This is the only judicial vacancy where there are both Democratic and Republican primary contests. Candidates in each primary are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot; the Democratic candidates are listed first. Scroll down to view the Republican candidates.
Democratic Candidates
Joe Gump - #231
Campaign Website
Bar Association Evaluation Narratives
The Chicago Bar Association says:
Joe Gump is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Gump was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1987 and for the past 29 years has served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. Mr. Gump is currently a felony assistant, assigned to the Third Municipal District. Mr. Gump is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal ability and fine temperament.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Joseph Michael Gump was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1987. He has spent his legal career at the Office of the Cook County Public Defender, where he is currently a Felony Trial Assistant.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Mr. Gump is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for being a zealous advocate. He has substantial litigation experience in complex matters, and is praised for his knowledge of the law as well as for his research skills. He is praises for his judicial temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court
Joe Gump was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1987. He was a career assistant public defender who recently retired from that office. After spending eleven years in the Appeals Division, he moved to Felony Trial in the Third Municipal District (Rolling Meadows). He has also handled real estate matters. He served in many leadership positions in AFSCME Local 3315, the public defenders’ union, including president, vice-president, chief steward, and as a bargaining committee member. He is considered to be a strong advocate and an experienced trial attorney who gets good dispositions for his clients.
Attorneys and judges reported that he writes well and has excellent research skills, is sensitive to diversity and even keeled. A few indicated that at time punctuality was an issue, though others attributed any issues there to the number of cases and nature of the job. He has substantial trial experience, including in complex matters, and also handled many appeals hear in his career. ISBA finds Mr. Joe Gump qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Other Bar Association Evaluations
Arab American Bar Association: Not evaluated through no fault of the candidate
Asian American Bar Association: Qualified
Black Women Lawyers' Association: Recommended
Cook County Bar Association: Recommended
Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Recommended
Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended
Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Recommended
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Recommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended
Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended
Endorsements
Chicago Federation of Labor
IVI-IPO
Personal PAC
------------------------------------------------------IVI-IPO
Personal PAC
Matt Flamm - #232
Candidate Website
Bar Association Evaluation Narratives
The Chicago Bar Association says:
Matt Flamm is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Flamm was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1978 and is engaged in private practice concentrating in business and real estate litigation, real estate tax exemptions, tax sale, tax deed, and election law matters. Mr. Flamm is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal ability, and excellent demeanor.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Matt Flamm was admitted to practice in 1978. He is a partner in a small law firm focusing on both litigation and transactional work. He is exceptionally active in bar association and community activities. Mr. Flamm is considered to have excellent legal ability. He is a “go to” person in his practice fields, and is reported to be very knowledgeable with a very good temperament. He has substantial experience in a variety of litigation matters. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Matt Flamm has been admitted to the Illinois bar since 1978. Since 2018 he has been president and attorney at Flamm & Teibloom, LLC handling real estate, tax, business, and election law matters. Prior to that he was in private practice, both with his own and other business, real estate and tax law firms. He has been active with bar associations including serving on committees for the Chicago Bar Association and the Chicago Council of Lawyers, and also serving as associate editor to the Illinois State Bar Association’s State and Local Taxation Committee. He is also the Palatine Township democratic committeeman.
Attorneys report that he is knowledgeable, prepared and a critical thinker; he was referred to as the ‘go to guy’ in the real estate tax field who submits well-written briefs. He has civil jury and bench trial experience in various county and federal courts and has handled appeals as well. ISBA finds Mr. Matt Flamm qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Other Bar Association Evaluations
Arab American Bar Association: Recommended
Asian American Bar Association: Not evaluated through no fault of the candidate
Black Women Lawyers' Association: Recommended
Cook County Bar Association: Recommended
Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Recommended
Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended
Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Not evaluated through no fault of the candidate
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Recommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended
Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended
Endorsements
AMVOTE PAC
Indo-American Democratic Organization
------------------------------------------------------Indo-American Democratic Organization
Michael Harry Minton - #233
Campaign Website
Bar Association Evaluation Narratives
The Chicago Bar Association says:
Michael Harry Minton is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Minton was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1971 and has concentrated his practice in domestic relations and family law matters. Mr. Minton has extensive trial experience and is well regarded for his knowledge of family law. However, concerns about his punctuality and diligence resulted in a “Not Recommended” finding.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Michael H. Minton was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1971. Since 1985, he has been a Partner and Sole Shareholder in The Minton Firm, P.C., where he handles domestic relations, family related matters including adoptions, paternity, wills, estates, and real estate closings. Previously he was an Associate and Partner at Facchini & Minton (1975-1985), where he handled personal injury matters and domestic and family law, and an Associate at Biestek & Facchini (1971-1975).The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Mr. Minton has extensive experience as a practitioner in the domestic relations area. He has earned a good reputation for his legal knowledge and ability. He is reported to have a good temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Michael Harry Minton has been licensed since 1971. He is currently a partner at the Minton Firm handling domestic relations and civil matters. He has worked in various civil firms during his career. He is a member of several bar associations and active with Hope Learning Academy.
