The ratings themselves were released at the end of last week (March 8), and are available at this link. The complete Judicial Voters Guide, which contains the narrative explanations of the CBA's ratings of all candidates, in contested as well as uncontested elections, is in the process of being linked from this page this evening. As of 5:00 p.m. this evening (March 12), the link was not live, but FWIW has been advised that it will be live very soon.
Meanwhile, we have the narratives for candidates running in contested primary races here.
In this post, we will look at the CBA's explanations of its ratings in the contested primary races for subcircuit vacancies on the Cook County Circuit Court. The CBA's ratings in contested primary races for the Supreme and Appellate Court are covered in this post; the CBA's ratings in contested primary races for contested countywide vacancies are available in this post.
In releasing its ratings, the CBA explained that its non-partisan evaluations are the product of a comprehensive, peer-to-peer review process conducted as a long-standing public service by the CBA’s Judicial Evaluation Committee. Candidates who submit a questionnaire and participate in the screening process are evaluated based on seven criteria: integrity, legal knowledge, legal ability, professional experience, judicial temperament, diligence, and punctuality.
Candidates must also participate in a personal interview before members of the evaluation committee. They must receive a 60 percent favorable vote of the hearing panel members to receive a “Qualified” finding and an 80 percent favorable vote to receive a “Highly Qualified” finding. Candidates who receive less than a 60 percent favorable vote receive a “Not Recommended” finding, as do candidates who decline to participate in the evaluation process.
"With 69 judicial candidates on the ballot this primary, it is imperative for each candidate's qualifications to be accessible to Cook County voters," said Michelle Carey, Chair of the CBA's Judicial Evaluation Committee. "The CBA's 'Judge Smart Pocket Guide' is a valuable tool to help voters cast smart and informed votes for judicial candidates."
Subcircuit Vacancies
3rd Subcircuit - Brosnahan Vacancy
Lucy Vazquez-Gonzalez - Not Recommended
Lucy Vazquez is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Judge. Ms. Vazquez was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2009. She is currently a solo practitioner concentrating in family law and immigration. At this stage of her career, Ms. Vazquez does not possess sufficient practice experience to effectively serve as a judge. Also, Ms. Vazquez needs to address concerns about her punctuality and tardiness.
Martin Douglas Reggi - Pending
FWIW will update this post when this narrative becomes available.
7th Subcircuit - Solganick Vacancy
Deidre Baumann - Not Recommended
Deidre Baumann did not 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.
Owens J. Shelby - Qualified
Owens "Joe" Shelby is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Shelby was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2007 and is currently serving as an Assistant Cook County State's Attorney, Second Chair, in the Felony Trial Division in the 4th Municipal District. Mr. Shelby has handled several felony and misdemeanor trials and has had some juvenile and civil experience.
10th Subcircuit - Wojkowski Vacancy
Liam Kelly - Not Recommended
Liam Kelly is "Not Recommended" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Kelly was admitted to the practice law in November 2011. In January 2024, he joined the Office of the State Appellate Defender. Prior to that he was an associate at five different law firms, concentrating in criminal defense in State and Federal courts. He also has some experience with civil litigation, orders of protection and child abuse and neglect. As an associate, he was responsible for trial preparation for more senior attorneys, and most of his solo trial experience by himself was only in misdemeanor cases. Mr. Kelly lacks the depth and breadth of legal experience to effectively serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
James V. Murphy - Qualified
Pursuant to section 31 of The Chicago Bar Association’s Judicial Evaluation Committee’s Governing Resolution, The Executive Committee has voted to issue a “Qualified” rating for your current Judge candidacy.
11th Subcircuit - Daleo Vacancy
Audrey Victoria Cosgrove - Qualified
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.
Kim Przekota - Qualified
Kimberly Przekota is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Judge. Ms. Przekota was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2008. Since then, she has been an Assistant Cook County State's Attorney and is currently a first chair Assistant in a felony courtroom, trying serious felonies including homicide. She has considerable practice experience and is highly regarded by her adversaries and judges before whom she has appeared. Ms. Przekota is well regarded for her professionalism, even in highly charged, emotional matters.
14th Subcircuit - O'Hara Vacancy
Griselda Vega Samuel - Qualified
Pursuant to section 34 of The Chicago Bar Association’s Judicial Evaluation Committee’s Governing Resolution, The Executive Committee has voted to issue a “Qualified” rating for Griselda Vega Samuel’s current Circuit Court Judge candidacy.
Steve Demitro
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.
15th Subcircuit - Demacopoulos Vacancy
Paul A. O'Grady - Not Recommended
Paul O’Grady is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. O’Grady was admitted to practice law in November 2000. Mr. O’Grady is in private practice and supervises his firm’s litigation team. He was an Assistant State’s Attorney early in his career, but lacks current trial experience. Concerns about the Mr. O’Grady’s lack of trial experience and temperament resulted in Committee’s finding of “Not Recommended.”
Allen Price Walker - Qualified
Pursuant to section 34 of The Chicago Bar Association’s Judicial Evaluation Committee’s Governing Resolution, The Executive Committee has voted to issue a “Qualified” rating for Allen Price Walker’s current Circuit Court Judge candidacy.
Luciano "Lou" Panici, Jr. - Not Recommended
Luciano Panici, Jr. is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Panici was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2009. His practice includes being a Village prosecutor and hearing officer, defending municipalities in civil litigation, representing criminal defendants in lower-level felony and misdemeanor matters, personal injury plaintiff’s work and Secretary of State reinstatement hearings. Mr. Panici lacks significant complex litigation experience. At this stage in his career, his limited experience would make it difficult to effectively serve as a Circuit Court Judge.
18th Subcircuit - Converted from Edidin Vacancy
Jeffrey G. Chrones - Qualified
Pursuant to section 34 of The Chicago Bar Association’s Judicial Evaluation Committee’s Governing Resolution, The Executive Committee has voted to issue a “Qualified” rating for Jeffrey G. Chrones’s current Circuit Court Judge candidacy.
Sunil Bhave - Qualified
Sunil Bhave is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Judge. Mr. Bhave was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2005 and is currently working for the Illinois Attorney General’s office handling a variety of litigation matters. Mr. Bhave is well regarded for his knowledge of the law and excellent temperament.
19th Subcircuit - Converted from Senechalle, Jr. Vacancy
Bridget Colleen Duignan - Highly Qualified
Bridget Duignan is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Duignan was admitted to practice law in 2004.The majority of her practice has been spent in a firm specializing in litigation, specifically personal injury related to sexual assault. She is the Second Vice-President of the ISBA and volunteers to assist those in need with legal services. Ms. Duignan is very highly respected by judges, colleagues, and adversaries for her legal knowledge and ability.
Risa Renee Lanier - Highly Qualifed
Risa Lanier is "Highly Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Lanier was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1999. She has been an Assistant State's Attorney since February 2000 and is currently the First Assistant State's Attorney. Ms. Lanier has extensive litigation experience. She is highly regarded by judges, adversaries and colleagues for her legal knowledge and ability, integrity, outstanding temperament, and thoughtful demeanor.
Dave Heilmann - Qualified
Pursuant to section 34 of The Chicago Bar Association’s Judicial Evaluation Committee’s Governing Resolution, The Executive Committee has voted to issue a “Qualified” rating for Dave Heilmann’s current Circuit Court Judge candidacy.
20th Subcircuit - Converted from Budzinski Vacancy
Nickolas Pappas - Qualified
Pursuant to section 31 of The Chicago Bar Association’s Judicial Evaluation Committee’s Governing Resolution, The Executive Committee has voted to issue a “Qualified” rating for your current Judge candidacy.
Michael J. Zink - Qualified
Michael Zink is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Zink was admitted to practice law in November 2004. Mr. Zink is currently in private practice. The candidate has extensive legal experience, his references praise his temperament, and he has a strong history of performing community service. Mr. Zink is qualified to serve as a judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County.
John Poulos - Not Recommended
John Poulos 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.
Nadine Jean Wichern - Qualified
Pursuant to section 31 of The Chicago Bar Association’s Judicial Evaluation Committee’s Governing Resolution, The Executive Committee has voted to issue a “Qualified” rating for your current Judge candidacy.
What is the deal with the people found qualified invoking section 31 or section 34 and no narrative as to the reasons?
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