Caroline Patricia Jamieson: In her own words

Updated February 26, 2020.

Caroline Patricia Jamieson was a candidate for the countywide C. Sheehan vacancy. She was removed from the ballot pursuant to an order of the Illinois Appellate Court. For more about that, please see this post.

“My name is” . . . is how many of these posts begin, but I’ll get back to that . . .

First, a little bit about my background. I graduated from DePaul College of Law in 1992. While in law school, I was an Editor of the Law Review, student taught Legal Writing, received American Jurisprudence Awards in Civil Procedure and Evidence, interned with a federal judge and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, published a law review article on intellectual property rights in Illinois, and graduated in the top 10% of my class.

I joined Querrey and Harrow in 1992, working on a wide variety of cases, including, premises, automobile, common carrier, medical malpractice, construction, insurance coverage, sexual harassment and professional liability cases. At Querrey, I learned how to manage a heavy caseload, how to try a case, how to think on my feet, and how to learn by doing. I also learned the value of other people's time and that being prepared is the best tool in any litigator’s toolbox.

In 1995, I joined the litigation department at Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg, where my practice included class action and mass tort multi-district federal litigation. I handled matters in state and federal court at both the trial and appellate levels. I handled intellectual property disputes, high-stakes commercial claims, products liability litigation, insurance coverage matters, legal professional malpractice litigation, and employment litigation. I learned how to manage large-scale litigation matters while still paying attention to every detail. My success at Neal Gerber, including a national record-setting jury verdict for an injured pedestrian, was recognized when I was named litigation partner there.

In 2010, I joined the firm of Sotos Law, where I am now a partner. My practice here consists of civil rights litigation, municipal law and appellate work in federal and state court, at both the trial and appellate levels. The appellate briefs have been about employment law, appellate procedure, civil rights and Constitutional claims. My last trial was less than 2 years ago and lasted 4 weeks in federal court. Handling these cases requires a deep understanding of civil, criminal and Constitutional law. My work here reinforces the notion that there are (at least) two sides to every story, even the ones which appear most one-sided.
Based on my experience, I am ready and well-prepared for a seat on the bench.

And as for my name . . . I was born Caroline Patricia Jamieson, almost 55 years ago. When I married fellow lawyer Kevin Golden 25 years ago, I took his last name, but I did not relinquish my right to use my birth name of almost 30 years. I practice law using both names – Jamieson and Golden. I am running for judge on my own merits – not as Kevin’s wife. We have come a long way since women were required to assume their husband’s names as a sign they were chattel; my identity of 30 years did not disappear when I married. Jamieson is my name, always has been, and I am entitled to use it.

Unfortunately, one of my opponents disagrees. Maura McMahon Zeller has attacked me for using my maiden name, calling it inherently deceptive. The opposition has suggested that I am using that name to hide the fact that in the past I have represented police officers who were found guilty of misconduct. Make no mistake about it, I do represent police officers, some of whom have been found guilty of misconduct, and a great many others who have not. And the officers are not my only clients, I also represent the municipalities who employ them, protecting the interests of the taxpayers who are ultimately paying the judgments against the officers. There is nothing to hide here.

Lawyers are not who we represent. Is a public defender or criminal defense lawyer guilty of the crimes of their clients? Is a corporate lawyer who defends his clients against fraud charges also guilty of fraud? I think not. In fact, to impugn the integrity of a lawyer based on the profession of or accusations against their clients is irresponsible and violates the Illinois rules of professional conduct for attorneys. See Rule 1.2(b) (representing a client does not constitute endorsement of the client’s activities).

On that note, I believe all persons, regardless of the allegations against them, are entitled to legal counsel. In fact, it is precisely those with the most serious allegations against them, that are in most need of competent legal counsel. Some of the greatest movements in our history started as unpopular causes and when we start picking and choosing only popular causes that are deserving of our services, we do a great disservice to the advancement of our society.

I believe I am the most qualified candidate for the Sheehan vacancy. But don’t just take it from me, based on my experience, qualifications, and reputation, I earned “Highly Qualified” ratings from the Chicago Bar Association, positive evaluations from all others, and the Chicago Tribune has said I “would be a fine judge.” I look forward to earning your vote on March 17, 2020.