her legal knowledge and her diligence. She issues written opinions in a timely manner that are well thought out, and she is always prepared for oral arguments. She is also a member of various Supreme Court Committees. Judge Lampkin is found to be Highly Qualified for election to the Appellate Court.

Countywide Circuit Court vacancies

Biebel vacancy

John Fitzgerald Lyke, Jr. – Qualified

John Fitzgerald Lyke, Jr. was admitted to practice in 1994. He was appointed to the Circuit Court in July 2015. Prior to his appointment, he was a sole practitioner concentrating in criminal defense and an Administrative Hearing Officer for the City of Chicago – Department of Business Affairs and Licensing. In his earlier career, he was an Assistant State’s Attorney. He is considered to have good legal knowledge and ability with a sufficient background in litigation. Judge Lyke is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Elrod vacancy

Scott Edward Lipinski – Qualified

Scott Edward Lipinski has been licensed since 2002. He has spent his entire career with the Public Defender’s Office, currently assigned to the Bridgeview Courthouse. He has jury and bench trial experience and is considered to be knowledgeable and competent. There are mixed opinions on his temperament, with comments ranging from respectful to arrogant. Mr. Lipinski is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Rossana Patricia Fernandez - Qualified

Rosanna Patricia Fernandez was admitted to practice in 1997. She was appointed to the Circuit Court in February 2015. Before her appointment, she was in private practice doing personal injury litigation. She has substantial trial experience with good legal ability and temperament. Judge Fernandez is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Hogan vacancy

Michael I. O’Malley – Qualified

Michael I. O’Malley was admitted to practice in 2005. He works for the State’s Attorney’s Office in the Civil Bureau. He has been assigned to several different areas of his office and his handled cases involved complex financial crimes. He has substantial litigation experience and has good legal knowledge and a professional demeanor. Mr. O’Malley is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Alison C. Conlon - Qualified

Alison C. Conlon was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2015. She was admitted to practice in 2000, and after a stint as a law clerk to Federal Judge Charles Kocoras, she did tort and commercial litigation for two firms: Wildman Harrold and Barnes and Thornburg. She was a partner in both firms and handled some pro bono cases. She receives high praise for her intelligence, diligence and temperament, and litigated some complex cases. She served on the hearing board for the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission and has been active in bar association activities. Judge Conlon is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Howlett vacancy

Aleksandra “Alex” Gillespie – Qualified

Aleksandra Gillespie was admitted to practice in 1993. She was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2014. Prior to her appointment she was a prosecutor with the State’s Attorney’s Office prosecuting felonies as a First Chair. She has substantial jury and bench trial and motion experience in complex cases. As a prosecutor, she was considered to be an excellent litigator, always prepared and professional. Judge Gillespie is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Thomas Maloney Cushing – Qualified

Thomas Maloney Cushing was admitted to practice in 1988 and is in private practice with Christopher Kreid and Associated doing commercial and chancery litigation. His prior experience includes being Senior Vice President at the Chicago Climate Exchange, and being a private practitioner specializing in personal injury and malpractice litigation. During that time he also acted as assisting counsel to the Shakman Decree monitor. He has substantial litigation experience in complex civil matters, and is regarded as a thoughtful, excellent attorney with a low-key demeanor. He has extensive professional and community involvement, including serving as a hearing board member for the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission. Mr. Cushing is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Johnson vacancy

Gregory Raymond LaPapa – Not Recommended

Gregory Raymond LaPapa declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Mr. LaPapa is found to be Not Recommended for election to the Circuit Court, pursuant to ISBA guidelines.

Sean S. Chaudhuri - Qualified

Sean S. Chaudhuri was admitted to practice in 2001. He owns his own general litigation firm with a concentration in family law and domestic relations. Prior to establishing his firm in 2011, he was employed at a small firm, at Chicago Title and Trust, and at Leeders and Associated where he was a partner. Mr. Chaudhuri does have jury and bench litigation experience and is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. Mr. Chaudhuri is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Mark A. Lyon – Qualified

