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 in countywide races.
Bellows Vacancy
TIESHA L. SMITH -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Tiesha L. Smith 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.
CRISTIN KEELY McDONALD DUFFY -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED
Cristin McDonald Duffy is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Duffy was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1996 and has served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for approximately 22 years. Ms. Duffy has extensive criminal felony trial experience and is now Deputy Supervisor in charge of the State’s Attorney’s Real Estate Tax Unit. Ms. Duffy is also responsible for the State’s Attorney’s training and mentoring program in the Civil Division. Ms. Duffy is highly regarded for her knowledge of the law, legal experience, excellent temperament, and managerial skills.
KERRIE MALONEY LATYIN -- QUALIFIED
Judge Kerrie Maloney Laytin is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Laytin was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2000 and was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2019. Prior to her appointment to the bench, Judge Laytin served from 2002-2019 in the Appeals Division, City of Chicago’s Law Department. Judge Laytin has extensive appellate court experience and is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, diligence, and thoughtful and deliberate demeanor.
Coghlan Vacancy
KELLY MARIE McCARTHY -- QUALIFIED
Kelly Marie McCarthy is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. McCarthy was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2001 and has served the majority of her career as a Cook County Assistant Public Defender. Ms. McCarthy is currently serving as Chief of the Indigent Defense-Appeals and Post Convictions Division. Ms. McCarthy has excellent organizational skills and is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, integrity and excellent temperament.
AILEEN BHANDARI -- QUALIFIED
Aileen Bhandari is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Bhandari was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2002 and has served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for 16 years. Ms. Bhandari is assigned to the Community Justice Center-West. Ms. Bhandari has extensive trial experience and is well regarded for her work ethic, knowledge of the law, legal experience, and excellent temperament.
ELIZABETH “BETH” RYAN -- QUALIFIED
Elizabeth “Beth” Ryan is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Ryan was admitted to practice law in 2004 and is currently a solo practitioner concentrating in personal injury, corporate litigation, and social security disability law. Ms. Ryan is well regarded by her peers and by the judges before whom she has appeared for her knowledge of the law and legal ability.
JAMES T. DERICO, JR. QUALIFIED
Judge James Derico is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Derico was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1985 and was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2019. Judge Derico is assigned to the First Municipal District and hears a variety of contract and non-jury matters. Judge Derico has extensive legal experience and is well regarded for his legal knowledge, ability, diligence and fine demeanor.
Ford Vacancy
U. O’NEAL -- NOT RECOMMENDED
U. O’Neal 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.
LAURA AYALA-GONZALEZ -- QUALIFIED
Laura Ayala-Gonzalez is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Ayala-Gonzalez was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2003 and has served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney her entire career. Ms. Ayala-Gonzalez is currently a supervisor in the Felony Trial Division at the George Leighton Criminal Court Building. Ms. Ayala-Gonzalez is well regarded by her colleagues, judges before whom she has appeared, and by defense lawyers for her knowledge of the law, legal ability, supervisory skills, commitment to public service, and fine demeanor.
JOHN O’MEARA HIGHLY QUALIFIED
John O’Meara is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. O’Meara was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1995 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in medical malpractice, complex litigation, government law, and construction negligence matters. Mr. O’Meara has extensive trial experience and is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal ability, integrity, calm demeanor, and excellent temperament.
Funderburk Vacancy
JACQUELINE MARIE GRIFFIN -- QUALIFIED
Jacqueline Marie Griffin is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Griffin was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2005 and has served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney her entire career. Ms. Griffin is currently a trial attorney in the Sex Assault and Domestic Violence Unit in the Felony Trial Division. Ms. Griffin has extensive criminal and civil trial experience and is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, fairness, and fine demeanor.
DANIEL L. COLLINS -- QUALIFIED
Danny Collins is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Collins was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1998 and is engaged in private practice concentrating in workers’ compensation, administrative hearings, and appeals. Mr. Collins has an excellent demeanor and possesses the requisite depth and breadth of experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
MARY THERESE QUINN -- QUALIFIED
Mary Therese Quinn is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Quinn was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1988 and served for 22 years as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Since 2011, Ms. Quinn has been engaged in private practice concentrating largely in criminal law matters. Ms. Quinn has extensive criminal trial experience and is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, legal ability, compassion and excellent demeanor.
CELESTIA L. MAYS -- QUALIFIED
Judge Celestia Mays is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Mays was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1990 and was appointed to the Circuit Court in January 2019. Judge Mays is currently assigned to the Fourth Municipal District and hears a variety of misdemeanor cases and traffic court violations. Judge Mays is hardworking and receives high marks for her fine temperament and people skills.
Larsen Vacancy
LEVANDER "VAN" SMITH, JR. -- QUALIFIED
Levander Smith, Jr. is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Smith was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1993 and is currently working in the Office of Legal Services at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Mr. Smith knows the law and has had varied practice experience. He is well regarded for his legal knowledge, work ethic, diligence, and fine temperament.
SUZANNE THERESE McENEELY -- QUALIFIED
Suzanne Therese McEneely is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. McEneely was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2001 and served as an associate at a law firm for one year before becoming an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. Ms. McEneely has extensive trial experience and is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, legal ability, excellent demeanor and integrity. Ms. McEneely is also actively involved in community service.
MEGAN KATHLEEN MULAY -- QUALIFIED
Megan Kathleen Mulay is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Mulay was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1999 and has served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney her entire career. Ms. Mulay is assigned to the George Leighton Criminal Court and serves as a First Chair in the Criminal Prosecutions Felony Division. Ms. Mulay has extensive trial experience and is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, legal ability, diligence, and
excellent demeanor.
Mason Vacancy
ARTHUR D. SUTTON -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Arthur D. Sutton is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Sutton was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1993 and was engaged in private practice until 2010. Mr. Sutton served as a Technical Advisor to the Department of Children and Family Services from 2010-2013 and as Deputy Chief of Parole for the Department of Corrections from 2013-2015. Mr. Sutton is currently in private practice concentrating in a variety of civil and criminal matters. Mr. Sutton has a fine demeanor and is active in his community; however, concerns about his diligence, attention to detail, and depth and breadth of practice experience resulted in a “Not Recommended” finding.
BONNIE CAROL McGRATH -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Bonnie Carol McGrath 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.
JENNIFER PATRICIA CALLAHAN -- QUALIFIED
Jennifer Patricia Callahan is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Callahan was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2006 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in insurance defense, criminal law, and administrative law matters. Ms. Callahan also serves as an Administrative Law Judge for the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. Prior to entering private practice Ms. Callahan served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for 11 years. Ms. Callahan has an excellent temperament and demeanor and is well regarded for her knowledge of the law and legal ability.
CHRIS STACEY -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED
Christ Stanley Stacey is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Stacey was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1982 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in personal injury law and a broad range of complex corporate and commercial law matters. Mr. Stacey is well spoken and highly regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal ability, and excellent demeanor. Mr. Stacey is also active in a variety of civic and community organizations.
JOY E. TOLBERT NELSON -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Joy E. Tolbert Nelson is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Tolbert Nelson was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2000 and has served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney her entire career. Ms. Tolbert Nelson is currently assigned as first chair to a felony courtroom in the Fourth Municipal District. Ms. Tolbert Nelson is well regarded for her integrity, excellent temperament, and fine people skills. However, concerns about Ms. Tolbert Nelson’s legal knowledge and legal ability along with her lack of civil practice experience resulted in a “Not Recommended” finding.
JOSEPH CHICO -- QUALIFIED
Joseph Chico is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Chico was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1993 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in family law, personal injury, real estate, probate, criminal, and traffic court matters. Since 1996, Mr. Chico has served as an Administrative Law Judge for the City of Chicago. Mr. Chico is an experienced lawyer well regarded for his legal knowledge, legal ability, and excellent demeanor.
McCarthy Vacancy
TERESA MOLINA -- QUALIFIED
Teresa Molina is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Molina was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2001 and is currently serving as Chief of Real Estate Prosecution at the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Ms. Molina has significant trial experience and is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, legal experience, fine demeanor and temperament.
MICHAEL O’MALLEY -- QUALIFIED
Michael O’Malley is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. O’Malley was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2005 and is currently a Deputy Supervisor in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Mr. O’Malley served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for 14½ years and is highly respected by his colleagues for his knowledge of the law, diligence, and fine temperament.
Murphy Gorman Vacancy
SHEREE DESIREE HENRY -- QUALIFIED
Sheree D. Henry is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Henry was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1994 and served for 18 years as a Cook County Assistant Public Defender and four years with the Public Guardian’s Office. Ms. Henry is well regarded for her integrity, calm demeanor, legal knowledge, and passionate advocacy on behalf of her clients.
DAN WALSH -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Dan Walsh 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.
AMANDA “MANDY” PILLSBURY -- QUALIFIED
Amanda Moira Pillsbury is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Pillsbury was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2004 and has served as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney since her admission. Ms. Pillsbury is currently assigned to the Felony Trial Division and has extensive jury and bench trial experience. Ms. Pillsbury has a calm demeanor and possesses the legal knowledge and experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
KEELY PATRICIA HILLISON -- QUALIFIED
Keely Patricia Hillison is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Hillison was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1985 and has concentrated her practice in personal injury and insurance defense matters. Ms. Hillison has trial and appellate experience and is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, legal experience, diligence, and calm demeanor.
O'Brien Vacancy
ELIZABETH ANNE WALSH -- QUALIFIED
Elizabeth Anne Walsh is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Walsh was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2006 and concentrates her practice in personal injury and insurance defense matters. Ms. Walsh has had extensive trial experience and possesses the legal knowledge and experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
LLOYD JAMES BROOKS -- QUALIFIED
Judge Lloyd James Brooks is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Brooks was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2000 and was appointed to the bench in 2018 and is currently assigned to the First Municipal District. Judge Brooks presides over a high volume courtroom and hears a variety of cases involving wage garnishments, citations to discover assets, evictions, and supplementary proceedings. Judge Brooks is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal experience, and excellent demeanor.
