In the 12th and 13th Subcircuits, as you will note, there are some Republican candidates as well as Democratic ones. Only in races where one or more persons filed in both primaries have I bothered to supply party identification. If no party affiliation is indicated, the candidate is running in the Democratic Primary.
New voters, or new primary voters, must remember that, in Cook County, in this election cycle, as in the last several at least, nearly all judicial elections are determined, not in November, but in the Democratic Primary.
9th Subcircuit - Berman vacancy
THOMAS PETER KOUGIAS -- QUALIFIED
Thomas Peter Kougias is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Kougias was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1988 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in criminal defense work. Mr. Kougias served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney from 1991-2012 and has extensive criminal trial experience. Mr. Kougias is well regarded by his adversaries and the judges before whom he appears. Mr. Kougias possesses the requisite legal knowledge, experience, and qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
JERRY ESRIG -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED
Jerry A. Esrig is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Esrig was admitted to practice law in 1978 and has been in private practice for 35 years. Mr. Esrig has extensive experience in personal injury, commercial, and construction litigation. Mr. Esrig is well regarded by his peers and the judges he has appeared before for his knowledge of the law and legal ability. Mr. Esrig has served as an adjunct professor and NITA instructor and is involved in various civic activities.
10th Subcircuit – Howard vacancy
COLLEEN REARDON DALY -- QUALIFIED
Colleen Reardon Daly is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Daly was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1996 and served for 13 years as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney before entering private practice six years ago. Ms. Daly has extensive experience in handling felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile law cases. In addition, Ms. Daly has administrative law experience before the Police Review Board. Ms. Daly has a passion for the law and is well regarded for her fine temperament and knowledge of civil and criminal law.
EVE MARIE REILLY -- QUALIFIED
Eve Marie Reilly is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Reilly was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1997 and has served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for the past 17 years. Ms. Reilly has a broad range of practice experience that includes many bench trials, several jury trials, and extensive appellate experience. Ms. Reilly has argued cases in both the Illinois Appellate and Illinois Supreme Courts. Ms. Reilly has good experience and is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, extensive appellate experience, and fine temperament.
MICHAEL JOHN MALATESTA -- QUALIFIED
Michael Malatesta is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Malatesta was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2002 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in personal injury and civil litigation matters. Mr. Malatesta has extensive trial experience and is well regarded for his legal knowledge and outstanding temperament.
RICHARD “RICK” CENAR -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED
Richard G. Cenar, Jr. is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Cenar was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1986 and was in private practice concentrating in criminal defense work before becoming an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney, where he has served for the past twenty-seven years. Mr. Cenar has extensive criminal trial experience and has also had civil trial experience in his earlier work involving child protection. Mr. Cenar is well regarded by his adversaries and the judges before whom he has appeared for his excellent demeanor, legal knowledge, ability, and commitment to public service.
11th Subcircuit 11 - Kelly vacancy
MARC MARTIN -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED
Marc W. Martin is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Martin was admitted to practice law in 1987 and concentrates his practice in criminal law, appellate practice, and civil forfeiture. Mr. Martin has extensive trial and appellate practice experience and has authored and published several legal articles. Mr. Martin is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal ability, integrity, and excellent temperament.
JAMES Di CHRISTOFANO -- NOT RECOMMENDED
James Di Christofano 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.
CATHERINE ANN SCHNEIDER -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Catherine Ann Schneider is “Not Recommended” for the office of Associate Judge. Ms. Schneider was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1994 and is currently the Supervising Attorney for the Coordinated Advice and Referral Program for Legal Services. Prior to her current position, Ms. Schneider had varied experience in private practice and in public service law. While Ms. Schneider has an outstanding record of public service work, at this stage of her career she lacks the depth and breadth of court experience to serve as an Associate Judge.
11th Subcircuit 11 - Zwick vacancy
WILLIAM B. SULLIVAN -- QUALIFIED
Judge William B. Sullivan is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Sullivan was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1992 and was engaged in the solo practice of law for 22 years before his appointment in 2015 to the Circuit Court. Judge Sullivan is currently assigned to the First Municipal Division of the Circuit Court and is well regarded for his work ethic, fine temperament, and knowledge of the law.
12th Subcircuit 12 – Kazmierski, Jr. vacancy
Democratic Candidates
LOUIS GEORGE APOSTOL -- QUALIFIED
Louis G. Apostol is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Apostol was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1980 and has 33 years of experience, most recently as Executive Director of the Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB). Mr. Apostol has extensive practice experience and is well regarded by his peers. Mr. Apostol also served as a Judge on the Court of Claims and possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
MARGUERITE ANNE QUINN -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED
Judge Margarite Quinn is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Quinn was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1986 and was appointed an Associate Judge in 2007. Judge Quinn is currently assigned to the Second Municipal District and presides over domestic violence and criminal cases. Judge Quinn has managed both civil and criminal trial calls and is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, judicial ability, and fine temperament.
JENNIFER E. BAE -- QUALIFIED
Jennifer E. Bae is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Bae was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1997 and is engaged in private practice concentrating in criminal defense work. Ms. Bae is an experienced practitioner and possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
FRANK J. ANDREOU -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED
Frank Andreou is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Andreou was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1995 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in personal injury, commercial and employment litigation matters. Mr. Andreou has extensive practice and trial experience and is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal ability, and fine temperament.
Republican Candidate
THOMAS W. FLANNIGAN -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Thomas W. Flannigan is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Flannigan was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1983 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in civil litigation matters. While Mr. Flannigan has varied court experience, at this stage of his career he does not possess the depth and breadth of legal experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
12th Subcircuit 12 - Mathein vacancy
Democratic Candidates
JANET CRONIN MAHONEY -- QUALIFIED
Janet C. Mahoney is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Mahoney was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1987 and serves as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney assigned to the Criminal Appeals Division. Ms. Mahoney has extensive appellate practice experience and is highly regarded by her peers for her knowledge of the law and excellent demeanor.
ADAM SCOTT MATHEIN -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Adam Mathein is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Mathein was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1997 and is a partner in his own firm concentrating in insurance law and subrogation matters. While Mr. Mathein has a high volume practice with considerable experience in arbitration, his knowledge and practice experience is in a narrow field of law and his court experience is limited. It is recommended that Mr. Mathein obtain additional practice and court experience which would better equip him for service as a Circuit Court Judge.
Republican Candidate
JAMES LEONARD ALLEGRETTI -- QUALIFIED
James L. Allegretti is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Allegretti was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1978 and is engaged in private practice concentrating in personal injury, workers’ compensation, criminal, and traffic reinstatement hearings. Mr. Allegretti is well rounded in the law and possesses the requisite legal knowledge and experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
12th Subcircuit 12 - Tristano vacancy
Democratic Candidate
CARRIE HAMILTON -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED
Carrie E. Hamilton is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Hamilton was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1996 and has served as Assistant United States Attorney for the past 13 years. Ms. Hamilton is currently serving as a Deputy Chief in the Public Corruption and Organized Crime Section of the U.S. Attorney’s office. Ms. Hamilton has tried a number of complex jury cases and is highly regarded for her integrity, knowledge of the law, legal ability and outstanding demeanor and temperament.
Republican Candidate
DAVID STUDENROTH -- QUALIFIED
David Studenroth is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Studenroth was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1987 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in criminal matters. Mr. Studenroth has extensive trial experience and is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal ability, diligence, and excellent temperament.
12th Subcircuit - "A" vacancy
Democratic Candidates
JAMES EDWARD HANLON, JR. -- QUALIFIED
James Edward Hanlon, Jr. is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Hanlon was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1984 and worked as an associate and partner at a large Chicago law firm concentrating in commercial litigation. In 2000, Mr. Hanlon became an equity partner at another large firm where he worked until 2007. From 2007-2009, Mr. Hanlon was engaged in the solo practice of law concentrating in commercial litigation and criminal misdemeanor matters. In 2009, Mr. Hanlon became Director of Client Services for Novus Law, LLC, where his duties included e-discovery, document review, and management analysis. Mr. Hanlon is well rounded in the practice of law and has considerable experience in complex commercial litigation matters. Mr. Hanlon has a fine temperament and possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
ALLAN W. MASTERS -- QUALIFIED
Judge Allan W. Masters is “Qualified” to serve as a Circuit Court Judge. Judge Masters was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1967 and was appointed to the bench in 2001-2005. Judge Masters has a fine demeanor and possesses the requisite legal knowledge and experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
Republican Candidates
ALEX KAPLAN -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Alex Kaplan 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.
STEVEN A. KOZICKI -- QUALIFIED
Steven A. Kozicki is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Kozicki was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1985 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating primarily in criminal defense work. Mr. Koziciki has extensive jury and non-jury trial experience and is well regarded for his legal knowledge, ability, and thoughtful demeanor.
13th Subcircuit 13 – Fecarotta, Jr. vacancy
Democratic Candidate
KETKI “KAY” STEFFEN -- QUALIFIED
Judge Ketki Shroff Steffen is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Steffen was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991 and was first appointed to the Circuit Court in 2010. Judge Steffen served on the bench for two years and presided over traffic, civil and criminal domestic violence cases. From 2013 to November 2015, she served as an Administrative Law Judge Arbitrator for the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. Judge Steffen was reappointed to the Circuit Court in 2015 and is currently assigned to the First Municipal District where she presides over forcible detainer cases. Judge Steffen is diligent and highly regarded her knowledge of the law, judicial ability and integrity.
Republican Candidates
KEVIN MICHAEL O’DONNELL -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Kevin M. O’Donnell is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. O’Donnell was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1988 and has been a solo practitioner concentrating in real estate, wills, trusts and probate matters. While Mr. O’Donnell has practiced law for 28 years, his limited court experience would make it difficult for him to effectively serve as a judge.
GARY W. SEYRING -- QUALIFIED
Gary W. Seyring is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Seyring was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1978 and has practiced in a small firm or as a solo practitioner for 35 years. Mr. Seyring, who is also a Certified Public Accountant, concentrates his practice in probate, estate planning, real estate, and general business matters. Mr. Seyring has an even temperament and is well regarded by his peers for his knowledge of the law. Mr. Seyring is also involved in pro bono and public service work.
14th Subcircuit - Murphy vacancy
MATTHEW LINK -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Matthew Link 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.
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