Chicago Council of Lawyers releases narrative explanations of ratings for Cook County judicial candidates in Subcircuits 13 to 20

The Chicago Council of Lawyers has released the narratives explaining its evaluation of Cook County judicial candidates in the March 17 primary. (Well, most of them, anyway.) The Council's report may be found by clicking this link; if that doesn't work, they may be accessed from the VoteForJudges.org home page.

The CCL report lists candidate evaluations in alphabetical order. Voters may find it more useful to see what the Council thinks of candidates seeking each vacancy, particularly in (those all too few) contested races. Thus, in this post, we will look at the Council's evaluations of candidates seeking vacancies in Subcircuits 13 through 20; in prior posts, we have looked at the Council's evaluations of countywide judicial candidates and candidates in Subcircuits 1 through 11.

Now that these posts are complete, I'll get to work updating the Organizing the Data posts to include the Council's narratives. Be patient; I'll get it done as soon as I can.

13th Subcircuit

Curry Vacancy

Robert Groebner - Qualified

Mr. Groebner receives praise for legal ability, integrity, temperament, and punctuality. He appears to have a strong reputation among the defense bar. Mr. Groebner has significant litigation experience and the experience to run a courtroom.

The Council finds Mr. Groebner Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Martin Kelley Vacancy

Brittany Pedersen - Qualified

Brittany Pedersen was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2009. She began her career in the Kane County Public Defender’s office. In 2012, she began working as a solo practitioner in private practice and has focused her practice on criminal defense, family law, civil litigation, real estate and contract disputes.

Ms. Pedersen is described as a passionate and zealous advocate. She was called a skilled attorney and is considered an excellent litigator. She has been described as knowledgeable with a professional demeanor.

The Council finds Ms. Pedersen Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Thomas Kelley Vacancy

William Kelley - Qualified

William Kelley was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1980. He served in a clerkship with the Louisiana Supreme Court in the Criminal Appeals Division for one year. Since 1982, he has been in private practice.

Mr. Kelley is considered to have a fine temperament and very good legal knowledge. He has extensive experience supervising cases.

The Council finds Mr. Kelley qualified for the Circuit Court.

O'Malley Vacancy

Daniel Naranjo - Qualified

Daniel Naranjo was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2000. Prior to his appointment to the bench, he worked as an Assistant Public Defender III in the Cook County Public Defender’s Office for 25 years, and prior to that he worked in private practice for three years.

Mr. Naranjo is praised for his legal knowledge and ability, and described as an excellent trial attorney. He is considered sensitive to bias, with good character, and temperament.

The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

16th Subcircuit

Baird Vacancy

Julian Sanchez Crozier - Qualified

Julian Sanchez Crozier was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2013.

Evaluators consistently describe him as exceptionally intelligent, deeply knowledgeable, and possessing strong legal judgment and integrity. He is praised for his even temperament, diligence, and commitment to community outreach.

The Council finds Julian Sanchez Crozier Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Mendoza Vacancy

Jessica Velez - Not Qualified

Ms. Velez is considered calm, pleasant and bright. However, she lacks trial experience and it is difficult to assess her legal ability at this time. It is possible the candidate has the ability to become a good judge but on balance, she has not demonstrated that ability sufficiently to be recommended at this time.

The Council finds Ms. Velez Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

17th Subcircuit

Brooks Vacancy

Natalia Moore - Not Recommended

(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.)

Meridth Hammer - Not Qualified

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.

Carroll Vacancy

Amari Dawson - Not Recommended

(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.)

Bianca B. Brown - Qualified

Bianca B. Brown was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2010. Her diverse career includes service at the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, City of Chicago, Illinois Attorney General's Office, CTA, and as an ARDC hearing board member. She is praised for her legal knowledge, integrity, and excellent temperament, though some concerns about attention to detail were noted. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

André Thapedi - Not Recommended

(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.)

18th Subcircuit

Andreou Vacancy

Samuel Bae - Qualified

Samuel S. Bae was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1999 and to the Texas bar in 2005. He has been in private practice.

Mr. Bae is reported to have good legal ability and does a good job representing his clients. The Chicago Council of Lawyers previously found him not qualified but believes he has since gained sufficient additional experience.

On balance, the Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Chrones Vacancy

Juan Ponce de Leon - Qualified

Juan Ponce de Leon was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2009. Since 2010, he has been a Public Defender in Cook County.

The Council finds Juan Ponce de Leon Qualified for the Circuit Court.

19th Subcircuit

Fairman Vacancy

Sara McGann - Qualified

(This evaluation was issued prior to Judge McGann's appointment to the bench. - Ed.) Sara McGann was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2009. She serves as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, focusing on appellate law.

Ms. McGann is described as thoughtful and intelligent. She is consistently composed and professional. She is considered a mentor because of her knowledge, communication skills and approachability.

The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Kane Vacancy

Monica Gail Somerville - Qualified

Monica Gail Somerville was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1990. Ms. Somerville is presently a staff attorney with Cabrini Green Legal Aid. She has had a varied career, including service in a variety of capacities with the City of Chicago, as an Administrative Law Judge with the Illinois Department of Employment Security, a senior attorney with the Cook County Forest Preserve, litigation counsel with the ARDC, and an attorney with the USPS Law Department.

Ms. Somerville is considered to have good legal ability. She is praised for her supervisor skills and for her ability to manage complex government programs. She has litigation experience. She is reported to have a good temperament.

The Council finds Ms. Somerville Qualified for the Circuit Court.

John Harkins - Not Recommended

(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. - Ed.)

Dave Condron - Qualified

(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 Qualified rating. - Ed.)

20th Subcircuit

Haracz Vacancy

Michael J. Zink - Qualified

(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 Qualified rating. - Ed.)

Miller Vacancy

Jon Stromsta - Qualified

Jon K. Stromsta was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1985. He is currently an Administrative Law Judge with the Illinois Department of Employment Security and is a panel arbitrator with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Previously, he was with the Office of the State Appellate Defender and an attorney for the Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Health and Welfare and Pension Funds.

Mr. Stromsta is praised for his demeanor and integrity. Mr. Stromsta is considered to have good legal ability and is widely respected for his knowledge of the law in a variety of areas.

The Council finds Jon Stromsta Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Belle Katubig - Qualified

(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 Qualified rating. - Ed.)

Updated grids for subcircuit candidates issued by the Alliance

The 13-member Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening has released updated candidate ratings for the forthcoming primary. This post will cover Alliance ratings of subcircuit judicial candidates; updated Alliance ratings of countywide judicial candidates are covered in this post. The ratings are now essentially complete; the "blanks" that remain in the grids exist because a few candidates are pursuing appeals of their ratings with the issuing bar group. (While the Alliance conducts joint investigations and interviews of Cook County judicial candidates, each bar group issues its own ratings and has its own process for addressing appeals from those ratings.)

The grids reproduced below and in the countywide ratings post show ratings for every candidate in the Democratic Primary. There are no ratings of Republican candidates because no one filed to run for any judicial vacancy in the 2026 Cook County Republican primary. At least when it comes to judicial elections, there is no two-party system in our fair county.

