Organizing the Data: Appellate Court - Neville, Jr. vacancy

Updated March 16, 2020
Updated March 14, 2020
Updated March 12, 2020

Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this vacancy.

Maureen Patricia O'Leary - #171

Campaign Website

Law Bulletin Questionnaire

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

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.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Maureen P. O’Leary was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2002. Since 2014, she has been Vice President of Litigation and Claims for Aperion Care, Inc., where she provides oversight for the Nursing Home Care Act and medical malpractice litigation for over 50 long-term care facilities in Illinois, Indiana, and Kansas, as well as approximately 2,000 therapists in 140 long-term care facilities in 7 states. Previously, she was a Solo Practitioner at the Law Office of Maureen O’Leary, a general practice (2008-2013), an Associate at Susan E. Loggans & Associates, a medical malpractice and personal injury firm (2004-2007), a Prosecutor in the traffic court division at the Department of Law in the Chicago Corporation Counsel’s Office (2001-2003), and as a Cook County Law Clerk for Presiding Judge Jacqueline Cox (1999-2001). She served as a registered nurse before going to law school.

Ms. O’Leary is considered to have good legal ability and to be knowledgeable about her practice field. She is reported to have a very good, highly professional temperament She had litigation experience in less complex matters earlier in her career and oversees medical malpractice litigation in her current position. However, the Council is concerned that Ms. O’Leary is running for the Illinois Appellate Court, and lacks both litigation experience in complex matters and demonstrated substantial published writing. On balance, the Council finds her Not Qualified for the Illinois Appellate Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Maureen Patricia O’Leary has been licensed since 2002. She is currently the vice president for Claims and Litigation and Aperion Care managing professional liability lawsuits for nursing home facilities. Prior to taking that position in 2014, she has been in private practice focusing on civil law, both with a firm and with her own practice. Early in her career she worked as an assistant corporation counsel and as an assistant state’s attorney. She is a member of various bar associations.

While attorneys report that she is well-versed in her specific area of health care law, she lacks litigation experience and has no experience appearing before the Appellate Court. ISBA finds Ms. Maureen Patricia O’Leary not qualified to serve as a justice to the Illinois Appellate Court – First District.

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: 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: 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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Carolyn J. Gallagher - #172

Campaign Website

Law Bulletin Questionnaire

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

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.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Hon. Carolyn J. Gallagher was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1982. Since 2018, she has been assigned to the Probate Division, County Department, where she hears Decedent’s Estates cases, Adult Guardianship cases, and Minor Guardianship cases. Her previous judicial assignments were in the Municipal Department of the First Municipal District, in the Housing Division (2017-2018) and the Traffic Division (2016-2017). Previously she was a Solo Practitioner at the Law Office of Carolyn J. Gallagher (2004-2016), where she handled Appellate Law and Complex Commercial Litigation, Real Estate Law, and Financial Institution Law. She also worked as a Legal Writing Instructor at DePaul University College of Law (2000-2004) and again as a Solo Practitioner at the Law Office of Carolyn Gallagher Brocksmith (1996-2000).

Judge Gallagher is considered to have good legal ability and is reported to have a good temperament with a calm and respectful demeanor on the bench. She is praised for her integrity and diligence. The Council finds her Qualified for the Appellate Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Carolyn J. Gallagher was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1982. She was elected to the circuit court in 2016 and was initially assigned to the Traffic Division. She was later assigned to the Housing Division and in August of 2018 was assigned to the Probate Division. Prior to her judicial service she was a sole practitioner handling a variety of commercial, real estate and appellate matters.

In her relatively brief time on the bench, she has not yet presided over matters of sufficient variety and complexity to enable her to acquire the knowledge and experience needed for advancement to the Appellate Court. ISBA finds Judge Carolyn J. Gallagher not qualified to serve as a justice to the Illinois Appellate Court – First District.

Other Bar Association Evaluations

Arab American Bar Association: Recommended

Asian American Bar Association: Recommended

Black Women Lawyers' Association: Recommended

Cook County Bar Association: Recommended

Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Not Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Not 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

41st Ward Regular Democratic Organization
38th Ward Ald. Nicholas Sposato
29th Ward Democratic Organization
Italian American Police Association
Cong. Danny Davis
Chicago NOW PAC
Personal PAC

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Sandra Gisela Ramos - #173

Campaign Website

Law Bulletin Questionnaire

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

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.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Hon. Sandra G. Ramos was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1986. Since 2010, she has been a Cook County Circuit Court Judge, where she is currently assigned to the Law Division/Trial Section. Her previous judicial assignments were at Traffic Court (2010-2013) and at the First Municipal/Branch 48 court (2013-2018), where she presided over felony preliminary hearings, and reviewed bonds and search or arrest warrants for execution. Prior to becoming a judge, she worked as a Solo Practitioner at S.G. Ramos Ltd. (1993-2010), where she handled criminal defense cases, and as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Cook County State’s Attorney Office (1986-1993).

Judge Ramos is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. Respondents find her a capable trial court judge, but the Council is concerned that she has had limited experience presiding over complex legal matters but she enjoys a reputation of being a solid trial court jurist. On balance, the Council finds her Qualified for the Appellate Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Sandra Gisela Ramos was admitted in 1986. She was elected to the circuit court in 2010 and retained in 2016. She is currently assigned to the Law Division – Trial Section after previous assignments in First Municipal and Traffic Court. She was an assistant state’s attorney and a sole practitioner prior to her election. She is a founder of the Illinois Latino Judges Association.

While she is considered to be even keeled and diligent, she has insufficient complex civil trial experience at this time. ISBA finds Judge Sandra Gisela Ramos not qualified to serve as a justice to the Illinois Appellate Court – First District.

Other Bar Association Evaluations

Arab American Bar Association: Recommended

Asian American Bar Association: Recommended

Black Women Lawyers' Association: Not Recommended

Cook County Bar Association: Recommended

Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Not Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Recommended

Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Not Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Not Recommended

Endorsements

30th Ward Regular Democratic Organization
12th Ward Ald. George Cardenas
10th Ward Democratic Organization
Democratic Citizens of Berwyn
Chicago NOW PAC

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Michael B. Hyman - #174

Campaign Website

Michael B. Hyman: In his own words

Law Bulletin Questionnaire

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

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.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Hon. Michael Hyman was admitted to practice in 1977, Prior to taking the bench, he spent two years with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, and then began a career with the law firm of Much Shelist. Since 2013, he has been on the Appellate Court by appointment, including his appointment to the seat vacated when Justice Neville was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2018. He was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2008, elected in 2008, and retained in 2014.

Justice Hyman is considered to have excellent legal ability and is reported to be always prepared. He is reported to be an active and thoughtful during oral arguments. In addition to opinions, he has published extensively. Respondents spoke highly of his professionalism and temperament. The Council finds him Highly Qualified for the Appellate Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Michael B. Hyman has been licensed since 1977. He was appointed to the Appellate Court – First District in 2018. In 2006 he was appointed to the circuit court, elected in 2008 and retained in 2014. In 2013 he was assigned to the Appellate Court after serving in Chancery, Domestic Relations and First Municipal. Prior to his appointment to the bench, he spent the majority of his career at Much Shelist focusing on securities, antitrust and fraud litigation. He has served as president of the Illinois Judges Association, the Chicago Bar Association, the Jewish Judges Association, and the Decalogue Society of Lawyers; in addition, he has been an assembly and committee member of the Illinois State Bar Association. He writes and speaks frequently on legal topics and sits on several Supreme Court committees. He is the recipient of numerous awards.

Attorneys overwhelmingly praised his legal knowledge, intelligence and preparation. He asks pertinent questions in oral arguments and his written opinions are well-reasoned and timely. ISBA finds Judge Michael B. Hyman highly qualified to serve as a justice to the Illinois Appellate Court – First District.

Other Bar Association Evaluations

Arab American Bar Association: Recommended

Asian American Bar Association: Recommended

Black Women Lawyers' Association: Recommended

Cook County Bar Association: Highly Recommended

Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Highly Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Highly Recommended

Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Highly Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Endorsements

Cook County Democratic Party
Chicago Tribune
Chicago Federation of Labor
IVI-IPO
AMVOTE PAC
Democratic Party of the 49th Ward
43rd Ward Ald. Michele Smith
LGBTQ Impact
United Hellenic Voters of America
Indo-American Democratic Organization
Advocates Society (Recommended)

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