Organizing the Data: 13th Subcircuit - Groebner vacancy - Democratic candidates

Updated June 23, 2022

This is the only judicial vacancy in Cook County in which both Republican and Democratic candidates filed. In this post, we'll look at the Democratic candidates in the order that they appear on the ballot; we look at the Republican candidates in this separate post. This post may be updated before the primary as new information becomes available.

James "Jack" Costello - #191

Campaign Website

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

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.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

James Costello was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2007. He has spent his career as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Cook County State’s Attorney Office, where since 2019 he has served in the Special Prosecutions Bureau, Public Corruption and Financial Crimes Unit (he is currently First Chair). He has also served in the Felony Trial Division (2016-2019), the Felony Review and Preliminary Hearings Unit (2013-2016), the Misdemeanors/Traffic/Preliminary Hearings Units at the Markham courthouse (2009-2013), and Criminal Appeals in the Daley Center (2007-2009).

Mr. Costello is considered to have good legal ability and is especially praised for his temperament. He is reported to be knowledgeable and fair with lawyers and litigants. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

James Costello has been licensed since 2007. He is a career prosecutor currently assigned to the Public Corruption/Financial Crimes Unity; before his assignment there in 2019, he worked in the Felony Trial Division, Misdemeanors/Traffic, and Appeals. He has been a speaker and guest lecturer at both law schools and high schools, and coached mock trial teams. He is a Board Member of the Arlington Heights Historical Society.

He has substantial jury and bench trial experience in criminal matters, including in complex cases. Attorneys praised his legal skills and ability, and analytical skills. He is reported to be of high integrity, even-keeled and fair.

The Committee finds James Costello qualified for election 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: Not evaluated through no fault of the candidate

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
Indo-American Democratic Organization
AMVOTE PAC
Personal PAC

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

Joe Gump - #192

Campaign Website

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

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.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Joseph Michael Gump was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1987. He has spent his legal career at the Office of the Cook County Public Defender, where he was a Felony Trial Assistant.

Joseph Michael Gump is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for being a zealous advocate. He has substantial litigation experience in complex matters, and is praised for his knowledge of the law as well as for his research skills. He is praise[d] for his judicial temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

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: Qualified

Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Endorsements

IVI-IPO
"Girl, I Guess" Voter's Guide
Personal PAC

------------------------------------------------------
Back to "Start here for the most complete information about every 2022 Cook County judicial race"