Friday, February 28, 2020

Tribune makes endorsements in subcircuit races

The Chicago Tribune completes its judicial endorsements today with the announcement of its choices in contested Cook County Subcircuit races.

In Democratic Primary contests the Tribune made the following endorsements:

2nd Subcircuit

Sondra Nicole Denmark -- "A" vacancy

3rd Subcircuit

Regina Ann Mescall -- Flynn vacancy
Erin Haggerty Antonietti -- Murphy vacancy

6th Subcircuit

Jamie Guerra Dickler -- Nega vacancy
Anthony Lucafo -- Pantle vacancy

7th Subcircuit

Marcia O'Brien Conway -- Jackson vacancy

8th Subcircuit

Bradley R. Trowbridge -- Fleming vacancy

9th Subcircuit

Thomas M. Cushing -- Axlerood vacancy
Julie Bess Aimen -- Luckman vacancy

10th Subcircuit

Maire Aileen Dempsey -- McGing vacancy
Mary Catherine Marubio -- O'Brien vacancy

12th Subcircuit

Howard J. Wise -- Hanlon vacancy

13th Subcircuit

Susanne Michele Groebner -- Kulys Hoffman vacancy

14th Subcircuit

Gerardo Tristan, Jr. -- Bertucci vacancy
Daniel O. Tiernan -- Lacy vacancy

15th Subcircuit

Nichole C. Patton -- Griffin vacancy

And, for those of you standing by for the Tribune's choices in judicial races on the Republican primary ballot, please be advised that the Tribune supports Gary William Seyring over Angel Garcia in the 13th Subcircuit. Because that's the one and only judicial contest on the entire Republican primary ballot. (Frank R. DiFranco is running unopposed for the Republican nomination in the 12th Subcircuit. And that's the entire universe of Republican judicial candidates in Cook County.)

No countywide Circuit Court candidates on Speaker Madigan's palm card

Rich Miller had this on Capitol Fax yesterday (and an update to the post acknowledged that he was not the first to note that Kim Foxx was left off):


And, admittedly, the omission of Kim Foxx may be the bigger story. That was certainly the angle that Second City Cop played up this morning.

But, um, there's something else missing here, too: There's not one single countywide Circuit Court candidate, slated or otherwise, on this card.

Proving once again, there is slating and there is slating.

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Judge assigned to administrative duties after putting youngster in lockup

Andy Grimm has tweeted an update to his February 27 story on the on the Chicago Sun-Times website:


For now, anyway, it appears that Judge Jackie Portman-Brown locked up her 6-year old grandniece, apparently at the request of the child's mother.

According to several news outlets, Portman-Brown has been assigned to administrative duties pending a March 4 meeting of the Circuit Court Executive Committee.

Portman-Brown was elected (as Jackie Marie Portman) to a 5th Subcircuit vacancy in 2008. She did not submit her credentials for bar association screening in that election cycle. However, she did submit for screening when she ran for retention in 2014, and was found recommended for retention at that time by each of the Alliance bar groups and also by the CBA.

I found a number of what, for me, were baffling comments on Facebook -- about cowbells and 99.999999...% -- but I eventually also found a link to this largely flattering 2016 piece, by Maya Dukmasova, on the Chicago Reader website, "Cook County's most unconventional judge takes justice beyond the bench," and this explained the Facebook references.

Thursday, February 27, 2020

Welcome, voters! If you are interested in voting for judicial candidates in Cook County, please take a Democratic primary ballot

That is not a partisan request.

It is a statement of reality.

There are no Republicans running for countywide judicial office in Cook County. Not for the Supreme Court, not for the Appellate Court, not for any countywide vacancy. Out of all the subcircuit vacancies in Cook County, there are only two in which Republicans have filed and there is a primary contest in only one race.

If you, the voter, wants to have any say in who serves as a judge in this county, you must vote in the Democratic Primary on St. Patrick's Day. Because the winners of those contests will almost certainly be sworn in for full terms on the first Monday in December.

I realize that some people shy away from voting in primaries because they don't want anyone to know whether they are a Republican or a Democrat. Or maybe some people think they aren't Democrats, so they don't want to vote in a Democratic Primary.

If you are one of these, I have news for you: You don't need to "be" a Democrat, whatever that means, to vote in the Democratic Primary.

You don't even have to "be" a Democrat to be the front-runner for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination.

Photo credit: Scott Eisen/ Getty Images

Just ask Bernie Sanders.

FWIW readers already know this, of course. But think of your friends and relations who don't. Spread the word: If you want to vote for judge in Cook County, you must vote in the primary election and you must take a Democratic ballot.

Now, then, switching topics slightly -- but not entirely -- I have noticed that some would-be FWIW commenters have become downright vaporish about a person who has consorted with known Republicans, who has actually claimed to "be" a Republican (whatever that means), but who has filed to run for judge as a Democrat in the 10th Subcircuit.

Invasion! Fraud! Subterfuge!

Oh, please.

All this means is that the person in question wants to be a judge. Because there is no way for a resident of the 10th Subcircuit to become a judge unless one runs in the Democratic Primary.

At some point in the future it may be different, but right now -- in this election cycle -- in Cook County -- Republicans are irrelevant. To have any say in the affairs of our commonwealth one must participate in, not only the democratic process (small d), but also the Democratic Party (capitals intended).

With all the nervous upset about John Garrido, I'm almost afraid to mention that there is another person running in the 13th Subcircuit, as a Democrat, who actually ran for judge in the 13th Subcircuit in the 2018 primary as a Republican.

I'll pause now, whilst some of our readers fan themselves and mop their brows.

Feeling better?

Look, the explanation here is equally simple. Until 2018 no Democratic candidate had ever been elected judge in the 13th Subcircuit. In 2018 only Democrats were elected to the bench in that far northwest suburban enclave. The person in question wants to be a judge. She has determined that, at least for this election cycle, even in the northwest suburbs, the only place to go in order to achieve that ambition is the Democratic Primary.

In a one-party state (and, for now, Cook County certainly appears to qualify) everyone who wants to participate in politics must be a Party member.

We're telling voters that they have to take a Democratic ballot in order to have a say in who serves on the Cook County bench. Why are any of us surprised, then, when persons who want to serve on the bench, choose to run in the Democratic Primary?

Tribune judicial endorsements stick close to the Democratic Party slate

The Chicago Tribune began its judicial endorsements yesterday, urging readers to choose P. Scott Neville, Jr., the slated candidate of the Cook County Democratic Party, for the Supreme Court.

The paper continues its endorsements today, announcing its choices for the two Appellate Court and the 12 of the 13 countywide vacancies. (There is no contest for the Patti vacancy.)