The list of subcircuit candidates that follows here is deceptively long. Every person living in Cook County lives in one of 20 Subcircuits. A voter can only vote for subcircuit candidates in his or her home subcircuit. Depending on your subcircuit, you may have one vacancy to fill; you may have none. If you live in the 13th Subcircuit, you will find four vacancies... but only four candidates. Many other subcircuit vacancies are uncontested as well.

The ratings issued by each of the bar associations that together comprise the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening are found in the hieroglyphics beneath the abbrieviated names of the member bar groups. The Alliance provides a ratings key so that you may decipher the meanings of these hieroglyphics. Here it is:

With all these explanations in mind, herewith the Alliance grids for 2026 subcircuit candidates (click to enlarge or clarify any image):

The 13 members of the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening are the Arab American Bar Association (AABAR), the Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area (AABA), the Black Men Lawyers’ Association (BMLA), the Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago (BWLA), the Chicago Council of Lawyers (CCL), the Cook County Bar Association (CCBA), the Decalogue Society of Lawyers (DSL), the Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois (HBA), the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois (HLAI), the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA), Chicago’s LGBTQ+ Bar Association (LAGBAC), the Puerto Rican Bar Association (PRBA), and the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI), all working collaboratively to improve the process of screening judicial candidates in Cook County, Illinois.

CBA releases narrative explanations of ratings for Cook County judicial candidates in Subcircuits 13 to 20

The Chicago Bar Association has released narrative explanations of its ratings of candidates seeking judicial vacancies in the 2026 Cook County Democratic Primary.

The CBA has not released any narratives for judicial candidates in the 2026 Cook County Republican Primary because there are no candidates seeking judicial office in Cook County via the Republican primary.

Every Cook County voter lives in one of 20 judicial subcircuits. Voters can only choose among candidates in the subcircuits where they reside (and, of course, only if they vote in the Democratic primary). Not every subcircuit has a vacancy to be filled. And, as you will see, even in those subcircuits where there are vacancies, many of those vacancies are uncontested (only one candidate filed). In this post, FWIW looks at the CBA's narrative explanations of subcircuit judicial candidates in Subcircuits 13-20. The CBA's narrative explanations for countywide candidates are covered in this post. A post on the CBA's narrative explanations of its ratings for candidates in Subcircuits 1-11 can be found at this link.

13th Subcircuit

Curry, Jr. Vacancy

ROBERT “BOB” GROEBNER - QUALIFIED

Robert Groebner is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Groebner was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1999 and has served as an Assistant State’s Attorney for his entire career. He has had many assignments, including as a misdemeanor and felony trial assistant. For the past 11 years, he has been assigned to preliminary hearings, bond court, and pre-trial release hearings. Mr. Groebner is well respected by judges whom he appears before, colleagues and adversaries. He has substantial trial and litigation experience and has a strong knowledge of criminal law and the research skills to learn new areas. He is also noted for his good demeanor and temperament.

M. Kelley Vacancy

BRITTANY MICHELLE PEDERSON - QUALIFIED

Brittany Michelle Pedersen is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Pedersen was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2009. She is currently a trial attorney focusing primarily on criminal defense, representing individuals charged with both misdemeanor and felony offenses. She is highly regarded for her commitment to pro bono service and active community involvement. Ms. Pedersen possesses a solid foundation of trial and legal experience and is well-respected for her legal ability, diligence, and demeanor.

T. Kelley Vacancy

WILLIAM F. KELLEY - QUALIFIED

Pursuant to Section 34 of The Chicago Bar Association’s Judicial Evaluation Committee’s Governing Resolution, The Executive Committee has voted to issue a “Qualified” rating for [Kelley's] current Circuit Court Judge candidacy.

O'Malley Vacancy

DAN NARANJO - QUALIFIED

(This rating was issued before Judge Naranjo's appointment to the bench in mid-2025 - Ed.) Dan Naranjo is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Naranjo was admitted to practice law in Florida in 1997 and in Illinois in 1998. He joined the Cook County Public Defender’s Office in 2000. He has handled misdemeanor and felony matters and is currently assigned to the Multiple Defendant Division. Mr. Naranjo is respected by lawyers and judges before whom he has appeared for his calm demeanor, legal knowledge and diligence. Daniel Naranjo is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge.

16th Subcircuit

Baird Vacancy

JULIAN SANCHEZ CROZIER - QUALIFIED

Julian Sanchez Crozier is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Crozier was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2013. He worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney for five years. He has been a partner at Ciesielski, Soukaras, and Crozier Law, LLC for seven years handling criminal defense. Mr. Crozier has considerable trial experience in both civil and criminal courts. He is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, demeanor and temperament, and possesses the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

Mendoza Vacancy

JESSICA KARINA VELEZ - NOT RECOMMENDED

Jessica Karina Velez is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Velez was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2012. She is currently the Deputy General Counsel at the Illinois Comptroller’s Office. Prior to that, she worked at two tort defense firms. The Committee was impressed with the candidate’s integrity, diligence, judicial temperament, and punctuality as well as her dedication to the legal community. However, the candidate is not a seasoned litigator with the depth of complex litigation experience that is required to be a judge. The Committee believes that the candidate can reach the level of experience required with more trial experience.

17th Subcircuit

Brooks Vacancy

NATALIA MOORE - NOT RECOMMENDED

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.

MERIDTH HAMMER - NOT RECOMMENDED

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.

Carroll Vacancy

AMARI DAWSON - NOT RECOMMENDED

Amari Dawson 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.

BIANCA B. BROWN - QUALIFIED

Bianca B. Brown is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Brown was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2010. She spent 14 years working at public agencies, including the City of Chicago, the Office of the Illinois Attorney General, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office and the CTA. She is now in private practice. Ms. Brown has been extremely active in bar association activities and has demonstrated a commitment to public service. She has vast trial experience, and is knowledgeable, even-handed, and well suited to serve as a judge.

ANDRÉ THAPEDI - NOT RECOMMENDED

André Thapedi 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.

18th Subcircuit

Chrones Vacancy

JUAN PONCE DE LEON - QUALIFIED

Juan Ponce de Leon is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Ponce de Leon was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2009. He has 15 years of experience with the Cook County Office of the Public Defender, where he was initially assigned to child protection for three years, followed by two years in juvenile justice, and for the last 10 years he has been assigned to felony courtrooms. He is well respected for his integrity, excellent temperament, and knowledge of the law.

Andreou Vacancy

SAM BAE - QUALIFIED

Sam Bae is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Bae was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1999. He is currently a solo practitioner whose general practice concentrates in personal injury, family law, business litigation and civil litigation. He is well respected for his legal knowledge, integrity, diligence and fine temperament.

19th Subcircuit

Fairman Vacancy

SARA MCGANN - QUALIFIED

Sara McGann is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. McGann was admitted to practice law in 2009. She is an Assistant State’s Attorney in Cook County assigned to the Appeals Division. Ms. McGann is committed to public service. She is well respected for her demeanor and knowledge of the law and possesses all the requisite qualifications for service as a Cook County Judge.

Kane Vacancy

MONICA SOMERVILLE - QUALIFIED

Pursuant to Section 34 of The Chicago Bar Association's Judicial Evaluation Committee's Governing Resolution, the JEC Executive Committee has voted to issue a "Qualified" rating for Monica Gail Somerville's current Circuit Court Judge candidacy.

