Justice Cunningham announces application process for three Circuit Court vacancies

Supreme Court Justice Joy V. Cunningham has announced an application process for three Circuit Court vacancies, one countywide, and one each in the 1st and 13th Subcircuits.

The countywide vacancy was created by the retirement of Judge Mary Ellen Coghlan (vacant effective September 1, 2024). The 1st subcircuit vacancy was created by the election of Judge Carl A. Walker to the Illinois Appellate Court. The 13th Subcircuit vacancy was created by the retirement of Judge Shannon P. O’Malley. (Yes, Judge O'Malley was defeated for retention, but he chose to retire as of November 30, before his term expired.)

The Supreme Court's press release about this new application process notes that applicants will be screened by Justice Cunningham's new screening committee.

Applications for any of these vacancies can be downloaded from this page of the Supreme Court website. Completed applications must be submitted electronically. The deadline for filing for any of these three vacancies is 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

The persons appointed to fill the vacancies will serve until the first Monday in December following the November 2026 election.

To be eligible for consideration for appointment, the applicant must be a lawyer in good standing, licensed to practice law in Illinois, and a resident of the county or subcircuit at the time of the appointment.

Only one retention judge in jeopardy... but how much does it matter?

Judge Shannon O'Malley's retention bid is still uncertain at this hour, but he is the only retention judge in jeopardy. All other judges on the ballot Tuesday appear to have been retained.

O'Malley is in count-every-vote territory, as he teeters perilously close to the 60% + 1 threshhold.

A couple of quick snapshots: Yesterday afternoon, O'Malley was under the mark, with 59.97% of the votes then counted, 778,061 "Yes" votes out of a total of 1,297,398 votes in re O'Malley. This afternoon, Frank Calabrese supplied updated figures, showing that O'Malley had edged up slightly, with 785,165 "Yes" votes out of a new total of 1,308,805 votes. That translates to 59.99%. But there's no rounding in retention races. Calabrese calculated that O'Malley was 118 votes down.

There are new numbers this evening. O'Malley has been above the water line in the suburban numbers right along:

But O'Malley's numbers have hovered around 55% in City returns, and these latest numbers are consistent:

The new total is 1,317,063, and O'Malley now has 790,461 "Yes" votes, translating to 60.02%.

Which, ordinarily, would have to be good news for Judge O'Malley. Granted,there are still votes to be counted. The Chicago Board of Elections tweeted out tonight that there are 91,340 uncounted ballots. I don't know the current County numbers. But the trend would appear, for the moment, to be O'Malley's friend.

But does it really matter that much? Injustice Watch has reported that Cook County Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans has referred Judges O'Malley and E. Kenneth Wright, Jr. to the Judicial Inquiry Board because of the Injustice Watch report last month, questioning whether these judges actually live in Cook County:

On Wednesday, Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans took the rare step of referring two judges for investigations before the Judicial Inquiry Board. We reported in October both judges claimed homeowner property tax exemptions on homes in Will County. https://t.co/qdofQITs26

— Injustice Watch (@injusticewatch) November 7, 2024

I suspect that, long before the reported referral, JIB was already keenly aware of the residency questions raised by Injustice Watch. While the JIB investigation process is confidential, and will remain confidential unless and until JIB brings charges against either judge before the Illinois Courts Commission, the Injustice Watch report itself and the subsequent revelations by bar groups scrambling to investigate this real-life October surprise, create very troubling questions about whether O'Malley or Wright are in fact eligible for judicial service in Cook County.

In other words, O'Malley could win retention... and still lose his job.

I don't know all the facts. I don't know where Judge O'Malley or Judge Wright actually lived, whatever public records may have shown. I don't know what either may try to prove, or argue, or raise. If charges are brought against either or both of them, I don't know what the Courts Commission might do.

However, under the unusual circumstances here, checking every update seems kind of beside the point. FWIW will check in on this again. But whether O'Malley stays over 60% is not necessarily the main story here.

Supreme Court gives seven judicial candidates a head start on their judicial careers

In a series of orders entered yesterday, the Supreme Court appointed seven individuals, not currently serving on the bench, to the judicial vacancies they are seeking in uncontested primaries.

Specifically, unopposed countywide candidate Jennifer P. Callahan (Raines vacancy) was appointed to the Raines vacancy.

Unopposed 4th Subcircuit candidate Koula A. Fournier (Maloney vacancy) was appointed to the Maloney vacancy.

Unopposed 8th Subcircuit candidate Loveleen Ahuja (Collins-Dole vacancy) was appointed to the Collins-Dole vacancy.

Unopposed 10th Subcircuit candidate Caroline Glennon-Goodman (McWilliams vacancy) was appointed to the McWilliams vacancy.

Unopposed 11th Subcircuit candidate Dawn Gonzalez (Collins vacancy) was appointed to the Collins vacancy.

The candidates for both 13th Subcircuit candidates are unopposed. Both received bench appointments yesterday. Ralph E. Meczyk (Betar III vacancy) was appointed to the Betar III vacancy; Mary Sevandal Cohen (Steffen vacancy) was appointed to the Steffen vacancy.

Each of these appointments is effective on February 2 (Groundhog's Day, or Candlemas, if you prefer) and will terminate on December 2 -- when (barring a meteor strike or some equally improbable event) each of these appointees will be sworn in for full six-year terms.

Each of the appointment orders contains specific language -- unique in my experience -- that says that the appointee "has received recent positive ratings from members of the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening and the Chicago Bar Association following the interviews and evaluations."

There are other uncontested candidates, not all of whom are already serving on the bench. Some of these will have good bar evaluations; some of these may also receive early appointments at some point. Some of the uncontested candidates will perhaps have less than stellar bar evaluations or eschew screening altogether; none of these are likely to receive early appointments. Time will tell.

The Supreme Court's press release concerning these appointments is here.

Former Greylord Defendant will become a Cook County Judge

Operation Greylord was one of those bright-line events in my career (Wikipedia, FBI links provided for the Millennials and Zoomers who may be unfamiliar). Before Greylord, young attorneys like me could prowl the hallways behind the courtrooms at the Daley Center, deliver courtesy copies, kibbitz with the judges' law clerks (some of whom we knew from school), and sometimes even exchange non-ex parte pleasantries with actual judges. When I did stuff like this, I felt connected (dangerous word choice there, I suppose) -- well, put it this way: Hanging around the chambers hallways, when I could, made me feel a part of the larger legal profession, something more than just a junior associate in a small firm.

