Organizing the Data: Countywide Flannery, Jr. vacancy

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.

Pablo F. deCastro - #141

Campaign Website

Pablo F. deCastro: In his own words

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

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 Pablo F. DeCastro’s current Circuit Court Judge candidacy.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Pablo F. deCastro was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1994. Since 2012, he has been a solo practitioner in the Law offices of Pablo deCastro, where he focuses on criminal defense. He also handled criminal defense cases as a partner at Rascia and deCastro (2007-2012) and as an associate attorney at Serpico, Novelle, Petrosino and Rascia (2000-2012). Previously (1994-2000), he had been an Assistant Public Defender in the Office of the Cook County Public Defender. He is a member of numerous bar associations and legal societies, including the American Bar Association, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals Criminal Justice Act Panel, and the Northern District of Illinois Criminal Justice Act Panel, where he serves on the Attorney Selection Panel.

Mr. deCastro is considered to have good legal ability and to be a zealous advocate for his clients. He is praised for his temperament and is active in pro bono matters. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Mr. Pablo deCastro has been licensed since 1994. Since 2012 he has been a sole practitioner focusing on criminal defense. From 1994-2000 he was an assistant public defender, and before opening his own practice he was in the private sector also focusing on criminal defense. He has substantial criminal jury trial experience and civil bench trials as well as federal experience. He teaches at the University of Chicago Law School Intensive Trial Practice program, is a member of several bar associations, and currently serves on the Panel Attorney Selection Committee for the Federal Defender’s Office Panel Attorney Program.

Respondents generally described him as being very smart and capable, a zealous advocate who knows the rules of evidence. He is known to be very committed to diversity, professional and calm. ISBA finds Pablo F. deCastro qualified to be elected to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Other Bar Association Evaluations

Arab American Bar Association: Recommended

Asian American Bar Association: Recommended

Black Men Lawyers' 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: Qaulified

Chicago's LGBTQ+ Bar Association (LAGBAC): Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Endorsements

Cook County Democratic Party
Chicago Federation of Labor
IVI-IPO
AMVOTE PAC
Teamsters Joint Council No. 25
Teamsters Local 700
IBEW Local 134
IUOE Local 399
Girl, I Guess
Personal PAC

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Chelsey Renece Robinson - #142

Campaign Website

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Chelsey R. Robinson is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Robinson was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1996 and is currently in private practice concentrating in criminal and family law. Ms. Robinson has a wide range of practice experience and is well regarded for her knowledge of the law and diligence.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Chelsey R. Robinson was admitted to practice in 1996. She is a Partner in a small firm where she handles civil and criminal litigation matters. Her practice also includes bankruptcy and employment discrimination matters in federal court. She is widely praised for her legal ability and for her knowledge of the law. She has litigation experience in a variety of matters in both state and federal courts. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Ms. Chelsey R. Robinson has been licensed since 1996. She is a founding partner of Owens & Robinson, a general practice handling both criminal and civil matters. She was also a legal consultant to the Judge Mathis television program. She is a member of some bar associations, a volunteer at the Juvenile Detention Center and is active with other community organizations. She has limited jury and bench trial activities and limited experience with complex matters.

While she is considered to be ethical and honest, attorneys gave mixed comments as to the depth and breadth of her overall legal experience. ISBA finds Chelsey R. Robinson not qualified to be elected as Judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Other Bar Association Evaluations

Arab American Bar Association: Not Evaulated (through no fault of the candidate)

Asian American Bar Association: Qualified

Black Men Lawyers' Association: Not Evaluated (through no fault of the candidate)

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

Chicago's LGBTQ+ Bar Association (LAGBAC): Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

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