The Illinois State Bar Association has released its narrative explanations of the ratings issued to candidates seeking judicial offices in Cook County in the upcoming primary.
The ISBA's full report can be
accessed from this page of the ISBA website. (Note to any Downstate readers who may happen across this post, ISBA evaluations of Downstate judicial candidates can also be obtained
starting at that same page.) For more about how ISBA evaluations are conducted, see
this post.
These are the ISBA's evaluations of candidates seeking vacancies in the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th Subcircuits:
7th Subcircuit
Jackson Vacancy
Owens “Joe” Shelby -- Qualified
Owens “Joe” Shelby has been licensed since 2007. Aside from a brief period as assistant counsel to the Speaker of the Illinois House, he has been a career assistant state’s attorney currently assigned to a felony courtroom in the Fourth Municipal District (Maywood). He has been treasurer of the National Black Prosecutors Association – Chicago Chapter, and is active with the NAACP – Chicago Westside Chapter.
Attorneys generally reported that he has solid legal knowledge and ability and knows how to apply the law to the facts. He is considered to be respectful of all with solid character. He has some criminal jury trial experience, though attorneys reported not necessarily in very complex matters. ISBA finds Mr. Owens Shelby
qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Marcia O’Brien Conway -- Qualified
Marcia O’Brien Conway was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1984. She was an assistant state’s attorney from 1993 until 2018. Her assignments included Real Estate Tax Division, Corporate Transactions and Chancery. Prior to her employment with the State’s Attorney’s Office, she had been a sole practitioner handling real estate matters, and both a consulting attorney and an associate attorney with Winston and Strawn handling commercial litigation and real estate cases. She was a member of the River Forest Plan Commission from 1995 to 2008; is a member of various bar associations; and is active in community affairs. She has civil litigation experience and attorneys report that she has excellent legal knowledge citing her ability to reduce complicated issues into manageable parts. She is considered
to be professional and compassionate. ISBA finds Ms. Marcia O’Brien Conway
qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Pamela Reaves-Harris -- Qualified
Pamela Reaves-Harris has been licensed since 1992. Since 2017 she has been the special assistant for Legal Affairs for the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development. From 2015 to 2017 she served as the state representative for the 10th District and sat on the Civil Judiciary Committee. Before her election she had been in private practice for eleven years and had also held several positions with Citibank, including associate/assistant, president/compliance officer. While
in private practice, she also served as an administrative law judge for Chicago, Maywood and Broadview. She has been active in community affairs.
Attorneys reported that she is smart, knowledgeable, a quick learner, and fair. Although some concerns were raised about her lack of litigation experience, she was well-respected as an administrative law judge and attorneys stated that she keeps up with the law. ISBA finds Ms. Pamela Reaves-Harris
qualified to serve as a judge 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. Mable Taylor is found to be
not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Kristen Marie Lyons -- Not Recommended
Kristen Marie Lyons declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Ms. Kristen Marie Lyons is found to be
not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
8th Subcircuit
Fleming Vacancy
Jonathan Clark Green -- Qualified
Jonathan Clark Green was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1986. He is currently a supervising attorney with the Corporation Counsel’s Office for Chicago doing civil litigation. He is also the liaison city attorney for the Civilian Office of Police Accountability in court proceedings. Prior positions have included time in private practice, including doing business law in Belgium; serving on the legal staff for the Illinois House of Representatives; and as an assistant attorney general; and a fellowship with the American Society of International Law. He is active with several bar associations, including serving as current First Vice President (and incoming President) of the Advocates Society. He is active in the community and is an advisory member to the board of the Little City Foundation.
Some attorneys contacted during the investigation reported that he is capable, competent, civil, and fair; a few expressed concerns over ongoing discovery issues in federal court in civil rights cases with the City’s Law Department, and his role and responsibility concerning those issues. He has handled several civil juries as lead counsel. ISBA finds Mr. Jonathan Clark Green to be
qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Bradley R. Trowbridge -- Qualified
Bradley R. Trowbridge has been licensed in Illinois 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 has taught at The John Marshall Law School. He previously worked for several agencies included the Legal Assistance Foundation and is a mediator and arbitrator. He has published articles, volunteered with First Defense Legal Aid, and was president of the Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women’s Network.
Attorneys consider him to be professional, civil and fair. ISBA finds Mr. Bradley R. Trowbridge
qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Gubin Vacancy
Michael A. Forti -- Qualified
Michael A. Forti has been licensed since 1980. He was first appointed to the Circuit Court in 2016, reappointed in 2018 and became an associate judge in January 2020. He is currently assigned to Domestic Relations. Prior to his appointment, from 2012-2015, he was the chief counsel for the Illinois Department of Transportation. Earlier in his career, he was Deputy Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago Law Department, and a partner at Bell Boyd & Lloyd.
Attorneys report that he has good legal knowledge, considers matters thoughtfully, is even keeled and treats all equally. Judge Michael A. Forti is found to be
qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
9th Subcircuit
Axlerood Vacancy
Pamela “Pam” Stratigakis -- Qualified
Pamela Stratigakis was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2001. In August 2019, after spending sixteen years as an assistant state’s attorney, she joined Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith as a partner handling insurance defense for medical malpractice cases. As an assistant state’s attorney, her assignments included Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Division, Child Support, Narcotics, and Felony Review. She has spoken on legal topics and internet safety, is a member of several bar associations, and is on the board of the North Suburban Bar Association.
She has substantial criminal jury and bench trial experience. Attorneys praised her legal knowledge and ability, her diligence, demeanor, and professionalism. ISBA finds Ms. Pamela Stratigakis qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Thomas M. Cushing -- Qualified
Thomas M. Cushing has been licensed since 1988. He was appointed to the circuit court in June 2019 and is currently assigned to Domestic Violence. Prior to his appointment he had been ‘of counsel’ to Christopher Kreid & Associates since 2010. Before joining that firm, from 2006 to 2010 he had been senior vice president at the Chicago Climate Exchange. He also had his own practice for many years before that handling professional and municipal liability matters. He was assisting counsel on the Shakman Decree case. He has taught trial practice, written and spoken on legal matters; was a hearing board member for the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission; and a volunteer with Chicago Volunteer Legal Services.
He has extensive civil jury and bench trial experience in both state and federal courts. Attorneys universally praised his experience, diligence and demeanor; he is considered to be well-versed in evidence. ISBA finds Judge Thomas M. Cushing
qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Ira I. Silverstein -- Not Qualified
Ira I. Silverstein was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1985. He is a sole practitioner focusing on domestic relations, real estate and guardianship. From 1999 to 2018 he was a state senator in the Illinois Legislature representing the Eighth District. He was chair of the Illinois Senate Judiciary Committee and a member of both the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission and the Holocaust and Genocide Commission.
While some attorneys gave positive comments about his diligence and knowledge, concerns were raised about the depth and breadth of his legal experience and his lack of litigation experience. In addition, a harassment complaint filed against him in 2017 resulted in a finding by the Inspector General that his conduct was unbecoming for a legislator, with a recommendation for ethics counseling. ISBA finds Mr. Ira I. Silverstein
not qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Timothy Patrick Carter -- Qualified
Timothy Patrick Carter has been licensed since 1995. He has been in private practice since 2012 currently with Carter & Opdyke, PC focusing on criminal defense. From 1996 to 2012 he was an assistant state’s attorney serving in the Appeals, Traffic, Juvenile, and Felony Trial divisions. He has been a moot court judge, is a member of several bar associations and is a past president of the Northfield Bar Association.
He has extensive jury and bench trial experience including in complex matters. He is well-respected for his legal knowledge and ability, integrity and professionalism. He treats all with respect and is fair and diligent. ISBA finds Mr. Timothy Patrick Carter
qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Luckman Vacancy
Thomas Peter Kougias -- Not Qualified
Thomas Peter Kougias was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1988. He worked as an assistant state’s attorney from 1992 until 2012 and has been in private practice since 2012 focusing on criminal defense and traffic cases. He is a member of some bar associations.
While attorneys report that he is an experienced criminal litigator with good legal knowledge, some concerns were raised about his lack of civil experience, organizational skills and temperament. ISBA finds Mr. Thomas Peter Kougias
not qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Julie Bess Aimen -- Highly Qualified
Julie Bess Aimen has been licensed since 1984. She is a sole practitioner primarily in criminal defense, family law and civil rights matters. Prior to opening her practice, she did criminal appeals for the Office of the State Appellate Defender. She has taught and lectured at law schools, is a past president and board members of the Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers/Illinois Attorneys for Criminal Justice, and a past board member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. She has also been an arbitrator for Cook County.
Attorneys and judges highly praised her legal knowledge and ability. She is considered to be diligent and straightforward. She has substantial pre-trial motion, jury and bench trial experience, both criminal and civil, in complex matters. ISBA finds Ms. Julie Bess Aimen
highly qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Michael Alan Strom -- Qualified
Michael Alan Strom has been licensed since 1977. He was appointed to the circuit court in January 2019 and is currently assigned to the First Municipal District. From October 2014 until his appointment, he was a staff attorney in the Legal Research Division, Office of the Chief Judge. Prior to that, he was a civil litigator concentrating on tort cases, both with his own practice and as a partner in a firm. He is a board member and past president of the Decalogue Society of Lawyers and has been a speaker and author on legal topics. He was a founding member of the Chicago Coalition for Law Related Education.
He has extensive experience as a trial lawyer in civil matters and is respected by other attorneys for his knowledge, ability, diligence, and professionalism. ISBA finds Judge Michael Alan Strom
qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Basileios “Bill” Foutris -- Qualified
Basileios “Bill” Foutris has been licensed since 2000. Since 2005 he has been a sole practitioner with Foutris Law Office, Ltd. where he represents plaintiffs in civil rights and police misconduct civil litigation matters. Prior to opening his own firm, he was an associate and a contract attorney with two other civil litigation firms. He is a member of several bar associations and does pro bono work through his practice.
He has substantial civil jury and bench trial experience in both state and federal courts and has handled some high-profile cases as well as some appeals. Most attorneys generally reported that he a formidable opponent respected for his knowledge. A few attorneys interviewed felt that at time he took advantage of less-experienced colleagues in resolving disputed and was not always easy to work with; some attributed any such issues to his passion for his clients. ISBA finds Mr. Basileios Foutris
qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
10th Subcircuit
Allen Vacancy
John G. Mulroe -- Qualified
John G. Mulroe has been licensed since 1988. He was appointed to the circuit court in June 2019 and is currently assigned to the First Municipal District – Traffic Section. After starting his legal career as an assistant state’s attorney, he opened his own practice handling probate and real estate matters and also serving as an arbitrator and hearing officer. He was elected to the Illinois State Senate from the 10th District in 2020 and chaired the Judiciary Committee. He resigned from that position upon his appointment as a judge. He is a member of various bar associations and is active in community affairs.
Attorneys reported that he is a knowledgeable and well-rounded attorney who treats all with respect. He has both jury and bench trial experience and has handled appeals. ISBA finds Judge John G. Mulroe
qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
McGing Vacancy
John Garrido -- Not Recommended
John Garrido declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Mr. John Garrido is found to be
not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Jon Stromsta -- Qualified
Jon Stromsta was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1985. He was an associate and partner with Ross & Hardies doing civil litigation from 1985 to 1997 after which he moved to the Teamsters Central States Funds dealing with employee benefits issues. He was a solo practitioner for four years then moved to the Office of the State Appellate Defender, handling appeals and post-conviction matters. After that he practiced family law with David Pasulka & Associates until 2010 when he became a partner with Enterprise Law Group when he currently practices. He has taught at Loyola University School of Law and held leadership positions in community organizations. He is a member of various bar associations and has served as a courtroom facilitator in Domestic Relations assisting pro se parties.