Mark A. Lyon was licensed in 1986. He is a supervising assistant public defender for the DuPage County Public Defender’s Office. His background also includes work as a private criminal defense lawyer and seven years doing capital cases with the State Appellate Defender. He has extensive complex jury and appellate experience. He is known for his work in forensics and has received stellar marks for his skills, knowledge and level-headedness. In addition, he participates extensively in community activities. Mr. Lyon is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Carolyn J. Gallagher – Qualified
Carolyn J. Gallagher was admitted to practice in 1982. She is a sole practitioner with a varied commercial, real estate and appellate litigation practice, on both the state and federal level. She receives high marks for her legal knowledge and is considered an excellent writer and researcher. Ms. Gallagher is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Bonnie Carol McGrath – Not Recommended

Bonnie Carol McGrath declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Ms. McGrath is found to be Not Recommended for election to the Circuit Court, pursuant to ISBA guidelines.

Karnezis vacancy

Mary Kathleen McHugh – Qualified

Mary Katherine McHugh was admitted to practice in 1993. She is in private practice as a partner at Parrillo Weiss LLC, specializing in personal injury and subrogation cases with some appellate work. She has substantial civil litigation experience and is respected for her legal knowledge, diligence and professionalism. Ms. McHugh is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Devlin J. Schoop – Qualified

Devlin J. Schoop was admitted to practice in 1997. He was appointed to the Circuit Court in August 2015. Prior to his appointment he was partner with Laner Muchin where he focused on complex commercial, employment and civil rights litigation. He has authored articles and been active in pro bono and civic matters, including serving on the Hearing Board of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission. He has extensive litigation experience in complex matters and is considered to be knowledgeable and well-prepared with high integrity. Judge Schoop is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Brian J. O’Hara – Not Recommended

Brian J. O’Hara declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Mr. O’Hara is found to be Not Recommended for election to the Circuit Court, pursuant to ISBA guidelines.

Love vacancy

Brendan A. O’Brien - Qualified
Brendan A. O’Brien has been licensed since 1996. He is a partner at Hinshaw and Culbertson focusing on insurance defense and medical malpractice cases. He has considerable litigation experience and is considered to be a good and diligent attorney. Mr. O’Brien is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

O'Brien vacancy

Maureen O’Donoughue Hannon – Qualified

Maureen O’Donoughue Hannon was admitted to practice in 1991. She is a supervisor for the State’s Attorney’s Office in the Conflict Counsels Unit, where she defends Cook County offices, officials and employees in state and federal litigation. She handles complex matters and is considered knowledgeable and diligent with unquestioned integrity. She has been involved in some bar association activities. Ms. Hannon is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Palmer vacancy

Pat Heneghan – Highly Qualified

Pat Heneghan was admitted to practice in 1983. He practices in the areas of complex commercial litigation, antitrust and professional malpractice, with some appellate work, and is an equity partner at Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn, formerly known as Schopt & Weiss. He has substantial complex litigation experience in both state and federal court and has an outstanding reputation for his legal knowledge, integrity and courtroom skills. He is involved with bar association and community activities. Mr. Heneghan is found to be Highly Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Susana L. Ortiz – Qualified

Susana L. Ortiz was admitted to practice in 2001. She is a staff attorney at the Kent College of Law Legal Clinic, where she handles criminal defense cases and supervises law students. She has substantial trial and other litigation experience in complex matters and is reported to be a well-prepared, knowledgeable litigator with a good command of the law. Ms. Ortiz is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Deidre Baumann - Qualified

Deidre Baumann was admitted to practice in 1992 and owns a small firm focusing on personal injury, employment law, malpractice and general commercial litigation. She has done some appellate work and has litigated both jury and bench trials. She participates in community and bar association activities. On balance, most attorneys gave favorable marks to her litigation experience and reported that she has a good temperament. Ms. Baumann is found by be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Ruscitti-Grussel vacancy

John E. Marszalek –

John E. Marszalek withdrew his candidacy from this race.

William S. Wojcik – Qualified

William S. Wojcik was admitted to practice in 1990. He is a sole practitioner concentrating on personal injury and medical negligence litigation. He has handled a number of jury trials and some appeals. He is considered to be smart, knowledgeable and diligent. Mr. Wojcik is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Daniel Patrick Duffy – Qualified

Daniel Patrick. Duffy has been licensed in Illinois since 1995. He was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2014 after a career in private practice with a background in civil litigation, insurance defense, and defense of claims against municipalities, with some appellate experience. Attorney who have appeared before Judge Duffy consider him to be very bright and hardworking. They report that he is respectful and impartial, and his courtrooms run efficiently and fairly. Judge Duffy has been involved with both state and federal litigation over a failed business venture that resulted in the U.S. Court of Appeals issuing sanctions for what the Court termed was a frivolous appeal. The matter is apparently in the process of being settled. Judge Duffy is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Monica M. Torres-Linares – Not Recommended

Monica M. Torres-Linares declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Ms. Torres-Linares is found to be Not Recommended for election to the Circuit Court, pursuant to ISBA guidelines.