In its editorial today, the Tribune also stays close to the Democratic Party's slate, departing from it on only three occasions. Slating is not mentioned in the editorial, however. Instead, today's editorial states that the Tribune makes its endorsements in reliance on "candidates’ ratings from the Chicago Bar Association, the Chicago Council of Lawyers, the Illinois State Bar Association and the editorial board’s own questionnaires and research."

Essentially, the Tribune seems to have disqualified anyone who did not "meet the standards of at least one bar group." In the race for the Roti vacancy, for example, the Tribune rejected the Democratic Party's slated candidate because she "was found not qualified by the Illinois State Bar Association." Former Judge Russell W. Hartigan was endorsed for the C. Sheehan vacancy because both of his opponents "received a 'not recommended' rating from at least one bar group."

In the only other race in which the Tribune departed from the Democratic Party's judicial slate, in the race for the Ford vacancy, former Judge John O'Meara's "Highly Qualified" rating from the Chicago Bar Association was apparently dispositive: "He is endorsed over Laura Ayala-Gonzalez, a supervisor in the state’s attorney’s felony trial division who also received high marks from bar groups" -- but only a "Qualified" from the CBA, not a "Highly Qualified."

Herewith, then, the Tribune's judicial selections to date:

Supreme Court

P. Scott Neville, Jr. -- Freeman vacancy

Appellate Court

Michael B. Hyman -- Neville, Jr. vacancy
John Griffin -- Simon vacancy

Circuit Court Countywide

Kerrie Maloney Laytin -- Bellows vacancy
James T. Derico, Jr. -- Coghlan vacancy
John O'Meara -- Ford vacancy
Celestia L. Mays -- Funderburk vacancy
Levander "Van" Smith, Jr. -- Larsen vacancy
Chris Stacey -- Mason vacancy
Teresa Molina -- McCarthy vacancy
Sheree Desiree Henry -- Murphy Gorman vacancy
Lloyd James Brooks -- O'Brien vacancy
Lorraine Mary Murphy -- Roti vacancy
Russell W. Hartigan -- C. Sheehan vacancy
Jill Rose Quinn -- K. Sheehan vacancy

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

38th Ward Ald. Nicholas Sposato announces judicial picks for upcoming primary


38th Ward Ald. Nicholas Sposato isn't running for Committeeman; State Sen. Rob Martwick has no opposition in that race (although he does have a contest in his bid to retain his seat in the Senate).

However, Sposato used to be Committeeman. Perhaps he got in the habit of making endorsements then. In any event, he's issued a number of endorsements for the upcoming primary, including many in judicial races.

Specifically, Sposato has endorsed Justice Jessie G. Reyes for the Supreme Court and Judge Carolyn Gallagher for the Neville, Jr. vacancy on the Appellate Court.

In other judicial races, Sposato has made the following endorsements:

Countywide

Elizabeth "Beth" Ryan -- Coghlan vacancy
Suzanne Therese McEneely -- Larsen vacancy
Jennifer Patricia Callahan -- Mason vacancy
Michael O'Malley -- McCarthy vacancy
Amanda "Mandy" Pillsbury -- Murphy Gorman vacancy
Heather Anne Kent -- O'Brien vacancy
Lorraine Mary Murphy -- Roti vacancy
James Samuel Worley -- K. Sheehan vacancy

In the race for the McGing vacancy in the 10th Subcircuit, Ald. Sposato has endorsed John Garrido.

40th Ward Ald. Andre Vasquez announces judicial primary picks


Updated February 28 to reflect additional endorsement made by Ald. Vasquez.

Ald. Andre Vasquez is not Committeeman of the 40th Ward, although he is facing off against Maggie O'Keefe for that position in the St. Patrick's Day Primary.

Vasquez has issued a number of endorsements in judicial races, however, for the upcoming primary.

As pictured above, Vasquez has endorsed Justice Nathaniel Roosevelt Howse for the Illinois Supreme Court.

In addition, Vasquez has endorsed

Countywide

Kerrie Maloney Laytin -- Bellows vacancy
Laura Ayala-Gonzalez -- Ford vacancy
Celestia L. Mays -- Funderburk vacancy
Levander "Van" Smith, Jr. -- Larsen vacancy
Chris Stacey -- Mason vacancy
Sheree Desiree Henry -- Murphy Gorman vacancy
Araceli Reyes De La Cruz -- Roti vacancy
Deidre Baumann -- C. Sheehan vacancy
Jill Rose Quinn -- K. Sheehan vacancy

Subcircuits

Brad Trowbridge -- 8th Subcircuit, Fleming vacancy

Michael Alan Strom -- 9th Subcircuit, Luckman vacancy

Jon Stromsta
-- 10th Subcircuit, McGing vacancy
Mary Catherine Marubio -- 10th Subcircuit, O'Brien vacancy

Updated grids: Filling in some of the blanks

The Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening has released updated ratings for persons seeking election to judicial office in Cook County in the March primary.

As always, my sincere thanks to Alliance Administrator Joyce Williams for sharing these with FWIW.

The Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening is comprised of the Arab American Bar Association (AABAR) (this is the newest Alliance member), the Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago (AABA), the Black Women Lawyers' Association of Greater Chicago (BWLA), the Chicago Council of Lawyers (CCL), the Cook County Bar Association (CCBA), the Decalogue Society of Lawyers (DSL), the Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois (HBA), the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois (HLAI), the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA), the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago (LAGBAC), the Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois (PRBA), and the Women's Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI), working collaboratively to improve the process of screening judicial candidates in Cook County, Illinois.

The Alliance does not include the Chicago Bar Association (CBA), which maintains its own evaluation process.

Candidates seeking screening from the Alliance must complete a lengthy questionnaire (a questionnaire that is similar to, but sufficiently different from, the separate CBA questionnaire that completion of one will not suffice for the other). Investigators are then assigned by the Alliance from any of the member groups; thus, members of Alliance groups are not necessarily involved in the vetting of any one candidate's written application -- calling references (including lawyers that have been on the other side of the candidate's cases), reviewing written submissions, and so forth. When that phase of the investigation is completed, however, and after medical waivers and ARDC (or JIB) waivers are obtained, a hearing is scheduled for the applicant. All Alliance groups are asked to participate in these hearings. Each evaluator at the hearings (representing one or more Alliance members) will have the benefit of the Alliance investigators' work, even though the investigators may not be associated with the evaluator's bar group.

So all the Alliance members start with the same investigative materials, and participate in the same candidate interviews -- but, because each group has their own evaluators present for the interviews, they do not always reach the same conclusions.