JOHN HARKINS - NOT RECOMENDED

John Harkins 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.

DAVE CONDRON - QUALIFIED

David Condron is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Condron was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2001. He began his 16-year career at the Cook County State's Attorney's office, handling criminal matters, including in the Public Corruption and Financial Crimes Unit and Special Prosecutions, before moving to the Civil Actions Bureau. Mr. Condron subsequently went into private practice, where he handled matters involving commercial real estate and complex construction. Currently, he is an Assistant Corporation Counsel Supervisor with the City of Chicago's Law Department, dealing with excessive force claims. Mr. Condron is well respected for his calm and professional temperament, his legal knowledge, and his experience in both complex civil and criminal litigation matters.

20th Subcircuit

Haracz Vacancy

MICHAEL J. ZINK - QUALIFIED

(This rating was issued before Judge Zink's appointment to the bench in late 2024 - Ed.) Michael J. Zink is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Zink was admitted to practice law in November 2004. Mr. Zink is currently in private practice. The candidate has extensive legal experience, his references praise his temperament, and he has a strong history of performing community service. Mr. Zink is qualified to serve as a judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Miller Vacancy

JON STROMSTA - QUALIFIED

Jon Stromsta is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Stromsta was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1985. Mr. Stromsta worked in private practice with a focus on civil litigation and appeals, family law, and criminal defense. He is currently an Administrative Law Judge at the Illinois Department of Employment Security, where he conducts benefit appeals, evidentiary hearings, drafts decisions and review hearings, and prepares opinions for the Board of Review. He is well regarded for his temperament and possesses the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

BELLE KATUBIG - QUALIFIED

Pursuant to Section 34 of The Chicago Bar Association’s Judicial Evaluation Committee’s Governing Resolution, The Executive Committee has voted to issue a “Qualified” rating for [Katubig's] current Circuit Court Judge candidacy.

ISBA releases narrative explanations of ratings for Cook County judicial candidates in Subcircuits 13 to 20

Updated 2/11/26 to correct typo

The Illinois State Bar Association has released narrative explanations for its evaluations of candidates seeking judicial vacancies in the 2026 Cook County Democratic Primary.

The ISBA has not released any narratives for judicial candidates in the 2026 Cook County Republican Primary because there are no candidates seeking judicial office in Cook County via the Republican primary.

Every Cook County voter lives in one of 20 judicial subcircuits. Voters can only choose among candidates in the subcircuits where they reside (and, of course, only if they vote in the Democratic primary). Not every subcircuit has a vacancy to be filled. And, as you will see, even in those subcircuit where there are vacancies, many of those vacancies are uncontested (only one candidate filed). In this post, FWIW looks at the ISBA's narrative explanations of subcircuit judicial candidates in Subcircuits 13-20. The ISBA's narrative explanations for countywide candidates are covered in this post. For a look at the ISBA's narrative explanations of its ratings for candidates in Subcircuits 1 to 11, click here.

13th Subcircuit

Curry Vacancy

Robert “Bob” Groebner - Qualified

Robert Groebner has been an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney since his admission to the Illinois bar in 1999. He is currently assigned to Preliminary Hearings/Bond Court in Skokie. He was previously assigned to the same position at Belmont & Western in 2014. Previously, he worked a felony court at 26th Street, various misdemeanor courts, Child Sex Crimes, and Child Support courts. He has taken CLE classes in a variety of subjects, including DEI issues.

Mr. Groebner is an active member of Stein Collectors International. He volunteers at St. Peter Luthern Church and the Buddy Foundation, an animal shelter. He is a current member of the Cook County, Northwest Suburban and Hellenic Bar associations.

Mr. Groebner’s legal knowledge was praised as he is regarded as the “go to” guy for issues. He is known to be sensitive and empathetic to litigants. In his current position, he has made use of diversionary programs to avoid criminal outcomes. He is calm, even-tempered and respectful. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Robert “Bob” Groebner qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Martin C. Kelley Vacancy

Brittany Michelle Pedersen – Not Qualified

Brittany Pedersen has been licensed since 2009. After spending three years with the Kane County Public Defender, she entered private practice, both as a solo practitioner and with various firms, in the areas of criminal defense, family law, civil litigation, real estate and contracts. Since 2020 she has been a solo practitioner with Pedersen and Irvin, with offices in St. Charles and Elgin. She does have jury and bench trial experience, almost entirely in Kane County. She has been a guest lecturer at Aurora University, a board member and former officer of the Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, and a member of the Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce. She previously ran for judge twice in the 16th subcircuit, Kane County.

She is described by other attorneys and judges as passionate and intelligent, with knowledge of the law and legal process. The investigation raised concerns about the lack of practice in Cook County courts; in addition, the Committee had concerns about a prior judicial evaluation in Kane County. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Brittany Michelle Pedersen not qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Thomas J. Kelley Vacancy

William F. Kelley – Qualified

William F. Kelley was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1980. He has practiced the vast majority of his career with various iterations of his current firm, Kelley, Kelley, & Kelley. he started as an associate handling minor criminal/traffic, personal injury, and commercial issues. As a partner, he handled PI, workman's compensation, tax, and estate issues. Since 2009, he has been senior managing partner; he describes his current practice as: probate/estate, 45%, business law 23%, tax law 10%, with 23% being business or commercial litigation. He lists CLEs on a variety of topics.

Mr. Kelley is very engaged with community activities. He is past president and a board member of the Northwest Suburban Bar Association. He was a past president and board member of Rotary International. He is currently a trustee of Harper College. Lawyers and judges acknowledged his wide range of legal knowledge. He is said to be sensitive to diversity issues. He is described as 'even keeled' and calm. The Illinois State Bar Association finds William F. Kelley qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

O'Malley Vacancy

Dan Naranjo – Qualified

Daniel Naranjo was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1998. Effective June 5, 2025, he was appointed to the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Shannon P. O’Malley. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Naranjo served in the Office of the Cook County Public Defender.

Judge Naranjo’s present assignment is at the Domestic Violence Courthouse. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Dan Naranjo qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

16th Subcircuit

Baird Vacancy

Julian Sanchez Crozier – Qualified

Julian Sanchez Crozier was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2013. Though not actively practicing he was admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in 2018 and was involved in several cases during his time in private practice. Since 2018, Mr. Crozier has been with Ciesielski, Soukaras & Crozier Law in Chicago as attorney/partner with concentrations in drivers’ license reinstatement, real estate, personal injury, and criminal defense in state court. From 2013 to 2018 he was with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office – Child Enforcement Division.

Mr. Crozier is a member of various bar associations and has been active in community organizations. Attorneys praise his professionalism, fairness, patience, and respectfulness.

The Illinois State Bar Association finds Julian Sanchez Crozier qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Mendoza Vacancy

Jessica Karina Velez – Not Qualified

Jessica Karina Velez was admitted to the Illinois bar 2012. Since September 2023, she has been Deputy General Counsel for the Office of the State Comptroller, where she oversees Freedom of Information Act requests and oversees assistant attorney generals who handle litigation for the Comptroller’s Office. Prior to her current position, she handled general tort cases at Johnson and Bell. She handled one civil jury trial as lead counsel and one as assisting counsel. She has been a committee chair for the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois and also a board member for that bar association’s charity. She is also a Regional Commissioner for the Hispanic National Bar Association, and coached moot court for several years. She also served as chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee at her former firm.