Attorneys report that he is an honest and experienced advocate. Concerns were raised, however, about the depth and breadth of his recent experience, his diligence and his lack of jury trial and recent complex litigation experience. ISBA finds Mr. Michael Harry Minton not qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Other Bar Association Evaluations
Arab American Bar Association: Not evaluated through no fault of the candidate
Asian American Bar Association: Not evaluated through no fault of the candidate
Black Women Lawyers' Association: Not Recommended
Cook County Bar Association: Not Recommended
Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Not Recommended
Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Not Recommended
Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Not evaluated through no fault of the candidate
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Not Recommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended
Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended
Endorsement
Personal PAC
------------------------------------------------------Susanne Michelle Groebner - #234
Campaign Website
Bar Association Evaluation Narratives
The Chicago Bar Association says:
Susanne Groebner is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Groebner was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2000 and is currently serving as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney in the Third Municipal District. Ms. Groebner has tried many complex cases and is well respected by judges and lawyers for her knowledge of the law, outstanding trial skills, fine demeanor and temperament.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Susanne Groebner was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2000. Since 2001, she has worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Cook County State’s Attorney Office, where she currently works in the Felony Trial Division in Rolling Meadows, IL (2013-present). She previously served in the Felony Trial Division in Chicago (2008-2013); in the Felony Review, Preliminary Hearings, and Grand Jury Units (2004-2008); in the Juvenile Division (Abuse and Neglect/Delinquency, 2001-2004); and in the Child Support Division (2001).The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Ms. Groebner is considered to have good legal ability. Respondents to this evaluation say that she has good litigation skills and that she is an honest and fair prosecutor. She has substantial litigation experience in more complex matters. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Susanne Michele Groebner has been licensed since 2000. She is a career prosecutor first with Cook County and for the past few years in McHenry County. Her assignments in Cook County included Juvenile Justice, Child Support and Felony Trials in the Third Municipal District (Rolling Meadows).
She has extensive criminal jury trial experience and attorneys reported that she has a thorough knowledge of legal concepts, is well prepared, honest, and impartial. ISBA finds Ms. Susanne Michele Groebner qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Other Bar Association Evaluations
Arab American Bar Association: Not evaluated through no fault of the candidate
Asian American Bar Association: Recommended
Black Women Lawyers' Association: Recommended
Cook County Bar Association: Not Recommended
Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Recommended
Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended
Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Recommended
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Recommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended
Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended
Endorsements
Chicago Tribune
Italian American Police Association
Personal PAC
------------------------------------------------------Italian American Police Association
Personal PAC
Michael P. Gerber - #235
Campaign Website
Bar Association Evaluation Narratives
The Chicago Bar Association says:
Judge Michael P. Gerber is “Highly Qualified” for the office Circuit Court Judge. Judge Gerber was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1980 and served as a Cook County Assistant Public Defender for four years and as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney for 32 years before his appointment to the Circuit Court in 2016. Judge Gerber is highly regarded for his knowledge of the law, judicial ability, commitment to fairness, and excellent temperament.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Hon. Michael P. Gerber was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1980. He was appointed to the bench as a Circuit Judge by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2016. He presides over criminal misdemeanors, felony preliminary hearings, and traffic matters. Previously, he worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Cook County, where he prosecuted criminal matters (1984-2016); as an Assistant Public Defender in Cook County (1981-1984), where he handled motions and trials and, during his last 18 months there, felony preliminary hearings; and as an associate for Martin S. Gerber (1980-1981), where he handled civil municipal and misdemeanor cases in the Circuit Court of Cook County.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
As a lawyer, Judge Gerber was considered to be an outstanding practitioner with very good legal ability and temperament. He was respected for his litigation skills and he had substantial litigation experience in more complex matters. He is reported to be exceptionally knowledgeable. As a judge he is reported to be handling a high volume call with efficiency and fairness. On the basis of this 2017 evaluation the Council would have found Judge Gerber to be Well Qualified.
However, subsequent to the evaluation the Council conducted in 2017, the Council notes that a post conviction judge vacated a murder case conviction that then Mr. Gerber had prosecuted many years earlier. In vacating the conviction, the judge stated in regard to Mr. Gerber, as the prosecutor, that he had made “factually false arguments to the jury” about a key piece of evidence. The judge further stated,
"This Court cannot say the prosecutor's improper remarks did not contribute to petitioner's conviction; a jury could have reached a contrary verdict had the improper remarks not been made. * * * Indeed, such statements amounted to a purposeful due process violation that led to petitioner's conviction. As such, petitioner was prejudiced by appellate counsel's failure to raise this claim."The defendant was exonerated. The Council considers these findings to be exceptionally serious. However, the Council also must consider the totality of Judge Gerber’s well-respected career. In a close call, the Council finds Judge Gerber to be Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Michael Perry Gerber was admitted in 1980. He was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2016 and reappointed in 2019. He is currently assigned to the Third Municipal District (Rolling Meadows). Prior to his appointment, he spent over thirty years as an assistant state's attorney after a short stint in private practice and as an assistant public defender. As a prosecutor, he had extensive criminal jury trial experience; he was cited, however, several times for improper closing arguments. As a judge, attorneys report that he makes thoughtful rulings, is very knowledgeable, researches the law and runs his courtroom efficiently. Judge Gerber is found to be highly qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Other Bar Association Evaluations
Arab American Bar Association: Not evaluated through no fault of the candidate
Asian American Bar Association: Recommended
Black Women Lawyers' Association: Recommended
Cook County Bar Association: Recommended
Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Highly Recommended
Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended
Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Recommended
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Highly Recommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended
Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended
Endorsement
Indo-American Democratic Organization
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Republican Candidates
Angel Garcia - #231
Campaign Website
Bar Association Evaluation Narratives
The Chicago Bar Association says:
Angel Garcia 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.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Not Recommended - Did not participate in the evaluation.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, any candidate who has less than the minimum ten years of experience required for a judicial candidate shall be given a rating of not recommended. Angel Garcia was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2011 and has less than the minimum ten years of experience required for a judicial candidate. Mr. Angel Garcia is found to be not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Other Bar Association Evaluations
Arab American Bar Association: Not Recommended
Asian American Bar Association: Not Recommended
Black Women Lawyers' Association: Not Recommended
Cook County Bar Association: Not Recommended
Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Not Recommended
Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Not Recommended
Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Not Recommended
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Not Recommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Not Recommended
Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Not Recommended
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Gary William Seyring - #232
Campaign Website
Bar Association Evaluation Narratives
The Chicago Bar Association says:
Gary William Seyring is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Seyring was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1978 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in family law, real estate, business law, and wills, trusts and estates. Mr. Seyring has commercial litigation experience and is well regarded for his knowledge of probate, tax and family law. Mr. Seyring is actively involved in community service and highly regarded by the judges before whom he has appeared.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Gary W. Seyring was admitted to practice in 1978. He is also a Certified Public Accountant. He is a solo practitioner focusing on domestic relations, real estate, estate planning, tax planning, and business law. A substantial percentage of Mr. Seyring’s practice involves litigation. He is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Gary William Seyring has been licensed since 1998. He has been a private practitioner since with his own practice: Law Offices of Gary Seyring, focusing on various areas of civil law including domestic relations, real estate, probate and estate planning, and business law. He has taught at Roosevelt University, been active on committees with the Chicago Bar Association and the Northwest Suburban Bar Association and assisted military families with tax preparation through a pro bono program. He is on the board of the Illinois Youth Soccer Association.
He is considered to be a well-prepared litigator with good writing skills. He has a diverse clientele and is patient and calm. He has substantial civil trial experience including in complex matters. ISBA finds Mr. Gary William Seyring qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Other Bar Association Evaluations
Arab American Bar Association: Not evaluated through no fault of the candidate
Asian American Bar Association: Qualified
Black Women Lawyers' Association: Recommended
Cook County Bar Association: Recommended
Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Recommended
Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended
Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Recommended
Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Recommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended
Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended
Endorsement
Chicago Tribune
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