CBA releases evaluations of candidates seeking judicial office in the 2016 primary

The Chicago Bar Association has released its Green Guide for the March 2016 primary. That's a link to the guide in the preceding sentence. I'll have the contents of the CBA's evaluations for all of the Circuit Court vacancies in upcoming posts.

But, first, some stats: Of the 83 candidates seeking judicial positions in Cook County this year, 14 were found "highly qualified" by the CBA Judicial Evaluation Committee, 44 were found "qualified," and 25 were found "not recommended."

Of the 25 "not recommended" candidates, 16 -- roughly 19% of the total number of candidates -- were automatically so found because they refused to participate in the CBA's screening process. One, Daryl Jones, was found "not recommended" because he was a member of the CBA JEC when he decided to launch his judicial bid; he had to resign from the committee and was not eligible for evaluation.

Both candidates for the Appellate Court -- there are two vacancies, both uncontested -- were found "highly qualified" by the CBA JEC. Both of these candidates are running as Democrats; there are no Republicans who have filed for the Appellate Court vacancies in Cook County. Here are the CBA evaluations of the two candidates for the Appellate Court in the upcoming primary:

FOR JUDGE OF THE ILLINOIS APPELLATE COURT (Epstein)

EILEEN O’NEILL BURKE -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED

Judge Eileen O’Neill Burke is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. Judge Burke was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1990. Judge Burke was elected a Circuit Court Judge in 2008 and is currently assigned to the Law Division's Commercial Calendar. Judge Burke is highly regarded for her knowledge of civil, criminal and appellate law, work ethic, diligence, and outstanding demeanor and temperament.

FOR JUDGE OF THE ILLINOIS APPELLATE COURT (Quinn)

BERTINA E. LAMPKIN -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED

Justice Bertina Lampkin is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. Justice Lampkin was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1974 and served as an Associate Judge from 1987-1992; a Circuit Court Judge from 1992-2009; and was appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2009. Justice Lampkin has exceptional trial experience and has made a flawless transition to the Illinois Appellate Court. Justice Lampkin is highly regarded for her knowledge of the law, work ethic, integrity, compassion, and dedication to the justice system.