Saturday, February 20, 2016

CBA evaluations of candidates in Subcircuits 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7

Here are the Chicago Bar Association's evaluations of candidates seeking judicial office in Cook County Subcircuits 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7. I'll have the rest of CBA's subcircuit candidate evaluations up in the near future. See the CBA Green Guide for the CBA's evaluation of all 2016 Cook County judicial candidates.

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 -- NOT RECOMMENDED

Jesse Outlaw declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association’s governing resolution for the JEC, is automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED.

MARYAM AHMAD -- QUALIFIED

Maryam Ahmad is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Ahmad was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2000 and was engaged in private practice for several years before becoming an Assistant Cook County Public Defender in 2004. Ms. Ahmad served as a trial attorney with the Cook County Public Defender’s office until 2007 when she became an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Ms. Ahmad is currently assigned to the Felony Trial Division at the George Leighton Criminal Court. Ms Ahmad is well regarded by her peers and adversaries for her knowledge of the law, excellent legal ability and trial skills, work ethic, compassion, and commitment to public service.

1st Subcircuit - Hopkins vacancy

ANTHONY E. SIMPKINS -- QUALIFIED

Anthony Simpkins is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Simpkins was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1994 and worked for several years for the Lawyers Committee for Better Housing. In 1997, Mr. Simpkins became an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago and served as Litigation Supervisor, Senior Municipal Prosecutor in the Law Department’s Building and Land Use Litigation Division. Since 2007, Mr. Simpkins has served as Deputy Commissioner in the City of Chicago’s Department of Community Development. Mr. Simpkins is well regarded by his peers for his knowledge, legal ability, fine temperament, and commitment to public service.

RHONDA CRAWFORD -- NOT RECOMMENDED

Rhonda Crawford declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association’s governing resolution for the JEC, is automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED.

LISA A. COPLAND -- NOT RECOMMENDED

Lisa Copland declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association’s governing resolution for the JEC, is automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED.

2nd Subcircuit - Savage vacancy

CELESTE K. JONES -- NOT RECOMMENDED

Celeste K. Jones is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Jones was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1995 and has served in a variety of positions in the Cook County Public Guardian’s Office her entire career. Since 2007, Ms. Jones has served as Supervisory Attorney in the Accounts Department where her duties include: preparing and filing annual accounts, income tax returns, ensuring payment of real estate taxes, and other duties for people under the supervision of the Public Guardian’s Office. Ms. Jones’ career in public service is exemplary, however; her limited court experience coupled with her narrow area of practice would make it difficult for her to effectively serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

CHELSEY R. ROBINSON -- QUALIFIED

Chelsey R. Robinson is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Robinson was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1996 and is engaged in private practice concentrating in criminal law, divorce, and personal injury matters. Ms. Robinson has a varied practice which includes trial experience. Ms. Robinson is also involved in community and philanthropic organizations. Ms. Robinson possesses the requisite depth and breadth of experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

D. RENEE JACKSON -- NOT RECOMMENDED

D. Renee Jackson declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association’s governing resolution for the JEC, is automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED.

TRAVIS RICHARDSON -- QUALIFIED

Travis Richardson is “Qualified” to serve as a Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Richardson was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1997 and is a partner in the firm of Richardson & Mackoff. Mr. Richardson has extensive civil and criminal trial experience in a variety of courts. Mr. Richardson is also actively involved in community service and bar association work. The circumstances involving Mr. Richardson’s past censure and several collection/contract lawsuits were thoroughly reviewed. Mr. Richardson possesses the depth and breadth of legal experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

4th Subcircuit - Kunkle vacancy

EDWARD J. KING -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED

Judge Edward J. King is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge King was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1981 and had extensive practice experience before his appointment to the bench in 2014. Judge King’s experience includes private practice and service as an Assistant Chicago Corporation Counsel and as an Assistant Illinois Attorney General. Judge King is currently assigned to Traffic Court and is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, judicial ability, dedication to justice, and outstanding temperament.

5th Subcircuit – Eadie-Daniels vacancy

JAMEIKA MANGUM -- NOT RECOMMENDED

Jameika Mangum declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association’s governing resolution for the JEC, is automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED.