Attorneys consider Mr. Velez to be bright and quick to grasp legal concepts, diligent and calm. Concerns were raised about the limited nature of her litigation experience and the depth and breadth of her legal experience. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Jessica Karina Velez not qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

17th Subcircuit

Brooks Vacancy

Natalia Moore – Not Recommended

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.

Meridth Hammer – Not Qualified

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.

Carroll Vacancy

Amari Dawson – Not Recommended

Amari Dawson declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Public records indicate that Ms. Dawson was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2005 and is with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Amari Dawson is not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Bianca B. Brown – Qualified

Bianca Brjhett Brown was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2010. Prior to her current position as a senior associate with Pretzel & Stouffer since April 2025 where she is a trial attorney, she has worked for the Chicago Transit Authority as a Chief Attorney, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Office of the Illinois Attorney General in the Consumer Protection Division, the City of Chicago as an Assistant Corporation Counsel, and as a solo practitioner concentrating on criminal defense and family law.

Ms. Brown is praised for her legal knowledge and grasp of the issues. She has served for nine years on the Hearing Board of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission and is currently a member of the Board of Governors for the Illinois State Bar Association. She is described as professional, a person of integrity, and sensitive to diversity and bias. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Bianca B. Brown qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

André Thapedi – Not Recommended

Public records indicate that André Thapedi was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1996. From 2009 to 2021 he was a Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives representing Auburn, Gresham, Chicago Lawn, Ashburn, Chatham, West Englewood, and portions of Justice and Hickory Hills.

Mr. Thapedi declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, André Thapedi is not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

18th Subcircuit

Andreou Vacancy

Sam Bae – Qualified

Samuel Bae was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1999; since 2000 he has maintained his own practice, mainly in domestic relations, personal injury and commercial litigation. He is a member of several bar associations, most actively as a volunteer with the Korean American Women In Need program. He co-authored a review of the legal and practical issues of sexual harassment.

References praised Mr. Bae for his temperament, diligence and impartiality. Attorneys reported that he is impartial, courteous and diligent, with good legal knowledge. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Sam Bae qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Chrones Vacancy

Juan Ponce de Leon – Qualified

Juan Francisco Ponce de Leon was admitted to the Illinois bar in November of 2009. For the past ten years he has been a criminal defense attorney with the Office of the Cook County Public Defender currently assigned to the Third District (Rolling Meadows). Prior to this, he worked in the Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Divisions.

Colleagues and opposing counsel report that Mr. Ponce de Leon has great legal knowledge and negotiates properly for his clients. He is praised for being professional, even-keeled and good with difficult situations. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Juan Ponce de Leon qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

19th Subcircuit

Fairman Vacancy

Sara McGann – Not Qualified

Sara Ann McGann was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2009. After spending her career as an Assistant State’s Attorney, in July of 2025, she was appointed to the Circuit Court to fill the resident judgeship formerly held by Judge John A. Fairman who was elected to a different subcircuit. After an initial assignment in Traffic Division in First Municipal, she was assigned to the Sixth District (Markham) in January of 2026.

Prior to her judicial appointment, Judge McGann served in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office since 2009. She was a briefing supervisor in the Criminal Appeals Division and managed Drug and Mental Health Treatment Courts. Previous to that assignment she had worked in various treatment and diversion courts at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse, Fifth District (Bridgeview) and the Sixth District).

Attorneys reported that she is professional, intelligent and current on legal issues. There were concerns about the depth and breadth of her recent legal experience. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Sara McGann not qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Kane Vacancy

Monica G. Somerville – Not Qualified

Monica Somerville was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1990. Since January 2025 she has been a staff attorney at Cabrini-Green Legal Aid handling criminal records’ relief matters. She has also been a private practitioner and a hearing officer for the City of Chicago. In the past, she has been employed by various government agencies at the federal, state, county, and city level. She is a member of various bar associations, including as a committee member for the Cook County Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association. She volunteers with the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services and has presented on legal matters at various community and law school events.

Ms. Somerville does have some jury and bench trial experience, although the majority is not recent. Attorneys gave positive feedback on her legal knowledge and ability, her open-mindedness, professionalism and impartiality. Concerns were raised about the depth and breadth of her overall experience and her lack of recent trial experience. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Monica G. Somerville not qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

John Harkins – Not Recommended

Public Records show that John Harkins was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2018 and is with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office representing the Sheriff’s office in courtrooms throughout the county.

Because he has less than the required ten years of attorney licensure and active legal practice, the Illinois State Bar Association finds John Harkins not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Dave Condron – Qualified

David Richard Condron was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2001. Presently he is an Assistant Corporation Counsel Supervisor with the City of Chicago’s Department of Law, defending Chicago Police officers named in civil rights claims. From 2018 to 2013 he was an Associate Counsel with O’Rourke Hogan Fowler & Dwyer with concentrations in construction, mechanics lien and commercial real estate litigation. From 2017 to 2018 he was with Conklin & Conklin handling eminent domain matters on behalf of the State of Illinois. From 2001 to 2017 he was with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office prosecuting felony cases.

Mr. Condron has been praised for his legal knowledge by supervisors and opponents and has been described as treating everyone with respect and dignity even during difficult and emotional trials. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Dave Condron qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

20th Subcircuit

Haracz Vacancy

Michael J. Zink – Qualified

Michael J. Zink was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2004. In December 2024 he was appointed to fill the vacancy of the retirement of Judge David Haracz. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Zink had twenty years of experience in private practice having served as an equity partner and associate at Starr, Bejgiert, Zink & Rowells. He has been published extensively in legal journals and newsletters and presented CLE programs for the Chicago Bar Association and the Illinois State Bar Association.

Judge Zink’s present assignment is in First Municipal in a non-jury civil room where, among other matters, hears cases involving personal injury, subrogation, property damage, landlord/tenant, credit card debt, and breach of contract. Additionally, he fills in whenever there is a shortage of judges. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Michael J. Zink qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Miller Vacancy

Jon Stromsta – Qualified

Jon Karl Stromsta was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1985. In addition to his position with the Illinois Department of Employment Security as an Administrative Law Judge since 2022, he is a Panel Arbitrator with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. From 2010 to 2024, he was a partner with the Enterprise Law Group in Northfield with concentration in civil and criminal defense litigation and appellate practice. From 2008 to 2010 he practiced family law and general civil litigation and criminal defense at Pasulka & Associates.

From 2004 to 2008 he was with the Office of the State Appellate Defender – Capital Litigation Division / Post Conviction Unit. Mr. Stromsta is praised for his legal knowledge and ability and character and temperament. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Jon Stromsta qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Belle Katubig - Qualified

Belle Lourdes Katubig was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1997. She has been with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office since 2018 representing the John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County Health. She does have jury trial experience, has been a speaker on legal issues, and is a member of various bar associations and community groups. She has also served on the Illinois Supreme Court’s Committee on Professional Responsibility.