HEATHER ANNE KENT -- QUALIFIED
Heather Anne Kent is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Kent was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2006 and has served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for the past 13 years. Ms. Kent is currently assigned to the Felony Trial Division at the George M. Leighton Criminal Court. Ms. Kent has extensive trial experience and is well regarded by defense counsel and the judges before whom she appears for her knowledge of the law, legal ability, and excellent demeanor.
Patti Vacancy
LYNN WEAVER BOYLE -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED
Lynn Weaver-Boyle “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Weaver-Boyle was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1990 and served as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney for nine years. While serving as an Assistant State’s Attorney, Ms. Weaver-Boyle handled felony cases and spent two years in the Gang Unit, which focused exclusively on murder cases. Ms. Weaver-Boyle has spent the last 18 years in private practice concentrating her practice in insurance law, civil Litigation, and subrogation cases. Ms. Weaver-Boyle has extensive jury and non-jury trial experience and is well regarded for her integrity, calm demeanor, knowledge of the law, and legal ability.
Roti Vacancy
LORRAINE MARY MURPHY -- QUALIFIED
Ms. Lorraine Mary Murphy is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Murphy was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2003 and has served her entire career as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Ms. Murphy is assigned to the Felony Trial Division at the George Leighton Criminal Court Building. Ms. Murphy has extensive trial experience and is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, legal ability, fairness and diligence.
JAMES PATRICK CRAWLEY -- QUALIFIED
James Patrick Crawley is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Crawley was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1989 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in complex litigation and insurance defense. Mr. Crawley has extensive practice experience and has been actively engaged in providing pro bono legal services in the community. Mr. Crawley is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal experience, diligence, and fine temperament.
ARACELI REYES DE LA CRUZ -- QUALIFIED
Araceli De La Cruz is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. De La Cruz was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2001 and served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney from 2001-2009. From 2009-2014, Ms. De La Cruz served as Deputy Chief of Staff, Chicago Transit Authority, Chief Safety and Security Officer with Executive oversight for compliance. From 2014-2016, Ms. De La Cruz served as Chief of General Prosecutions for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Since 2016, Ms. De La Cruz has served as General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer for Acero Charter Schools. Ms. De La Cruz is hardworking and well regarded for her knowledge of the law, legal ability, trial and managerial skills, and excellent temperament.
Sheehan, C. Vacancy
DEIDRE BAUMANN -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Deidre Baumann is “Not Recommended” for the office of Associate Judge. Ms. Baumann was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1992 and handles a variety of appellate and civil court matters. Significant concerns were raised about Ms. Baumann’s professionalism, diligence, and organizational skills in managing client matters. Additional concerns about Ms. Baumann’s knowledge of the law and knowledge and adherence to court rules and procedures resulted in her “Not Recommended” finding.
MAURA McMAHON ZELLER -- QUALIFIED
Maura McMahon Zeller is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Zeller was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1993 and serves an Assistant Public Guardian in the Juvenile Court, U.S. District Court, and Domestic Relations Division. Ms Zeller is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in family law with a special focus on child representation and guardian ad litem matters. Ms. Zeller is actively involved in community service and is serving as Board Chair of a community mental health center. Ms. Zeller has an excellent temperament and possesses all the requisite qualifications for service as a Circuit Court Judge.
RUSSELL W. HARTIGAN -- HIGHLY QUALIFIED
Russell W. Hartigan is “Highly Qualified” for the office of the Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Hartigan was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1976 and practiced law from 1977-2010 concentrating in civil trial, workers’ compensation, municipal and appellate practice matters. Mr. Hartigan has handled a number of appeals in both the State and Federal Courts and authored many articles in the ISBA Journal. Mr. Hartigan was appointed to the Circuit Court of Cook County in 2010 and served as a judge until 2017. Mr. Hartigan is currently practicing law with a suburban firm. Mr. Hartigan has extensive experience as a lawyer and as a judge and possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as Circuit Court Judge.
Sheehan, K. Vacancy
JILL ROSE QUINN -- QUALIFIED
Jill Rose Quinn is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Quinn was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1983 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in bankruptcy, probate, and real estate law. Ms. Quinn has extensive practice experience and is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, legal ability, integrity, and outstanding demeanor and temperament.
JAMES SAMUEL WORLEY -- QUALIFIED
James Samuel Worley is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Worley was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2004 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in domestic relations, administrative law, criminal, and DUI defense. Mr. Worley has broad experience in both criminal law and domestic relations. He is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal ability, thoughtful demeanor, and fine temperament.
WENDELIN “WENDI” DeLOACH -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Wendelin “Wendi” DeLoach 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.
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