Organizing the Data: Countywide Ford 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.

U. O'Neal - #188

No Campaign Website Known (Campaign Facebook page)

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

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.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Not Recommended - Did not participate in the evaluation.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

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.

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

------------------------------------------------------

Laura Ayala-Gonzalez - #189

Campaign Website

Law Bulletin Questionnaire

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

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.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Laura Ayala-Gonzalez was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2003. For the past 14 years, she has worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Cook County State’s Attorney Office. Currently she is a first chair in the Felony Trial Division.

Ms. Ayala-Gonzalez is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for her trial skills. She has substantial trial experience in complex matters. She is reported to have a very good temperament. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

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.

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: 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

Cook County Democratic Party
Chicago Federation of Labor
Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge No. 7
Italian American Police Association
AMVOTE PAC
Indo-American Democratic Organization
LGBTQ Impact
Personal PAC
Advocates Society (Recommended)

------------------------------------------------------

John O'Meara - #190

Campaign Website

Law Bulletin Questionnaire

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

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.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Hon. John O’Meara was admitted to practice in 1995. Currently employed by the Illinois Department of Labor, O'Meara served as a Circuit Court judge from 2016-2018. Prior to his bench appointment he was a trial attorney at the Curcio Law Offices. Mr. O’Meara is considered to have good legal ability and has substantial litigation experience in more complex matters. He is reported to have a good temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

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.

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: 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
43rd Ward Ald. Michele Smith

------------------------------------------------------

Back to "Start here for the most complete information about every 2020 Cook County judicial race"