Wednesday, March 04, 2026

Organizing the Data: 3rd Subcircuit - Sherlock vacancy

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.

Martin Douglas Reggi - #142



Candidate Website



Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:
Martin Douglas Reggi is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Reggi has practiced law since 1990. Most of his experience is in criminal defense, although he has recently done some civil work. The Committee has concerns about Mr. Reggi’s organizational skills and whether he could manage a call and listen to evidence and arguments and organize facts properly to analyze them and apply the law.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
The Council has not yet released candidate narratives.
The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Martin Douglas Reggi was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1980. After spending several years as an Assistant State’s Attorney, he opened a solo practice focusing on criminal defense, civil litigation, real estate, Secretary of State hearings and evictions. He has some jury trial experience as well as misdemeanor bench trial and quasi-criminal matters. He is a member of various bar associations.

Mr. Reggi is reported to be fair and impartial and treats all with respect; however, concerns were raised about the depth and breadth of his current legal experience. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Martin Douglas Reggi not 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: Not Evaluated (through no fault of candidate)

Black Women Lawyers' Association: Recommended

Cook County Bar Association: Recommended

Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Not Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Qualified

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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Rachel Marrello - #143



Candidate Website



Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:
Rachel S. Marrello is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Judge. Ms. Marrello was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2000. Currently, she is employed by Cook County Health as in-house labor and employment counsel. Ms. Marrello is articulate, has excellent demeanor, and works well with people. She has handled many intricate aspects of public administration. She served as an elected suburban school board member for four years. Although Ms. Marrello handled simple arbitrations and assisted with litigation matters early in her career, she has never tried a case and lacks the trial court experience required to serve as a Circuit Judge.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
The Council has not yet released candidate narratives.
The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Rachel Stephanie Marrello was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2000. She held a variety of positions in private labor/employment firms until 2010 when she joined the Cook County and Forest Preserve as the Shakman compliance administrator. In 2010, Ms. Marrello joined the Cook County Independent Investigator General’s Office as an investigator. Since 2022, she has been in-house labor and employment counsel for Cook County Health. She reports as having acted as hearing officer or presenter for eighty-five quasi-judicial hearings in the past five years.

Ms. Marrello serves on the board of the Bellwood Stray Crew. She was elected to the Riverside School District Board and served as vice president or board member from 2013 to 2017. Respondents praised her professionalism, temperament and sensitivity. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Rachel S. Marrello 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: Not Yet Reported

Black Women Lawyers' Association: 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

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