The CBA issues written findings explaining its evaluations. Two of the Alliance members, the ISBA and the CCL, issue written findings to the public as well. The other Alliance members may or may not explain their ratings to individual candidates; whether they do or do not, however, these explanations are not made public.

Much of the evaluation process is confidential. Candidates do not learn which lawyers said what about them, good or bad. Candidates and evaluators all sign promises not to disclose what is said at a candidate's interview.

Different Alliance groups give different ratings. Some Alliance groups will issue no rating other than Qualified/Not Qualified or Recommended/Not Recommended. The Chicago Bar Association issues a Highly Qualified Rating, as do some Alliance members. Others offer a Highly Recommended rating. The CCL issues positive ratings of Qualified, Well Qualified, or Highly Qualified.

As you review these grids, keep in mind that, HQ = Highly Qualified, WQ = Well Qualified, Q = Qualified, NQ = Not Qualified, HR = Highly Recommended, R = Recommended, and NR = Not Recommended.

All Alliance members automatically give an "NR" rating to candidates who do not have enough years in practice or who failed or refused to participate in the evaluation process.

Some of the squares in the grids are blank. In these cases, the association has not yet finished its rating or the candidate is appealing a rating and the appeal process is not yet complete. Some squares will be marked with the symbol 1. In these cases, the Alliance member was unable to get an evaluator, or a sufficient number of evaluators as required by its own bylaws, to a particular candidate's hearing. The reader will see many of these symbols in the AABAR column. In at least some of these cases, the Alliance may have decided, as permitted by its bylaws, to use a prior, but still recent evaluation of a candidate; it is my understanding that some of these evaluations may predate the AABAR's participation in the Alliance.

As updates become available, I will post them.

With all this firmly in mind, then, herewith the Alliance grids (click on any image to enlarge or clarify):








Now... if you want to see what the Chicago Council of Lawyers said about the Supreme Court candidates, Appellate Court candidates, countywide candidates, candidates in Subcircuits 1-6, Subcircircuits 7-10, or Subcircuits 12-15, just click on the links in this sentence.

Similarly, if you want to see what the Illinois State Bar Association about the Supreme Court candidates, Appellate Court candidates, countywide candidates, candidates in Subcircuits 1-6, Subcircircuits 7-10, or Subcircuits 12-15, click on the links in this sentence.

And, finally, if you want to go outside the grids and see what the Chicago Bar Association said about the Supreme Court candidates, Appellate Court candidates, countywide candidates, candidates in Subcircuits 1-6, Subcircircuits 7-10, or Subcircuits 12-15, just click on the links in this sentence.

Cristin Keely McDonald Duffy: In her own words

Cristin Keely McDonald Duffy is a candidate for the countywide Bellows vacancy. Her punch number is 182.


My name is Cristin Keely McDonald Duffy and I am running for the Bellow’s vacancy.

I have loved my career. For 23 years, I’ve been a Cook County State’s Attorney. I spent 14 years in the Criminal Division, including several years as a felony prosecutor, and 9 years in the Civil Division, where I am working on municipal and tax cases. I currently supervise 14 other attorneys and I am responsible for training all new hires in the Civil Division.

I am ready to further my public service by joining the judiciary. For most of my career, I have represented working men and women and advocated for them in the courtroom. I will dispense justice in a fair, even-keeled manner. I pride myself on remaining calm in tense courtroom proceedings, where people’s emotions run high.

Keen analytical and sound decision-making skills are critical to be an effective, respected judge. I have them. I am qualified to and interested in presiding over criminal or civil cases. Neither of my opponents have experience in both areas. One has been a career civil appellate lawyer. The other is a Public Defender with no civil experience.

The depth and breadth of my experience eclipses that of my opponents. I have tried hundreds of bench and jury trials. I have tried murder, sexual assault, domestic violence and many other criminal cases. I have also tried a variety of civil cases, including my signature civil trial where I won a multi-million-dollar verdict against the Chicago Bears, requiring the team to pay Cook County millions in unpaid taxes. The Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin covered the verdict in front-page articles. I have written over 30 appeals and argued in the Illinois Appellate Court 14 times.

The bar associations have rated me higher than my opponents. I have been found highly qualified by the Chicago Bar Association (“CBA”), and highly recommended by two bar associations, the Decalogue Society and the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago (LAGBAC). I was recommended or found qualified by the remaining bar associations. As part of its evaluation of me, the CBA wrote:
Cristin McDonald Duffy is "Highly Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge.... Ms. Duffy is highly regarded for her knowledge of the law, legal experience, excellent temperament, and managerial skills.
I have been endorsed by numerous organizations, including the Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization (IVI-IPO), the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge # 7, the Chicago Fire Fighters Union, Local 2, the Communication Worker’s Union, the Plumber’s Union LU 130, and Rick Garcia, the Founder of Equality Illinois, among others.

I have a strong support system. When it came time to get on the ballot, I drew on a deep well of sound personal relationships. Over 100 friends, neighbors, professional colleagues, and family fanned out across the county, securing almost three times the needed signatures. I am still humbled by their help.

I graduated from Indiana University and Loyola University Law School. For nearly 20 years, my husband, a professional liability lawyer, and I have lived in River Forest with our three children. We are active in the community. We coach youth sports and volunteer at our local schools. We also volunteer and support various local charities, including the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry, Hepzibah House, PADS Shelter, Ronald McDonald House, Misericordia, Ignite and Special Olympics.

To learn more about my candidacy, please visit DuffyforJudge2020.com. On March 17th, vote for Cristin Keely McDonald Duffy by punching No. 182!

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About that shill story on Injustice Watch....

I link to Injustice Watch from the Sidebar here.

The site grew, at least in part, from out of the former Medill Watchdog group. A few elections back, FWIW readers may recall, Medill Watchdog and WGN partnered on a series investigating whether subcircuit judges and judicial candidates were really residing in the subcircuits where they were running. Injustice Watch co-director Rob Warden was one of the founders of the Center on Wrongful Convictions at Northwestern University. The site does have a definite point of view; a commenter in the last election cycle called Injustice Watch about as neutral as Bernie Sanders' birthday party.

Whether one embraces or rejects the site's predispositions, it does good and useful work: Injustice Watch is one of the few places interested persons can go for original reporting about judges and judging in Cook County.

Sometimes, though, its reporting is of the "yes, but..." variety.

A recent case in point is John Seasly's February 14 article, "Sham candidates for judge: an election secret you’re not supposed to know about," a piece also published in the Chicago Sun-Times.

If you haven't yet read the article, please do.

Then come back.

I've read Mr. Seasly's article now several times; I am acquainted with many of the persons named in his story. And shills -- shill candidates for judge -- is perhaps the number one topic on which I have probably flushed the most comments over the years. (If it's not 1A, it's 1B.)

And some of those who submit comments here get very agitated with me when I don't repeat their accusations that so-and-so is a shill. Why do I protect these persons? they will will demand.

These always-anonymous commenters must have experienced great joy and vindication in Mr. Seasly's article.

But... did you notice?

For all the accusations that this person is a shill, or that one, and even an expression of remorse by one person in aiding and abetting a shill, no one in the article copped to being a shill. No candidate admitted recruiting a shill. The one person identified in the article as having admitted to being a shill was allegedly a shill in 2004 -- and her confession was recorded in a 2009 Abdon Pallasch Sun-Times article (linked here).

Unnamed sources are the ones who point the fingers and connect the dots in Seasly's piece -- which is no different, in my view, from anonymous commenters here hurling accusations from the shadows.

And no more reliable.

Seasly's story also quotes an anonymous "political consultant," who says that "sham candidates no longer help as much as they once did":
“The results are showing they’re not really effective, and I believe it’s a waste of time and effort and money,” the consultant says. “I think its time has come and gone.”
I see no evidence in Seasly's piece that shills have ever helped in a judicial race.

I admit that I am naive... but I have read a little.

Here's my understanding of how the use of shills might actually benefit a candidate. First, the candidate would have to be a long-time incumbent, a state representative or alderman, for example. Second, the incumbent would have to represent a district whose ethnic balance has shifted away from the incumbent.

If an incumbent in these particular circumstances finds that a candidate from the incoming ethnic group is circulating petitions, the incumbent's supporters might then recruit one or more persons with names similar to the challenger's and circulate paper for them, too.

The first priority would be to knock the interloper off the ballot. The Election Code provides a series of obstacles to fend off unwanted challengers.

Only if that fails would the shill candidates be needed to siphon some votes away from the true challenger.

But this only works with an established incumbent because only an established incumbent knows that, in a primary, he or she can count on a minimum core of x votes. This core group will come out, rain or shine, whether from force of habit, family or ethnic ties, personal loyalty, or to protect their political jobs.

Successful politicians can count. They know their likely turnout, maximum and minimum; they know the likely overall turnout. Before using shills, the incumbent has to calculate whether the challenger's support can realistically be brought down below the incumbent's core number. If so, the incumbent can use shills, along with time-honored, if not honorable, voter suppression shenanigans -- moving polling places, for example -- to tamp down the opposition.

Judicial candidates only have to win one contested primary. So there's no certain way to determine, in advance, what any judicial candidate's 'core' will be. And no judicial candidate is likely to have any say in moving polling places.

Therefore, in my opinion, any judicial candidate who invests in the recruitment of shills is wasting money. And maybe recruiting someone for the job of a lifetime to boot. Although it may not always be so, judicial candidates should be smarter than that.

And one more thing -- before branding any candidate with a Scarlet S -- one needs to look at a factor besides fundraising and campaign expenditures.

A true shill candidate would be expected to do exactly nothing in furtherance of his or her campaign. As Pallasch summarized in the 2009 Sun-Times article,
The rules are clear for ringers, if unwritten: Don’t campaign, not even a sign in your front lawn. Your job is to siphon votes from Irish women candidates really running for judge — not to win, though sometimes that happens, and then you get to be judge.
A 2018 candidate named in Seasly's article did have a campaign website, and did respond to a Law Bulletin questionnaire -- but did not submit to screening before either the Chicago Bar Association or the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening.

Both current candidates named in Seasly's article have done more than that.

Countywide candidate Bonnie McGrath (Mason vacancy) submitted an "in her own words" essay to FWIW; she obtained an endorsement from Personal PAC. She loaned her campaign $12,500 on February 4, 10 days before Seasly's article posted. McGrath did not submit her credentials for bar association screening -- but she explained why in a 2018 essay on her Chicago Now site. Heck, she has a Chicago Now website. McGrath can be found. I recall stories about columnists trying to find sham candidates in other races in the past -- with about as much success as quests for Bigfoot or the Yeti.

Appellate Court candidate Maureen O'Leary has a campaign website. She has not raised any money from anyone else, but the Illinois State Board of Elections documents that a political committee was created on her behalf on January 21, before Seasly's article ran. There are some errors in the filings, novice errors perhaps, but she has apparently put $25,000 of her own money into the campaign. More, O'Leary apparently did submit her credentials to both the CBA and the Alliance. The submission to these screenings can be described in a single sentence, but these are not minor undertakings. And whether one receives favorable ratings or not (and O'Leary did not), why would a "shill" bother to expose herself to such scrutiny?

I'm not saying Seasly is wrong; it is possible, that, despite their denials, both McGrath and O'Leary are shills. Or one may be, and the other not. A possible means of proving that Candidate A recruited Candidate B is hinted at in Seasly's article, but not followed up on: If paid circulators were used to gather signatures for either or both of these candidates, as Seasly's anonymous sources suggest, who paid them? Seasly quotes election law attorney Richard Means as saying the law requires disclosures of these kinds of expenditures. (But not every nickel must be accounted for; basically, disclosure requirements kick in when $5,000 is raised or expended in support of, or opposition to, a candidate.)

Seasly's article quotes consultant Mary Kay Dawson (another frequent subject of flushed comments here) as claiming she helped get Bonnie McGrath on the ballot for a countywide vacancy in 2016:
So Dawson hired [Rod] McCulloch to gather signatures to put another woman on the ballot: Bonnie McGrath.

“Basically, what I did was I determined that having additional women on the ballot would be helpful,” Dawson says.

She says she didn’t know who had contacted McGrath, but she paid for the signatures using money Chaudhuri had given her for consulting.
Looking at Chaudhuri's ISBE disclosures, I can't find where Chaudhuri paid money to Dawson for anything. And, according to Seasly, Dawson denies that she recruited McGrath; Dawson doesn't even know who contacted McGrath.

The 2016 race Dawson refers to was for the Johnson vacancy. There were five candidates on the ballot in this contest, three men and two women. One of the women was Bonnie McGrath; the other was the woman who won the race, Carolyn Gallagher, the same Carolyn Gallagher now running for the Appellate Court and who is quoted in Seasly's article.

If alleged shill candidates aren't the most frequent subject of flushed comments at this site, Carolyn Gallagher is.

John Seasly did another article for Injustice Watch, on January 22, about Judge Gallagher's feud with Mary Kay Dawson, "Appellate candidate’s heated letter causes stir among party members, fellow judges." Unlike the Chaudhuri records, I can find, going through the ISBE records of the now-closed Gallagher for Judge Committee, where Gallagher paid money to Mary Kay Dawson for consulting.