Respondents spoke highly of Ms. Katubig’s legal knowledge and ability, her sensitivity to diversity and bias, her character, impartiality and integrity, and her temperament. The Illinois State Bar Associations finds Belle Katubig qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Electoral Board finished with judicial candidate challenges

A total of six petition challenges were filed against six different subcircuit candidates, Ashley Greer Shambley in the 1st Subcircuit, Rachel Marrello in the 3rd Subcircuit, Michelle Cunningham in the 5th Subcircuit, André Thapedi in the 17th Subcircuit, Lynn Terese Palac in the 18th Subcircuit, and Belle Katubig in the 20th Subcircuit.

Palac withdrew from her race on November 17 (leaving Juan Ponce de Leon as the only remaining candidate for the Chrones vacancy in the 18th Subcircuit). According to the Cook County Clerk's website (although not yet confirmed on the Illinois State Board of Elections website) Michelle Cunningham has now withdrawn from her race (leaving Stephanie S. Kelly as the one and only candidate for the Ross vacancy in the 5th Subcircuit).

The objections to Ashley Greer Shambley's candidacy for the Walker vacancy in the 1st Subcircuit and to Belle Katubig's candidacy for the Miller vacancy in the 20th Subcircuit were withdrawn. That leaves Shambley in a three-way race with Tiffany N. Brooks and Judge Ginger Odom. Katubig faces Jon Stromsta in her race.

Two petition challenges were overruled. The Electoral Board found that André Thapedi's petitions contained 1,149 signatures, 149 more than required. He will now face Amari Dawson and Bianca B. Brown in the race for the Carroll vacancy in the 17th Subcircuit. As reported here earlier this week, the Electoral Board previously overruled the objections to Rachel Marrello's petitions in the race for the Sherlock vacancy in the 3rd Subcircuit, leaving her in a one-on-one race with Martin Douglas Reggi.

Another Cook County Judicial race becomes uncontested

Lynn Terese Palac has withdrawn her candidacy for the Chrones vacancy in the 18th Subcircuit. That leaves Juan Ponce de Leon as the only remaining candidate seeking this seat in the Democratic Primary. No Republican filed for this vacancy (or for any other in Cook County), virtually assuring Ponce de Leon of victory in the November 2026 general election.

As previously reported here, a challenge had been filed to Palac's nominating petitions prior to her withdrawal.

Objections filed to five judcial candidates' nominating petitions

When there aren't that many candidates, it would stand to reason that there would be fewer challenges as well.

Such is the case in this election cycle. Only five challenges have been filed against five different subcircuit candidates, Ashley Greer Shambley in the 1st Subcircuit, Rachel Marrello in the 3rd Subcircuit, André Thapedi in the 17th Subcircuit, Lynn Terese Palac in the 18th Subcircuit, and Belle Katubig in the 20th Subcircuit.

These challenges are scheduled for initial presentation before the Cook County Officers Electoral Board on November 17.

Some of the challenges can already be viewed via this page on the Cook County Clerk's website (click on the case number). All will likely be posted prior to Monday's hearing.

Challenges are not always successful, but they are often part of the election process. A certain former POTUS began his electoral career after a successful challenge to his primary opponent's nominating petitions. In the case of the challenges to judicial nominating petitions in this election cycle, three would, if successful, result in uncontested races. The other two, however, would, if successful, leave a one-on-one race.

Congratulations to the presumptive winners... but....

I mentioned earlier today that Steven Q. McKenzie, Ava George Stewart, and Judge D'Anthony "Tony" Thedford are running unopposed in the Democratic Primary for their respective countywide vacancies and that Judge Judith C. Rice is running unopposed in the Democratic Primary for the Hoffman vacancy on the Illinois Appellate Court. I mentioned, too, that -- no Republicans having filed in any of these races (indeed, no Republicans having filed in any Cook County judicial race) -- these individuals are almost certain to be elected a year from now, on the first Tuesday of November 2026.

My congratulations to each of these candidates and also to each of the following subcircuit candidates, who also remain unopposed after the filing period closed yesterday:

• John Carroll - 3rd Subcircuit - Murphy vacancy (appointed to this vacancy earlier this year by the Illinois Supreme Court);


• Kim Przekota - 11th Subcircuit - Roberts vacancy (appointed to this vacancy earlier this year by the Illinois Supreme Court);


• Robert "Bob" Groebner - 13th Subcircuit - Curry, Jr. vacancy;
• Brittany Michelle Pedersen - 13th Subcircuit - Martin C. Kelley vacancy;
• William F. Kelley - 13th Subcircuit - Thomas J. Kelley vacancy;
• Dan Naranjo - 13th Subcircuit - O'Malley vacancy (appointed to this vacancy earlier this year by the Illinois Supreme Court);


• Julian Sanchez Crozier - 16th Subcircuit - Converted from the Associate Judgeship of Callie L. Baird;
• Jessica Karina Velez - 16th Subcircuit - Converted from the Vacancy of the Hon. Patricia Mendoza;


• Sam Bae - 18th Subcircuit - Converted from the Vacancy of the Hon. Frank J. Andreou;


• Sara McGann - 19th Subcircuit - Converted from the Vacancy of the Hon. John A. Fairman (appointed to this vacancy in July by the Illinois Supreme Court); and


• Michael J. Zink - 20th Subcircuit - Converted from the Vacancy of the Hon. David E. Haracz (appointed to this vacancy last year by the Illinois Supreme Court).

That's 11 uncontested subcircuit vacancies so far, out of a total of 23. (It was 22, but we have to add in the new Ross vacancy in the 5th Subcircuit.)

Anyway -- before objections are filed to anyone's nominating petitions -- before any electoral board proceedings that may further diminish the field of candidates -- already three of the five countywide vacancies and nearly half of the subcircuit vacancies are uncontested. That's great for the candidates in question... and I do mean that... but is this news equally great for the voters? What does this say about how lawyers view judicial service? Or about the costs and sacrifices necessary to attain the bench? What does this say about the health of our political process generally? I don't pretend to have anwers to these questions, but I have significant concerns.

Only 46 candidates file for 27 Cook County Circuit Court vacancies

Seven hopefuls filed for five countywide Cook County Judicial vacancies when the doors opened on October 27 at the Illinois State Board of Elections in Springfield. When the doors closed there yesterday, that being the last day for candidate filing (except for the special judicial filing period -- we'll get to that in due course), no more candidates had come forward.

No Republicans filed for any vacancy. The winners of the March Democratic primary will be presumptively elected in November 2026. Steven Q. McKenzie, Ava George Stewart, and Judge D'Anthony "Tony" Thedford are running unopposed in the primary.

There are only two countywide judicial contests. In the race for the Cobbs vacancy, Judge Linda Sackey will face the Democratic Party's slated candidate, Luz Maria Toledo. In the race for Coghlan vacancy, Judge Michael Cabonargi, the Democratic Party's slated candidate, is opposed by Ashonta C. Rice. (A note of caution about Judge Cabonargi's website: As of this morning, it appeared to be corrupted; presumably, this will be fixed soon.)

The only other countywide judicial race is for the Appellate Court. Judge Judith C. Rice is the only candidate to file in the Democratic primary. No Republican filed for this vacancy either.

In fact --- and I believe this is a first --- it is certainly the first time it has happened in my experience, and it may be the first time it's happened since the Republican Party was founded in 1854 --- not a single candidate has filed in the Republican primary in any Cook County judicial race.

Two party system? Really?