He is considered by attorneys to be very smart and trustworthy, with a good demeanor and a higher than average understanding of various areas of law. He has jury trial experience. ISBA finds Mr. Jon Stromsta
qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Maire Aileen Dempsey -- Qualified
Marie Aileen Dempsey has been licensed since 2002. She is currently a partner at Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd. handling medical malpractice defense litigation involving hospitals and health care professionals. Before joining her current firm, she was an associate at several other medical malpractice defense firms. She is a member of several bar associations, has been a volunteer with the Legal Assistance Foundation, and currently assists refugees through the Syrian Community Network.
She has substantial civil jury and bench trial experience, as well as in depositions and pretrial motions. She is known to be prepared and professional, with a good demeanor. ISBA finds Ms. Maire Aileen Dempsey
qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
O'Brien Vacancy
Daniel Alexander Trevino -- Qualified
Daniel Alexander Trevino has been licensed since 1999. He was appointed as an associate judge in June 2018 and is currently assigned to Domestic Relations. Before his appointment, he spent his entire career as an associate and then partner at Hinshaw & Culbertson where he concentrated on products liability transportation litigation. He is a past president of the Hispanic Lawyers Association, served as a commissioner of the Illinois Medical District, has spoken on legal topics, and been a community volunteer.
Attorneys praised him for his character, impartiality, extensive knowledge of the law, and his ability to handle complex litigation. ISBA finds Judge Daniel Alexander Trevino
qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
John Hourihane -- Qualified
John Hourihane has been licensed since 1998. Since being licensed he has practiced with a variety of firms handling commercial litigation. In 2018, he founded John Hourihane, Jr. Ltd, concentrating on complex commercial matters and business counsel. He is also ‘of counsel’ to Brotschul Pott, LLC. He is an at-large members of the board of Lurie Children’s Surgical Foundation, Inc. and is a member of some bar associations.
Attorneys generally reported that he has good legal knowledge and ability, is efficient, fair, and even tempered. He has civil litigation experience and has handled some appeals. ISBA finds Mr. John Hourihane
qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Audrey Victoria Cosgrove -- Qualified
Audrey Victoria Cosgrove was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1990. She is currently the deputy chief legal counsel for the Illinois Lottery, a position she took after serving as deputy chief legal counsel for the Illinois Department of Labor. After obtaining her license, she initially spent nine years as an assistant public defender where her assignment included Child Protection and Felony Trial. She then operated her own practice for nineteen years, handling criminal defense, juvenile, real estate, traffic, and family law cases while serving as an administrative law judge for several state agencies. She is currently secretary and incoming first vice president of the Advocates Society and has been president of the Pulaski-Elston Business Association; volunteers with the National Immigrant Justice Center; and is active in other community organizations.
Attorneys report that she is very knowledgeable, a good litigator, has experience in various areas of law, and is both diligent and ethical. She has both jury and bench trial experience. ISBA finds Ms. Audrey Victoria Cosgrove qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Mary Catherine Marubio -- Highly Qualified
Mary Catherine Marubio has been licensed since 1997. She was appointed as an associate judge in 2016 and is currently assigned to the Pretrial Division at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse after previously sitting in Domestic Relations. From 1997 to 2012 she had her own firm handling criminal defense and immigration cases in both state and federal courts. In 2012 she joined the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, first as a prosecutor and then as an administrative law judge. She is president of the Alliance of Illinois Judges, a board member of the Illinois Judges Association and the American Civil Liberties Union and was involved in pro bono work as an attorney.
Attorneys report that she has a keen intellect, is a hard worker and has a good temperament. She has substantial jury and bench trial experience. ISBA finds Judge Mary Catherine Marubio
highly qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Liam Kelly -- Not Recommended
Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, any candidate who has less than the minimum ten years of experience required for a judicial candidate shall be given a rating of not recommended. Timothy Liam Kelly was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2011 and has less than the minimum then years of experience required for a judicial candidate. Mr. Timothy Liam Kelly is found to be
not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
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