Luz Maria Toledo: In her own words

Luz Maria Toledo is a candidate for the countywide Cobbs vacancy. Her punch number is 133.

Hello, my name is Luz Maria Toledo (Ballot #133) and I am running countywide for Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County. I am the only candidate in my race that has nearly 20 years of hands-on courtroom experience in both criminal and civil law and has been found qualified or recommended by all 14 bar associations. I would be honored to earn your vote.

Thank you, Jack Leyhane, for this opportunity to address voters directly, and thank you to the voters for taking the time to learn more about me.

I was born and raised in the South Side of Chicago in McKinley Park and West Lawn. I was educated through the Chicago Public School system, graduated from Bogan High School, then earned my accounting degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and earned my law degree from The John Marshall Law School in 2006. I put myself through law school with the help of student loans and became the first lawyer in my family.

I am the proud daughter of immigrants from Mexico who instilled in my four siblings and me the importance of education, hard work, and service to others. Because of my parents’ sacrifices and encouragement, I am living the American dream. I seek to honor them by serving as a judge who brings fairness, equity and true justice to every decision.

I have dedicated my 20-year legal career to public service and seek to continue that service on the bench, where I can have a greater impact. I began my legal career working for then-Lt. Governor Pat Quinn as a policy advisor and Spanish-speaking media specialist.

Nineteen years ago, I joined the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office as an Assistant State's Attorney, where I advocated on behalf of the people of Cook County. I began in the Appeals Division, researching and writing more than 20 appellate briefs filed in the First District Appellate Court. I then spent over 11 years in high-volume criminal trial courtrooms, prosecuting a wide range of cases and serving as the voice for victims of murder, attempted murder, domestic violence, and sexual offenses.

I have worked in courthouses across Cook County, including 26th street, Bridgeview, and Markham and various city branch courts. I have handled cases at every procedural stage – from bond hearings and preliminary hearings to grand jury proceedings, indictments, pre-trial motions, post-trial motions, misdemeanor and felony trials, and sentencing hearings. I have tried hundreds of bench trials and nearly 30 jury trials. Appearing before judges of varied backgrounds and experience has allowed me to observe firsthand what makes a thoughtful, effective, and fair jurist.

My professional and personal experiences have given me a deep understanding of the profound impact the justice system has on victims, defendants, and our community. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated empathy and compassion while maintaining accountability. I have made reasonable sentencing recommendations, supported alternative sentencing courts such as Veterans Court and Mental Health Court, and amended charges when appropriate to allow eligible defendants the opportunity for expungable probation. I will bring that same balance of accountability and compassion to the bench.

Since 2018, I have practiced civil defense in real estate tax matters. In my most recent trial, I saved Cook County taxpayers more than $1 million by successfully preventing a real estate investor from profiting from a tax sale error. I have also handled civil appeals.

For nearly two decades, I have made decisions grounded in facts and the law while managing large and complex caseloads. My experience has prepared me well to serve on the bench, and I am ready to bring qualified, fair, and thoughtful representation to the judiciary.

I am endorsed by the Cook County Democratic Party and was slated to fill the open vacancy of Justice Cynthia V. Cobbs. I am also endorsed by the Chicago Federation of Labor, Personal PAC, Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local 2, Am Vote PAC, and the International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers, among others.

Community service has always been central to my life. I have volunteered as a tutor, prepared income tax returns for low-income families, spoken to students from diverse backgrounds about careers in law, mentored young attorneys, assisted with food drives, volunteered with Women Everywhere and Lawyers in the Classroom at Richardson Elementary, participated in the Chicago Emerging Stars Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway, and since 2008 have grown and donate my hair to organizations that provide wigs for cancer patients.

I believe deeply in the rule of law – in applying the law impartially, without prejudice or bias, and with empathy and compassion.

I respectfully ask for your vote for Luz Maria Toledo for Judge, #133.

Thank you,

Luz Maria Toledo