After Greylord... well... those of you with young children or grandchildren may be familiar with the Kiboomers video, "The Floor is Lava." I don't know what came first -- there is a Floor is Lava board game, and a TV game show, too -- all I know is that, after Greylord, access to the chambers areas became much more restricted, even for lawyers having business in those courts. Especially for lawyers having business in those courts. Doors were locked. There was no more wandering about. The floor might as well have been lava.

I still think that isolating judges from the lawyers appearing before them was a mistake: The more innocent foot traffic, the more curious eyeballs taking in the sights, the more small talk -- the less opportunity for shenanigans or skulduggery. But no one asked me. Ever.

In addition to indictments against 17 judges, the Greylord investigation resulted in criminal charges against a number of deputy sheriffs, police officers, court clerks, and (according to the linked Wikipedia article, supra) 48 lawyers.

Among these lawyers was Ralph Meczyk.

Meczyk and his one-time law partner pled guilty to federal income tax charges in 1987, according to this Tribune article by Maurice Possley. I'm reprinting large portions of it here:

Two former law firm partners pleaded guilty Monday to federal income tax charges arising from the Operation Greylord investigation of Cook County Circuit Court.

Lebert D. Bastianoni, 48, and Ralph Meczyk, 36, who formerly practiced in their firm, Bastianoni & Meczyk, admitted they failed to report a combined total income of about $35,800 earned in 1980 from their representation of criminal defendants.

Bastianoni... and Meczyk... both pleaded guilty to filing a false partnership income tax return for 1980 and false individual returns for the same year.

Assistant U.S. Atty. Thomas Scorza said that the two men earned $60,700 from their representation of criminal defendants in 1980, which was paid them through cash bond refund checks sent out by the Circuit Court clerk's office. The charges were brought after the Internal Revenue Service conducted a computer analysis of the cash bond refund checks sent to Bastianoni and Meczyk and determined that the defendants had underreported their income.

Meczyk told U.S. District Judge Marvin Aspen that he and Bastianoni had left the Cook County public defender`s office and went into private practice together.

"We had an incredibly horrible bookkeeping system," Meczyk said.

"Because of our sloppiness and our foolishness, I've realized my mistake. I did understate my income."

*   *   *

The men are the 59th and 60th individuals to be convicted on charges stemming from the Greylord investigation....

Meczyk is now unopposed for a 13th Subcircuit seat in the March Democratic primary. No Republican has filed for that seat, so Meczyk is almost certain to win election next November.

Bar evaulations for this year's candidates are not available at this time, and will not be available until much closer to the March primary.

However, this is not the first time Meczyk has sought election to the bench.

He ran for a 12th Subcircuit vacancy in 2014 and participated in the CBA and Alliance evaluations at that time. Meczyk had nearly unanimous favorable ratings then, as FWIW reported.

In fact, Meczyk's only negative evaluation came from the Chicago Council of Lawyers. It read:

Eugene Meczyk was admitted to practice in 1977. He is a sole practitioner. Mr. Meczyk is a highly respected practitioner with substantial litigation experience in complex matters. He is praised for his temperament and his legal ability. Several years ago in a past evaluation, the Council said the following:

“Without further consideration, the Council would find Mr. Meczyk qualified for the bench. The Council is concerned, however, that Mr. Meczyk was convicted for failing to report income on his partnership and tax returns in 1980. He claims that he and his law partner did not keep adequate records and when he filed his tax return in 1981, he underreported the 1980 income. Judge Aspen sentenced him to a 30 day work release program, four years probation, a fine, and 500 hours of community service. He was censured by the ARDC in 1988, and ordered to permit the ARDC or its designee to review his bookkeeping from time to time for up to two years. Mr. Meczyk was pardoned fully and unconditionally by President Bill Clinton in December 2000. The Council as a matter of policy, is unable to find Mr. Meczyk qualified due to his past felony conviction.”

While the current evaluation of Mr. Meczyk establishes that he is still considered to be a good litigator, the Council as a matter of policy, is unable to find him qualified due to his past felony conviction.

I don't know Ralph Meczyk. I don't believe we've ever met. And I do not pretend for one moment to know whether he will be a good judge or a bad one.

What I do know -- or at least what I think I can predict, with a high degree of certainty -- is that someone in the media, here or on the national level, will, at some point in this election cycle, stumble upon the candidacy of Mr. Meczyk and, grabbing onto the Greylord conviction, attempt to frame him as a poster child for all that is wrong and corrupt in Cook County generally and in our court system in particular.

Yes, we have problems in Cook County and with our courts in particular. There are serious people who question whether our state and local governments generally, and some of our elected officials and judges in particular, have become too accommodating toward criminal defendants at the expense of crime victims and society in general.

But a productive discussion on that serious question will not in any way be aided by propping up Mr. Meczyk as a 'horrible example' and bleating nonsense like in Crook County (har, har) they coddle crooks so much, they even make felons into judges.... I think that's totally unfair. Unfair to Mr. Meczyk, who has apparently recovered from a serious blunder to become, in the judgment of his peers, a highly respected practitioner. Unfair, too, to persons who care about serious issues that are derailed and trivialized by carnival barkers spouting snarky slogans.

And, yes, I realize that no one cares what I think fair or unfair.

But I have here attempted to ascertain the available facts on this subject and to lay them out fairly. Will this head off any hullabaloo? Probably not. But I wanted to try anyway.

Ralph E. Meczyk files for Betar vacancy in 13th Subcircuit

Ralph E. Meczyk has filed for the Betar vacancy in the 13th Subcircuit.

There is no campaign website that I can find this morning; I will keep looking.

Licensed to practice law in Illinois since 1977, according to ARDC, Meczyk was a candidate in the former 12th Subcircuit in the 2014 election cycle. He has applied several times for associate judge.

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Ed. Note -- Before someone complains, I have already seen a number of filings from candidates who have already been profiled on FWIW in this election cycle. I'm not ignoring them; rather, I am looking for 2024 candidates who have not previously been mentioned. More to come.

Mary Sevandal Cohen to make 13th Subcircuit judicial bid

A campaign website has been launched in support of Mary Sevandal Cohen's recently announced 13th Subcircuit judicial bid. That's a link to the site in the preceding sentence; a link will be added to the Candidate List in this site's Sidebar when that is set up. Sevandal Cohen also has campaign pages on Facebook and Instagram.

