CBA finds three Appellate Court candidates "Highly Qualified"

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 Judicial Evaluation Committee found three Appellate Court candidates "Highly Qualified." Two more were found "Qualified," while one was found "Not Recommended."

Here are the CBA's findings for Appellate Court candidates:

Neville Jr. Vacancy

MAUREEN PATRICIA O’LEARY -- NOT RECOMMENDED

Maureen Patricia O’Leary is “Not Recommended” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. Ms. O’Leary was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2002 and is currently serving as Vice President of Claims and Litigation for Aperion Care. Ms. O’Leary was a sole practitioner from 2004-2008 concentrating in personal injury, real estate, and child support matters. At this stage of her career, Ms. O’Leary does not possess the requisite depth and breadth of practice experience to effectively serve as a Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court.

CAROLYN J. GALLAGHER -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED

Judge Carolyn Gallagher is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. Judge Gallagher was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1982 and was elected to the Circuit Court of Cook County in 2016. Judge Gallagher is currently assigned to the Probate Division. Judge Gallagher clerked for an Appellate Court Justice from 1982-1985 and during her legal career she had extensive trial and appellate practice experience. Judge Gallagher is highly regarded for her knowledge of the law, legal ability, and strong credentials in legal research and legal writing.

SANDRA GISELA RAMOS -- QUALIFIED

Judge Sandra Ramos is “Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. Judge Ramos was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1986 and was elected to the Circuit Court in 2010. Judge Ramos is currently assigned to the Law Division. Judge Ramos is an experienced trial judge and is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, legal ability, diligence, work ethic, and fine demeanor.

MICHAEL B. HYMAN -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED

Justice Michael B. Hyman is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. Justice Hyman was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1977. Justice Hyman is highly regarded for his knowledge of the law, integrity, legal experience, work ethic, and excellent writing skills. Justice Hyman teaches other jurists and is dedicated to improving the justice system.

Simon Vacancy

JOHN GRIFFIN -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED

Justice John C. Griffin is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. Justice Griffin was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1976 and was appointed to the Circuit Court of Cook County in 2008. Justice Griffin was elected to the Circuit Court in 2010 and served as a supervising judge in the Law Division before his appointment to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2018. Justice Griffin is hardworking and well regarded for his knowledge of the law, broad experience, and excellent legal ability.

SHARON O. JOHNSON -- QUALIFIED

Judge Sharon O. Johnson is “Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. Judge Johnson was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1996 and was elected to the Circuit Court in 2010. Judge Johnson is currently assigned to the Domestic Relations Division in the Sixth Municipal District and presides over cases involving dissolution of marriage, parentage, and allocation of parental responsibility. Judge Johnson is an experienced jurist well regarded for her work ethic, diligence, calm demeanor, and legal knowledge.