Evaluation narratives from Chicago Bar Association for candidates seeking slating from Cook County Democratic Party

Candidates who had not previously been screened by the Chicago Bar Association but who did not submit a questionnaire will have another opportunity to do so should they actually file for judicial office next year.

However, pursuant to §27.4 of the JEC Resolutions and Procedures, candidates who received an unfavorable rating within the past three years retain that "NOT RECOMMENDED" rating without any further hearing. Favorable ratings also retain in force for some time. This is why some of the narratives you will read below, favorable or unfavorable alike, refer to individuals seeking the office of Associate Judge.

APPELLATE COURT CANDIDATES

JOHN H. EHRLICH – HIGHLY QUALIFIED

Judge John H. Ehrlich is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. Judge Ehrlich was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1988. Judge Ehrlich was elected to the Circuit Court in November 2012. Since 2014, he has been assigned to the Law Division, Motion Section. He previously served in the Chancery Division and Traffic Division. Before being elected, Judge Ehrlich was with the City of Chicago’s Corporation Counsel. Judge Ehrlich is highly regarded by his judicial colleagues and attorneys that have appeared before him for his excellent writing skills, work ethic, fine demeanor, and the breadth and depth of his legal knowledge.

CASANDRA LEWIS – NOT RECOMMENDED

Judge Casandra Lewis is “Not Recommended” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. Judge Lewis was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991 and elected a Circuit Court Judge in 2002. Judge Lewis presides over major jury trials in the Law Division. Significant concerns about Judge Lewis’s punctuality, diligence, and tardiness in issuing rulings resulted in a “Not Recommended” finding.

DOMINIQUE ROSS – QUALIFIED

Judge Dominque Ross is “Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. Judge Ross was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1995 and has served as a judge since 2008. Since 2009, she has presided over a trial call in the Domestic Relations Division of Cook County managing complicated domestic relations matters. Judge Ross is well regarded for her legal experience, knowledge of the law, excellent demeanor, and temperament.

DEBRA B. WALKER – HIGHLY QUALIFIED

Judge Debra B. Walker is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. Judge Walker was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1987. She worked in private practice on complex litigation matters prior to becoming a Circuit Court Judge in 2008. She is currently assigned to the Domestic Relations Division, where she presides over financially complex cases. Judge Walker has written extensively for legal publications and spoken widely on legal topics. She is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, legal ability, demeanor, work ethic, and integrity.

CIRCUIT COURT CANDIDATES

DAN BALANOFF – NOT RECOMMENDED

Dan Balanoff 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, his prior finding of NOT RECOMMENDED is carried over and remains in effect.

DEIDRE BAUMANN – NOT RECOMMENDED

Deidre Baumann is “Not Recommended” for the office of Associate Judge. Ms. Baumann was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1992 and handles a variety of appellate and civil court matters. Significant concerns were raised about Ms. Baumann’s professionalism, diligence, and organizational skills in managing client matters. Additional concerns about Ms. Baumann’s knowledge of the law and knowledge and adherence to court rules and procedures resulted in her “Not Recommended” finding.

HOWARD BROOKINS – PROVIDED QUESTIONNAIRE BUT DIDN’T RESPOND TO MULTIPLE REQUESTS TO SCHEDULE HIS HEARING.

TIFFANY BROOKS – DID NOT SUBMIT A QUESTIONNAIRE

JENNIFER CALLAHAN – QUALIFIED

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.

MARCIA O’BRIEN CONWAY – QUALIFIED

Marcia O’Brien Conway is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Conway was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1984 and served from 1993-2018 as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney in the Real Estate Tax Litigation Unit. Ms. Conway has significant trial experience and is well regarded for her diligence and work ethic.

AUDREY VICTORIA COSGROVE – QUALIFIEID

Audrey Victoria Cosgrove is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Cosgrove was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1990 and has served as a Cook County Assistant Public Defender and in private practice. Ms. Cosgrove is currently serving as Deputy Chief Legal Counsel for the Illinois Department of Labor. Ms. Cosgrove is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, diverse practice experience, and fine demeanor.

ROCELL CYRUS – QUALIFIED

Rocell Cyrus is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Cyrus was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1997. Ms. Cyrus worked for the Cook County State’s Attorney, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the Illinois Department of Child ren and Family Services and is currently with the Illinois Commerce Commission. Ms. Cyrus is well regarded by judges and lawyers for her knowledge of the law, litigation and trial skills, and fine demeanor.

ARECELI DE LA CRUZ – QUALIFIED

Araceli De La Cruz is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. De La Cruz was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2001 and served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney from 2001-2009. From 2009-2014, Ms. De La Cruz served as Deputy Chief of Staff, Chicago Transit Authority, Chief Safety and Security Officer with Executive oversight for compliance. From 2014-2016, Ms. De La Cruz served as Chief of General Prosecutions for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Since 2016, Ms. De La Cruz has served as General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer for Acero Charter Schools. Ms. De La Cruz is hardworking and well regarded for her knowledge of the law, legal ability, trial and managerial skills, and excellent temperament.

DEBJANI DESAI – QUALIFIED

Debjani Desai is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Desai was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2008. She is currently the General Counsel for the Illinois Office of the Controller. Prior to that she was an administrative law judge at the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. She began her career as an Assistant State’s Attorney, first in the Child Protection and Enforcement Unit and then prosecuting cases in the Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Unit. Ms. Desai is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, diverse legal experience, and excellent demeanor.

THOMAS MORE DONNELLY – QUALIFIED

Judge Thomas More Donnelly is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Donnelly was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1986. He has been an Associate Judge since 2003. Judge Donnelly has served in a number of divisions of the Circuit Court over his judicial career and is currently assigned to Law Division Jury Trials, a role in which he presides over major jury trials. He also teaches as an adjunct instructor at Loyola University’s law school and is involved in other law-related public service activities. Judge Donnelly is very well regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal ability, work ethic, diligence and excellent temperament.

KATHLEEN DUHIG – DID NOT SUBMIT A QUESTIONNAIRE

JOANNE FEHN - QUALIFIED

Joanne Fehn is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Fehn was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1993. She has experience in both the private sector and government. Ms. Fehn is well regarded for her diverse legal background, knowledge of the law, legal experience, work ethic, and exceptional temperament.

JAMES GLEFFE – NOT RECOMMENDED

James Gleffe is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Gleffe was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2007 and has worked for public agencies throughout his career. Mr. Gleffe is currently serving as Deputy Chief of Staff and Labor Counsel for the Cook County Clerk’s Office. Mr. Gleffe has very limited trial and litigation experience. At this point in his career, Mr. Gleffe lacks the depth and breadth of practice experience to effectively serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

DAWN GONZALEZ – QUALIFIED

Dawn M. Gonzalez is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Gonzalez was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1994 and has focused her practice on insurance coverage and insurance defense litigation. She is also active in bar associations and community organizations. Ms. Gonzalez is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, legal experience, integrity, diligence, and excellent demeanor.

COLLEEN GORMAN – DID NOT SUBMIT A QUESTIONNAIRE

RUTH GUDINO – QUALIFIED

Judge Ruth I. Gudino is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Gudino was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1995. After short tenures in the Public Guardian’s Office and UAW-GM Legal Services Plan, she joined the Office of the State’s Attorney in 1998. She tried over 300 cases, including more than 50 jury trials, to verdict. She served as Supervisor of the Juvenile Justice Bureau and of Criminal Prosecutions at the Maywood Courthouse. Judge Gudino was appointed to Cook County Circuit Court Judge in October 2021. Judge Gudino is well regarded for her legal knowledge, extensive trial experience, and excellent demeanor and temperament.

MERIDTH HAMMER – NOT RECOMMENDED

Meridth Hammer is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Hammer was admitted to practice law in Indiana in 2001. She was a sole practitioner with a focus on probate, trust, estate planning and real estate. Ms. Hammer became licensed to practice law in Illinois in March 2020. She recently served as Associate General Counsel at the Office of Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Ms. Hammer’s failure to disclose personal litigation along with concerns about her limited litigation experience resulted in the “Not Recommended” finding.

RUSSELL W. HARTIGAN – HIGHLY QUALIFIED

Russell W. Hartigan is “Highly Qualified” for the office of the Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Hartigan was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1976 and practiced law from 1977-2010 concentrating in civil trial, workers’ compensation, municipal and appellate practice matters. Mr. Hartigan has handled a number of appeals in both the State and Federal Courts and authored many articles in the ISBA Journal. Mr. Hartigan was appointed to the Circuit Court of Cook County in 2010 and served as a judge until 2017. Mr. Hartigan is currently practicing law with a suburban firm. Mr. Hartigan has extensive experience as a lawyer and as a judge and possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as Circuit Court Judge.

JOHN N. HOURIHANE, JR. – QUALIFIED

John N. Hourihane, Jr. is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Hourihane was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1998 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in commercial litigation, app ellate practice, probate and real estate matters. Mr. Hourihane has extensive experience in commercial litigation and appellate practice and has handled a number of complex legal matters. Mr. Hourihane is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal experience, fine demeanor and temperament.

NATALIE HOWSE – DID NOT SUBMIT A QUESTIONNAIRE

NICHOLAS KANTAS – QUALIFIED

Nicholas Kantas is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Kantas was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2004. He works in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office as a supervisor in the Juvenile Delinquency Unit. He previously served in the Office’s Abuse and Neglect Division, Preliminary Hearings Unit, Child Support Division, Civil Division, and the Felony Review Unit, where tried numerous jury trials. Mr. Kantas is well regarded by judges whom he has appeared before and opposing counsel for his calm demeanor, knowledge of the law, legal experience, and fine temperament.

DIANA LOPEZ – QUALIFIED

Judge Diana Lopez is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Lopez was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2001. Prior to being appointed an Associate Judge in October 2021, she was in private practice representing clients in domestic relations and adoption cases. She also acted frequently as a Guardian ad Litem representing children. She is well respected for her legal knowledge, experience, work ethic, integrity, and temperament.

JENETIA MARSHALL – QUALIFIED

Jenetia Marshall is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Marshall was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2004. She practiced at the Office of the Public Guardian in Cook County prior to joining the Department of Children and Family Services in 2019 where she currently serves as Statewide Compliance Administrator. Ms. Marshall is highly regarded by colleagues and judges she has appeared before for her work ethic, diligence, and fine demeanor.

STEVEN MC KENZIE – QUALIFIED

Steven McKenzie is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. McKenzie was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1997. Since 2006, he has been a Supervising Assistant Corporation Counsel, primarily dealing with Housing and Building Code issues. Mr. McKenzie is well regarded for his trial experience, legal knowledgeable and commitment to public service.

PETER McNAMARA – QUALIFIED

Peter McNamara is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. McNamara was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2009. He has had an extensive and varied career as a labor and employment lawyer in the public sector and is currently the Chief Attorney for Labor and Employment at the Chicago Transit Authority. He is well respected for his commitment to public service, his work ethic, his diligence, and his excellent temperament.

JAMES MURPHY-AGUILU – QUALIFIED

James Murphy-Aguilu is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Murphy-Aguilu was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2006. He has experience in both civil and cr iminal litigation from his time in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office and in private practice. He is currently the Inspector General for the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Mr. Murphy-Aguilu is well-regarded for his legal experience, diligence and calm demeanor.

MELANIE PATRICK NEELY – QUALIFIED

Melanie Neely is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Neely was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1996 and is currently a Supervisor and Senior Counsel in the Employment Litigation Division of the City of Chicago Law Department. Ms. Neely has considerable litigation experience and is well regarded for knowledge of the law, legal experience, and fine demeanor.

THOMAS NOWINSKI – QUALIFIED

Thomas Nowinski is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Nowinski was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2004 and is currently serving as Supervisor of the Litigation Unit of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Mr. Nowinski has substantial court and trial experience and is well regarded for his integrity, knowledge of the law, and legal experience.

KEVIN OCHALLA – QUALIFIED

Kevin Ochalla is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge . Mr. Ochalla was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2001. He has served as a Public Defender for the past 18 years in Cook County. Mr. Ochalla has extensive jury and non-jury trial experience and is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal ability, diligence, and fine temperament.

TRACIE PORTER – QUALIFIED

Judge Tracie R. Porter is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Porter was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1994. Prior to her appointment to the bench in October 2021, Judge Porter worked in private practice i n the areas of real estate, probate, and general litigation. She also worked as a law professor teaching courses in legal writing, real estate, estate planning, and business organizations. Judge Porter is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, legal experience, integrity, diligence, and excellent demeanor.

ASHONTA RICE - QUALIFIED

Ashonta C. Rice is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Rice was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2005 and is currently in private practice concentrating in family law, juvenile Law, and social security. Ms. Rice has an excellent temperament and demeanor and possesses the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

LORI ROPER – NOT REOMMENDED

Lori Ann Roper is “Not Recommended” for the office of Associate Judge. Ms. Roper was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1994 and has served as an Assistant Public Defender in the Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender for 26 years. Ms. Roper is currently a supervisor in the Felony Trial Division. Concerns about the candidate’s candor and judgement regarding personal financial challenges resulted in a “Not Recommended” finding.

ELIZABETH RYAN – QUALIFIED

Elizabeth “Beth” Ryan is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Ryan was admitted to practice law in 2004 and is currently a solo practitioner concentrating in personal injury, corporate litigation, and social security disability law. Ms. Ryan is well regarded by her peers and by the judges before whom she has appeared for her knowledge of the law and legal ability.

PAMELA SAINDON – QUALIFIED

Pamela Saindon is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Saindon was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1995. Ms. Saindon spent her first years in practice as a law clerk for an Illinois Appellate Court Judge and then an Illinois Supreme Court Judge. She has since worked for a government agency and currently works for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District in the User Charge and Enforcement Division. Ms. Saindon is well -regarded for her legal experience, knowledge of the law and fine temperament.

YOLANDA SAYRE – QUALIFIED

Yolanda Sayre is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Sayre was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1995. Since 1997, Ms. Sayre has served as an Attorney for the Education and Training Division for the Chicago Police Department. In that role, Ms. Sayre is responsible for drafting materials for training police personnel on criminal, civil, and juvenile procedure. Ms. Sayre is also a hearing officer for the Cook County Board of Elections and has conducted over 50 hearings for the Board of Elections. Since 1996, Ms. Sayre has also maintained a general practice and has handled a wide variety of legal matters. Ms. Sayre possesses the legal knowledge, experience, and ability to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

MONICA SOMERVILLE – QUALIFIED

Monica G. Somerville is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Somerville was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1990. She has varied practice experience and service in the public sector. Ms. Somerville is well regarded for her legal knowledge, temperament, and diligence. She has the requisite experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

SANJAY TAILOR – HIGHLY QUALIFIED

Judge Sanjay T. Tailor is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Tailor was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991 and was engaged in private practice prior to his appointment to the bench as an Associate Judge in 2003. Judge Tailor served in the Chancery Division, Municipal Division, Domestic Relations, and Law Division prior to his current position as Acting Presiding Judge of the County Division. Judge Tailor was appointed as a Cook County Circuit Judge in January 2021. Judge Tailor is highly respected by his fellow judges and the lawyers who appear before him in court. Judge Tailor is an experienced jurist highly regarded for his knowledge of the law, integrity, diligence, work ethic, and excellent demeanor and temperament.

LISA TAYLOR – QUALIFIED

Lisa Taylor is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Taylor was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2001. She has over 20 years of experience, primarily in private practice for several law firms working in insurance, tort, and other civil litigation areas. She is well regarded by judges and adversaries for her legal knowledge, temperament, and integrity.

BRADLEY TROWBRIDGE – QUALIFIED

Bradley Trowbridge is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Trowbridge was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2000 and is engaged in private practice concentrating in family law matters. Mr. Trowbridge has a fine demeanor and temperament and possesses the requisite legal knowledge and experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

RENA VAN TINE – HIGHLY QUALIFIED

Judge Rena Van Tine is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Van Tine was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1986, became an Associate Judge in 2001 and was appointed a Circuit Court Judge in February 2021. Prior to becoming a judge, she had extensive litigation experience. Judge Van Tine was assigned to the Child Protection Division for 17 years. She currently sits in the Law Division. Judge Van Tine is an experienced jurist well regarded for her work ethic, integrity, and temperament.

TORRICK WARD – QUALIFIED

Torrick Alan Ward is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Ward was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1998. He has significant litigation experience in several substantive legal areas. He presently oversees labor matters for Cook County. He is well regarded for his legal knowledge, work ethic, temperament, and integrity.

MICHAEL WEAVER – QUALIFIED

Michael Weaver is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Weaver was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2006 and is engaged in private practice at a major Chicago law firm concentrating his practice in civil and commercial litigation. Mr. Weaver handles a variety of complex legal matters and is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, extensive experience, and fine demeanor.

ANTOINETTE WESTON – DID NOT SUBMIT A QUESTIONNAIRE

TIMOTHY WRIGHT, III - QUALIFIED

Timothy Wright III is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Wright was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1984. Mr. Wright has served in several roles in government and private practice. He has practiced in variety of areas of substantive law. His current practice includes commercial litigation and public finance. Mr. Wright is well-regarded for his legal knowledge and experience, his strong work ethic, and his calm demeanor.