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 countywide vacancies:
Bellows Vacancy
Tiesha L. Smith -- Not Recommended
Tiesha L. Smith declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Ms. Tiesha L. Smith is found to be not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Cristin Keely McDonald Duffy -- Qualified
Cristin Keely McDonald Duffy has been licensed since 1996. She is a career Assistant State’s Attorney and is currently Deputy Supervisor of the Real Estate Tax Division after previous assignments in Appeals and Felony Trial. She has been a continuing legal education presenter, is a member of various bar associations and has participated in Moot Court and Trial Advocacy programs at the John Marshall and Loyola Law schools.
Ms. Duffy has both civil and criminal experience. Attorneys report she is always very well prepared on both the facts and the law and is was praised for her legal knowledge and ability. She is also a mentor to new lawyers. ISBA finds Ms. Cristin Keely McDonald Duffy qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Kerrie Maloney Laytin -- Qualified
Kerrie Maloney Laytin was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2000 and was appointed to the Circuit Court in January 2019. She is currently assigned to the Municipal Department, Traffic Section. From 2000 to 2002 she worked for the Legal Assistance Foundation; from 2002 until her appointment she was an assistant corporation counsel to senior counsel in the Appeals Division. Before being licensed in Illinois, she clerked for two federal judges and was a trial attorney with the Department of Justice. She is a member of various bar associations and participates in community activities.
Judge Laytin is well-regarded by attorneys for her legal knowledge and ability to deal with substantive issues. She is considered to be professional, courteous and to have high ethical standards. ISBA finds Judge Kerrie Maloney Laytin qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Coghlan Vacancy
Kelly Marie McCarthy -- Qualified
Kelly Marie McCarthy has been licensed in Illinois since 2001. She is a career assistant public defender currently holding the position of Attorney Supervisor. She spent two years on the Homicide Task Force and twelve years in the Felony Trial Division. She is a member of several bar associations, is active in community events and has been a continuing legal education presenter.
She has extensive criminal jury and bench experience, including complex litigation experience. She received praise for her knowledge and her ability to handle complex matters. ISBA finds Ms. Kelly Marie McCarthy qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Aileen Bhandari -- Qualified
Aileen Bhandari was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2002. She is a career assistant state’s attorney currently assigned to the Felony Trial Division. She has been active with various bar associations, including serving as treasurer of the Indian American Bar Association, has spoken on various legal issues, works on diversity issues with the Sate’s Attorney’s Office, and helped organize a naturalization drive.
Ms. Bhandari has extensive criminal jury and bench trial experience. Attorneys report that she is punctual, prepared, follows court rules, and presents evidence honestly and straightforwardly. ISBA finds Ms. Aileen Bhandari qualified to serve as a judge for the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Elizabeth “Beth” Ryan -- Qualified
Elizabeth “Beth” Ryan has been licensed since 2004. Since 2011 she has been a solo practitioner handling mainly personal injury matters. Earlier in her career, she spent two years as a law clerk in Chancery followed by three years in a law firm. She is a member of various bar associations and has been a guest lecturer at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law.
Ms. Ryan reports that she has tried eight civil jury trials. She received overall positive comments for her legal knowledge and ability; a few questioned the extent of her experience in complex matters. She is considered to be very professional, diligent and punctual, with a good temperament and high ethical standards. ISBA finds Ms. Elizabeth Ryan qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
James T. Derico, Jr. -- Qualified
James T. Derico, Jr. was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1985. He was appointed to the Circuit Court in January 2019 and is currently assigned to the Municipal Department, District 1. Prior to his appointment, he had his own firm for 26 years handling mainly real estate and corporate matters. Previously, he had worked as an assistant corporation counsel for Gardner, Carton & Douglas and for Borg-Warner. He had some appellate and federal experience as well.
He was a founder of a legal clinic based at Trinity Church of Christ and is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from Chicago Volunteer Legal Services.
The majority of attorneys interviewed reported that Judge Derico is even keeled and personable; and he is considered by most to have sufficient legal knowledge and ability. A few expressed concerns that at times he could be uncivil. He is generally considered to be fair and impartial. ISBA finds Judge James T. Derico, Jr. qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Ford Vacancy
U. O’Neal -- Not Recommended
Mr. Ubi O’Neal declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Mr. Ubi O’Neal is found to be not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Laura Ayala-Gonzalez -- Qualified
Laura Ayala-Gonzalez was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2003. She is a career assistant state’s attorney and is currently a supervisor in the Felony Trial Division at the Leighton Courthouse. Her prior assignments include Juvenile Justice, Complex Homicide/Gang Unit, Appeals and Felony Review. She has some bar association memberships and community involvement and has been active in spearheading immigration and domestic violence initiatives within the State’s Attorney’s Office.
Attorneys give her high marks for her character and integrity and report that she is fair, impartial and prepared with good legal knowledge and ability. She has substantial criminal jury and bench trial experience. ISBA finds Ms. Laura Ayala-Gonzalez qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
John O’Meara - Qualified
John A. O’Meara was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1995. In November 2016 he was appointed to the circuit court where he served in the First Municipal District – Non-Jury Civil Section until his terms ended in December 2018. He is currently an administrative law judge with the Illinois Department of Labor. Prior to his appointment, he was a partner at Curcio Law Offices, where he concentrated in civil litigation. He was also a litigation and trial attorney for several other private firms and was an arbitrator for Cook County. He has extensive civil jury and bench trial experience, and is considered to have excellent courtroom skills, and to be professional with high integrity. Mr. O’Meara is currently with the Illinois Department of Labor. ISBA finds Mr. John A. O’Meara qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Funderburk Vacancy
Jacqueline Marie Griffin -- Qualified
Jacqueline Marie Griffin was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2005. She is a career assistant state’s attorney, currently assigned to the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Unit after previous assignment in Juvenile Justice and Child Support. She has lectured students through the Lawyers in the Classroom program.
She has jury and bench trial experience and has handled complex matters. Attorneys report that she is diligent, punctual, respectful, and has good character and integrity. ISBA finds Ms. Jacqueline Marie Griffin qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Daniel L. Collins -- Qualified
Daniel L. Collins has been licensed since 1998. He spent four years as an assistant state’s attorney before joining two different firms, concentrating on workers’ compensation matters. In 2014 he opened a solo practice handling workers’ compensation, criminal, business, and employment matters. He is a member of several bar associations and is active with his local little league.
He is well-respected by other attorneys, considered to be level-headed with high integrity and a great temperament. He was praised for his excellent research and writing skills. ISBA finds Mr. Daniel L. Collins qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Mary Therese Quinn -- Qualified
Mary Therese Quinn was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1988. After spending 22 years as an assistant state’s attorney, she opened her own practice in 2011 concentrating on criminal defense. As a prosecutor, her assignments included the Auto Theft Unit, Financial Crimes, Narcotics and Appeals. She is a member of several bar associations, is vice president of the South Suburban Bar Association, and does some pro bono work through that same group.
She is considered by other attorneys to be knowledgeable and well-prepared with high character and integrity. She has a diverse clientele and treats all with respect. ISBA finds Ms. Mary Therese Quinn qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Celestia L. Mays -- Qualified
Celestia Mays has been licensed since 1990. She was appointed to the circuit court in January 2019 and, subsequently, became an associate judge in January 2020. Judge Mays is currently assigned to the Municipal Department – Fourth District (Maywood). Prior to her appointment, she had been a private practitioner with her own firm for 22 years, concentrating in family law, probate and real estate. Prior to that, she had clerked in California and worked for a law firm. She is a past president of the Cook County Bar Association; after holding other offices, was a board member of the Legal Assistance Foundation (now Legal Aid Chicago), and was
appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to the Committee on Character and Fitness. She has received many awards from the CCBA and other groups.
