Concluding the CBA's evaluations of countywide candidates

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 will get to all of the CBA's ratings in the near future. I've already posted the CBA's evaluations of candidates for the countywide Brewer, Clay, and Dooling vacancies; the CBA's findings for candidates seeking the Flanagan, Hartigan, and Jordan vacancies can be found here. For the rest of the CBA's evaluations of countywide candidates:

McGinnis Vacancy

BRIAN TERRENCE SEXTON - HIGHLY QUALIFIED

Brian Terrence Sexton is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Sexton was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1987 and served as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney for 30 years before entering private practice. Mr. Sexton has extensive court experience and has tried many complex criminal cases. Mr. Sexton is highly regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal experience, and excellent demeanor.

PETER MICHAEL GONZALEZ - QUALIFIED

Peter Michael Gonzalez is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Gonzalez was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1994 and is a sole practitioner concentrating in criminal defense matters. Mr. Gonzalez has extensive trial and bench experience and possesses the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

BRADLEY TROWBRIDGE - QUALIFIED

Bradley Trowbridge is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Trowbridge was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2000 and for the past 12 years has served as a sole practitioner concentrating in family law. Prior to opening his own law firm, Mr. Trowbridge worked in the field of legal aid and served as an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago. Mr. Trowbridge has had many bench trials and a small number of jury trials. Mr. Trowbridge is well regarded for his integrity and excellent demeanor and possesses the requisite legal knowledge and experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

Rooney Vacancy

JACK J. HAGERTY - HIGHLY QUALIFIED

Jack J. Hagerty is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Hagerty was admitted to practice law in 1990 and is currently practicing with a large law firm concentrating in complex civil litigation matters in state and federal court. Mr. Hagerty is highly regarded by his colleagues and adversaries for his diligence, knowledge of the law, outstanding temperament, and commitment to community.

MABLE TAYLOR - NOT RECOMMENDED

Mable Taylor is “Not Recommended” for the office of Associate Judge. Ms. Taylor was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1994 and since her admission has been a sole practitioner concentrating in criminal, personal injury, wrongful death, workers’ compensation, probate, election, and family law matters. Ms. Taylor does not possess the requisite legal knowledge to effectively serve as an Associate Judge.

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In addition to these vacancies, there are two countywide vacancies which will be uncontested. In both cases, however, the candidates were evaluated by the Chicago Bar Association. These are the CBA's findings with respect to these two candidates:

Dunford Vacancy

THOMAS F. MCGUIRE - QUALIFIED

Thomas F. McGuire is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. McGuire was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2000 and is a sole practitioner concentrating in criminal defense and transportation law. Mr. McGuire has extensive experience in criminal law and is highly praised for his work ethic, fine temperament, knowledge of the law, and legal ability.

Egan Vacancy

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.