Chicago Bar Association findings for candidates in Subcircuits 1, 2 and 3

As reported earlier today, the Chicago Bar Association has released its ratings for candidates seeking judicial office. The CBA's complete list can be accessed from here (and there's a mobile-friendly link as well).

I've already posted the CBA's evaluations of candidates for the various countywide vacancies (the Brewer, Clay, and Dooling vacancies; the Flanagan, Hartigan, and Jordan vacancies; and the McGinnis, Rooney, Dunford, and Egan vacancies). For the CBA's evaluations of candidates seeking judicial office in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Subcircuits, read on:

1st Subcircuit

Hambright, Jr. Vacancy

LITRICIA PAYNE - QUALIFIED

Litricia Payne is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Payne, who is a resident of Cook County, was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1997 and is currently a supervisor in the felony division of the Will County Public Defender’s Office. Ms. Payne has extensive trial experience and has personally tried 44 criminal jury trials. Ms. Payne played a major role in the expansion of alternate treatment programs for defendants with mental health and substance abuse issues. Ms. Payne is thoughtful and well regarded for her knowledge of the law, extensive experience, and excellent demeanor.

ERIKA L. ORR - QUALIFIED

Erika L. Orr is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Orr was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1998 and served in public accounting for 11 years concentrating on international tax matters. Since 2011, Ms. Orr has practiced law as a solo practitioner concentrating in adoption, matrimonial and domestic violence matters. Ms. Orr is intelligent, articulate, and well regarded for her integrity and calm demeanor. Ms. Orr possesses the requisite legal knowledge and ability to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

2nd Subcircuit

Lampkin Vacancy

TIANA ELLIS BLAKLEY - QUALIFIED

Tiana Ellis Blakley is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Blakely was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2004 and is currently serving as a Cook County Assistant Public Defender in the 6th Municipal District. Ms. Blakely has extensive jury and bench trial experience and has handled complex cases involving scientific and medical evidence. Ms. Blakely is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, legal ability, and calm demeanor.

FREDRICK H. BATES - QUALIFIED

Fredrick H. Bates is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Bates was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1983 and concentrated his practice in labor and employment law. For the last fifteen years, Mr. Bates has served as a full-time Hearing Officer for several government agencies. Mr. Bates presides over complex employment cases and other substantial matters and is well regarded for his legal knowledge and ability. Mr. Bates possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

Laws Vacancy

WILLIAM H. LAWS - QUALIFIED

William H. Laws is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Laws was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1980 and is engaged in solo practice concentrating in criminal law. Mr. Laws has extensive trial experience in both the state and federal court and is well regarded for his legal knowledge, legal ability, fine demeanor, and calm temperament.

ADRIENNE ELAINE DAVIS - HIGHLY QUALIFIED

Adrienne Elaine Davis is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Davis was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1994 and has served as a Cook County Assistant Public Defender for 22 years. Ms. Davis has extensive criminal trial experience and has tried many complex cases. Ms. Davis is passionate about the law and is highly regarded for her legal knowledge, legal ability, and outstanding demeanor.

Rhodes Vacancy

TOYA T. HARVEY - HIGHLY QUALIFIED

Judge Toya T. Harvey is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Harvey was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1995 and served as a Cook County Assistant Public Defender until March 3, 2017, when she was appointed to the Circuit Court. Judge Harvey is currently assigned to the First Municipal Division where she presides over Forcible Entry and Detainer cases. Judge Harvey efficiently manages a very busy call and does an excellent job in explaining the court process to pro se litigants. Judge Harvey is hardworking, compassionate, and well regarded for her knowledge of the law, trial experience, and outstanding temperament and demeanor.

TIESHA SMITH - NOT RECOMMENDED

Tiesha Smith 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.

Turner, Jr. Vacancy

TRAVIS RICHARDSON - QUALIFIED

Travis Richardson is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Richardson was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1997 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in criminal and civil litigation. Mr. Richardson has extensive trial and court experience and is also active in community service. Mr. Richardson possesses the requisite legal knowledge and experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

IESHIA GRAY - QUALIFIED

Ieshia Gray is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Gray was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2002 and is currently working as a Cook County Assistant Public Defender. Ms. Gray has extensive court and trial experience and is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, legal ability, and fine temperament.

Willis Vacancy

DEBRA A. SEATON - HIGHLY QUALIFIED

Judge Debra A. Seaton is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Seaton was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1986. Judge Seaton’s experience includes service as an Assistant Public Defender in Kane County and Cook County and as a private practitioner concentrating in criminal law for approximately 10 years. Judge Seaton was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2017 and is well regarded for her knowledge of the law and legal experience.

SHEREE D. HENRY - QUALIFIED

Sheree D. Henry is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Henry was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1994 and served for 18 years as a Cook County Assistant Public Defender and four years with the Public Guardian’s Office. Ms. Henry is well regarded for her integrity, calm demeanor, legal knowledge, and passionate advocacy on behalf of her clients.

UBI O’NEAL - NOT RECOMMENDED

Ubi O’Neal 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.

Valarie Turner Vacancy

DEVLIN J. SCHOOP - QUALIFIED

Judge Devlin J. Schoop is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Schoop was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1997 and clerked for a U.S. District Court Judge for two years before entering private practice. Judge Schoop was appointed to the bench in 2015 and is dedicated to the law and to the legal profession. Judge Schoop is hardworking and well regarded for his knowledge of the law, extensive legal experience, and skills.

ARTHUR WESLEY WILLIS - NOT RECOMMENDED

Arthur Wesley Willis 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.

3rd Subcircuit

Delehanty Vacancy

PATRICK STANTON - QUALIFIED

Patrick Stanton is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Stanton was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1993 and clerked for a federal judge for one year. Since 1996, Mr. Stanton has worked at a national law firm handling a variety of commercial litigation cases. Mr. Stanton possesses a fine temperament and demeanor and is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal ability, punctuality and diligence.

MICHAEL HAYES - NOT RECOMMENDED

Michael Hayes 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.

KEVIN PATRICK CUNNINGHAM - QUALIFIED

Kevin Patrick Cunningham is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Cunningham was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1992 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in criminal, real estate and personal injury matters. Mr. Cunningham served as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney until entering private practice in 2001 and since 2007 he has served as prosecutor for the Village of Oak Lawn. Mr. Cunningham has considerable civil and criminal trial experience and is well regarded for his knowledge of the law and legal ability.