Organizing the Data: 15th Subcircuit - Lawler vacancy

Updated June 23, 2022

Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this vacancy. This post may be updated before the primary as new information becomes available.

Bernadette Barrett - #191

No campaign website known
(There is a Facebook campaign page)

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

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.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Bernadette Barrett was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1991. As a Solo Practitioner at Bernadette Garrison Barrett, P.C (2019-present) and as an Attorney at Barrett & Sramek (1991-2018), where has concentrated primarily in domestic relations, civil litigation, corporate law, and personal injury cases. She has also worked as an Attorney at Carpls (1998-1999) and since 2018 has been a Board Member and Attorney for Rise from the Ashes, where she provides pro bono legal services to victims of domestic violence. She is a member in good standing of several bar associations, including the Southwest Bar Association, where she is a Past President.

Bernadette Barrett is considered to be a seasoned attorney with good legal ability. She has substantial experience in more complex matters. She is reported to have good temperament and is praised for her willingness to be a mentor to other attorneys. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Bernadette Garrison Barrett has been licensed since 1991. She practices in the areas of domestic relations, civil litigation and corporate law with the Barrett Law Group. Prior to starting her firm in 2019 she worked in a general practice with Barrett and Sramek from 1991 to 2018. She is a former president of the Southwest Bar Association and a member of various other bars. She is currently serving as Trustee of Moraine Valley Community College and as a board member for Rise From The Ashes.

She has some civil jury trial experience, has handled some appeals and substantial quasi-litigation experience. Attorneys reports that she is known for handling complex family law cases and has more than a typical knowledge of the law. They described her as professional and calm.

The Committee finds Bernadette Barrett 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: Qualified

Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Endorsement

AMVOTE PAC

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Jim Gleffe - #192

Campaign Website

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

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.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

James Gleffe was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2007. Since December 2020, he has served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Labor Counsel for the Cook County Clerk’s Office. Previously, he worked for the Cook County Recorder of Deeds Office as Chief Deputy Recorder/Chief of Staff (2018-2020) and Chief Legal Counsel (2014-2018); for Illinois Secretary of State Securities Department as Chief Deputy Director (2012-2013) and Enforcement Attorney (2009-2012); and as a Prosecutor in the Municipal Prosecutions Division of the City of Chicago Department of Law (2007-2009).

Mr. Gleffe is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for his temperament. The Council is concerned about his lack of sufficient direct litigation experience. He has substantial experience overseeing litigation being conducted by others, and is often actively involved in providing advice and counsel to agency staff engaged in litigation. Earlier in his career, Mr. Gleffe represented an agency in administrative hearings. On balance, the Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

James Gleffe was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2007. He is currently the Deputy Chief of Staff and Labor Counsel for the Cook County Clerk’s Office, handling labor and employment matters and union negotiations. He has served in various other government agencies, including as Chief Deputy Recorder, Chief of Staff and Chief Legal Counsel for the Cook County Recorder of Deeds; Chief Deputy Director and Enforcement Attorney, Illinois Secretary of State Securities Department; and as an assistant corporation counsel.

While attorneys contacted consider him to be knowledgeable in his practice area, conscientious and professional, concerns were raised about his lack of trial experience and the depth and breadth of his overall legal experience.

The Committee finds James Gleffe not qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Other Bar Association Evaluations

Arab American Bar Association: Not Evaluated through no fault of candidate

Asian American Bar Association: Not Recommended

Black Women Lawyers' Association: Recommended

Cook County Bar Association:

Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Not Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Qualified

Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Not Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois:

Endorsements

Chicago Federation of Labor
Personal PAC

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