Walsh vacancy

Patrick Joseph Powers – Qualified

Patrick Joseph Powers has been licensed since 1987. He is a sole practitioner in the areas of domestic relations, real estate and criminal defense. He has some litigation experience and is a respected family law litigator known for his knowledge and diligence. Mr. Powers is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Fredrick H. Bates – Qualified

Fredrick H. Bates was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2015. Judge Bates was admitted to practice in 1983 and worked mainly in employment and labor law representing corporations, government entities and not-for-profits, including litigation experience. He also has experience as an administrative law judge, and in February 2015 he was appointed as chair of the Illinois Civil Service Commission. He is considered to be knowledgeable and diligent with great attention to detail. He is the past president of the Cook County Bar Association and has participated in bar activities. Judge Bates is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Updated Alliance grids -- as promised -- Part 3: Subcircuits 9-14

The Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening is comprised of the Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area (AABA), Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago (BWLA), Chicago Council of Lawyers (CCL), Cook County Bar Association (CCBA), Decalogue Society of Lawyers (DSL), Hellenic Bar Association (HBA), Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois (HLAI), Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA), Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago (LAGBAC), Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois (PRBA), and the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI), working collaboratively to improve the process of screening judicial candidates in Cook County, Illinois.

You may need to refer back to these abbreviations from time to time as you review the "grids" put out by the Alliance representing the results of each group's investigation of each Cook County judicial candidate (those who were willing to submit their credentials for evaluation, anyway). You'll also need this key to understand the ratings issued by each Alliance member:

Clicking on any image in this post may enlarge it or sharpen its focus depending on the device on which you are viewing this post.

Without further preface, here are the Alliance ratings of Circuit Court candidates in Subcircuits 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14:

Updated Alliance grids -- as promised -- Part 2: Subcircuits 1-7

The Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening is comprised of the Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area (AABA), Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago (BWLA), Chicago Council of Lawyers (CCL), Cook County Bar Association (CCBA), Decalogue Society of Lawyers (DSL), Hellenic Bar Association (HBA), Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois (HLAI), Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA), Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago (LAGBAC), Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois (PRBA), and the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI), working collaboratively to improve the process of screening judicial candidates in Cook County, Illinois.

You may need to refer back to these abbreviations from time to time as you review the "grids" put out by the Alliance representing the results of each group's investigation of each Cook County judicial candidate (those who were willing to submit their credentials for evaluation, anyway). You'll also need this key to understand the ratings issued by each Alliance member:

Clicking on any image in this post may enlarge it or sharpen its focus depending on the device on which you are viewing this post.

Without further preface, here are the Alliance ratings of Circuit Court candidates in Subcircuits 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7:

Updated Alliance grids -- as promised -- Part 1: Countywide judicial races

The Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening is comprised of the Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area (AABA), Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago (BWLA), Chicago Council of Lawyers (CCL), Cook County Bar Association (CCBA), Decalogue Society of Lawyers (DSL), Hellenic Bar Association (HBA), Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois (HLAI), Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA), Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago (LAGBAC), Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois (PRBA), and the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI), working collaboratively to improve the process of screening judicial candidates in Cook County, Illinois.

You may need to refer back to these abbreviations from time to time as you review the "grids" put out by the Alliance representing the results of each group's investigation of each Cook County judicial candidate (those who were willing to submit their credentials for evaluation, anyway). You'll also need this key to understand the ratings issued by each Alliance member:

Clicking on any image in this post may enlarge it or sharpen its focus depending on the device on which you are viewing this post.

Without further preface, here are the Alliance ratings of countywide judicial candidates (both for the Appellate and Circuit Courts):

CCL ratings of candidates seeking election in Subcircuits 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7

Here are the Chicago Council of Lawyers' explanations of its ratings for judicial candidates seeking vacancies in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th and Subcircuits. You can read the entire CCL report by clicking here. You can also scroll down this page for the CCL's explanations of its ratings for countywide candidates and candidates seeking vacancies in the 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th Subcircuits.

All candidates listed below are running in the Democratic Primary. There are no Republican candidates who have filed in any of the following races.

1st Subcircuit - Brim vacancy

Jesse Outlaw - Qualified

Jesse Outlaw was admitted to practice in 1980. Mr. Outlaw has been a solo practitioner in the City of Chicago for 33 years. He represents clients in real estate, divorce, probate and bankruptcy matters. He is also appointed by judges in the Probate Division to act as guardian ad litem for adult disabled people. Around 4 years ago, Mr. Outlaw joined the law firm of the Stuttley Group, LLC as an associate member. As an associate with the Stuttley Group, he represents legislators,
park district boards and school boards; when necessary, he also conducts hearings on red light violations for municipalities. Mr. Outlaw is praised for his temperament and for his diligence. He is considered an intelligent lawyer who is a zealous advocate for his clients. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Hon. Maryam Ahmad – Qualified

Hon. Maryam Ahmad was admitted to practice in 2000, and was recently appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court. She had been in private practice, a full time attorney volunteer at First Defense Legal Aid, an Assistant Cook County Public Defender, and an Assistant Cook County States’ Attorney. She is considered to have good legal ability and has a range of litigation experience. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

1st Subcircuit - Hopkins vacancy

Hon. Anthony Simpkins -- Qualified

Hon. Anthony Simpkins was admitted to practice in 1994, and was recently appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court. He had been the Deputy Commissioner for Housing Preservation for the Chicago Department of Housing since April 2007. He was Senior Counsel in the Building and Land Use Litigation Division of the Chicago Department of Law between 1997 and 2007 where he prosecuted civil litigation matters. Between 1996 and 1997, he served with the Lawyers Committee for Better Housing as a Skadden Fellow. Mr. Simpkins is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He has substantial litigation experience in complex matters both as a practitioner and as a supervisor of other lawyers. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Rhonda Crawford – Not Recommended

Rhonda Crawford failed to submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds her Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

Lisa A. Copland – Qualified

Lisa A. Copland was admitted to practice in 1997. She provides pro bono assistance through the Cook County Bar Association Free Legal Clinic, and through the Foreclosure Mediation program of the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services. She is currently a sole practitioner, and has practiced as a sole practitioner or in a small firm throughout her career. While she does not report having jury trial experience, she has substantial bench trial experience and represents individuals
in administrative hearings. She is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for her knowledge about her areas of practice. She has substantial litigation-related experience and is reported to have a good temperament. She is active in doing pro bono representation. She is hard working and a zealous advocate for her clients. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

2nd Subcircuit - Savage vacancy

Celeste Jones - Qualified

Celeste Jones was admitted to practice in 1995. She is a career attorney with the Cook County Public Guardian’s Office. She is currently a supervising attorney in the Accounts Department. From 2003 to 2007, she served as a staff attorney in this Office. From 1999 to 2003, she was the Lead Attorney in the Juvenile Division, and was an attorney doing litigation in the Office between 1995 and 1999. She is widely respected for her legal knowledge and ability. She has substantial litigation experience and has a strong background in a variety of legal issues. She is reported to have good temperament and is praised for being prepared. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Chelsey R. Robinson - Qualified

Chelsey R. Robinson was admitted to practice in 1996. She is a Partner in a small firm where she handles civil and criminal litigation matters. Her practice also includes bankruptcy and employment discrimination matters in federal court. She is widely praised for her legal ability and for her knowledge of the law. She has litigation experience in a variety of matters in both state and federal courts. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

D. Renee Jackson – Not Recommended

D. Renee Jackson failed to submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds her Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

Travis Richardson – Well Qualified

Travis Richardson was admitted to practice in 1997. He has been in private practice for most of his career, focusing on litigation matters in both state and federal courts. His litigation experience spans both civil matters and criminal defense work. He is active in community efforts, and served as a Hearing Examiner for the Chicago Board of Elections between 2010 and 2012. Mr. Richardson is considered to have excellent legal ability. He has substantial litigation experience in more complex matters and is widely praised for his professionalism, his knowledge of the law, and for his temperament. He is reported to be exceptionally hard-working and a zealous advocate for his clients. He is also reported to have demonstrated his interest in improving the legal system. The Chicago Council of Lawyers finds Mr. Richardson to be Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.

4th Subcircuit - Kunkle vacancy

Hon. Edward J. King - Qualified

Hon. Edward J. King was appointed to the Circuit Court by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2014. He was a sole practitioner and since 1988 had served as a Special Assistant Illinois Attorney General. He is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He had substantial litigation experience in more complex matters. He is praised for his temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

5th Subcircuit - Eadie-Daniels vacancy

Jameika Mangum – Not Recommended

Jameika Mangum failed to submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds her Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

Hon. Leonard Murray – Qualified

Hon. Leonard Murray was admitted to practice in 1974. He spent most of his career prior to becoming a judge as a sole practitioner. He was elected to be an Associate Judge in 2007. He is currently sitting in the First Municipal District presiding over jury trials. He presided over forcible entry and detainer cases for most of his judicial career. Since becoming a judge, he has received praise for his knowledge of the law and for his ability to manage high volume courtrooms. Lawyers note his ability and willingness to assist pro se litigants in an effective and appropriate manner. Some attorneys representing landlords report that Judge Murray favored tenants. Most attorneys say that he is fair to all parties. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

5th Subcircuit - Stuart vacancy

Hon. Freddrenna Lyle - Qualified

Hon. Freddrenna Lyle was admitted to practice in 1980. She was appointed to the Circuit Court by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2011. She was recently assigned to the Elder Law Division. Before becoming a judge, she worked in small firms and as a solo practitioner. She had substantial experience in more complex litigation matters, and was a respected practitioner. She served for 13 years as a member of the Chicago City Council. Judge Lyle is reported to be knowledgeable and is praised for her ability to manage a high volume court call. She is reported to have a good judicial temperament. The Council finds Judge Lyle Qualified for the Circuit Court.

5th Subcircuit - Williams-Hayes vacancy

Daryl J. Jones - Qualified

Daryl J. Jones was admitted to practice in 2005. Mr. Jones is a member of the Illinois Prisoner Review Board, having been appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Illinois Senate. From 2005 to 2013 he served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. He is considered to have good legal ability with a variety of experiences. The Council is concerned about the short length of time he has been a lawyer but he had substantial litigation experience as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney and is praised for the work he has done more recently. He is praised for his temperament. On balance, the Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Hon. Robin Denise Shoffner – Qualified

Hon. Robin Denise Shoffner was admitted to practice in 1990 and was recently appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court. She had been an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago Department of Law where she represented the City of Chicago and police officers in civil litigation defense. She serves as lead trial counsel. After clerking for the Hon. Glenn T. Johnson, she was an Associate with Carney and Brothers from 1992 to 1995. She then worked as an Assistant Corporation Counsel from 1995 to 1998 and then was a senior litigation associate for a small litigation firm from 1998 to 2000. From 2000 to 2007 she was litigation counsel for the AON Corporation. Judge Shoffner had substantial litigation experience in both state and federal courts. Her experience is varied including civil rights defense, commercial litigation, and torts. She is reported to have good legal ability. She is considered to be very knowledgeable and capable as an attorney. She is reported to have a low-key, professional demeanor. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court Circuit Court.

6th Subcircuit - Ponce de Leon vacancy

Eulalia “Evie” De La Rosa - Qualified

Eulalia “Evie” De La Rosa was admitted to practice in 2004. She has been a career Assistant Cook County Public Defender since 2005, and has been assigned to the felony trial division since 2009. For a year after becoming a lawyer, she worked for the Cook County Office of the Chief Judge as a staff attorney and court coordinator. She is considered to have good legal ability with substantial litigation experience, despite her relatively short career. She is praised for her
litigation skills and her temperament. She is active in community activities. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

6th Subcircuit - Santiago vacancy

Richard Cooke - Qualified

Richard Cooke was admitted to practice in 1992. He is a sole practitioner. From 1992 to 1994 he was a trial attorney for a captive insurance company law firm, and served as in-house staff counsel for CNA insurance from 1994 to 1997. Since 2008 he has operated a self-funded pro bono legal clinic – the Cooke Legal Aid Clinic. He is active in community activities. Mr. Cooke is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. He is considered to be a good lawyer who is praised for his integrity and for being exceptionally hard-working. He has substantial litigation experience in complicated matters, and his practice involves complex transactional matters that further demonstrate the analytic thinking necessary to be a good judge. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

