CBA issues evaluations for Cook County judicial candidates seeking vacancies in the 13th, 14th, and 15th Subcircuits

The Chicago Bar Association has now released its evaluations of all candidates for judicial positions in the upcoming primary. In this post we look at the CBA's evaluations of candidates seeking vacancies in the 13th, 14th, and 14th Subcircuits. For more about the methodology employed by the CBA in arriving at its ratings, see this FWIW post or the complete CBA "Judge Smart" Guide. The guide can be accessed from this page of the CBA website; click here to access the complete CBA "'Judge Smart' Guide" in .pdf form.

13th Subcircuit, Groebner Vacancy

Republican Candidates

CHRISTINE SVENSON -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Christine Svenson is “Not Recommended” to serve as a Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Svenson was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1995. She has practiced as a solo practitioner for many years, concentrating on divorce matters and non-litigation matters, and some election law matters. Concerns about Ms. Svenson’s lack of candor related to criticism by the Illinois Court of Appeals and her lack of trial and litigation experience resulted in the finding of “Not Recommended.”

GARY WILLIAM SEYRING -- QUALIFIED
Gary William Seyring is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Seyring was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1978 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in family law, real estate, business law, and wills, trusts and estates. Mr. Seyring has commercial litigation experience and is well regarded for his knowledge of probate, tax and family law. Mr. Seyring is actively involved in community service and highly regarded by the judges before whom he has appeared.

DOMINIC J. BUTTITTA, JR. -- QUALIFIED
Dominic J. Buttitta, Jr. is “Qualified” to serve as a Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Buttitta was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2010. After interning with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, he spent three years as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office. Next, he went into private practice as a partner in two law firms. In private practice, Mr. Buttitta handled criminal defense, domestic relations, and commercial litigation matters in Cook County and the surrounding counties. During his twelve years as a practicing attorney, he has had more than 120 jury and bench trials in both criminal and civil cases. Mr. Buttitta is qualified based on his litigation experience and his substantial trial experience.

Democratic Candidates

JAMES “JACK” COSTELLO -- QUALIFIED
James “Jack” Costello is “Qualified” to serve as a Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Costello was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2007 and has been an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney since that time. Mr. Costello has significant trial experience and is well-regarded for his diligence, legal ability and experience, and excellent demeanor.

JOE GUMP -- QUALIFIED
Joe Gump is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Gump was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1987 and for the past 29 years has served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. Mr. Gump is currently a felony assistant, assigned to the Third Municipal District. Mr. Gump is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal ability and fine temperament.

14th Subcircuit, Brown Vacancy

IRIS Y. CHAVIRA -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Iris Y. Chavira 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.

14th Subcircuit, Jagielski Vacancy

STEVE DEMITRO -- QUALIFIED
Steve Demitro is “Qualified” to serve as a Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Demitro was admitted to practice law in Illinois in May 2000. Since then, he has handled a variety of litigation matters. He has demonstrated a strong work ethic and integrity. He has presided over more than 200 arbitrations in his legal practice. He is well-regarded for his temperament and demeanor, and he is respected for his civic and community involvement. Mr. Demitro has sufficient legal knowledge and ability to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

VIVIANA MARTINEZ -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Viviana Martinez is “Not Recommended” to serve as a Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Martinez was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2007. For the past eleven years, she has worked for Cook County in various legal roles. Ms. Martinez has very little litigation experience, which she acquired early in her career. She also failed to demonstrate experience handling complex litigation. Ms. Martinez does not possess the depth and breadth of practice experience to effectively serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

JORGE V. CAZARES -- QUALIFIED
Jorge V. Cazares is “Qualified” to serve as a Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Cazares was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1990. Mr. Cazares has practiced law for more than 25 years. He is currently a partner at his law firm. He received nothing but positive reviews for his practice, demeanor, and legal abilities. All the references the committee interviewed praised the candidate calling him a role model, the utmost professional, a groundbreaker (first Latino attorney at his firm) and stated that the county would be “lucky” to have him as a Judge and fortunate due to his kindness, even temper and extreme professionalism.

15th Subcircuit, Lawler Vacancy

BERNADETTE BARRETT -- QUALIFIED
Bernadette Barrett is “Qualified” to serve as a Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Barrett was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991. Ms. Barrett has experience in a variety of general litigation areas. She has demonstrated a commitment to community and public service. Ms. Barrett is well regarded for her integrity, temperament, and work ethic.

JIM 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.