Organizing the Data: 17th Subcircuit - Brooks vacancy

Updated 3/9/26
Updated 3/13/26

Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for any Cook County judicial vacancy for the 2026 primary. This post may be updated before the primary as new information becomes available.

Natalia Moore - #141

Campaign Website


Natalia Moore: In her own words

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Natalia Moore 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.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

(The Council's list of evaluation narratives does not include a narrative for this candidate, but FWIW can confirm that the Council gave this candidate a Not Recommended rating because this candidate did not participate in the Alliance screening process. - Ed.)

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Public records show that Natalia Moore was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2008 and is with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Ms. Moore declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Natalia Moore is not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Other Bar Association Evaluations

Arab American Bar Association: Not Recommended

Asian American Bar Association: Not Recommended

Black Men Lawyers' Association: Not Recommended

Black Women Lawyers' Association: Not Recommended

Cook County Bar Association: Not Recommended

Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Not Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Not Recommended

Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Not Recommended

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

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Not Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Not Recommended

Endorsement

Girl, I Guess Progressive Voters Guide

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Meridth Hammer - #142

Campaign Website


Meridth Hammer: In her own words

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Meridth Hammer 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.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Meridth Hammer was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2020 and the Indiana Bar in 2001. Since 2024, she has been First Deputy General Counsel for the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Previously, she has been an administrative law judge for the Illinois Department of Employment Security and in private practice.

Many attorneys were positive about her temperament and consider her capable and forthright. Although there are some concerns about the level of complexity of matters she has handled in her career, we believe the candidate has shown sufficient experience to find her qualified as a candidate. However, significant concerns about Ms. Hammer’s residency have been raised and the Council is not comfortable recommending her for the Circuit Court of Cook County at this time.

The Council finds Meridith Hammer Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Meridth Hammer was admitted to the Illinois bar in March 2020 and the Indiana bar in November 2001; her license in Indiana is still active. In July of 2025 she returned to private practice after serving for the second time as First Deputy General Counsel for the Clerk of the Circuit Court, having previously served in that position from 2019 to 2021. Her duties included employment matters, ensuring compliance with laws and rules and legal research. Between 2021 and 2024 she was a supervising administrative law judge for the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Prior to 2019 she was based in Indianapolis, working for several tech-related firms and as corporate counsel for the Crosstown Community Development Corp. in addition to being the lead attorney for The Hammer Legal Group handling business real estate transactions. She has not handled any jury trials, she does report over 100 bench trials and 100 quasi-trial matters. She is a member of the Disciplinary Commission Hearing Board for the Attorney and Registrations Disciplinary Commission and has been a committee member with the Black Women Lawyers’ Association.

Most people contacted gave Ms. Hammer positive comments on her legal knowledge and said she is impartial, prepared and professional. There are concerns about the lack of depth and breadth of her experience and her lack of complex litigation experience. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Meridth Hammer not qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Other Bar Association Evaluations

Arab American Bar Association: Recommended

Asian American Bar Association: Not Recommended

Black Men Lawyers' Association: Not Qualified

Black Women Lawyers' Association: Recommended

Cook County Bar Association: Not Recommended

Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Not Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Not Recommended

Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Not Qualified

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

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Not Recommended

Endorsements

Chicago Federation of Labor
AMVOTE PAC
IUOE Local 399
IBEW Local 134
Plumbers Local 130 UA
Chicago Laborers District Council (LiUNA!)

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