Organizing the Data: Countywide Lynch 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.

Deidre Baumann - #177

Campaign Website

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

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. (Pursuant to Section 27.4 of the JEC Resolutions and Procedures, a candidate who has been evaluated and found "NOT RECOMMENDED" for the office of Associate Judge and who shall within three years of such a finding be a candidate for Circuit Judge shall be found "NOT RECOMMENDED" without hearing. -- Ed.)

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Deidre Baumann was admitted to practice in 1992. She is an owner of a small firm focusing on litigation in personal injury, employment discrimination, civil rights, legal malpractice, First Amendment, and general commercial litigation. From 1993 to 1996 she worked for a small firm doing trial and appellate litigation around First Amendment issues. From 1996 to 2001, she was a sole practitioner.

Respondents in our evaluation say Ms. Baumann has good legal ability, and that she has a good temperament. Ms. Baumann is reported to be a respected attorney with substantial litigation experience and a demonstrated commitment to court reform. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Deidre Baumann has been licensed since 1992. After first working for a law firm, in 1996 she opened her own firm, Baumann and Shuldiner, handling civil litigation in state and federal court. She is active with various bar associations and is currently president of the Suburban Bar Coalition and on the board of the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago. Previously, she served as president of the Decalogue Society and the North Suburban Bar Association as well as on the executive board of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois. She serves on several committees for the Illinois State Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association.

While attorneys report that she is professional with good writing skills, concerns were raised over a lack of punctuality and diligence at times.

The Committee finds Deidre Baumann not 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

Endorsements

IVI-IPO
Personal PAC

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Paul Joyce - #178

Campaign Website

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Paul Joyce is “Qualified” to serve as a Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Joyce was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991. He is an Assistant State’s Attorney with significant trial experience in both jury and bench trials. He is held in high esteem by his adversaries and the judges before whom he appears for his legal knowledge, character, integrity, temperament, and work ethic.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Paul J. Joyce was admitted to practice in 1991. He has spent most of his career with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. He is currently a First Chair prosecutor in the Skokie Courthouse. He has substantial bench and jury trial experience.

Paul J. Joyce is considered to have good legal ability and to be very knowledgeable about the criminal law. He is a go-to person for advice and information. Both colleagues and opposing criminal defense counsel praise him for his honesty and integrity. He is reported to have a good temperament, and he is praised for being well prepared. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Paul Joyce has been licensed since 1991. Aside from seven years with a private firm when first licensed, he is a career prosecutor currently assigned to the Second District (Skokie) as a First Chair. Prior assignments include Felony Trial, Felony Review and Juvenile Justice.

He has substantial criminal trial experience, handling thirty jury trials and many bench trials and motions. Attorneys consider him to be very knowledgeable and sharp, always ready to research when necessary. He is said to fair, impartial and professional.

The Committee finds Paul Joyce 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: Highly Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Qualified

Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Highly Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

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Michael Weaver - #179

Campaign Website

Candidate Statement

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

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.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Michael Weaver was admitted to practice in 2006. He has been a partner with the law firm of McDermott Will & Emery since 2013. He was an Associate with this firm between 2007 and 2012. He has had substantial motion practice in complex matters and some experience with actual trials, as well. He is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for his litigation skills. He is reported to have good temperament and is involved in a substantial amount of pro bono work. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Michael Weaver has been licensed since 2006. He has been with McDermott Will handling commercial litigation since 2007, as a partner since 2013, and is currently the Pro Bono Litigation Partner. Prior to joining the firm, he spent a year in American Samoa as a law clerk. He is a former Board president of the Family Defense Center NKA Ascent Justice. Has been a speaker on legal topics and is a member of various bar associations. He was named to the inaugural list of Crain’s Chicago Business Notable LGBTQ Executives in 2018.

He has both civil and criminal jury and bench experience, has handled appeals, and litigated other motions and restraining orders in both federal and state courts. He is regarded by fellow attorneys as possessing exceptions legal skills, and being very inclusive and even-keeled, with high integrity.

The Committee finds Michael Weaver 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: Recommended

Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Highly Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Endorsements

Cook County Democratic Party
Chicago Federation of Labor
Indo-American Democratic Organization
"Girl, I Guess" Voter's Guide
AMVOTE PAC
Personal PAC

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