Part 2 of the CBA's findings in countywide judicial races

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 Flanagan, Hartigan, and Jordan vacancies follows immediately:

Flanagan Vacancy

AMANDA MOIRA PILLSBURY - QUALIFIED

Amanda Moira Pillsbury is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Pillsbury was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2004 and has served as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney since her admission. Ms. Pillsbury is currently assigned to the Felony Trial Division and has extensive jury and bench trial experience. Ms. Pillsbury has a calm demeanor and possesses the legal knowledge and experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

PRESTON JONES, JR. - HIGHLY QUALIFIED

Preston Jones, Jr. is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Jones was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1994 and is currently serving as a Cook County Assistant Public Defender assigned to the Homicide Task Force at the Criminal Court. Mr. Jones has extensive trial experience and is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal ability, work ethic, and outstanding temperament.

KEELY PATRICIA HILLISON - QUALIFIED

Keely Patricia Hillison is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Hillison was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1985 and has concentrated her practice in personal injury and insurance defense matters. Ms. Hillison has trial and appellate experience and is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, legal experience, diligence, and calm demeanor.

IOANA SALAJANU - NOT RECOMMENDED

Ioana Salajanu is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Salajanu was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2000 and is currently practicing law with a small firm concentrating her practice in corporate Law, commercial real estate, and intellectual property matters. Although Ms. Salajanu has been practicing law for 17 years, the scope of her practice and court experience is limited. At this point in her career, Ms. Salajanu does not possess the requisite depth and breadth of legal experience to effectively serve as a judge.

Hartigan Vacancy

CECILIA A. HORAN - QUALIFIED

Cecilia A. Horan is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Horan was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1997 and is currently a partner at Hinshaw & Culbertson. Ms. Horan has worked with the Hinshaw firm her entire career and concentrates in complex tort litigation and insurance defense matters. Ms. Horan is well versed in the law and has had substantial litigation experience. Ms. Horan is active in the legal profession and possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

KEITH L. SPENCE - NOT RECOMMENDED

Keith L. Spence is “Not Recommended” for the office of Associate Judge. Mr. Spence was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1999 and is currently a sole practitioner concentrating in family law, criminal and real estate law. Mr. Spence’s failure to disclose personal litigation along with concerns about his diligence, punctuality, knowledge of the law, and legal ability resulted in a “Not Recommended” finding. Mr. Spence needs to address these concerns.

Jordan Vacancy

CLARE QUISH - QUALIFIED

Judge Clare Quish is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Quish was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2000 and was appointed to the Circuit Court in June 2016. Judge Quish served as a law clerk for Justice Mary Jane Theis for 6 ½ years before entering private practice where she handled civil litigation and appeals. Judge Quish has served in the Circuit Court’s Traffic and Municipal Divisions and has efficiently presided over both bench and jury trials. Judge Quish is hardworking, diligent, and well regarded for her knowledge of the law and excellent temperament.

JERRY BARRIDO - QUALIFIED

Jerry Barrido is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Barrido was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1999 and is currently serving as a Cook County Assistant Public Defender in the Juvenile Justice Division. Mr. Barrido has extensive experience in criminal and juvenile law and has tried numerous bench and jury cases. Mr. Barrido is hardworking and well regarded for his knowledge of the law, diligence, and fairness.

PATRICK DANKWA JOHN - NOT RECOMMENDED

Patrick Dankwa John 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.