ISBA releases findings in countywide judicial cases - Part 2

The Illinois State Bar Association has released findings explaining its evaluations of judicial candidates for the upcoming primary. FWIW has already reported the ISBA's findings in the countywide Brewer, Clay, and Dooling races; in this post we look at the ISBA's findings for candidates seeking the Flanagan, Hartigan, and Jordan vacancies:

Flanagan Vacancy

Amanda Moira Pillsbury – Not Qualified

Amanda Moira Pillsbury has been licensed since 2004. She is a career assistant state’s attorney. She has minimal jury trial experience. Some attorneys reported that she is knowledgeable and a good litigator, while others questioned the extent of her involvement in complex matters and the depth of her experience. Opinions on her diligence and temperament were also divided between positive and negative. Ms. Amanda Moira Pillsbury is found to be Not Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Preston Jones, Jr. – Qualified

Preston Jones, Jr. has been licensed since 1995. He was appointed to the circuit court in September 2017, and is currently assigned to the Municipal Department, First District, Traffic Section. Prior to his appointment, Judge Jones was a career public defender where his assignments included Juvenile Justice, Felony Trial and Homicide Task Force. He has extensive jury and bench trial experience, including in complex cases. Attorneys gave him positive remarks, and he is considered to be very smart, zealous and professional. Judge Preston Jones, Jr. is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Keely Patricia Hillison – Not Qualified

Keely Patricia Hillison has been licensed since 1985. She is partner at Parrillo Weiss and also worked briefly at two other firms, focusing on civil litigation. She is also an arbitrator. While she is considered to be professional and pleasant, concerns were raised over the extent of her experience with complex litigation and depth and breadth of her practice, as it is reported that much of her practice consists of high-volume, simpler cases, In addition, three of her appellate briefs resulted in sanctions against her firm for frivolous appeals. She has been active in bar association activities. Ms. Keely Patricia Hillison is found to be Not Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Ioana Salajanu – Not Qualified

Ioana Salajanu was admitted in 2000. She has practiced primarily in the areas of commercial litigation and corporate law with several different firms and as solo practitioner. She is currently with Rock, Fusco & Connelly. While she is considered diligent and able, concerns were raised over her lack of any jury or bench trials, and the depth and breadth of her practice. Ms. Ioana Salajanu is found to be Not Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Hartigan Vacancy

Cecilia A. Horan – Qualified

Cecelia Horan has been licensed since 1997. She was appointed to the Circuit Court in January, 2017, and is currently assigned to the Municipal Department, First District, Traffic Section. Prior to her appointment, Judge Horan was a partner at Hinshaw & Culbertson, focusing on tort litigation, and she also handled some appeals. She is considered to be an excellent trial attorney, who handles complex cases, and to be a good listener. She has participated in bar association activities, and is the president of the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago. Judge Cecilia A. Horan is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Keith L. Spence – Not Qualified

Keith L. Spence was admitted in 1999. He is a solo practitioner focusing on criminal defense, domestic relations, and municipal law, and an administrative law judge for the Village of Matteson. He is a former attorney for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and a former administrative law judge for the Village of Dolton. Attorneys contacted during the investigation had very divergent opinions on his qualifications. Some reported that he was very professional with adequate legal knowledge, others reported that he is not diligent, is uncooperative and does not have a good demeanor. Concerns were also raised about the lack of complexity of the matters he handles. In addition, the poor quality of the answers he submitted to the Alliance questionnaire raised questions about his overall diligence. Mr. Keith L. Spence is found to be Not Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Jordan Vacancy

Clare Joyce Quish – Qualified

Clare Joyce Quish has been licensed since 2000. She was appointed to the Circuit Court in June 2016, and is currently assigned to the Municipal Department, First District, Non-jury Civil section. Judge Quish is a former law clerk to Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary Jane Theis, and did appellate and litigation work for a private firm before joining and becoming a partner at Schuyler, Roche & Crisham. She has handled complex commercial and civil litigation. Attorneys describe her as meticulous, even-tempered and to have high integrity. She has been active with bar association activities and has both lectured and written on legal topics. Judge Clare Quish is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Jerry Barrido – Qualified

Jerome Barrido has been licensed since 1999. He is a career assistant public defender, currently assigned to the Juvenile Justice Division. He has tried multiple criminal juries, including complex matters, and has substantial experience with mental health issues. He is considered to be a passionate and dedicated professional who is very knowledgeable about the law, with high character and integrity. Mr. Jerome Barrido is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Patrick Dankwa John – Qualified

Patrick Dankwa John was admitted to practice in 1998. He is an associate with Barclay Law Group, concentrating in family law and has been in private practice since being licensed. He is considered to be a diligent and skilled litigator in his area of practice, with a good temperament. Mr. Patrick Dankwa John is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.