Seven candidates filed for subcircuit vacancies after October 27; we've previously noted that Lynn Terese Palac filed in the 18th Subcircuit. We also mentioned that Natalie Howse was planning to file in the 1st Subcircuit.

Howse did file, as expected, yesterday morning. Five other candidates were in line when the doors were closing yesterday afternoon. Garson Fischer and Elizabeth Christina Dibler both filed to run for the Gamrath vacancy. Those are links to the new candidates' respective websites in the preceding sentence; these sites will be added to the Sidebar here on FWIW shortly. (Kathleen Cunniff Ori had filed for this vacancy on October 27.)

Katherine Carole Morrison filed for the Mikva vacancy in the 8th Subcircuit at close of business yesterday. That's a link to her campaign website in the preceding sentence; it will be added to the Sidebar on the web version of this site shortly. There were already two candidates in this race, Judge Lester Finkle and Dan Balanoff.

Former State Rep. André Thapedi has filed for the 17th Subcircuit vacancy created by the retirement of Associate Judge James R. Carroll (which I will call the Carroll vacancy going forward, as the Illinois State Board of Elections is doing on its website). Licensed to practice law in Illinois since 1996, Thapedi is the son of former Circuit Judge Llwellyn L. Greene-Thapedi. She passed away in 2014; Thapedi ran (for her vacancy) in 2006. He was also a candidate for a 5th Subcircuit vacancy in the 2008 election cycle, but did not make it to the ballot. He served in the Illinois House from 2009-2021. There are two other candidates for the Carroll vacancy, Bianca B. Brown and Amari Dawson.

In the 20th Subcircuit race for the seat converted from the vacancy of the Hon. Stephanie K. Miller (the Miller vacancy), Belle Katubig filed as the doors closed. Katubig is an Assistant State's Attorney in Cook County; according to ARDC, she has been licensed to practice law in Illinois since 1997. Katubig has previously applied for a Cook County associate judgeship, but this is her first try at getting elected to the bench. The other candidate in this race is Jon Stromsta.

Only one new Cook County judicial candidate filing since Monday

Let's get the straight news part of the story out of the way, right up front: There are now 33 candidates for the 22 subcircuit vacancies. Arlington Heights attorney Lynn Terese Palac filed yesterday afternoon to run for the 18th Subcircuit vacancy converted from the retirement of the Hon. Jeffrey G. Chrones. That's a link to the new candidate's website in the preceding sentence.

Palac's filing sets up a possible contest with Assistant Public Defender Juan Ponce de Leon. That's a link to his website in the preceding sentence. Both links will be added to the candidate list in the Sidebar of the web version of this site as soon as that list can be set up.

Ponce de Leon has not previously sought election to the bench; Palac was a candidate for an 18th Subcircuit vacancy in 2024.

That's the straight news.

Now, some readers may remember that Palac ran as a Republican in 2024; she has filed as a candidate for the 2026 Democratic primary, as is her right. This revelation may cause some of you to clutch at your pearls and reach for the smelling salts: A former Republican candidate in the Demorcratic Primary? Egads!

This is where we leave the realm of straight news and move into the land of personal opinion, namely, mine.

I don't know Ms. Palac (or Mr. Ponce de Leon for that matter). So I offer the following opinion strictly as an outside observer. To wit: A person interested in being elected to the Cook County bench had better run as a Democrat.

No Republicans have filed for any Cook County judicial vacancy at this point. There may be some few eventually, but it is doubtful. Why bother? With very, very few exceptions (e.g., my own State Rep. Bradley A. Stephens) no one can really hope to be elected anywhere, to anything, in Cook County except as a Democrat. This is nothing new.

Therefore (repeating): If you want to become a judge in Cook County, you must run as a Democrat. Maybe there was room for doubt in some subcircuits during the 2024 election cycle (inasmuch as it was the first electoral test of a brand new subcircuit map), but Ms. Palac's 2024 candidacy provides tangible, empircal proof that the mapmakers knew their business.

If you find yourself offended at the prospect of one-time Republican candidates 'invading' the Democratic judicial primary, may I ask you take a big, deep cleansing breath and (if you believe in better living through chemistry) perhaps a chill pill as well?

A judicial aspirant should be the least partisan person among your acquaintance. While there is no reason why a judge would not have opinions, perhaps even pungent opinions, on any and all of the issues of the day, there is equally no reason why you, unless you are the judge's spouse, or a close member of the judge's family, or one of the judge's oldest and closest friends, should have any clue as to what those opinions might be: Judges are supposed to be professional neutrals, not political zealots.

The mayor and alderpersons of the City of Chicago are elected on an ostensibly nonpartisan basis -- but we elect judges in Illinois in partisan political primaries. We are living in an insane, upside down world.

You may think, based upon what you read and hear in the media and online, that many judges around the country are mere partisan hacks -- but, for you lawyers out there, is that what you want in the judges before whom you appear? ... Is that what you've seen? ... Is that what you want?

Assuming that you don't want that, why should you object to someone who wants to serve in the judiciary doing something that practical reality requires?

We can talk about the benefits of a viable two-party system some other time. Lawyers are trained and conditioned to deal with the world as it is. We don't have a two-party system in Cook County at present. We have a one-party system. Deal with it. -----------------------------------------------------
P.S. -- If there are any persons seeking judicial office in Cook County through the Republican primary, FWIW will cover them. Promise. But I'm not holding my breath waiting for any to show up.

Thirty two candidates file for 22 subcircuit vacancies

There are currently vacancies in 10 of Cook County's 20 judicial subcircuits. The 13th Subcircuit has the most vacancies (four), while the 1st, 3rd, 8th, 11th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th all have two each.

Yesterday, on the first day nominating petitions were accepted for the 2026 primaries, 32 candidates filed for these 22 vacancies. (The last day for candidate filing for these vacancies is November 3.)

Several of the vacancies are so far uncontested; we will come to these.

But four candidates filed for the 19th Subcircuit vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Michael J. Kane. The candidates filing there are Monica Somerville, Dave Condron, Jessica Megan Scheller, and John Harkins. Somerville was a candidate for a countywide vacancy in 2022; the other three appear to be making their first bids for election to the bench.

Three candidates filed for the Walker vacancy in the 1st Subcircuit. These are Judge Ginger Odom, who was appointed to this vacancy by the Illinois Supreme Court earlier this year; Tiffany N. Brooks, who ran for a 5th Subcircuit vacancy (under the old map) in 2022; and Ashley Greer Shambley, who has not previously sought election to the bench.

So far, there are other contested races in the 3rd Subcircuit (Sherlock vacancy), where Martin Douglas Reggi and Rachel Marrello have both filed; in the 8th Subcircuit (Mikva vacancy), where Dan Balanoff has filed to run against Judge Lester Finkle, who holds this seat pursuant to Supreme Court appointment; and in the 11th Subcircuit (Meyerson vacancy), where Jarrett Knox and John R. Carrozza have both filed.

Both of the races in the 17th Subcircuit drew two candidates on the first day of filing. In the race for the vacancy created by the election of Associate Judge Lloyd J. Brooks to a full Circuit seat, Meridith Hammer and Natalia Moore have both filed. Bianca B. Brown and Amari Dawson have both filed for the other 17th Subcircuit vacancy, created by the retirement of Associate Judge James R. Carroll.

Subcircuit candidates who are so far unopposed are:

• Radiance Ward - 1st Subcircuit - Balanoff vacancy;


• John Carroll - 3rd Subcircuit - Murphy vacancy (appointed to this vacancy earlier this year by the Illinois Supreme Court);


• Kathleen Cunniff Ori - 8th Subcircuit - Gamrath vacancy;


• Kim Przekota - 11th Subcircuit - Roberts vacancy (appointed to this vacancy earlier this year by the Illinois Supreme Court);


• Robert "Bob" Groebner - 13th Subcircuit - Curry, Jr. vacancy;
• Brittany Michelle Pedersen - 13th Subcircuit - Martin C. Kelley vacancy;
• William F. Kelley - 13th Subcircuit - Thomas J. Kelley vacancy;
• Dan Naranjo - 13th Subcircuit - O'Malley vacancy (appointed to this vacancy earlier this year by the Illinois Supreme Court);


• Julian Sanchez Crozier - 16th Subcircuit - Converted from the Associate Judgeship of Callie L. Baird;
• Jessica Karina Velez - 16th Subcircuit - Converted from the Vacancy of the Hon. Patricia Mendoza;


• Sam Bae - 18th Subcircuit - Converted from the Vacancy of the Hon. Frank J. Andreou;
• Juan Ponce de Leon - 18th Subcircuit - Converted from the Vacancy of the Hon. Jeffrey G. Chrones;


• Sara McGann - 19th Subcircuit - Converted from the Vacancy of the Hon. John A. Fairman (appointed to this vacancy in July by the Illinois Supreme Court);


• Michael J. Zink - 20th Subcircuit - Converted from the Vacancy of the Hon. David E. Haracz (appointed to this vacancy last year by the Illinois Supreme Court); and
• Jon Stromsta - 20th Subcircuit - Converted from the Vacancy of the Hon. Stephanie K. Miller.

Candidate profiles and websites to come in due course.

Democratic sweep in contested judicial subcircuit elections

With over 90% of the votes already counted, 90 minutes after the polls closed, it appears that the Democratic nominees in the four contested subcircuit elections have prevailed.

The closest race is in the 18th Subcircuit, but John Hock is ahead of Lynn Terese Palac by over 4,000 votes with 94% of the votes counted (136 of 144 precincts reporting):

The margins are even larger in the three 12th Subcircuit races, where Alon Stein appears to have bested Maria McCarthy, Frank J. Andreou holds a better-than-9,000 vote margin over Pamela Curran Smith, and James "Jack" Costello is up by more than 12,000 votes over Matthew Taylor:

Only five precincts are unaccounted for in this report from the Cook County Clerk's website.

Both the 12th and 18th Subcircuits are located entirely outside the City of Chicago.

Resources for Cook County judicial voters

Bumped up for greater visibility and revised 11/4

Cook County voters will have a say in the election of five new judges this November, one countywide, three in the north suburban 12th subciruit, and one in the suburban 18th subcircuit. (Scroll down for links on specific contested races.)

Technically, there are many more Cook County judicial vacancies that will be filled when the results of this election are certified, but there are no contests for any of these vacancies. All of these, including a new jusitice of the Illinois Supreme Court and four justices of the Illinois Appellate Court, were chosen by voters in the Democratic Primary in March and are now running unopposed.

But Cook County judicial voters do get to determine whether 78 local jurists get to remain on the bench. Two Appellate Court justices are seeking new 10-year terms and 76 Circuit Court judges are asking voters to retain them for new 6-year terms. (Well... 75, actually, but there are 76 names on the ballot. Let's not confuse things more than we have to.)

That's a lot of judges.

Voters may glaze over, just a bit, at the 'bedsheet ballot' for retention judges. If you are one of these, allow me to let you in on a deep, dark secret: We lawyers tend to glaze over on the retention ballot, too.

Here's why: The busiest lawyer will not have appeared before every retention judge. Our lawyers, our judges, and our courts are too specialized in Cook County for that to ever happen. And even if the busiest lawyer has appeared before many, he or she will have appeared before some on too few occasions to form any reasonable opinion of those judges' fitness for another term.

To responsibly exercise our franchise, even us lawyers need help. We rely on our brothers and sisters on the many bar association Judicial Evaluation Committees to gather information and form opinions on those judges we do not ourselves know.

The Chicago Bar Association and the 13 bar groups that together comprise the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening conduct separate investigations on retention judges, including contacting attorneys that the judges have identified as appearing before them. The Alliance groups conduct joint investigations and hearings, but each bar group forms, and expresses, its own opinion about each judge. Some bar groups provide written explanations of their findings; most do not. While the bar groups consider the same information, not all always reach the same conclusions about the merits of particular judges.

Thus, particularly where there are differences of opinion among the bar groups, lawyers, just like non-lawyer voters, have to make up their own minds.

And lawyers, just like everyone else, have to cast about for other sources of information that may be persuasive. (Gosh, I hope I won't get in trouble with the Guild for spilling these secrets....)

One type of resource that a lot of us rely on -- besides asking our friends who have practices that bring them before judges we don't usually get to see -- or the Retention Judges' own website -- are the opinions of non-lawyers that spend a lot of time in courtrooms -- think police and reporters.

This doesn't mean we necessarily agree with what these worthies may think -- I am certain that some people scour the FOP endorsements carefully to make sure they don't accidentally vote for someone that the police union likes. On the other hand, other people may carefully consider the Girl, I Guess Guide to make certain that they don't vote for someone that the guide endorses. People are often contrary critters. (And what happens when the FOP and the Girl, I Guess Guide agree that a particular candidate is good... or bad... is there any danger of explosion?)

The interactive Injustice Watch Check Your Judges Guide is a valuable and increasingly influential resource for voters -- lawyers included -- seeking information in judicial elections. This year, just as the bar groups were releasing, or about to release, their retention candidate evaluations, On October 2, Injustice Watch published a story about two retention candidates, Judges Shannon O'Malley and E. Kenneth Wright, Jr., "Two Cook County judges claim homestead exemptions in Will County." The story, by Kelly Garcia and David Jackson, makes the case that neither Judge O'Malley nor Judge Wright actually live in Cook County. (My column about the controversy is here, if you're interested.)

The story threw a monkey wrench into the plans of the various JECs. The CBA pulled its initial favorable ratings of Wright and O'Malley; it has since issued a negative rating on O'Malley (story to come). The Injustice Watch disclosures were cited in the narrative evaluations issued by the Chicago Council of Lawyers and the Illinois State (links follow).

Injustice Watch is not the only publication regularly covering the courts. The focus of CWBChicago's reporting is also on the criminal courts.

This year, for the first time, CWBChicago made a specific endorsement in a retention race (asking for a 'no' vote on the retention of Judge Carol Howard). Voters may find this collection of CWBChicago articles helpful in evaluating other judges on the retention ballot.

Now here's where things get a bit circular. Injustice Watch reports all the bar ratings. FWIW reports all the bar ratings. VoteForJudges.org reports all the bar ratings. We all link to each other. Charlie Meyerson's Chicago Public Square Voter Guide Guide (not a typo - it's a guide to voter guides) also links to bar recommendations, Injustice Watch, and Girl, I Guess.

Visit some or all of these to reassure yourself that you've got all the relevant and available information... but, in addition, check out these prior FWIW posts which you may also find useful:

Prior FWIW articles on the 2024 Retention Election:

• Seventy-seven of 78 Cook County jurists recommended for retention by the Chicago Bar Association (but, see also, CBA reconsiders O'Malley rating; Wright rating still "Pending" as of Saturday, Nov. 2 and BREAKING: CBA announces "Not Recommended" Rating for Judge E. Kenneth Wright, Jr.);
• Chicago Council of Lawyers finds 12 Cook County jurists Well Qualified for retention;
• Chicago Council of Lawyers finds four Cook County judges "Not Qualified" for retention;
• ISBA releases narrative explanations of its ratings of Cook County judicial retention candidates;
• A small change in the Alliance retention grids from yesterday....; and
• On the judicial retention ballot, the default vote should be "yes".

Prior FWIW articles on 2024 contested Cook County judicial races

• Organizing the Data: Countywide Flannery vacancy;
• Organizing the Data: 18th Subcircuit - Converted from Associate Judgeship of Linn;
• Organizing the Data: 12th Subcircuit - Dickler vacancy;
• Organizing the Data: 12th Subcircuit - Quinn vacancy; and
• Organizing the Data: 12th Subcircuit - Schleifer vacancy.

Seventy-seven of 78 Cook County jurists recommended for retention by the Chicago Bar Association

Updated 10/4/24 after CBA's release of explanation for its recommendation regarding Judge Marino

The Chicago Bar Association released its "Judge Smart" Guide for the upcoming election.

The headline here has the main story: The CBA has recommended retention for 77 of the 78 Cook County jurists seeking new terms. That number includes both of the Appellate Court justices seeking retention, as well as 75 out of the 76 Circuit Court judges seeking new six-year terms. The only judge not recommended for retention was Judge Lisa Ann Marino.

The CBA JEC has released the following explanation of its rating regarding Judge Marino:

Judge Lisa Marino has been found “Not Recommended” for retention as a Circuit Court. Judge Marino was admitted to practice in 1988 and was elected as a judge in 2012. She has been sitting in the First Municipal District, Housing Section, since 2016. Significant concerns about Judge Marino’s knowledge of the law, temperament, and diligence resulted in the “Not Recommended” finding.

The CBA did not recommend Marino for retention in 2018; as in 2024, in 2018 Marino was the only retention judge receiving a 'not recommended' rating from the CBA. Marino's biography on the Cook County Retention Judges website correctly notes that the CBA did rate Marino qualified when she was elected to the bench in 2012.

The CBA no longer explains its reasons for rating retention judges qualified.

The CBA "Judge Smart" Guide also discloses the CBA's rating for Republican countywide candidate Tien H. Glaub. (Glaub was not a candidate in the Republican primary and was not therefore not evaluated at that time.) But Glaub did file for associate judge in 2021, and the CBA did issue an unfavorable rating then. That rating was not changed for this election:

Pursuant to section 34, rule 27.4 of The Chicago Bar Association’s Judicial Evaluation Committee’s Governing Resolution, The Executive Committee has voted that Tien H. Glaub’s prior finding of NOT RECOMMENDED shall stand.

FWIW has not yet done an Organizing the Data post on the now-contested countywide Flannery vacancy, pending the release of all bar evaluations of Glaub's candidacy.

Voters can read the CBA's evaluations for all candidates on the November ballot, but with the exception of the race for the Flannery vacancy and four suburban subcircuit races, all judicial elections on the November ballot in Cook County are uncontested.

FWIW has published Organizing the Data posts in those four subcircuit races. These posts contain the CBA's explanation of its ratings of the competing candidates. These posts may be found at these links:

• Organizing the Data: 18th Subcircuit - Converted from Associate Judgeship of Linn;
• Organizing the Data: 12th Subcircuit - Dickler vacancy;
• Organizing the Data: 12th Subcircuit - Quinn vacancy; and
• Organizing the Data: 12th Subcircuit - Schleifer vacancy.

Organizing the Data: 18th Subcircuit - Converted from Associate Judgeship of Linn

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. One of these contested races is in the new northwest suburban 18th Subcircuit. This post looks at the candidates for that vacancy.

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.

John Hock - #92

Campaign Website

John Hock: In his own words

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

John Hock is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Judge. Mr. Hock was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2009. He is an Assistant State's Attorney for Cook County currently working on post-conviction matters. He previously served as a public defender. Mr. Hock is well regarded by his peers and judges before whom he has appeared for his even temperament, integrity, and work ethic.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

John Hock was admitted to the Florida bar in 2007. He has been with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office since 2022 and is assigned to the Special Litigation Unit where he manages a caseload of serious felony cases. He did civil litigation in Florida from 2007 to 2009. He then worked until 2011 for the Will County Public Defender’s Office. From 2011 to 2013, he worked for a private law firm doing civil litigation, and from 2013 to 2022 he worked for the Lake County Public Defender’s Office. He is considered to have good legal ability. He has substantial litigation experience in both civil and criminal law matters. He is reported to have a good temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Mr. John Hock was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2009 and was admitted to practice in Florida in 2007. He was employed with a civil litigation firm in Florida until 2009, when he obtained his Illinois license and started with the Will County Public Defender. After working for Cremer Law focusing on commercial and international litigation for two years, he spent nine years with the Lake County Public Defender. Since 2022 he has been an assistant state’s attorney with Cook County, focusing on post-conviction matters in the Special Litigation Unit. He has been a presenter on legal topics and a committee member for the Northwest Suburban Bar Association.

Attorneys consider him to be an expert in his field of prisoner petitions. He handles all cases without bias, follows the law, and is diligent in his work. ISBA finds John Hock qualified to be elected to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Other Bar Association Evaluations

Arab American Bar Association: Recommended

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

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: Qualified

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

------------------------------------------------------

Lynn Terese Palac - #93

Campaign Website

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Lynn Palac is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Palac was admitted to practice law in 1999. Ms. Palac has been practicing law in Cook County for 25 years and has significant litigation and trial experience, primarily in criminal cases. Ms. Palac is well regarded by judges and opposing attorneys for her legal knowledge, pleasant demeanor, and work ethic. She is also praised for her community involvement.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Lynn T. Palac was admitted to practice in 1999 and served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for 10 years before she left that office to do criminal defense work. She also is employed by Catholic Charities where she provides training in domestic violence and domestic relations cases.

Lynn T. Palec is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. She is praised for her litigation skills. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Ms. Lynn Terese Palac has been licensed since 1999. After spending ten years as an Assistant State’s Attorney, she worked with several firms focusing on criminal, traffic and family law, before opening her own practice in 2015. She is also a Supervising Attorney for Catholic Charities Legal Assistance, where she trains other attorneys and represents clients of Catholic Charities, mostly in the domestic violence area. She is a member of several bar associations and has been Chair of the Northwest Suburban Bar Criminal Law Committee.

While attorneys considered her to be fair, punctual and a hard worker, concerns were raised about the depth and breadth of her litigation experience since leaving the State’s Attorney’s Office in 2009. ISBA finds Lynn T. Palac not qualified to be elected 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: Qualified

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

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended