Organizing the Data: Countywide Mason 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.

Arthur D. Sutton - #198

Campaign Website

Law Bulletin Questionnaire

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Arthur D. Sutton is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Sutton was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1993 and was engaged in private practice until 2010. Mr. Sutton served as a Technical Advisor to the Department of Children and Family Services from 2010-2013 and as Deputy Chief of Parole for the Department of Corrections from 2013-2015. Mr. Sutton is currently in private practice concentrating in a variety of civil and criminal matters. Mr. Sutton has a fine demeanor and is active in his community; however, concerns about his diligence, attention to detail, and depth and breadth of practice experience resulted in a “Not Recommended” finding.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Arthur D. Sutton was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1993. He is an attorney at the Law Office of Arthur D. Sutton, where he is a general practitioner who focuses on litigation. He has also served as Deputy Chief of Parole in the Illinois Department of Corrections, and as an administrative law judge at the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services.

Mr. Sutton is considered to have good legal ability. He has substantial litigation experience, and is reported to have a good temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

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.

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

The Soul Slate
Cong. Danny Davis
Dorothy Brown

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

Bonnie Carol McGrath - #199

No Campaign Website (regularly blogs at Chicago Now)

Bonnie Carol McGrath: In her own words

Law Bulletin Questionnaire

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Bonnie Carol McGrath 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:

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.

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

Endorsement

Personal PAC

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

Jennifer Patricia Callahan - #200

Campaign Website

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Jennifer Patricia Callahan is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Callahan was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2006 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in insurance defense, criminal law, and administrative law matters. Ms. Callahan also serves as an Administrative Law Judge for the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. Prior to entering private practice Ms. Callahan served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for 11 years. Ms. Callahan has an excellent temperament and demeanor and is well regarded for her knowledge of the law and legal ability.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Jennifer Patricia Callahan was admitted to practice in 2006. She is a sole practitioner, but spent most of her career as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. She has substantial litigation experience including prosecuting complex felony cases in the Narcotics Prosecutions Bureau, and as a prosecutor in the Alternative Prosecutions Unit where she handled cases in Drug, Mental Health, and Veterans Treatment Courts.

Ms Callahan is praised for her legal ability and knowledge of the law and she is reported to exhibit great patience and sensitivity toward those she has prosecuted and those she now defends. She is also praised for her litigation skills. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

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.

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: Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Endorsements

Chicago Federation of Labor
41st Ward Regular Democratic Organization
38th Ward Ald. Nicholas Sposato
Advocates Society (Recommended)

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

Chris Stacey - #201

Campaign Website

Chris Stacey: In his own words

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Christ Stanley Stacey is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Stacey was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1982 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in personal injury law and a broad range of complex corporate and commercial law matters. Mr. Stacey is well spoken and highly regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal ability, and excellent demeanor. Mr. Stacey is also active in a variety of civic and community organizations.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Christ Stanley Stacey was admitted to practice in 1982. He is a sole practitioner focusing on civil litigation. He is exceptionally active in community affairs. Mr. Stacey is considered to have good legal ability and his praised as a solid practitioner with substantial litigation experience and good trial skills. He is reported to have a professional temperament, and his praised for his diligence and integrity. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

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.

Other Bar Association Evaluations

Arab American Bar Association: Recommended

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

Cook County Democratic Party
Chicago Tribune
AMVOTE PAC
Chicago NOW PAC
Personal PAC
40th Ward Ald. Andre Vasquez
Advocates Society (Recommended)

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

Joy E. Tolbert Nelson - #202

Campaign Website

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Joy E. Tolbert Nelson is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Tolbert Nelson was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2000 and has served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney her entire career. Ms. Tolbert Nelson is currently assigned as first chair to a felony courtroom in the Fourth Municipal District. Ms. Tolbert Nelson is well regarded for her integrity, excellent temperament, and fine people skills. However, concerns about Ms. Tolbert Nelson’s legal knowledge and legal ability along with her lack of civil practice experience resulted in a “Not Recommended” finding.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Joy E. Tolbert Nelson was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2000. Since that time, she has served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Cook County State’s Attorney Office, where she is currently the lead Attorney in the Felony Trial Division at Maywood, District 4. She is a member of the National Black Prosecutor’s Association, the Black Women’s Lawyer’s Association, and the Chicago Bar Association, where she has served on the Judicial Evaluation Committee, the Environmental Law Practice Committee, and the Environmental Law and Energy Committee.

Ms.Nelson is considered to have good legal ability. As a prosecutor, she has substantial litigation experience and is praised for her temperament. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

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.

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: Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Endorsements

Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge No. 7
Italian American Police Association
Citizens in Action for Better Government

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

Joseph Chico - #203

Campaign Website

Law Bulletin Questionnaire

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Joseph Chico is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Chico was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1993 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in family law, personal injury, real estate, probate, criminal, and traffic court matters. Since 1996, Mr. Chico has served as an Administrative Law Judge for the City of Chicago. Mr. Chico is an experienced lawyer well regarded for his legal knowledge, legal ability, and excellent demeanor.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Joseph Chico was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1993. Since 1995, he has been Managing Partner at Joseph Chico and Associates, P.C., a general practice. He is also a Hearing Officer at the City of Chicago’s Department of Human Resources (1996-present) and the Chicago Housing Authority’s Housing Choice Voucher Program (2012-present), as well as an Administrative Law Judge at the City of Chicago’s Department of Administrative Hearings (1997-present). Previously he worked as a Law Clerk and Associate Attorney at two general practice law firms, Moreno & Hernandez, Ltd. (1993-1994) and James J. Conlon and Associates (1992-1993).

Mr. Chico is considered to have good legal ability and knowledge of the law. He is particularly praised for his temperament as an administrative hearing officer presiding over sometime emotionally charged hearings. In 2015, the Council said:

Mr. Chico is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He has had a successful neighborhood law practice and serves as an Administrative Law Judge. The Council is concerned, however, that he lacks substantial litigation experience in more complex matters, and that his work as an Administrative Law Judge, while laudable, is not a sufficient substitute. He does report having published scholarly works.

Mr. Chico is respected as an administrative law judge but his career lacks substantial litigation experience in more complex matters. The Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

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.

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: Not 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: Not Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Not Recommended

Endorsements

IVI-IPO
15th Ward Democratic Party
12th Ward Ald. George Cardenas
10th Ward Democratic Organization
LGBTQ Impact

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

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