6th Subcircuit - "A" vacancy

Hon. Anna Loftus – Qualified

Hon. Anna Loftus has been practicing law for about 15 years, and was recently appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court. She had been a partner at Hall, Prangel and Schoonveld doing medical malpractice and appellate work. She is a former Associate at Peterson & Ross. She is considered to have good legal ability and has substantial experience in litigation matters. She is praised for her temperament and her courtroom skills. The Council finds her Qualified for
the Circuit Court.

Edward J. Underhill – Qualified

Edward J. Underhill was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1984. He briefly worked for the State’s Attorney’s Office and Paul W. Grauer & Associates, but was then hired by his current firm, Madusa, Funai, Eifert & Mitchell, in 1985. Mr. Underhill focuses on business litigation and counseling and has been a partner since 1997. Mr. Underhill is considered to be a solid practitioner with good legal ability and substantial litigation experience in a variety of commercial litigation matters. He has published articles on legal topics, and is praised for his research and writing skills. He has a professional demeanor. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Carlos Claudio – Not Recommended

Carlos Claudio failed to submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds him Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

7th Subcircuit - Burrell vacancy

Hon. Marianne Jackson - Qualified

Hon. Marianne Jackson was admitted to practice in 1973. She has served as an Associate Judge since 1997 and has been assigned to the Juvenile Justice Division since 1999. Prior to becoming a judge she served as an Assistant United States Attorney and as a private criminal defense counsel. She served as a Deputy U.S. Attorney and was named Chief of the Criminal Division. As a lawyer, she had substantial litigation experience in complex matters and was praised for her litigation skills. As a judge, she is reported to possess good legal ability and to be very knowledgeable. She has a good judicial temperament and is praised for being well-prepared. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

7th Subcircuit - Rivkin-Carothers vacancy

Hon. Patricia Susan Spratt – Well Qualified

Hon. Patricia Susan Spratt was admitted to practice in 1991. She was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to the Circuit Court in 2015. From 1992 to 1995 she was an associate at a small firm doing civil litigation involving securities issues. She then became a partner as Shefsky & Froelich where she does both trial and appellate work. She is considered to have very good legal ability and her knowledge of the law is well regarded. She has written and lectured extensively, including a book on professional responsibility which is used as a source for the members of the Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Professional Responsibility on which she serves. She is considered to be a resource for research and trial tactics. She is praised for her professional demeanor. Judge Spratt had substantial experience in a variety of complex litigation matters. The Council finds her Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Christopher J. Stuart - Qualified

Christopher J. Stuart was admitted in 1985. He has been a sole practitioner for most of his career doing nationwide class actions involving primarily antitrust, whistleblower, consumer fraud, and federal securities act claims. While he has done few actual trials, his practice involves extensive motion practice in complex litigation. He is considered to have good legal ability and has substantial litigation experience in a variety of complex matters. He is reported to be hard working with a very good knowledge of the law. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Jennifer Ballard – Not Recommended

Jennifer Ballard failed to submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds her Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

Mable Taylor – Not Recommended

Mable Taylor failed to submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds her Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

Patrick John – Not Qualified

Patrick John was admitted to practice in 1998. He is currently an Associate at The Barclay Group where he focuses on family law. From 2001 to 2010 he was an Associate at a small firm and was employed by another private firm between 1998 and 2001. He has served as an associate in two private law firms since being admitted to practice. Mr. John is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. His practice includes a substantial motion practice. The Council, however, is concerned that he does not have sufficient trial experience in complex matters. On balance, the Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Rosa Maria Silva – Qualified

Rosa Maria Silva was admitted to practice in 2001. She is an Assistant Cook County Public Defender assigned to the Felony Trial Division. From 2001 to 2002 she represented clients in divorce and real estate matters. From 2002 to 2003 she served as an Assistant Will County Public Defender. She is very active in bar association and civic activities. She is reported to have good legal ability and is considered to be a hard-working defense counsel with good temperament. She has substantial litigation experience in more complex matters. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.