Organizing the Data: 12th Subcircuit - Schleifer vacancy

There are only five judicial vacancies on the Cook County ballot this November in which voters have any choice whatsoever. All of the other races were decided in the March Democratic primary. Three of these contested races are in the north suburban 12th Subcircuit. This post looks at the candidates for the Schleifer vacancy in that 12th Subcircuit.

Candidates are listed in punch number order. This year, that means the Democratic candidate is listed before the Republican candidate.

This post may be updated with new, additional, or corrected information, as it becomes available.

One final note: Each candidate may have endorsements from persons or groups not shown below. These are typically found on the candidate's websites. FWIW only publishes endorsements that it can independently verify.

James "Jack" Costello - #95

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:

Mr. James Costello has been licensed since 2007. He is a career prosecutor currently assigned to the Public Corruption/Financial Crimes Unit; before his assignment there in 2019, he worked in the Felony Trial Division, Misdemeanor/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.

Mr. Costello 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 high integrity, even keeled and fair. ISBA 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 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: Not Evaluated (through no fault of candidate)

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

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Endorsements

Chicago Federation of Labor
International Union of Operating Engineers Local 399
Teamsters Joint Council No. 25
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 134
Teamsters Local 700

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Matthew Taylor - #96

Campaign Website

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Matthew Taylor is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Taylor was admitted to practice law in 2004. His practice includes criminal law, real estate law and estate planning. Although Mr. Taylor has been practicing law for 19 years, the scope of his practice and court experience is limited. At this point in his career, Mr. Taylor does not possess the requisite depth and breadth of legal experience to effectively serve as a judge.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Matthew Jay Taylor was admitted to practice in 2004 and has always practiced as a sole practitioner. He was a suburban police officer for 10 years prior to becoming a lawyer and currently works at the College of DuPage Suburban Law Enforcement Academy. He is the village prosecutor for 3 municipalities. His law practice includes real estate, probate, misdemeanor defense, child custody issues, and work in the Chancery Division of the Circuit Court.

Mr. Taylor is considered to have good legal ability and is reported to have good temperament. He is praised for his knowledge of the law and for always being prepared. He has substantial litigation experience in both civil and criminal law matters. He is a well respected practitioner. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Mr. Matthew Taylor has been licensed in Illinois since 2004. While he has always been a sole practitioner, focusing on misdemeanor criminal and traffic cases, estate and probate matters, and real estate matters, he was a full-time Palatine police officer until he retired from the department in 2017. He is currently the village prosecutor for Palatine and continues to teach at the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy. He has bench trial experience, mainly in municipal and misdemeanor matters, but no jury trials. He is a member of various bar associations and has been a coach for the York High School mock trial team, as well as being involved in other community and charitable activities.

Attorneys did report that he has good knowledge of the law and is considered to be sensitive to diversity with high character and integrity. Though concerns were raised over the depth and breadth of his entire legal experience, he is well respected by the judiciary, his peers and his opponents and is known for his handle situations with grace and decency. ISBA finds Matthew Taylor qualified to be elected to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Other Bar Association Evaluations

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

Asian American Bar Association: Recommended

Black Men Lawyers' Association: Recommended

Black Women Lawyers' Association: Not Recommended

Cook County Bar Association: Not Recommended

Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Qualified

Chicago's LGBTQ+ Bar Association (LAGBAC): Not Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended