ISBA releases findings in countywide judicial races - Part 3 of 3

The Illinois State Bar Association has released findings explaining its evaluations of judicial candidates for the upcoming primary. For the ISBA's findings in the countywide Brewer, Clay, and Dooling races, click here; for the ISBA's findings in the countywide Brewer, Clay, and Dooling races, click here. Read on for the rest of the ISBA's findings in countywide races:

McGinnis Vacancy

Peter Michael Gonzalez – Qualified

Peter Michael Gonzalez has been licensed since 1994. He was appointed to the Circuit Court in November, 2017, and is currently assigned to the Municipal Department, First District and Traffic section. Prior to his appointment, Judge Gonzalez was a sole practitioner with a general practice focusing on criminal defense, domestic relations, employment and immigration law. Prior to opening his practice, he was an assistant public defender and an administrative law judge for the Illinois Department of Employment Security. He has some criminal jury trial experience, and both criminal and civil bench trial experience. Most attorneys gave positive feedback on his legal knowledge; a few did have some concerns about his diligence as an attorney. He has been active in both bar association and community activities and engaged in pro bono work. Judge Peter Michael Gonzalez is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Brian Terrence Sexton – Qualified

Brian Terrence Sexton was admitted to the bar in 1987. Prior to opening his solo practice in 2016, he was a career assistant state’s attorney. He was Chief of the Narcotics Bureau from 2010-2016, prior assignments included Gang Crimes and Felony Trial. He currently focuses on criminal defense. He has extensive jury and bench trial experience, including in complex and high-profile cases, and has trained both police officers and prosecutors. The majority of attorneys and judges interviewed consider him to be extremely knowledgeable, punctual and diligent. While most report him to be professional, concerns were raised by some over what they considered to be bullying and demeaning treatment of defendants and witnesses as a prosecutor. There have been at least three cases from 1997-2001 where an appellate court found that improper comments had been made during trial; as a prosecutor has been sued four times, although he was dismissed out in three (one is currently pending). In general, most opposing attorneys interviewed felt he would be fair and impartial. Mr. Brian Terrence Sexton is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Bradley R. Trowbidge - Qualified

Bradley R. Trowbridge has been licensed since 2000. He has had his own law practice since 2003 handling domestic, chancery, probate, and criminal matters. He also serves as an appointed guardian ad litem and teaches at The John Marshall Law School. He previously worked for several agencies including the Legal Assistance Foundation, and is a mediator and arbitrator. He has not tried a jury trial and has handled many bench trials and evidentiary hearings. Attorneys consider him to be professional, civil and fair. Mr. Bradley R. Trowbridge is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Rooney Vacancy

Jack Hagerty – Qualified

Jack J. Hagerty was admitted to the bar in 1990. He is a partner at Taft, Stettinus and Hollister, focusing on labor, civil rights and FINRA matters. He has not litigated a jury trial to conclusion and has limited bench trial experience. He is considered to have very good legal knowledge, and to seek out creative resolutions prior to trial. He is thought of as professional, and has handled complex matters in both state and federal court. He has been active in bar association and charitable activities. Mr. Jack J. Hagerty is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Mable Taylor – Not Recommended

Mable Taylor declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Ms. Taylor is found to be Not Recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

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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 Council and other Alliance members. These are the ISBA's findings with respect to these two candidates:

Dunford Vacancy

Thomas F. McGuire – Qualified
Thomas F. McGuire was admitted in 2000. He has been a sole practitioner since 2013, when he opened his practice after working as an assistant state's attorney and with the Office of the Chief Judge. He concentrates on criminal defense matters. Prior to becoming an attorney he was in the Naval Reserves. He has experience with criminal jury and bench trials. Attorneys gave comments regarding his knowledge of the law ranging from solid to outstanding, and he is considered to be effective, professional and personable. He is active in his church and community. Mr. Thomas McGuire is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Egan Vacancy
Rosa Maria Silva – Qualified

Rosa Maria Silva has been licensed since 2001. She currently works in the Felony Trial Division of the Public Defender’s Office. She also spent a year in private practice doing divorce and real estate, and from 2002 to 2003 she worked for the Will County Public Defender. She has substantial criminal litigation experience including many jury trials and complex cases and gets high marks for her legal knowledge, ability, diligence, and organizational skills. She is also active in bar association and civic activities. Ms. Rosa Maria Silva is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.