That doesn't mean that Dawson didn't also do something for Chaudhuri. I have been told that some consultants subcontract work out to their peers; a candidate may not know who is actually toiling on his or her behalf. I do not report this for the truth of the matter asserted; I merely acknowledge the possibility that the statements made in Seasly's article may be accurate even though a direct expenditure trail may not exist.

But... if the goal was to siphon off votes from Gallagher, in a race with three men, why stop with just McGrath? Why not scrounge up five or six colleens? Chaudhuri had a difficult ballot name, but he had, in addition to the Democratic Party's slating, a potential core of South Asian voters. For a shill game (as opposed to a shell game) to work, votes must be peeled off from the indecisive, uninformed, and uncommitted until the favored candidate's core vote can be the winning total.

Here's the thing about shills and why I haven't accused anyone of being a shill on this site: The shill accusation is a double-edged sword. It is an insult to the candidate who may or may not be a shill (who may instead have expended all his or her resources on getting on the ballot, or staying there, or who is relying on his or her name alone to carry the day, or whose campaign for whatever reason gains no traction). It also injures the candidate who is allegedly responsible for putting the shill in the race.

And that's the point of these accusations, really, to hurt the alleged recruiter.

Besides, a candidate need not be actually recruited and still have the effect of being a shill.

Let's take a non-judicial race for an example. Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx is running for reelection against three opponents, newcomer Bill Conway, Donna More, and Bob Fioretti. It does not take any special prophetic ability to predict that more Cook County voters will vote against Foxx than for her. She can only win renomination if the anti-Foxx votes don't coalesce around any one challenger. On Monday, Shia Kapos reported on Politico that, according to a recent poll, Bill Conway has pulled within striking distance. Conway's camp is sending out mailers -- I've seen two so far -- that paint Fioretti as a tool of the party bosses trying to engineer Foxx's retention.

Given Fioretti's past campaigns against Party Chair Toni Preckwinkle, you'll never have me believing that Fioretti is a shill for Preckwinkle's preferred candidate, Foxx. Fioretti and Preckwinkle are almost certainly, as Michael Sneed would say, a don't invite 'em item. On the other hand, if (and it's always a mighty big if) the poll results reported on Politico this week are correct, then a vote for Fioretti is effectively a vote for Foxx.

Moreover, a candidate might be made a shill in a race without ever being recruited or even knowing that he or she was intended to be a shill.

A person might be flattered, cajoled, or maneuvered into a race instead.

Let's take another non-judicial race as an example. I do not subscribe to conspiracy theories as a general rule. But if future historians discover that, prior to the 2016 election cycle, a certain wealthy New York socialite, interested in the Democratic presidential nomination, flattered, cajoled, or otherwise maneuvered another wealthy New York socialite to run as a Republican -- not intending that he win, mind you, but hoping he would sow confusion and dissension in the ranks of the enemy -- I would not be surprised. Maybe she used her scamp of a husband, a golf-playing, party-going buddy of the targeted New York socialite, to give the nudge.

The targeted New York socialite would never have jumped in if he understood that he was just being used as a bull in a china shop. His colossal ego would never have permitted it. But he might have been persuaded, especially if the wealthy New York socialite interested in the Democratic presidential nomination persuaded her friends and classmates in the media elite to treat the planted candidate with kid gloves, just as if he were a legitimate candidate. By the time they all realized that things had gotten totally out of control, it was too late.

Here in the real world, a person interested in running for judge necessarily has a strong enough ego to believe that he or she would do a good job if elected. Accordingly, without assurances that they'd receive real consideration in a future race, such a candidate would not be receptive to accepting the thankless, invisible role of shill. But that same judicial candidate, especially a first-time candidate, might be manipulated into choosing one race over another -- maybe there's a promise of help with petitions in this race... but not that one. There's plenty of advice available to the candidate, especially one who's willing to pay for it, but not all of the advice is necessarily well-meant. And even well-meant advice may not actually work out. Taking bad advice, or making a bad choice about which race to get into, does not make a candidate a shill. Even if the accusations eventually see the light of day.

Monday, February 24, 2020

Chicago Bar Association sponsors Supreme Court candidate forum Wednesday afternoon

Six of the seven candidates running in the primary election for the available Cook County seat on the Illinois Supreme Court have confirmed their participation in the Chicago Bar Association's Supreme Court Candidate Forum, this Wednesday, February 26, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., at the James R. Thompson Center.

The forum will be hosted by Paul Lisnek, WGN Political Analyst and Anchor of WGN’s Political Report. He will lead the candidates through a discussion on a variety of topics pertaining to the role of a Justice and the functions of the Court.

The candidates who have confirmed attendance at the forum are Illinois Appellate Court Justice Cynthia Cobbs, Daniel Epstein, Appellate Court Justice Nathaniel Howse Jr., Appellate Court Justice Margaret Stanton McBride, Supreme Court Justice P. Scott Neville Jr., and Appellate Court Justice Jesse Reyes.

In a written statement, CBA President Jesse Ruiz stated, "The Chicago Bar Association is very pleased to be hosting this candidate’s forum as a public service to help educate Illinois voters and inform the legal community about the qualifications of the candidates, their views on the operations of our state’s highest court and their vision for its future."

This event is complementary. To RSVP, or for any questions concerning the event, email events@chicagobar.org.

The CBA does not endorse any political candidate and will not endorse any of the candidates running for Illinois Supreme Court.

Liam Kelly fundraiser Thursday evening

Supporters of Liam Kelly's bid for the O'Brien vacancy in the 10th Subcircuit are planning a fundraiser for this Thursday, February 27, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., at 55 W. Monroe Street, Suite 3200.

Tickets are $100 each, but sponsorships are available (Friend - $250, Supporter - $500, Host - $1,000). Because this is an event in a private office, RSVPs are necessary. For more information, or to reserve tickets, email liamkellyforjudge@gmail.com.

Kelly has been licensed as an attorney since 2011, according to ARDC. He currently works for the Law Offices of Robert Louis Rascia, Ltd., handling criminal defense matters. He has previously worked for Steven Greenberg and Associates, Ltd.; Villalobos and Associates, P.C.; and Donald J. Angelini, Jr.

In his campaign materials he acknowledges that he has not received positive ratings from the CBA or any of the Alliance bar groups because he does not have sufficient years in practice to satisfy these groups' minimum requirements: "The rules of the Chicago Bar Association and the Alliance of Bar Associations prevent judicial candidates from being rated ‘qualified’ or ‘recommended’ unless they have been practicing for a minimum number of years (12 years and 10 years respectively). This arbitrary policy unfairly penalizes young qualified judicial candidates who have already earned sufficient professional experience to serve the public as judges."

