Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this vacancy.
This contest was profiled in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.
Thomas Peter Kougias - #241
Video Interviews: NTNM, Sonny Hersh Election Special
Bar Association Evaluations
The Chicago Bar Association says:
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.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Thomas Peter Kougias was admitted to practice in 1988. He is currently in private practice doing criminal law defense work. He served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for most of his career, leaving the Office in 2012. Mr. Kougias has had substantial litigation experience, but the Council is concerned that he has not distinguished himself as a prosecutor. Many lawyers say that he lacks sufficient trial management skills to become a judge and some lawyers say that he is not always punctual. The Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
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.Other Bar Association Evaluations:
| Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area | Not Recommended |
| Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago | Not Recommended |
| Cook County Bar Association | Recommended |
| Decalogue Society of Lawyers | Not Recommended |
| Hellenic Bar Association | Recommended |
| Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois | Not Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Not Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Not Recommended |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Not Recommended |
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Jerry Esrig - #242
Campaign Website
Tribune Questionnaire
Video Interviews: NTNM, Sonny Hersh Election Special
Bar Association Evaluations
The Chicago Bar Association says:
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.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Hon. Jerry A. Esrig was admitted to practice in 1978 and was first appointed to the Circuit Court by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2013. He lost a Primary election in 2014. He was appointed to the Circuit Court by the Illinois Supreme Court for another interim term in 2014. He currently sits in the First Municipal District hearing a variety of cases. Prior to becoming a judge, he was a Partner with a small firm, focusing on sophisticated personal injury and commercial litigation matters. Mr. Esrig was an accomplished litigator with substantial litigation experience in a variety of complex matters. He was active in pro bono matters, as well. He was praised for his litigation skills, as well as for his professionalism and integrity. He was considered to have excellent legal ability and is always well-prepared. Mr. Esrig was a highly respected practitioner and a role model for younger lawyers. As a judge, he is reported to have good courtroom management skills, and is praised for his judicial temperament when dealing with both seasoned attorneys and pro se litigants. He is contributing written work to the Judicial Benchbook (a judicial handbook) now being prepared on credit card debt, the City of Chicago Landlords and Tenants Ordinance, Subrogation, and Guaranties. The Council finds him Highly Qualified for the Circuit Court.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
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.Other Bar Association Evaluations:
| Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area | Recommended |
| Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago | Recommended |
| Cook County Bar Association | Recommended |
| Decalogue Society of Lawyers | Recommended |
| Hellenic Bar Association | Recommended |
| Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
Endorsements
Chicago Tribune
Chicago Federation of Labor
Jewish Chicago
Personal PAC
United Hellenic Voters of America
Indo-American Democratic Organization
Chicago Federation of Labor
Jewish Chicago
Personal PAC
United Hellenic Voters of America
Indo-American Democratic Organization
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