LEONARD MURRAY -- QUALIFIED

Judge Leonard Murray is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Murray was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1974 and was appointed an Associate Judge in 2007. Judge Murray presides over a high volume courtroom and is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, integrity, good management skills, judicial demeanor, and fine temperament.

5th Subcircuit - Stuart vacancy

FREDDRENNA M. LYLE (D) QUALIFIED

Judge Freddrenna Lyle is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Lyle was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1980 and was appointed to the Circuit Court in December 2011. Judge Lyle has been assigned to a number of high volume courtrooms and has efficiently and effectively managed these calls. Judge Lyle has adapted well to her assignments and is qualified to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

5th Subcircuit - Williams vacancy

DARYL JONES -- NOT RECOMMENDED

Because the candidate was an active member of the Judicial Evaluation Committee at the beginning of this election year, the committee is required to automatically find him “NOT RECOMMENDED”.

ROBIN DENISE SHOFFNER -- NOT RECOMMENDED

Judge Robin Shoffner is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Shoffner was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1990 and has experience in private practice and in the government and corporate sectors. Judge Shoffner was appointed to the Circuit Court of Cook County in 2014 and has served primarily in the Circuit Court’s Traffic Division. Judge Shoffner is currently assigned to the Fourth Municipal Division. Lawyers who have appeared before Judge Shoffner expressed concerns about the judge’s knowledge of the law, work ethic, fairness, and judicial temperament and demeanor.

6th Subcircuit – Ponce De Leon vacancy

EULALIA “EVIE” DE LA ROSA -- QUALIFIED

Eulalia De La Rosa is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. De La Rosa was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2004 and is currently serving as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender in the Felony Trial Division. Ms. De La Rosa has extensive trial experience and is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, excellent demeanor, and commitment to public service.

6th Subcircuit – Santiago vacancy

RICHARD C. COOKE -- QUALIFIED

Richard C. Cooke is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Cooke was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1992 and is a solo practitioner concentrating in real estate law, personal injury, and civil Litigation. Mr. Cooke is articulate and well regarded for his knowledge of the law, dedication, and fairness.

6th Subcircuit - "A" vacancy

ANNA LOFTUS -- QUALIFIED

Anna Maria Loftus is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Loftus was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1998 and concentrates her practice in medical malpractice defense. Ms. Loftus has a fine demeanor and possesses the requisite legal knowledge and experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

EDWARD J. UNDERHILL -- QUALIFIED

Edward J. Underhill is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Underhill was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1984 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in commercial litigation, appellate practice, and arbitration matters. Mr. Underhill has extensive litigation experience in complex commercial cases and is well regarded for his legal knowledge, work ethic, and commitment to public service.

CARLOS CLAUDIO -- NOT RECOMMENDED

Carlos Claudio declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association’s governing resolution for the JEC, is automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED.

7th Subcircuit - Burrell vacancy

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.

7th Subcircuit – Rivkin-Carothers vacancy

PATRICIA “PAT” S. SPRATT -- QUALIFIED

Patricia S. Spratt is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Spratt was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991 and concentrates her practice in business and commercial litigation and green initiative programs. Ms. Spratt is well regarded by her peers and by the judges before whom she has appeared. Throughout her career, Ms. Spratt has been actively involved in public service work. Ms. Spratt has a fine temperament and possesses the depth and breadth of legal knowledge and experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

CHRISTOPHER J. STUART -- QUALIFIED

Christopher Stuart is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Stuart was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1985 and is currently in private practice concentrating in complex litigation matters. Mr. Stuart has both trial and appellate experience and possesses the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

JENNIFER BALLARD -- NOT RECOMMENDED

Jennifer Ballard declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association’s governing resolution for the JEC, is automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED.

MABLE TAYLOR -- NOT RECOMMENDED

Mable Taylor declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association’s governing resolution for the JEC, is automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED.

PATRICK D. JOHN -- NOT RECOMMENDED

Patrick John declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association’s governing resolution for the JEC, is automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED.

ROSA SILVA -- QUALIFIED

Rosa Marie Silva is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Silva was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2001 and is currently serving as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender in the Felony Trial Division. Ms. Silva has had extensive criminal trial experience and possesses the requisite legal knowledge, ability, and experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

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