Judge Mays received positive marks from attorneys for her legal knowledge and ability and is highly regarded for her professionalism, diligence and her temperament. ISBA finds Judge Celestia L. Mays qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Larsen Vacancy
Levander “Van” Smith, Jr. -- Qualified
Levander Smith, Jr. has been licensed since 1993. He was appointed to the circuit court in March 2019 and, subsequently, became an associate judge in January 2020. After first sitting in First Municipal – Traffic, he is currently assigned to Domestic Violence. Prior to his appointment he was Assistant Deputy General Counsel for the Department of Children and Family Services where he had worked twice, most recently from 2011 until 2019. Before that, he had been a prosecutor for two different counties – Cook and St. Louis, an associate with a firm, and an assistant attorney general in Missouri. He is a member of various bar associations serving on the boards of the Cook County Bar Association and the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association.
Attorneys report that he has an excellent understanding of the law, is sensitive to all, punctual, diligent, and fair. ISBA finds Judge Levander Smith, Jr. qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Suzanne Therese McEneely -- Qualified
Suzanne Therese McEneely has been licensed since 2001. After spending a year with a private insurance defense firm, she joined the Public Defender’s Office. She currently handles felony cases in the Second District (Skokie), including specialty and diversion courtrooms after previous assignments in Child Protection, Traffic, Domestic Violence, and First Municipal. She is a member of some bar associations and volunteers at her parish.
She has criminal jury and bench trial experience, and her work is respected by other attorneys. Comments received during the investigation were overwhelmingly positive as to her legal knowledge, diligence, ability to handle complex matters, sensitivity to diversity, and her temperament. ISBA finds Ms. Suzanne Therese McEneely qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Megan Kathleen Mulay -- Qualified
Megan Kathleen Mulay has been licensed since 1999. She is a career assistant state’s attorney currently assigned as a First Chair handling felony cases at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse. She is a member of several bar associations and has some community involvement. She has substantial criminal jury and bench trial experience, including complex matters. She received uniformly positive comments on her legal knowledge and ability, temperament, and diligence. A few attorneys, while commending her legal knowledge, did raise some concerns over her diligence in responding to discovery requests. ISBA finds Ms. Megan Kathleen Mulay qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Mason Vacancy
Arthur D. Sutton -- Qualified
Arthur D. Sutton was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1993. He is a private practitioner with a general practice handling mostly criminal matters but also some civil and probate. He also served as an administrative law judge for the Department of Children and Family Services. He has some bar association memberships and does some pro bono work and speaking.
The majority of attorneys generally reported that he has good legal knowledge, is impartial and timely, and has a great temperament. He has some jury and bench trial experience in both criminal and civil matters. ISBA finds Mr. Arthur D. Sutton qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Bonnie Carol McGrath -- Not Recommended
Bonnie Carol McGrath declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Ms. Bonnie Carol McGrath is found not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Jennifer Patricia Callahan -- Qualified
Jennifer Patricia Callahan was licensed in 2006. From 2006 until 2017 she was an assistant state’s attorney with assignments in First Municipal, Narcotics and the Alternative Prosecutions Unit. In 2017 she opened a solo practice handling criminal defense and transactional matters, some civil matters, and also serving as an administrative law judge for the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. She is a volunteer with Chicago Volunteer Legal Services and helps with mock
trials.
She is considered by attorneys to be prepared, punctual, and knowledgeable with high integrity. Attorneys particularly stated that while assigned to the Alternative Prosecutions Unit she did a good job and was sensitive to the situations that arose in diversion courts. ISBA finds Ms. Jennifer Patricia Callahan qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Chris Stacey -- Qualified
Chris Stacey was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1992. After first clerking in federal court, he worked at several tort and criminal litigation firms. He opened his own practice in 1997 where he continues to concentrate on tort litigation in both state and federal court. He has been a volunteer and board member with Cabrini-Green Legal Aid and has been active with various community groups doing refugee and immigrant work including LaSalle Street Church. He is a member of various bar associations.
Attorneys overwhelmingly praised him for his legal knowledge, intelligence, professionalism, and fairness. He has civil jury and bench experience. ISBA finds Mr. Chris Stacey qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Joy E. Tolbert Nelson -- Qualified
Joy E. Tolbert Nelson has been licensed since 2000. She is a career assistant state’s attorney currently assigned to Felony Trial in the Fourth Municipal District (Maywood). She was also previously assigned to the Northside Community Justice Center. She has been a committee member with the Chicago Bar Association and active with the National Black Prosecutors Association, as well as in community affairs.
She has substantial criminal jury and bench trial experience including in complex cases. Attorneys reported that she has excellent legal knowledge and is diligent and trustworthy. ISBA finds Ms. Joy E. Tolbert Nelson qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Joseph Chico -- Not Qualified
Joseph Chico was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1993. After spending a year at Moreno & Hernandez, he opened his own firm, Joseph Chico & Associates, PC focusing on probate, wills and DUIs. He is also an administrative law judge for the City of Chicago and the Chicago Housing Authority. He is a member of various bar associations and supports community sports activities.
While attorneys reported that he has good legal knowledge and temperament, he has limited experience with jury trials and complex legal matters. There were concerns about the depth and breadth of his overall legal experience. ISBA finds Mr. Joseph Chico not qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
McCarthy Vacancy
Teresa Molina -- Qualified
Teresa Molina was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2001. She was appointed to the circuit court in July 2019 and is currently assigned to the Municipal Department – Traffic. Prior to her appointment she was the chief of Real Estate Prosecutions for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations where she had been employed since 2016. Prior to that she had been an assistant state’s attorney where her assignments included Child Support and Felony Trial. She has been a committee chair for the Puerto Rican Bar Association, is a member of several bar associations, conducted training for the Chicago Police Department, and lectured on real estate law.
She received favorable comments regarding her temperament, diligence and integrity, and is considered to have a high level of legal knowledge and ability. As a prosecutor, she litigated more than 25 criminal jury trials. ISBA finds Judge Teresa Molina qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Michael O’Malley -- Qualified
Michael O’Malley has been licensed since 2005. He is a career assistant state’s attorney. He has been assigned to various units including Felony Trial, the Civil Actions Bureau and the Special Prosecutions Bureau, Public Corruption and Financial Crimes Unit. He is a member of various bar associations, has community involvement, and has coached law school trial teams.
Attorneys report that he is a straight shooter with excellent legal knowledge and is always prepared. He has some jury trial experience and has prosecuted complex financial crimes. ISBA finds Mr. Michael O’Malley qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Murphy Gorman Vacancy
Sheree Desiree Henry -- Qualified
Sheree Desiree Henry was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1986. She was appointed to the circuit court in August 2019 and is currently assigned to the First Municipal District – Traffic Section. Prior to her appointment, she was an assistant public defender where she spent the majority of her career; her first four years were with the Cook County Public Guardian’s Office. She is a member of various bar associations and is involved in her community. She was also a
member of the Illinois National Guard.
As a public defender she had criminal jury and bench trial experience, including complex cases. She received favorable comments about her legal knowledge and temperament; is considered to be smart and a hard worker, with good integrity and sensitivity to racial and ethnic diversity issues. ISBA finds Judge Sheree D. Henry qualified to serve as a judge for the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Dan Walsh -- Not Recommended
Dan Walsh declined to participate in the evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Mr. Dan Walsh is found to be not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Keely Patricia Hillison -- Not Qualified
Keely Patricia Hillison has been licensed since 1985. She is partner at Parrillo Weiss and also worked briefly at two other firms, focusing on civil litigation. She is also an arbitrator. She has been active in bar association activities and is a member of the Board of the Appellate Lawyers Association. While she is considered to be professional and pleasant, concerns were raised over the extent of her experience with complex litigation and depth and breadth of her practice, as it is reported that much of her practice consists of high-volume, simpler cases. In addition, three of her appellate briefs resulted in sanctions from the Appellate Court against her firm for frivolous appeals. ISBA finds Ms. Keely Patricia Hillison not qualified to serve as a judge for the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Amanda “Mandy” Pillsbury -- Not Qualified
Amanda Moira Pillsbury has been licensed to practice in Illinois since 2004. She is a career assistant state’s attorney currently assigned to the felony courtrooms at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse. She has some community and parish activities. She has some jury trial experience.
Some attorneys reported that she is knowledgeable and a good litigator, while others questioned the extent of her involvement in complex matters and the depth of her experience. Opinions on her diligence and temperament were also divided between positive and negative. ISBA finds Ms. Amanda Moira Pillsbury not qualified to serve as a judge for the Circuit Court of Cook County.
O'Brien Vacancy
Elizabeth Anne Walsh -- Qualified
Elizabeth Anne Walsh has been licensed since 2006. She handles insurance defense cases at Bruce Farrell Dorn and Associates. She is a past president and current board members of the Southwest Bar Association and is involved with the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois.
Attorneys respect her for her legal knowledge, preparation, temperament, and professionalism. She has substantial civil trial experience. ISBA finds Ms. Elizabeth Anne Walsh qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Lloyd James Brooks -- Qualified
Lloyd James Brooks was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2000. In December 2018 he was appointed to the circuit court and currently sits in the First Municipal District. After being licensed he worked for two law firms before opening his own practice in 2004 where he concentrated on consumer advocacy cases. In 2013 he became a founding partner of the Consumer Legal Group where he worked until his appointment. He has some bar association memberships and engages in community speaking.
He is considered to be professional and well-prepared with excellent legal knowledge. As a practicing attorney he was a zealous advocate with a diverse clientele. ISBA finds Judge Lloyd James Brooks qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Heather Anne Kent -- Qualified
Heather Anne Kent has been licensed since 2006. She is a career assistant state’s attorney who has been assigned to the Felony Trial, Sexual Assault and Juvenile Justice divisions. She has coached mock trial teams, lectured, is a member of several bar associations, and participates in community activities.
She has criminal jury trial experience and is considered to be prepared, even-handed and of high character. ISBA finds Ms. Heather Anne Kent qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Patti Vacancy
Lynn Weaver-Boyle -- Qualified
Lynn Weaver-Boyle has been licensed since 1990. She was appointed to the circuit court in January 2019 and is currently assigned to the First Municipal District. At the time of her appointment, she was litigation partner at Grotefeld Hoffmann handling commercial litigation. From 1990 to 1999 she was an assistant state’s attorney. She has spoken on legal subjects and is an Adjunct Professor of Trial Advocacy. ISBA finds Judge Lynn Weaver-Boyle qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Roti Vacancy
Lorraine Mary Murphy -- Qualified
Lorraine Mary Murphy was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2003. She is a career assistant state’s attorney assigned to the Leighton Criminal Courthouse. She is a member of several bar associations and has served on committees with the Chicago Bar Association. She has some community activities.
Attorneys respect her as an accomplished attorney with impressive legal knowledge. It was overwhelmingly reported that she is hard working an seeks to do justice. She has substantial jury trial experience. ISBA finds Ms. Lorraine Mary Murphy qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
James Patrick Crawley -- Qualified
James Patrick Crawley has been licensed since 1990. He handles tort litigation for Kennedy and Associates. He is a member of several bar associations, has been a volunteer attorney and serves on several Illinois Supreme Court committees including the Judicial Performance and Evaluation Committee. He is involved with community activities.
He is considered to be a thorough, knowledgeable, honest, and fair attorney. ISBA finds Mr. James Patrick Crawley qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Araceli Reyes De La Cruz -- Not Qualified
Araceli Reyes De La Cruz was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2001. Since 2016 she has been the General Counsel/Chief Administrative Officer for Acero Schools handling policy and labor relations and coordinating with outside counsel on litigation. Prior to this, she has been Chief of General Prosecutions for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation from 2014 to 2016; Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief Safety and Security Officer for the Chicago Transit Authority from 2009 to 2014; and an assistant state’s attorney from 2001 to 2009. She is a member of various bar associations, has spoken on legal topics and is on the executive board of Casa Central.
While attorneys reported that she has good legal knowledge in her area and is prepared, with a good demeanor, concerns were raised about the depth and breadth of her overall legal experience and her minimal jury and complex trial experience. ISBA finds Ms. Araceli Reyes De La Cruz not qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
C. Sheehan Vacancy
Deidre Baumann -- Qualified
Deidre Baumann has been licensed since 1992. After first working for a law firm, in 1996 she opened her own firm, Baumann and Shuldiner, handling civil litigation in state and federal court. She is active with various bar associations and is currently president of the Suburban Bar Coalition and on the board of the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago. Previously, she served as president of the Decalogue Society and the North Suburban Bar Association as well as on the executive board of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois. She serves on several committees for the Illinois State Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association.
Most attorneys gave her favorable comments for legal knowledge and litigation experience. She is considered diligent and professional with strong writing skills. She has jury and bench trial experience, with some appellate experience. ISBA finds Ms. Deidre Baumann qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Maura McMahon Zeller -- Not Qualified
Maura McMahon Zeller was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1993. She is currently a sole practitioner with Maura McMahon Zeller, Attorney at Law serving as a guardian ad litem and a mediator. Prior to opening her practice, she was with the Public Guardian’s Office. She has been a panelist at legal forums and is a member of various bar associations.
While she is respected for her integrity, professionalism and her knowledge in her particular area of practice, she has no jury trial experience and her litigation experience overall is limited. There are concerns about the depth and breadth of her overall legal experience. ISBA finds Ms. Maura McMahon Zeller not qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Russell W. Hartigan -- Highly Qualified
Russell W. Hartigan was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1976. He was appointed to the circuit court in 2010 and then elected in 2012. His assignments included First Municipal and the Fifth District (Bridgeview). In 2017 he resigned from the bench upon being elected president of the Illinois State Bar Association. From 1976 until his appointment in 2010 he concentrated on civil litigation for several different firms, as a partner and owner, the last one being Hartigan and O’Connor. Before becoming president, he had served the ISBA in many different positions. He is a past president of the West Suburban Bar Association and is active with other legal groups. He has also served as trustee for several western suburbs. He teaches at The John Marshall Law School, speaks statewide on legal topics and writes articles. In June 2019 he received an award for dedicated service from the Illinois Bar Foundation.
Attorneys have a high regard for his legal knowledge, preparedness and his approachable demeanor. They report that as a judge he was patient and fair with pro se litigants. He has extensive civil jury trial experience and has handled some appeals. ISBA finds Mr. Russell W. Hartigan highly qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
K. Sheehan Vacancy
Jill Rose Quinn -- Qualified
Jill Rose Quinn has been licensed since 1983. She is a sole practitioner with a general practice, focusing on family, criminal, probate, real estate, and business matters. Prior to opening her practice in 1997 she worked for several private firms., was the village attorney for Glen Ellyn, and has been an arbitrator in DuPage and Cook counties. She is a member of several bar associations. She has limited criminal jury experience but many civil bench trials and has handled some appellate matters. She is considered to have good legal ability with good demeanor. Ms. Jill Rose Quinn is found to be qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
James Samuel Worley -- Not Qualified
James Samuel Worley was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2004. After spending five years as an assistant state’s attorney, where his assignments included Child Support, Felony and Misdemeanors in the Fourth Municipal District (Maywood), he opened a solo practice handling domestic relations, traffic and misdemeanor cases. Since January 2019 he has been managing director for domestic relations at Gottreich Grace & Thompson. He is a member of some bar associations. In general, it was reported that he has adequate legal knowledge and was praised for his demeanor. Concerns were raised by some attorneys about the depth and breadth of his experience and his minimal experience with jury trials and complex litigation. ISBA finds Mr. James Samuel Worley not qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Wendelin “Wendi” DeLoach -- Not Recommended
Wendelin DeLoach declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Ms. Wendelin DeLoach is found to be not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Overall this year’s crop is mediocre.
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