Organizing the Data: Countywide Bellows 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.

Tiesha L. Smith - #181

Campaign Website

Law Bulletin Questionnaire

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

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.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Not Recommended -- Did not participate in the evaluation process.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

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.

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

Endorsements

15th Ward Democratic Party
The Soul Slate
Cong. Danny Davis
Dorothy Brown
New 26th Ward Independent Democratic Party

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Cristin Keely McDonald Duffy - #182

Campaign Website

Cristin Keely McDonald Duffy: In her own words

Law Bulletin Questionnaire

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

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.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Cristin McDonald Duffy was admitted to practice in 1996 and has been a career Cook County State’s Attorney. She currently works in the Civil Division where she is currently the Deputy Supervisor of the Real Estate Tax Division.

Ms. Duffy has vast experience as a litigator in both criminal and civil matters. She is praised for her litigation skills. She is considered to have good legal ability and is reported to be always well prepared. She is also reported to have an excellent temperament and to be a mentor to less experienced attorneys in her office. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

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.

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: 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

Endorsements

IVI-IPO
Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge No. 7
Italian American Police Association
Citizens in Action for Better Government
LGBTQ Impact
Advocates Society (Recommended)

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Kerrie Maloney Laytin - #183

Campaign Website

Kerrie Maloney Laytin: In her own words

Law Bulletin Questionnaire

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

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.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Kerrie Maloney Laytin was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2000 and was appointed to the Circuit Court by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2019. Prior to her appointment, she has served as an assistant corporation counsel for the City of Chicago’s Department of Law, where she practiced appellate law on behalf of the City of Chicago, City employees, and City agencies (2002-2019). Previously, she worked as a staff attorney at the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago (2000-2002). Since 2010, she has volunteered for Columbia Law School, Social Justice Initiatives, as the regional adviser in Chicago for students involved in government and public interest careers.

Judge Laytin is considered to have very good legal ability as an appellate lawyer. She is praised for legal skills and for her professional demeanor, even in the midst of heated legal matters. She is reported to have good judgment and has the ability to resolve contested disputes. The Council is concerned that she has no notable trial experience but we believe that her appellate career has demonstrated the analytical thinking and management skills necessary to be a good Circuit Judge. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

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.

Other Bar Association Evaluations

Arab American Bar Association: Not evaluated through no fault of candidate

Asian American Bar Association: Recommended

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

Cook County Democratic Party
Chicago Tribune
Chicago Federation of Labor
Indo-American Democratic Organization
AMVOTE PAC
41st Ward Regular Democratic Organization
40th Ward Ald. Andre Vasquez
Personal PAC
Advocates Society (Recommended)

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