Licensed in Illinois since 2005, according to ARDC, Sevandal Cohen currently serves as in-house counsel for Pace, the suburban bus division of the RTA, handling civil litigation in Cook and surrounding counties, and representing Pace before various administrative agencies. Her campaign bio notes that Sevandal Cohen worked as a DeKalb County Assistant State's Attorney before joining Pace.

Sevandal Cohen's campaign bio also notes her extensive volunteer work with several charitable organizations and bar associations. A graduate of St. Ignatius High School, Sevandal Cohen did her undergraduate work at the University of Illinois and took her law degree from the University of Iowa. She has studied both Spanish and Arabic.

Sevandal Cohen resides in Barrington with her husband and three sons. She applied for associate judge in 2022.

Joe Gump wins the one contested Cook County judicial election

In the only contested judicial election on the ballot in Cook County -- in the race for the Groebner vacancy in the far Northwest suburban 13th Subcircuit -- former Assistant Public Defender Joe Gump has defeated Gary William Seyring by roughly 11,000 votes, 55,347 to 44,577, according to returns released late last evening by the Cook County Clerk.

A great many more persons than this were elected to judicial vacancies yesterday... but all were unopposed. No Republicans were on the ballot for any judicial vacancy in Cook County, countywide or subcircuit, except for Seyring. All the other judicial elections were effectively determined in the June primary.

A few small changes have been made to this site's Sidebar

The 2022 candidate lists have been purged: All the unsucessful primary candidate websites have been removed, as have the websites of all successful candidates who face no opponent.

Get out your magnifying glasses, folks: The remaining list is very, very short. Because only in the far northwest suburban 13th Judicial Subcircuit is there any remaining judicial race for Cook County voters to decide.

When all the votes were counted in the race for the Democratic nomination for the Groebner vacancy in the 13th Subcircuit, Joe Gump edged out James "Jack" Costello by 161 votes, 11,789 to 11,628.

Gump, pictured at left, will face Republican nominee Gary William Seyring, shown below, in November.

So the new Sidebar candidate list is only two names long.

With the sole exception of this one race, people who didn't bother to vote in the Democratic primary in June were effectively denied the opportunity to participate in this year's Cook County judicial elections.

Looking at the numbers, such as they are, in the Subcircuit races

For Part 1 of this survey, see this post which looks at turnout numbers as a whole and results in countywide races for the Circuit and Appellate Courts.

All of the caveats set out in Part 1 apply here -- numbers will change -- margins will shrink or grow as VBM ballots are received and accounted for. I'm using a calculator and wearing my glasses but accept full responsibility for any addition errors that may occur when I combine results in subcircuits that extend across City and suburban boundaries. Where the margins are now small, when the final results are known, some races may appear to have 'flipped.'

They will not have 'flipped' of course; it is only the order in which ballots are received and counted that makes it look as if races have 'flipped' -- as FWIW readers surely know. The results in the 13th Subcircuit, on the Democratic side at least, will probably not be determined until the last timely votes are relinquished by the postal authorities... although, what was a seven vote margin for Gump is now over 100 votes in Gump's favor.

With all this in mind, we start looking at subcircuit results.

City and Suburban Subcircuits

City-only Subcircuits

Suburban-only Subcircuits

13th Subcircuit - Seyring to face TBA in November. Probably.

Unless you live in the far northwest corner of Cook County, if you took a Republican ballot today, you had no one to vote for in either Appellate Court race, or in any of the 10 countywide races. And only if you live in the far northwest corner of Cook County did you have any judicial candidates to choose from at all: There were three vying for the Republican nomination there.

And it appears that Gary William Seyring bested two challengers to win the Republican nomination for the Groebner vacancy in the 13th Subcircuit. His margin is 1,693 votes, at this point, over Dominic J. Buttitta, Jr. Only six of the 208 precincts in the 13th have yet to report in this race.

So this result should probably hold. But... who knows what is lurking in the postal system?

For the record, there were 18,676 total Republican ballots taken out in this traditionally Republican area.

On the Democractic side, some 25,081 ballots were taken out. And, at this moment, with only six precincts still outstanding, Joe Gump has a seven vote margin over James "Jack" Costello, 10,494 to 10,487.

Yikes.

I will venture a prediction here: Either Costello or Gump will eventually prevail and wind up facing Seyring in November. Probably.

How's that for fearless?

Organizing the Data: 13th Subcircuit - Groebner vacancy - Democratic candidates

Updated June 23, 2022

This is the only judicial vacancy in Cook County in which both Republican and Democratic candidates filed. In this post, we'll look at the Democratic candidates in the order that they appear on the ballot; we look at the Republican candidates in this separate post. This post may be updated before the primary as new information becomes available.

James "Jack" Costello - #191

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:

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

He 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 of high integrity, even-keeled and fair.

The Committee 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 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 the candidate

Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Endorsements

Chicago Federation of Labor
Indo-American Democratic Organization
AMVOTE PAC
Personal PAC

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Joe Gump - #192

Campaign Website

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Joe Gump is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Gump was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1987 and for the past 29 years has served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. Mr. Gump is currently a felony assistant, assigned to the Third Municipal District. Mr. Gump is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal ability and fine temperament.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Joseph Michael Gump was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1987. He has spent his legal career at the Office of the Cook County Public Defender, where he was a Felony Trial Assistant.

Joseph Michael Gump is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for being a zealous advocate. He has substantial litigation experience in complex matters, and is praised for his knowledge of the law as well as for his research skills. He is praise[d] for his judicial temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Other Bar Association Evaluations

Arab American Bar Association: Recommended

Asian American Bar Association: Qualified

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: Qualified

Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Endorsements

IVI-IPO
"Girl, I Guess" Voter's Guide
Personal PAC

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Organizing the Data: 13th Subcircuit - Groebner vacancy - Republican candidates

Updated June 23, 2022

This is the only judicial vacancy in Cook County in which both Republican and Democratic candidates filed. In this post, we'll look at the Republican candidates in the order that they appear on the ballot; we look at the Democratic candidates in this separate post. This post may be updated before the primary as new information becomes available.

Christine Svenson - #191

Campaign Website

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Christine Svenson is “Not Recommended” to serve as a Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Svenson was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1995. She has practiced as a solo practitioner for many years, concentrating on divorce matters and non-litigation matters, and some election law matters. Concerns about Ms. Svenson’s lack of candor related to criticism by the Illinois Court of Appeals and her lack of trial and litigation experience resulted in the finding of “Not Recommended.”

