Wednesday, February 19, 2020

CBA candidate evaluations in Subcricuits 1-6

The Chicago Bar Association today released its evaluations of candidates for judicial positions in the upcoming primary. The CBA's process and criteria are explained in this post. The CBA's complete findings and explanations of those findings may be found by following this link.

The CBA says that 104 candidates are seeking Circuit Court positions. Of these, 91 were screened by the CBA. The 13 candidates who did not submit to screening were automatically found "Not Recommended" according to CBA JEC governing bylaws. Ten of the 91 who were screened were also found "Not Recommended."

On the other hand, the CBA Judicial Evaluation Committee found 13 Circuit Court candidates "Highly Qualified" and 68 other candidates "Qualified."

This post will look only at the CBA's ratings of candidates running in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 6th Subcircuits.

1st Subcircuit

Brooks Vacancy

KRISTA D. BUTLER -- NOT RECOMMENDED

Krista D. Butler declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association’s governing resolution for the JEC, is automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED.

Crawford Vacancy

TYRIA B. WALTON -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED

Judge Tyria B. Walton is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Walton was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1997 and served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender until her appointment to the Circuit Court in 2019. Prior to her appointment to the bench, Judge Walton had extensive criminal trial experience and served on the Public Defender’s Murder Task Force. Judge Walton is currently assigned to Traffic Court and to the Eviction Court. Judge Walton is active in her community and serves as a mentor for children and young adults in the Englewood community. Judge Walton is highly regarded for her knowledge of criminal law, legal ability, calm demeanor, and excellent temperament.

2nd Subcircuit

A Vacancy

SONDRA NICOLE DENMARK -- QUALIFIED

Sondra N. Denmark is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Denmark was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2004 and served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for 2 ½ years. Since 2008, Ms. Denmark has served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Will County. Ms. Denmark resides in Cook County and previously served as a part-time hearing officer for the Village of Matteson. Ms. Denmark has trial experience and is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, fine demeanor, and excellent temperament.

FELICIA H. SIMMONS-STOVALL -- NOT RECOMMENDED

Felicia H. Simmons-Stovall is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Simmons-Stovall was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1996 and is currently employed as an enforcement attorney in the Department of Securities, Illinois Secretary of State’s Office. Ms. Simmons-Stovall has extensive administrative law experience but lacks the depth and breadth of practice and court experience to effectively serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

CHELSEY R. ROBINSON -- QUALIFIED

Chelsey R. Robinson is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Robinson was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1996 and is currently in private practice concentrating in criminal and family law. Ms. Robinson has a wide range of practice experience and is well regarded for her knowledge of the law and diligence.

3rd Subcircuit

Filan Vacancy

DANIEL EDWARD MALONEY -- QUALIFIED

Judge Daniel Edward Maloney is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Maloney was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2001 and was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2019. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Maloney served for 16 years as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney and for two years as Division Counsel to the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Department of Justice. Judge Maloney is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal ability, and calm demeanor.

Flynn Vacancy

LAUREN BROUGHAM GLENNON -- NOT RECOMMENDED

Lauren Brougham Glennon is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Glennon was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2003 and has had varied practice experience. Ms. Glennon is currently a solo practitioner and concentrates her practice in commercial litigation and residential real estate matters. Ms. Glennon has an excellent temperament and demeanor; however, at this stage of her career she does not possess the requisite depth and breadth of legal experience to effectively serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

DAVID A. BONOMA QUALIFIED

David A. Bonoma is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Bonoma was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1988 and is a partner in a small Chicago law firm. Mr. Bonoma concentrates his practice in government affairs and land use. Mr. Bonoma represents the Board of Education in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and has represented a major telecommunications company in several tort cases. Mr. Bonoma has also represented municipalities in reviewing their legal policies and procedures for municipal fines and collection practices. While Mr. Bonoma has limited trial experience, he has had a wide range of legal experience and possesses the requisite legal knowledge and experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

REGINA ANN MESCALL -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED

Regina Ann Mescall is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Mescall was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2007 and is currently serving as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney at the George Leighton Criminal Court. Ms. Mescall has extensive experience and has tried many high profile cases. Ms. Mescall is highly regarded for her knowledge of the law, legal ability, work ethic, and excellent demeanor.

JAMES JOHN KNIBBS -- QUALIFIED

James John Knibbs is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Knibbs was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1985 and is currently serving as Of Counsel to a law firm that handles litigation in the state and federal courts. Mr. Knibbs has a wide range of civil and criminal litigation experience. Mr. Knibbs is well regarded for his knowledge of civil and criminal law, legal ability, good demeanor, and fine temperament.

THOMAS J. CONDON, JR. -- QUALIFIED

Thomas J. Condon Jr. is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Condon was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2002 and is currently in private practice concentrating in litigation and government practice. Mr. Condon is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal ability, and integrity.

BRAD S. TELANDER -- QUALIFIED

Brad S. Telander is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Telander was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1983 and is currently a sole practitioner concentrating in criminal defense matters. Mr. Telander has extensive experience and is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal ability, and excellent demeanor.

SCOTT EDWARD LIPINSKI -- NOT RECOMMENDED

Scott Edward Lipinski is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Lipinski was admitted in 2002 and has served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender since 2003. Mr. Lipinski has criminal practice experience, but concerns about his diligence and temperament resulted in a “Not Recommended” finding.

Murphy Vacancy

ERIN HAGGERTY ANTONIETTI -- QUALIFIED\

Judge Erin Haggerty Antonietti is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Antonietti was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991 and was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2019. Judge Antonietti has significant experience in both civil and criminal law and is performing well on the bench. Judge Antonietti is well regarded by her fellow judges and by the lawyers who appear in her court.

THOMAS G. O’BRIEN -- NOT RECOMMENDED

Thomas G. O’Brien declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association’s governing resolution for the JEC, is automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED.

6th Subcircuit

Nega Vacancy

JAMIE GUERRA DICKLER -- QUALIFIED

Jamie Guerra Dickler is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Dickler was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2005 and has served as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney since her admission to the Bar and is currently assigned to the Felony Trial Division. Ms. Dickler has extensive experience and is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, fairness and excellent demeanor.

ANNE SHAW -- NOT RECOMMENDED

Anne Shaw is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Shaw was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1995 and is currently in private practice concentrating in bankruptcy, corporate law, family law, probate, civil rights, commercial litigation, civil litigation, and real estate law. Concerns about the candidate’s diligence, punctuality and temperament resulted in a “Not Recommended” finding.

Pantle Vacancy

EILEEN MARIE O’CONNOR -- QUALIFIED

Eileen O’Connor is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. O’Connor was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2006 and concentrates her practice in personal injury law. Ms. O’Connor has had extensive trial and practice experience. Ms. O’Connor is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, work ethic, legal ability, and fine demeanor.

CORY ELI OSHITA -- QUALIFIED

Cory Eli Oshita is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Oshita was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2008 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in domestic relations and family law matters. Mr. Oshita also served as a hearing officer for the Chicago Board of Education. Mr. Oshita is an experienced practitioner well regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal ability, work ethic, fine temperament, and calm demeanor.

ANTHONY LUCAFO -- QUALIFIED

Anthony Lucafo is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Lucafo was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2006 and has served as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney his entire career. Mr. Lucafo is currently assigned to the Felony Trial Division in the Criminal Court. Mr. Lucafo has extensive trial experience and has taught trial advocacy and juvenile law to law students. Mr. Lucafo is highly regarded for his knowledge of criminal law, trial skills, and excellent temperament.

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