In a year when someone is running for the Illinois Supreme Court after being a lawyer for only four years... well, who knows?

Advocates Society announces endorsements and recommendations for upcoming primary

The Advocates Society, the association of Polish-American attorneys, has issued four endorsements and several "recommendations" for the forthcoming primary.

Non-lawyers visiting FWIW for the first time may be confused.

As you scroll down the page, you'll see all sorts of posts about bar associations announcing their evaluations of candidates -- and, hopefully, you've understood that evaluations are not endorsements.

Even if they look a lot like endorsements -- Highly Recommended... Highly Qualified -- they are not.

Why aren't these endorsements?

The cynics in the room will say this is just another case of lawyers playing with words, splitting hairs, or picking nits.

But, really, the distinction is pretty easy to understand, if you think about it for a minute.

When a group endorses someone it chooses one candidate to the exclusion of all others. The endorsing group asks you, the voter, to vote for the endorsed candidate. With evaluations a group can say that everyone in a given race is just hunky-dory... or, maybe, that no one in a given race is. The group is not telling you who to vote for; it is merely giving you its opinions on the merits of each of the candidates. You the voter can take the group's opinions into account, or not, as you decide how to discharge your civic duty.

So... most of the bar associations, even most of the ethnic ones, at least those that belong to the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening, issue evaluations.

But the Advocates don't belong to the Alliance.

So the Advocates can, and do, issue endorsements.

In the forthcoming primary, the Advocates have endorsed Audrey Cosgrove for the O'Brien vacancy in the 10th Subcircuit, Jonathan Clark Green for the Fleming vacancy in the 8th Subcircuit, Kristen Lyons for the Jackson vacancy in the 7th Subcircuit, and Michael Strom for the Luckman vacancy in the 9th Subcircuit.

The Advocates have also made numerous "recommendations" for candidates seeking other vacancies. This list is taken from the Advocates website. It is largely in alphabetical order, although Araceli De La Cruz got pushed well down the list for reasons unknown to FWIW. I've taken the liberty of adding information about the races in which these candidates are running.
  • Julie Aimen, who is running against Judge Strom for the Luckman vacancy in the 9th Subcircuit;
  • Laura Ayala-Gonzalez, countywide Ford vacancy;
  • Aileen Bhandari, countywide Coghlan vacancy;
  • Hon. Lloyd Brooks, countywide O'Brien vacancy;
  • Jennifer Callahan, countywide Mason vacancy;
  • Hon. Cynthia Cobbs, Illinois Supreme Court candidate;
  • James Crawley, countywide Roti vacancy;
  • Hon. James T. Derico, Jr., countywide Coghlan vacancy;
  • Jamie Guerra Dickler, 6th Subcircuit, Nega vacancy;
  • Frank DiFranco, 12th Subcircuit, Hanlon vacancy (Republican candidate);
  • Cristin McDonald Duffy, countywide Bellows vacancy;
  • Hon. Patricia Fallon, 12th Subcircuit, Hanlon vacancy (Democratic candidate)
  • Hon. Michael Forti, unopposed candidate for the Gubin vacancy in the 8th Subcircuit;
  • Jacqueline Griffin, countywide Funderburk vacancy;
  • Hon. Sheree D. Henry, countywide Murphy Gorman vacancy;
  • Hon. Michael Hyman, Appellate Court candidate (Neville, Jr. vacancy);
  • Heather Kent, countywide O'Brien vacancy;
  • Hon. Kerrie Maloney Laytin, countywide Bellows vacancy;
  • Hon. Celestia Mays, countywide Funderburk vacancy;
  • Kelly McCarthy, countywide Coghlan vacancy;
  • Suzanne McEneely, countywide Larsen vacancy;
  • Hon. Teresa Molina, countywide McCarthy vacancy;
  • Megan Mulay, countywide Larsen vacancy;
  • Hon. John Mulroe, unopposed candidate for the Allen vacancy in the 10th Subcircuit;
  • Eileen O'Connor, 6th Subcircuit, Pantle vacancy;
  • Araceli De La Cruz, countywide Roti vacancy;
  • Hon. Jesse Reyes, Illinois Supreme Court candidate;
  • Beth Ryan, countywide Coghlan vacancy;
  • Hon. Levander Smith, countywide Larsen vacancy;
  • Christ Stacey, countywide Mason vacancy;
  • Jon Stromsta, 10th Subcircuit, McGing vacancy;
  • Hon. Daniel Tiernan, 14th Subcircuit, Lacy vacancy;
  • Hon. Tyria B. Walton, 1st Subcircuit, Crawford vacancy; and
  • Hon. Lynn Weaver Boyle, unopposed candidate for the countywide Patti vacancy.
As you will note, in several races, the Advocates are "recommending" multiple candidates. Because one can't "endorse" multiple candidates in a single race. So a recommendation is something short of an endorsement... but still a bullet point for a mailer or a door-piece.

Sunday, February 23, 2020

Grids! The Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening releases ratings of Cook County judicial candidates

The Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening has released its ratings for persons seeking election to judicial office in Cook County in the March primary.

The Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening is comprised of the Arab American Bar Association (AABAR) (this is the newest Alliance member), the Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago (AABA), the Black Women Lawyers' Association of Greater Chicago (BWLA), the Chicago Council of Lawyers (CCL), the Cook County Bar Association (CCBA), the Decalogue Society of Lawyers (DSL), the Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois (HBA), the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois (HLAI), the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA), the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago (LAGBAC), the Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois (PRBA), and the Women's Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI), working collaboratively to improve the process of screening judicial candidates in Cook County, Illinois.

The Alliance does not include the Chicago Bar Association (CBA), which maintains its own evaluation process.

Candidates seeking screening from the Alliance must complete a lengthy questionnaire (a questionnaire that is similar to, but sufficiently different from, the separate CBA questionnaire that completion of one will not suffice for the other). Investigators are then assigned by the Alliance from any of the member groups; thus, members of Alliance groups are not necessarily involved in the vetting of any one candidate's written application -- calling references (including lawyers that have been on the other side of the candidate's cases) reviewing written submissions, and so forth. When that phase of the investigation is completed, however, and after medical waivers and ARDC (or JIB) waivers are obtained, a hearing is scheduled for the applicant. All Alliance groups are asked to participate in these hearings. Each evaluator at the hearings (representing one or more Alliance members) will have the benefit of the Alliance investigators' work, even though the investigators may not be associated with the evaluator's bar group.

So all the Alliance members start with the same investigative materials, and participate in the same candidate interviews -- but, because each group has their own evaluators present for the interviews, they do not always reach the same conclusions.

The CBA issues written findings explaining its evaluations. Two of the Alliance members, the ISBA and the CCL, issue written findings to the public as well. The other Alliance members may or may not explain their ratings to individual candidates; whether they do or do not, however, these explanations are not made public.

Much of the evaluation process is confidential. Candidates do not learn which lawyers said what about them, good or bad. Candidates and evaluators all sign promises not to disclose what is said at a candidate's interview.

Different Alliance groups give different ratings. Some Alliance groups will issue no rating other than Qualified/Not Qualified or Recommended/Not Recommended. The Chicago Bar Association issues a Highly Qualified Rating, as do some Alliance members. Others offer a Highly Recommended rating. The CCL issues positive ratings of Qualified, Well Qualified, or Highly Qualified.

As you review these grids, keep in mind that, HQ = Highly Qualified, WQ = Well Qualified, Q = Qualified, NQ = Not Qualified, HR = Highly Recommended, R = Recommended, and NR = Not Recommended.

All Alliance members automatically give an "NR" rating to candidates who do not have enough years in practice or who failed or refused to participate in the evaluation process.

Some of the squares in the grids are blank. In these cases, the association has not yet finished its rating or the candidate is appealing a rating and the appeal process is not yet complete. Some squares will be marked with the symbol 1. In these cases, the Alliance member was unable to get an evaluator, or a sufficient number of evaluators as required by its own bylaws, to a particular candidate's hearing. The reader will see many of these symbols in the AABAR column. In at least some of these cases, the Alliance may have decided, as permitted by its bylaws, to use a prior, but still recent evaluation of a candidate; it is my understanding that some of these evaluations may predate the AABAR's participation in the Alliance.

As updates become available, I will post them.

With all this firmly in mind, then, herewith the Alliance grids (click on any image to enlarge or clarify):


Now... if you want to see what the Chicago Council of Lawyers said about the Supreme Court candidates, Appellate Court candidates, countywide candidates, candidates in Subcircuits 1-6, Subcircircuits 7-10, or Subcircuits 12-15, just click on the links in this sentence.

Similarly, if you want to see what the Illinois State Bar Association about the Supreme Court candidates, Appellate Court candidates, countywide candidates, candidates in Subcircuits 1-6, Subcircircuits 7-10, or Subcircuits 12-15, click on the links in this sentence.

And, finally, if you want to go outside the grids and see what the Chicago Bar Association said about the Supreme Court candidates, Appellate Court candidates, countywide candidates, candidates in Subcircuits 1-6, Subcircircuits 7-10, or Subcircuits 12-15, just click on the links in this sentence.

ISBA releases explanations of its ratings for candidates seeking election from Subcircuits 12-15

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 12th, 13th, 14th, and 15th Subcircuits:

12th Subcircuit

Hanlon Vacancy

Democratic Candidates

Patricia M. Fallon -- Qualified

Patricia Fallon has been licensed since 2001. She was appointed to the circuit court in July 2019 and currently sits in the First Municipal District – Traffic Section. From June 2017 until her appointment, she was chief of Human Resources at the Cook County Recorder of Deeds. She came to that position after spending thirteen years as an assistant state’s attorney in the Labor and Employment Unit becoming supervisor in 2015. Prior to joining the State’s Attorney’s Office, she had been a contract attorney for a law firm and for Abbott Laboratories. She has been on committees and a section council member for the Illinois State Bar Association and is a member of other bars. She has also done legal writing.

Attorneys gave favorable comments about her legal knowledge and ability, pointing to her experience in state and federal courts, diligence and good temperament. She has jury and pretrial motion experience and has handled appeals. She has appeared before several county and state agencies handling employment matters. ISBA finds Judge Patricia M. Fallon qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Howard J. Wise -- Qualified

Howard J. Wise has been licensed since 1997. He has been in private practice since 2001, currently with Howard J. Wise & Associates doing mainly criminal defense, DUI and traffic cases. From 1998 to 2001 he was an assistant state’s attorney; his assignments included Criminal Appeals, Traffic, Misdemeanors, Felony Preliminary Hearings, and Felony Review. He is a member of various bar associations.

He is considered to be smart and informed, professional and diligent. He has some jury trial experience and a lot of bench trial experience. ISBA finds Mr. Howard J. Wise qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Carmine Trombetta -- Qualified

Carmine Trombetta has been licensed since 1983. He has his own general practice: Law Office of Carmine V. Trombetta, focusing on civil matters, real estate and bankruptcy matters.

Attorneys, including adversaries, report that he is prepared, hardworking and has a good understanding of legal issues. He has some jury experience, both civil and criminal. ISBA finds Mr. Carmine Trombetta qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Republican Candidate

Frank R. DiFranco -- Qualified

Frank R. DiFranco has been licensed since 1987. From 1987 to 1995 he was an assistant state’s attorney where his assignments included Appeals, Traffic, Night Narcotics, and Felony Trial. Since 1995 he has been in private practice currently as the principal with DiFranco and Associates, focusing on criminal defense and civil cases. He is a member of some bar associations, has lectured to law enforcement officers and high schools, and is on the board of the Standing Tall Foundation.

Attorneys generally reported that he is very competent and diligent and represents his clients with great zeal. There were some mixed comments on temperament with some stating that he has a good temperament, while a few felt he could be argumentative at times. He has both civil and criminal jury trial experience and substantial criminal bench trial experience. ISBA finds Mr. Frank R. DiFranco qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

13th Subcircuit

Kulys Hoffman Vacancy

Democratic Candidates

Joe Gump -- Qualified

Joe Gump was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1987. He was a career assistant public defender who recently retired from that office. After spending eleven years in the Appeals Division, he moved to Felony Trial in the Third Municipal District (Rolling Meadows). He has also handled real estate matters. He served in many leadership positions in AFSCME Local 3315, the public defenders’ union, including president, vice-president, chief steward, and as a bargaining committee member. He is considered to be a strong advocate and an experienced trial attorney who gets good dispositions for his clients.

Attorneys and judges reported that he writes well and has excellent research skills, is sensitive to diversity and even keeled. A few indicated that at time punctuality was an issue, though others attributed any issues there to the number of cases and nature of the job. He has substantial trial experience, including in complex matters, and also handled many appeals hear in his career. ISBA finds Mr. Joe Gump qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Matt Flamm -- Qualified

Matt Flamm has been admitted to the Illinois bar since 1978. Since 2018 he has been president and attorney at Flamm & Teibloom, LLC handling real estate, tax, business, and election law matters. Prior to that he was in private practice, both with his own and other business, real estate and tax law firms. He has been active with bar associations including serving on committees for the Chicago Bar Association and the Chicago Council of Lawyers, and also serving as associate editor to the Illinois State Bar Association’s State and Local Taxation Committee. He is also the Palatine Township democratic committeeman.

Attorneys report that he is knowledgeable, prepared and a critical thinker; he was referred to as the ‘go to guy’ in the real estate tax field who submits well-written briefs. He has civil jury and bench trial experience in various county and federal courts and has handled appeals as well. ISBA finds Mr. Matt Flamm qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Michael Harry Minton -- Not Qualified

Michael Harry Minton has been licensed since 1971. He is currently a partner at the Minton Firm handling domestic relations and civil matters. He has worked in various civil firms during his career. He is a member of several bar associations and active with Hope Learning Academy.

Attorneys report that he is an honest and experienced advocate. Concerns were raised, however, about the depth and breadth of his recent experience, his diligence and his lack of jury trial and recent complex litigation experience. ISBA finds Mr. Michael Harry Minton not qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Susanne Michele Groebner -- Qualified

Susanne Michele Groebner has been licensed since 2000. She is a career prosecutor first with Cook County and for the past few years in McHenry County. Her assignments in Cook County included Juvenile Justice, Child Support and Felony Trials in the Third Municipal District (Rolling Meadows).

She has extensive criminal jury trial experience and attorneys reported that she has a thorough knowledge of legal concepts, is well prepared, honest, and impartial. ISBA finds Ms. Susanne Michele Groebner qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Michael P. Gerber -- Highly Qualified

Michael Perry Gerber was admitted in 1980. He was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2016 and reappointed in 2019. He is currently assigned to the Third Municipal District (Rolling Meadows). Prior to his appointment, he spent over thirty years as an assistant state's attorney after a short stint in private practice and as an assistant public defender. As a prosecutor, he had extensive criminal jury trial experience; he was cited, however, several times for improper closing arguments. As a judge, attorneys report that he makes thoughtful rulings, is very knowledgeable, researches the law and runs his courtroom efficiently. Judge Gerber is found to be highly qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Republican Candidates

Angel Garcia -- 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. Angel Garcia was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2011 and has less than the minimum ten years of experience required for a judicial candidate. Mr. Angel Garcia is found to be not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Gary William Seyring -- Qualified

Gary William Seyring has been licensed since 1998. He has been a private practitioner since with his own practice: Law Offices of Gary Seyring, focusing on various areas of civil law including domestic relations, real estate, probate and estate planning, and business law. He has taught at Roosevelt University, been active on committees with the Chicago Bar Association and the Northwest Suburban Bar Association and assisted military families with tax preparation through a pro bono program. He is on the board of the Illinois Youth Soccer Association.

He is considered to be a well-prepared litigator with good writing skills. He has a diverse clientele and is patient and calm. He has substantial civil trial experience including in complex matters. ISBA finds Mr. Gary William Seyring qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

14th Subcircuit

Bertucci Vacancy

Gerardo Tristan, Jr. -- Qualified

Gerardo Tristan, Jr. was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2002. He was appointed to the Circuit Court in January 2019 and is currently assigned to the First Municipal District – Traffic Section. At the time of his appointment he had been an assistant state’s attorney for most of his career with assignments in Child Support, Juvenile Justice and Felony Trial. He is on the board of the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois, has been a committee member for the Illinois State Bar Association and is a member of other legal groups.

He has substantial criminal jury and bench trial experience. Attorneys reported that he is very organized with a great demeanor and specifically noted his proficiency in the technological aspects of courtroom litigation. ISBA finds Judge Gerardo Tristan, Jr. qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Steve Demitro -- Not Recommended

Steve Demitro declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Mr. Steve Demitro is found to be not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Lacy Vacancy

Daniel O. Tiernan – Highly Qualified

Daniel O. Tiernan has been licensed since 1995. He was appointed to the circuit court in February 2019 and then named an associate judge in January 2020. He is currently assigned to the First Municipal District – Traffic Section. At the time of his appointment he was an investigator for the Office of the Cook County Inspector General where he had been employed since January 2016. Earlier in his career he was an assistant state’s attorney from 1995 to 2007 when he went into private practice with Delgado & Tiernan. As a private practitioner he handled criminal, probate, real estate, and immigration matters. He is a member of various bar associations and has been involved in community activities.

He has substantial criminal jury and bench trial experience and has also handled appeals. Attorney described him as being well versed in pretrial and trial procedure, diligent and professional with an excellent temperament. ISBA finds Mr. Daniel O. Tiernan highly qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Perla Tirado -- Not Qualified

Perla Tirado was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2005. Since 2016 she has been supervising attorney at Beyond Legal Aid, a non-profit legal services provider focusing on criminal, traffic, immigration, and family law. Before that she was in private practice and also was an assistant public defender for two years. She is a past board member of the Puerto Rican Bar Association, has been involved in community activities on immigration issues, and has spoken on legal topics.

While attorneys praised her demeanor, intelligence and passion, there were concerns about her lack of jury trial and complex litigation experience. ISBA finds Perla Tirado not qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

15th Subcircuit

Griffin Vacancy

Heather Mulligan Begley -- Qualified

Heather Mulligan Begley has been licensed since 2003. She is currently as associate at Cunningham, Meyer and Vedrine handling mainly medical malpractice defense cases. She has worked for several other civil litigation firms and also had her own practice. She has written for the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, is a member of several bar associations and is active in her local community.

She has civil jury and pre-trial motion experience. She was praised by attorneys for her diligence, professionalism, knowledge, integrity, and level-headedness. ISBA finds Ms. Heather Mulligan Begley qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Nichole C. Patton -- Qualified

Nichole C. Patton has been licensed since 1997. She was appointed to the circuit court in June 2018 and currently sits in the County Division. At the time of her appointment she was an assistant state’s attorney in the Special Prosecutions Bureau – Mental Health Unit. She initially worked as a prosecutor from 1996 until 2001 serving in Juvenile, Appeals and Traffic. From 2001 until returning to the States’ Attorney’s Office in 2010 she worked for Liberty Mutual Insurance Co.; for a firm handling medical malpractice cases; and then in her own solo general practice. She is on the Board of Managers for the Chicago Bar Association and is active with other community organizations.

Attorneys reported that she is knowledgeable about the law, well prepared and is fair with a good temperament. She has some jury trial experience. ISBA finds Ms. Nichole C. Patton qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

ISBA releases narrative explanations of its evaluations of candidates seeking election from Subcircuits 7-10

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.