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Alice Christine Svenson was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1995. She is the Principal at Svenson Law Offices, where she focuses on family law, federal and state election law, and employment law. Previously, she handled workers compensation cases at Stone and Johnson (Associate and Partner, 1998-2008) and at Ridge and Downes (Associate, 1995-1998). She has participated in serval bar associations including the Republican National Lawyers Association, where she served on the Board of Governors and as the Finance Chair and the Illinois State Chapter Chair. She has provided pro bono legal services to divorced fathers through the organization Fathers Helping Fathers.

Ms. Svenson has a variety of legal experiences, including litigation experience in workers compensation cases and domestic relations matters. She has relatively little recent trial experience, although she maintains a motion practice. Respondents say she has demonstrative good litigation skills and she is reported to have a good temperament. There have been a few client complaints concerning her diligence, but on balance, she appears to be a good practitioner. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Christine Svenson was admitted in 1995. She opened her own practice in 2008 focusing on domestic, chancery, workers’ compensation, and tort matters. She is also a mediator and an arbitrator and did civil litigation with two firms. She has minimal jury trial experience and some bench trial experience. Most attorneys reported positive comments on her diligence, and she is considered to have sound knowledge of workers’ compensation. She has community involvement.

The Committee finds Christine Svenson qualified for election to the Circuit Court on Cook County.

Other Bar Association Evaluations

Arab American Bar Association: Recommended

Asian American Bar Association: Qualified

Black Women Lawyers' Association: Recommended

Cook County Bar Association:

Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Qualified

Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Not Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

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Gary William Seyring - #192

Campaign Website

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Gary William Seyring is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Seyring was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1978 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in family law, real estate, business law, and wills, trusts and estates. Mr. Seyring has commercial litigation experience and is well regarded for his knowledge of probate, tax and family law. Mr. Seyring is actively involved in community service and highly regarded by the judges before whom he has appeared.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Gary W. Seyring was admitted to practice in 1978. He is also a Certified Public Accountant. He is a solo practitioner focusing on domestic relations, real estate, estate planning, tax planning, and business law. A substantial percentage of Mr. Seyring’s practice involves litigation. He is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Gary William Seyring has been licensed since 1978. He has been a private practitioner since with his own practice: Law Offices of Gary Seyring, focusing on various areas of civil law including domestic relations, real estate, probate and estate planning, and business law. He has taught at Roosevelt University, been active on committees with the Chicago Bar Association and the Northwest Suburban Bar Association and assisted military families with tax preparation through a pro bono program. He is on the board of the Illinois Youth Soccer Association.

He is considered to be a well-prepared litigator with good writing skills. He has a diverse clientele and is patient and calm. He has substantial civil trial experience including in complex matters.

The Committee finds Gary William Seyring qualified for election 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: Qualified

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: Qualified

Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

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Dominic J Buttitta, Jr. - #193

Campaign Website

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Dominic J. Buttitta, Jr. is “Qualified” to serve as a Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Buttitta was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2010. After interning with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, he spent three years as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office. Next, he went into private practice as a partner in two law firms. In private practice, Mr. Buttitta handled criminal defense, domestic relations, and commercial litigation matters in Cook County and the surrounding counties. During his twelve years as a practicing attorney, he has had more than 120 jury and bench trials in both criminal and civil cases. Mr. Buttitta is qualified based on his litigation experience and his substantial trial experience.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Dominic Buttitta, Jr was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2010. He began his legal career with the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office where during a span of 3 years he achieved the position of lead trial attorney. He then went into private practice as a partner in a small firm, doing criminal defense, family law, civil litigation, and personal injury matters. In 2015 he opened his own practice where he is the managing partner. He has substantial bench and jury trial experience in a variety of areas. He is active in community activities.

Dominic Buttitta is widely praised as an attorney with good legal ability and a go-to person for advice by other attorneys. He is reported to have a good temperament and to be well prepared and organized in his practice. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Dominic J. Buttitta, Jr. was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2010. He first spent three years as an assistant state’s attorney in McHenry County, then went into private practice with Carponelli and Buttitta. In 2015 he opened his present practice, Buttitta Law Group, focusing on criminal defense and family law. He is a member of various bar associations.

He has both jury and bench trial experience in criminal matters. Lawyers reported that he has a strong work ethic, is able to see core issues quickly, and makes sure to do his own research. He is considered to be very fair, kind and even-tempered.

The Committee finds Dominic J. Buttitta, Jr. 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 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: Qualified

Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Highly Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

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Trying to ascertain who has been slated in the subcircuits

While the Cook County Democratic Party's countywide judicial slating is typically announced with some fanfare, it has always been more difficult to determine who has been slated in the various subcircuits.

In recent election cycles, some subcircuits have had open slating sessions; FWIW has even been welcomed at some of these, or at least not turned away at the door. Many subcircuits, however, have kept their process as secret as the formula for Coca-Cola or the recipe for the Colonel's herbs and spices. The identities of the chosen ones remain unknown until Election Day palm cards are distributed.

In this compressed and time-shifted season leading up to the Mel Brooks Birthday Primary on June 28, subcircuit slating appears more mysterious than ever. This is not to deny the possibility that some subcircuits may again have had open processes; however, if this happened, the slating announcements came and went before FWIW could take notice.

And so we asked for help from Albert J. Klumpp, a generous and frequent contributor to FWIW over the years, a research analyst with a public policy PhD, and the author of several scholarly works analyzing judicial elections. Dr. Klumpp said that he, too, had been surprised at the paucity of information available on subcircuit slating -- but he was willing to share what he had gleaned from his sources.

Leyden Township appears to be backing Nick Kantas his his race for the Gavin vacancy in the 4th Subcircuit, Klumpp said.

The race for the Rogers vacancy in the 4th Subcircuit has attracted more interest from political leaders, Klumpp noted, with the endorsements in this four-candidate race being split between ShawnTe Raines-Welch, the wife of Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch, and Chloe Georgianna Pedersen, a niece of Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough. Raines-Welch has attracted most local mayors and the support of Leyden Township; Pedersen has the endorsement of the mayor of Broadview. The mayor of Riverside, Klumpp said, has apparently endorsed both Raines-Welch and Pedersen.

In the 5th Subcircuit, in the race for the Portman-Brown vacancy, Judge David L. Kelly seems to have garnered most of the publicly-announced endorsements, Klumpp said, though the positions of the 7th, 11th, and 17th Ward organizations is not known. Timothy W. Wright III has most of the endorsements for the Shelley vacancy, though Tiffany N. Brooks is the choice of the 5th Ward, and Brooks and Wright are splitting support in the 20th Ward, according to Klumpp.

In the one contested race in the 6th Subcircuit, Associate Judge Kerrie Maloney Laytin has publicly announced support from the 40th and 47th Wards, according to Klumpp, but David S. Rodriguez is favored by the 26th Ward organization.

Marcia O'Brien Conway was the second alternate designated by the Cook County Democratic Party at its December slating meeting, meaning she had some significant support among township and ward committee persons. She is now a candidate in the 7th Subcircuit, but the local committeepersons appear to be favoring Conway's opponent, Owens "Joe" Shelby, Klumpp said, with support from the 22nd, 24th, 27th, 28th, 29th, and 37th Wards. The committeepersons of the 11th, 25th, 26th, and 42nd Wards have not expressed a preference in this race, according to Klumpp.

If there was a slating meeting in the 8th Subcircuit it produced no consensus candidate in the three candidate race for the Gordon vacancy. According to Klumpp, Pat Casey has the support of the 2nd and 3rd Wards, John Fritchey appears to be the choice of the 27th, 42nd, and 48th Wards, and Brad Trowbridge has been endorsed by the 43rd, 44th, 47th, and 49th Wards. The politicians have achieved more of a consensus in the race for the Lipscomb vacancy, Klumpp said: Stephen Swedlow seems to have cornered all the announced support, although no endorsements in this race appear to have come from the 3rd, 4th, 11th, 25th, 32nd, and 46th Wards.

Judge Sanjay Tailor has the support of nearly all the wards and townships in the 9th Subcircuit race for the Cleveland-Bernstein vacancy, Klumpp noted, although Maine Township has announced no choice in this race. Maine Township has likewise made no choice in the race for the Jacobius vacancy, Klumpp stated, and neither have the 40th and 48th Wards. Torrick Alan Ward has support in this race from the 49th Ward and Evanston Township; Barry Goldberg claims support from the 39th, 41st, and 50th Wards and New Trier and Northfield Townships, Klumpp said.

Chris Taliaferro, the Alderman of the 29th Ward, has publicly announced support from the 41st Ward and Leyden Townships in his bid for the McGuire vacancy in the 11th Subcircuit. The positions of the 30th, 31st, 36th, 37th, 38th, and 45th Wards in this race are not known, Klumpp said, adding that not even Taliaferro's own 29th Ward has taken a public stance in this race. Similarly, Klumpp said, nothing is known about the stance of Elk Grove, Maine, Norwood Park, Oak Park, and Proviso Townships in this race.

Viviana Martinez is the only 14th Subcircuit candidate with announced support in her race for the Jagielski vacancy. But this support comes only from the 22nd and 25th Wards, Klumpp said. The positions of the 3rd, 11th, 12th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 20th, 24th, and 28th Wards are not known, he said.

Jim Gleffe had sufficient support in the Cook County Democratic Party's Central Committee to be named the Party's 8th alternate at its December slating meeting. But, Klumpp said that Bernadette Barrett has claimed the unanimous endorsement of all township committeepersons in the 15th Subcircuit.

The northwest suburban 13th Subcircuit consists of Barrington, Hanover, Palatine, Schaumburg, and Wheeling Townships and it is the only Cook County subcircuit to field candidates in both the Republican and Democratic primaries. In the Democratic primary, Joe Gump appears to have the support of the Palatine Township organization, Klumpp reported, while James Costello appears to have the nod from the Schaumburg Township organization. In the Republican primary, Gary William Seyring has the announced support of all Republican township organizations except Palatine's which, Klumpp said, has apparently expressed no preference.

Gary William Seyring campaign website found

Supporters of Gary Seyring have launched a campaign website supporting his bid for the Republican nomination for the Groebner vacancy in the 13th Subcircuit. That's a link to Seyring's campaign website in the preceding sentence; a link has also been added to this site's Sidebar.

The new site is rather sparse at present, but there is a means for interested persons to subscribe to a campaign newsletter.

Seyring was the Republican nominee for 13th Subcircuit vacancies in 2018 and 2020. He sought the Republican nomination for a 13th Subcircuit vacancy in 2014 and 2016.

CBA issues evaluations for Cook County judicial candidates seeking vacancies in the 13th, 14th, and 15th Subcircuits

The Chicago Bar Association has now released its evaluations of all candidates for judicial positions in the upcoming primary. In this post we look at the CBA's evaluations of candidates seeking vacancies in the 13th, 14th, and 14th Subcircuits. For more about the methodology employed by the CBA in arriving at its ratings, see this FWIW post or the complete CBA "Judge Smart" Guide. The guide can be accessed from this page of the CBA website; click here to access the complete CBA "'Judge Smart' Guide" in .pdf form.

13th Subcircuit, Groebner Vacancy

Republican Candidates

CHRISTINE SVENSON -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Christine Svenson is “Not Recommended” to serve as a Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Svenson was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1995. She has practiced as a solo practitioner for many years, concentrating on divorce matters and non-litigation matters, and some election law matters. Concerns about Ms. Svenson’s lack of candor related to criticism by the Illinois Court of Appeals and her lack of trial and litigation experience resulted in the finding of “Not Recommended.”

GARY WILLIAM SEYRING -- QUALIFIED
Gary William Seyring is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Seyring was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1978 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in family law, real estate, business law, and wills, trusts and estates. Mr. Seyring has commercial litigation experience and is well regarded for his knowledge of probate, tax and family law. Mr. Seyring is actively involved in community service and highly regarded by the judges before whom he has appeared.

DOMINIC J. BUTTITTA, JR. -- QUALIFIED
Dominic J. Buttitta, Jr. is “Qualified” to serve as a Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Buttitta was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2010. After interning with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, he spent three years as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office. Next, he went into private practice as a partner in two law firms. In private practice, Mr. Buttitta handled criminal defense, domestic relations, and commercial litigation matters in Cook County and the surrounding counties. During his twelve years as a practicing attorney, he has had more than 120 jury and bench trials in both criminal and civil cases. Mr. Buttitta is qualified based on his litigation experience and his substantial trial experience.

Democratic Candidates

JAMES “JACK” COSTELLO -- QUALIFIED
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.

JOE GUMP -- QUALIFIED
Joe Gump is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Gump was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1987 and for the past 29 years has served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. Mr. Gump is currently a felony assistant, assigned to the Third Municipal District. Mr. Gump is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal ability and fine temperament.

14th Subcircuit, Brown Vacancy

IRIS Y. CHAVIRA -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Iris Y. Chavira 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.

14th Subcircuit, Jagielski Vacancy

STEVE DEMITRO -- QUALIFIED
Steve Demitro is “Qualified” to serve as a Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Demitro was admitted to practice law in Illinois in May 2000. Since then, he has handled a variety of litigation matters. He has demonstrated a strong work ethic and integrity. He has presided over more than 200 arbitrations in his legal practice. He is well-regarded for his temperament and demeanor, and he is respected for his civic and community involvement. Mr. Demitro has sufficient legal knowledge and ability to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

VIVIANA MARTINEZ -- NOT RECOMMENDED
Viviana Martinez is “Not Recommended” to serve as a Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Martinez was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2007. For the past eleven years, she has worked for Cook County in various legal roles. Ms. Martinez has very little litigation experience, which she acquired early in her career. She also failed to demonstrate experience handling complex litigation. Ms. Martinez does not possess the depth and breadth of practice experience to effectively serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

JORGE V. CAZARES -- QUALIFIED
Jorge V. Cazares is “Qualified” to serve as a Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Cazares was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1990. Mr. Cazares has practiced law for more than 25 years. He is currently a partner at his law firm. He received nothing but positive reviews for his practice, demeanor, and legal abilities. All the references the committee interviewed praised the candidate calling him a role model, the utmost professional, a groundbreaker (first Latino attorney at his firm) and stated that the county would be “lucky” to have him as a Judge and fortunate due to his kindness, even temper and extreme professionalism.

15th Subcircuit, Lawler Vacancy

BERNADETTE BARRETT -- QUALIFIED
Bernadette Barrett is “Qualified” to serve as a Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Barrett was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991. Ms. Barrett has experience in a variety of general litigation areas. She has demonstrated a commitment to community and public service. Ms. Barrett is well regarded for her integrity, temperament, and work ethic.

JIM GLEFFE -- NOT RECOMMENDED
James Gleffe is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Gleffe was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2007 and has worked for public agencies throughout his career. Mr. Gleffe is currently serving as Deputy Chief of Staff and Labor Counsel for the Cook County Clerk’s Office. Mr. Gleffe has very limited trial and litigation experience. At this point in his career, Mr. Gleffe lacks the depth and breadth of practice experience to effectively serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

ISBA's explanations of ratings for candidates seeking vacancies in 13th, 14th, and 15th Subcircuits

The Illinois State Bar Association has now provided narrative explanations for the ratings it recently issued in Cook County judicial races. In this post, FWIW publishes the ISBA's written statements about each judicial candidate in Subcircuits 13, 14, and 15. All of the ISBA narratives can also be accessed here.

For candidates participating in the evaluation process, the ISBA issues one of three ratings: "Highly Qualified", "Qualified", or "Not Qualified". Candidates who fail or refuse to participate in the evaluation are automatically rated "Not Recommended."

The ISBA says that its ratings "reflect the [Judicial Evaulation] Committee's opinion of whether candidates have the necessary qualifications for judicial service or ascension to a higher office and are not a reflection of the candidates' abilities as lawyers or judges."

13th Subcircuit, Groebner Vacancy

Republican Candidates

Christine Svenson -- Qualified
Christine Svenson was admitted in 1995. She opened her own practice in 2008 focusing on domestic, chancery, workers’ compensation, and tort matters. She is also a mediator and an arbitrator and did civil litigation with two firms. She has minimal jury trial experience and some bench trial experience. Most attorneys reported positive comments on her diligence, and she is considered to have sound knowledge of workers’ compensation. She has community involvement.

The Committee finds Christine Svenson qualified for election to the Circuit Court on Cook County.

Gary William Seyring -- Qualified
Gary William Seyring has been licensed since 1978. He has been a private practitioner since with his own practice: Law Offices of Gary Seyring, focusing on various areas of civil law including domestic relations, real estate, probate and estate planning, and business law. He has taught at Roosevelt University, been active on committees with the Chicago Bar Association and the Northwest Suburban Bar Association and assisted military families with tax preparation through a pro bono program. He is on the board of the Illinois Youth Soccer Association.

He is considered to be a well-prepared litigator with good writing skills. He has a diverse clientele and is patient and calm. He has substantial civil trial experience including in complex matters.

The Committee finds Gary William Seyring qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Dominic J. Buttitta, Jr. -- Qualified
Dominic J. Buttitta, Jr. was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2010. He first spent three years as an assistant state’s attorney in McHenry County, then went into private practice with Carponelli and Buttitta. In 2015 he opened his present practice, Buttitta Law Group, focusing on criminal defense and family law. He is a member of various bar associations.

He has both jury and bench trial experience in criminal matters. Lawyers reported that he has a strong work ethic, is able to see core issues quickly, and makes sure to do his own research. He is considered to be very fair, kind and even-tempered.

The Committee finds Dominic J. Buttitta, Jr. qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Democratic Candidates

James “Jack” Costello -- Qualified
James Costello has been licensed since 2007. He is a career prosecutor currently assigned to the Public Corruption/Financial Crimes Unity; before his assignment there in 2019, he worked in the Felony Trial Division, Misdemeanors/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.

He 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 of high integrity, even-keeled and fair.

The Committee finds James Costello qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Joe Gump -- Qualified
Joe Gump was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1987. He was a career assistant public defender who recently retired from that office. After spending eleven years in the Appeals Division, he moved to Felony Trial in the Third Municipal District (Rolling Meadows). He has also handled real estate matters. He served in many leadership positions in AFSCME Local 3315, the public defenders’ union, including president, vice-president, chief steward, and as a bargaining committee member. He is considered to be a strong advocate and an experienced trial attorney who gets good dispositions for his clients.

Attorneys and judges reported that he writes well and has excellent research skills, is sensitive to diversity and even-keeled. A few indicated that at time punctuality was an issue, though others attributed any issues there to the number of cases and nature of the job. He has substantial trial experience, including in complex matters, and also handled many appeals in his career.

The Committee finds Joe Gump qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

14th Subcircuit, Brown Vacancy

Iris Y. Chavira -- Not Recommended
Iris Y. Chavira declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Ms. Iris Y. Chavira is found to be not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

14th Subcircuit, Jagielski Vacancy

Steve Demitro -- Qualified
Steve Demitro has been licensed since 2000. He has been a sole practitioner his entire career with a general practice handling mainly torts, but also some criminal, domestic relations, real estate, and probate matters. He was a hearing officer for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and an arbitrator for seventeen years. He is currently the Vice President of the Ukrainian National Museum, has lectured on legal topics to students, and is involved in other community organizations in the McKinley Park area.

He has limited bench trial experience. Most attorneys who have worked with him or appeared before him stated that he has good legal knowledge and ability, does research, and works well with different ethnic groups. He is always prepared, even keeled, and listens well.

The Committee finds Steve Demitro qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Viviana Martinez -- Not Qualified
Viviana Martinez has been licensed since 2007. Since 2022 she was appointed Deputy General Counsel for Chicago Public Schools, managing attorneys, and drafting CPS contracts. Prior to her recent appointment, she held various positions within Cook County government, including as Special Assistant for Legal Affairs in the Cook County Bureau of Administration (April 2018 to April 2022), Interim Director of the Cook County Department of Adoption and Family Supportive Services (November 2018 to August 2019); Assistant Special Legal Counsel to the Office of Cook County Board President (March 2013 to April 2018); and Chief of Staff and General Counsel to then Cook County Commissioner Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (December 2010 to March 2013). Before that she has been an assistant attorney general and in private practice. She is a member of various bar associations, and a past board members of the Puerto Rican Bar Association. Currently she is on the board of the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation and volunteers with other community groups.

She does not report having any jury trial experience, [but has] some non-jury trials from early in her career. Attorneys reported that, while due to the nature of her job, they had limited experience observing her legal knowledge and ability, within the confines of her current role, she did have good knowledge of, especially with the effects of proposed legislation. All consider her to be very diligent, with a good temperament, and described her as a strong proponent of promoting equity and diversity.

The Committee finds Viviana Martinez not qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Jorge V. Cazares -- Not Qualified
Jorge V. Cazares has been licensed since 1990. In 2020 he joined Hinshaw and Culbertson as a partner, handling diverse litigation matters. Prior to joining Hinshaw, he had worked in both the private and public sectors including with Altheimer and Gray, then Pugh, Jones and Hubbard which became Pugh, Jones and Johnson. In the public sector, he served as General Counsel to the Chicago Housing Authority from 2007 to 2008 and also as the CHA’s Chief of Ethics and Chief EEO officer from 2017 to 2019. He was also an arbitrator for Cook County for seven years.

He is currently on the board of the Chicago Police Foundation and is a past president and current board member of the Gads Hill Foundation. He received an award for Outstanding Volunteer Service from the Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago and also was recognized for service as president of the Loyola University Latino Alumni Board.

He has civil jury trial experience as lead counsel and has handled complex matters in both state and federal courts. While attorneys referred to him as straightforward, knowledgeable, hard-working, and diligent, there were concerns raised to the Committee regarding sensitivity to diversity.

The Committee finds Jorge Cazares not qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

15th Subcircuit, Lawler Vacancy

Bernadette Barrett -- Qualified
Bernadette Garrison Barrett has been licensed since 1991. She practices in the areas of domestic relations, civil litigation and corporate law with the Barrett Law Group. Prior to starting her firm in 2019 she worked in a general practice with Barrett and Sramek from 1991 to 2018. She is a former president of the Southwest Bar Association and a member of various other bars. She is currently serving as Trustee of Moraine Valley Community College and as a board member for Rise From The Ashes.

She has some civil jury trial experience, has handled some appeals and substantial quasi-litigation experience. Attorneys reports that she is known for handling complex family law cases and has more than a typical knowledge of the law. They described her as professional and calm.

The Committee finds Bernadette Barrett qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Jim Gleffe -- Not Qualified
James Gleffe was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2007. He is currently the Deputy Chief of Staff and Labor Counsel for the Cook County Clerk’s Office, handling labor and employment matters and union negotiations. He has served in various other government agencies, including as Chief Deputy Recorder, Chief of Staff and Chief Legal Counsel for the Cook County Recorder of Deeds; Chief Deputy Director and Enforcement Attorney, Illinois Secretary of State Securities Department; and as an assistant corporation counsel.

While attorneys contacted consider him to be knowledgeable in his practice area, conscientious and professional, concerns were raised about his lack of trial experience and the depth and breadth of his overall legal experience.

The Committee finds James Gleffe not qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Chicago Council of Lawyers issues ratings for candidates in Subcircuits 13, 14, and 15

For more about the methodology used by the Chicago Council of Lawyers in its evaluations, visit this prior post on FWIW. For the complete report of the Council on candidates seeking judicial vacancies in the June 28 primary, click here.

These are the ratings for candidates seeking judicial vacancies in the 13th, 14th, and 15th Subcircuits issued today by the Chicago Council of Lawyers:

13th Subcircuit, Groebner Vacancy

Republican Candidates

Alice Christine Svenson -- Qualified
Alice Christine Svenson was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1995. She is the Principal at Svenson Law Offices, where she focuses on family law, federal and state election law, and employment law. Previously, she handled workers compensation cases at Stone and Johnson (Associate and Partner, 1998-2008) and at Ridge and Downes (Associate, 1995-1998). She has participated in serval bar associations including the Republican National Lawyers Association, where she served on the Board of Governors and as the Finance Chair and the Illinois State Chapter Chair. She has provided pro bono legal services to divorced fathers through the organization Fathers Helping Fathers.

Ms. Svenson has a variety of legal experiences, including litigation experience in workers compensation cases and domestic relations matters. She has relatively little recent trial experience, although she maintains a motion practice. Respondents say she has demonstrative good litigation skills and she is reported to have a good temperament. There have been a few client complaints concerning her diligence, but on balance, she appears to be a good practitioner. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Gary W. Seyring -- Qualified
Gary W. Seyring was admitted to practice in 1978. He is also a Certified Public Accountant. He is a solo practitioner focusing on domestic relations, real estate, estate planning, tax planning, and business law. A substantial percentage of Mr. Seyring’s practice involves litigation. He is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Dominic J. Buttitta, Jr. -- Qualified
Dominic Buttitta, Jr was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2010. He began his legal career with the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office where during a span of 3 years he achieved the position of lead trial attorney. He then went into private practice as a partner in a small firm, doing criminal defense, family law, civil litigation, and personal injury matters. In 2015 he opened his own practice where he is the managing partner. He has substantial bench and jury trial experience in a variety of areas. He is active in community activities.

Dominic Buttitta is widely praised as an attorney with good legal ability and a go-to person for advice by other attorneys. He is reported to have a good temperament and to be well prepared and organized in his practice. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Democratic Candidates

James Costello -- Qualified
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.

Joe Gump -- Qualified
Joseph Michael Gump was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1987. He has spent his legal career at the Office of the Cook County Public Defender, where he was a Felony Trial Assistant.

Joseph Michael Gump is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for being a zealous advocate. He has substantial litigation experience in complex matters, and is praised for his knowledge of the law as well as for his research skills. He is praises for his judicial temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

14th Subcircuit, Brown Vacancy

Iris Y. Chavira -- Not Recommended
Iris Y. Chavira did not participate in the evaluation process. The Council finds her Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

14th Subcircuit, Jagielski Vacancy

Steve Demitro -- Qualified
Steve Demitro was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2000. Since that time, he has been a Solo Practitioner. His practice is concentrated on torts (personal injury), but he also handles some criminal law, domestic relations, real estate, probate, and chancery matters.

Mr. Demitro is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for his temperament. He is very active in community affairs. He has had substantial litigation experience, particularly in recent years. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Viviana Martinez -- Qualified
Viviana Martinez was admitted to practice in 2007. She currently serves as the Deputy General Counsel for the Chicago Public Schools. Between 2018 and 2022, she served as a Cook County Government Special Assistant Legal Counsel. In that role, she acted as legal advisor and counsel to the bureau chief or director in all matters related to the statutory authority and execution of powers of Cook County government departments and bureaus. She provided assistance in interpreting the legal ramifications of proposals, policy directives and other actions. From 2013 to 2018 she served as a deputy general counsel within the Cook County President’s Office and she was Chief of Staff and General Counsel from 2010 to 2013. She served with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office in 2008. She has served as a hearing officer for pre-disciplinary hearings for Cook County offices under the Cook County President Viviana Martinez is considered to have good legal ability and has excelled in the variety of professional positions she has had. She is reported to be well respected for her knowledge and for her managerial skills. She is praised for her temperament and is active in community activities. She has limited trial and litigation experience, but in looking at her successful career in its entirety, the Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Jorge Cazares -- Qualified
Jorge Cazares was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1990. He is also licensed in various federal courts. He first joined Altheimer & Gray as on associate, and then went to Pugh, Jones & Johnson from 1992-2006 where he became partner. He served as general counsel to the Chicago Housing Authority from 2007-2008 and then returned to Pugh, Jones from 2009 to 2020. He joined Hinshaw Culbertson as a partner in February 2020 handling complex civil cases, employment discrimination cases, and contract work. He was the Chief Ethics and Chief EEO Officer for the CHA from 2017-2019. He is active in pro bono activities.

Mr. Cazares is considered to have very good legal ability. He has substantial trial work in complex cases and extensive motion practice. He is praised for his temperament and integrity. He is praised as an excellent trial attorney. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

15th Subcircuit, Lawler Vacancy

Bernadette Barrett -- Qualified
Bernadette Barrett was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1991. As a Solo Practitioner at Bernadette Garrison Barrett, P.C (2019-present) and as an Attorney at Barrett & Sramek (1991-2018), where has concentrated primarily in domestic relations, civil litigation, corporate law, and personal injury cases. She has also worked as an Attorney at Carpls (1998-1999) and since 2018 has been a Board Member and Attorney for Rise from the Ashes, where she provides pro bono legal services to victims of domestic violence. She is a member in good standing of several bar associations, including the Southwest Bar Association, where she is a Past President.

Bernadette Barrett is considered to be a seasoned attorney with good legal ability. She has substantial experience in more complex matters. She is reported to have good temperament and is praised for her willingness to be a mentor to other attorneys. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Jim Gleffe -- Not Qualified
James Gleffe was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2007. Since December 2020, he has served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Labor Counsel for the Cook County Clerk’s Office. Previously, he worked for the Cook County Recorder of Deeds Office as Chief Deputy Recorder/Chief of Staff (2018-2020) and Chief Legal Counsel (2014-2018); for Illinois Secretary of State Securities Department as Chief Deputy Director (2012-2013) and Enforcement Attorney (2009-2012); and as a Prosecutor in the Municipal Prosecutions Division of the City of Chicago Department of Law (2007-2009).

Mr. Gleffe is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for his temperament. The Council is concerned about his lack of sufficient direct litigation experience. He has substantial experience overseeing litigation being conducted by others, and is often actively involved in providing advice and counsel to agency staff engaged in litigation. Earlier in his career, Mr. Gleffe represented an agency in administrative hearings. On balance, the Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Campaign website launched, May 25 fundraiser set for Christine Svenson

A campaign website is now up and running for Christine Svenson, candidate for the Republican nomination for judge in the 13th Subcircuit. That's a link to the new campaign website in the preceding sentence; a link has also been added to the this site's Sidebar.

Licensed as an attorney in Illinois since 1995, according to ARDC, Svenson, who practices with the Svenson Law Offices in Palatine, also serves as an elected Trustee of Palatine Township. According to her campaign bio, Svenson was recently appointed to serve on the Board of Governors of the Northwest Suburban Bar Association. She also serves on the Board of Directors of Journeys | The Road Home and provides pro bono services for the Willow Creek Care Center, according to her campaign bio.

Svenson's campaign bio also notes that "she has served as General Counsel and Parliamentarian for the Cook County Republican Party; Chair of the Illinois Chapter of the Republican National Lawyers Association and as a national Officer for the Republican National Lawyers Association; and Committeewoman for the Palatine Township Republican Organization." She still serves on the board of the Chicago Chapter of the Federalist Society.

Svenson's supporters are hosting a fundraiser for their candidate this coming Wednesday, May 25, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., at Chicago Prime Italian, 700 N. Meacham Rd., Schaumburg. Tickets for the event are $150 each or $250 per couple and will include a light buffet dinner and two drink tickets. Sponsorships are also available (Apertivo - $500, Prosecco - $1,000, Sambuca - $2,500). Tickets may be obtained through this page of the campaign website. For questions or more information about the fundraiser, email info@svensonforjudge.org.

Svensons was the Republican nominee for a 13th Subcircuit vacancy in 2018.