Organizing the Data: Countywide Johnson vacancy

Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this vacancy.

This contest was profiled in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.

Gregory Raymond LaPapa - #208

Campaign Website

Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Gregory LaPapa is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. LaPapa was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1982 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in criminal law, injury law, traffic law and DUI matters. Mr. LaPapa has been the subject of numerous lawsuits for unpaid bills and several lawsuits for breach of contract. In addition, Mr. LaPapa’s license to practice law was suspended by the Illinois Supreme Court for one year from September 2001-September 2002.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Gregory Raymond LaPapa failed to submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds him Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Gregory Raymond LaPapa declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Mr. LaPapa is found to be Not Recommended for election to the Circuit Court, pursuant to ISBA guidelines.

Other Bar Association Evaluations:

Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area

Not Recommended

Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago

Not Recommended

Cook County Bar Association

Not Recommended

Decalogue Society of Lawyers

Not Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association

Not Recommended

Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois

Not Qualified

Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago

Not Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois

Not Recommended

Women’s Bar Association of Illinois

Not Recommended

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Sean S. Chaudhuri - #209

No Campaign Website Known

Tribune Questionnaire

Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Sean Chaudhuri is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Chaudhuri was admitted to practice law in 2001 and is engaged in the general practice of law. Mr. Chaudhuri is dedicated to the profession and also handles a number of pro bono matters. Mr. Chaudhuri has an even temperament and demeanor and possesses the minimum qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Sean Sohag Chaudhuri was admitted to practice in 2001. He has been a sole practitioner focusing on domestic relations matters since 2011. From 2001 to 2003, he was an associate in a small firm and for the next two years, he was with Chicago Title and Trust. From 2005 to 2011 he was a partner with Leeders and Associates. He reports having litigated nine jury trials and more than 1,000 bench trials. However, while Mr. Chauduri has some litigation experience in more complex matters, most of his experience involve cases that do not go to trial. He is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council is concerned that Mr. Chaudhuri has been practicing only twelve years and has limited experience in more complex litigation matters. On balance, the Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Sean S. Chaudhuri was admitted to practice in 2001. He owns his own general litigation firm with a concentration in family law and domestic relations. Prior to establishing his firm in 2011, he was employed at a small firm, at Chicago Title and Trust, and at Leeders and Associated where he was a partner. Mr. Chaudhuri does have jury and bench litigation experience and is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. Mr. Chaudhuri is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Other Bar Association Evaluations:

Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area

Recommended

Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago

Recommended

Cook County Bar Association

Recommended

Decalogue Society of Lawyers

Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association

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

Cook County Democratic Party
Personal PAC
Indo-American Democratic Organization

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Mark A. Lyon - #210

No Campaign Website Known

Tribune Questionnaire

Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Mark A. Lyon is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Lyon was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1986 and is currently serving as a Supervising Assistant Public Defender in the office of the DuPage County Public Defender. Mr. Lyon has extensive criminal trial experience which includes death penalty cases. Mr. Lyon is an expert in criminal forensics and well regarded by opposing counsel and by the judges before whom he has appeared.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Mark A. Lyon was admitted to practice in 1986. He is currently a Supervising Assistant Public Defender in DuPage County, handling felony matters. From 2008 to 2010 and from 1989 to 2001, he was a sole practitioner doing criminal defense. From 2001 to 2008 he was with the Office of the Illinois Appellate Defender. From 1986 to 1989, was Committee Counsel for the American Bar Association Client Protection Committee and the Attorney Discipline Committee. He is a widely respected criminal defense attorney. He is considered to have very good legal ability with substantial litigation experience in more complex criminal law matters. He is praised for his knowledge of the law and for his highly professional demeanor. The Council find him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Mark A. Lyon was licensed in 1986. He is a supervising assistant public defender for the DuPage County Public Defender’s Office. His background also includes work as a private criminal defense lawyer and seven years doing capital cases with the State Appellate Defender. He has extensive complex jury and appellate experience. He is known for his work in forensics and has received stellar marks for his skills, knowledge and level-headedness. In addition, he participates extensively in community activities. Mr. Lyon is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Other Bar Association Evaluations:

Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area

Recommended

Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago

Recommended

Cook County Bar Association

Recommended

Decalogue Society of Lawyers

Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association

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

Endorsement

Chicago Tribune

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Carolyn J. Gallagher - #212

Campaign Website

Tribune Questionnaire

Video Interviews: NTNM-1, NTNM-2

Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Carolyn Joan Gallagher is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Gallagher was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1982 and is currently a solo practitioner concentrating in real estate, litigation, and financial institution law. Ms. Gallagher has litigation and extensive appellate practice experience. Ms. Gallagher is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, legal experience, and fine temperament.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Carolyn Joan Gallagher was admitted to practice in 1982. She is a solo practitioner focusing on litigation, appellate work, real estate, and transactional matters. She has done commercial litigation in both state and federal courts. Between 1985 and 1992 she was an associate with Dardick & Denlow and between 2000 and 2004 was a Legal Writing Instructor at the DePaul University College of Law. As a writing consultant, she has assisted in the writing and editing of several law practice-related books. Ms. Gallagher is praised for her legal ability and knowledge. She has substantial commercial litigation experience. She is reported to be a zealous advocate for her clients, but she is praised for professional demeanor. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Carolyn J. Gallagher was admitted to practice in 1982. She is a sole practitioner with a varied commercial, real estate and appellate litigation practice, on both the state and federal level. She receives high marks for her legal knowledge and is considered an excellent writer and researcher. Ms. Gallagher is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Other Bar Association Evaluations:

Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area

Recommended

Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago

Recommended

Cook County Bar Association

Recommended

Decalogue Society of Lawyers

Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association

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

Chicago Federation of Labor
Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge No. 7
Jewish Chicago
Illinois Civil Justice League (Highly Recommended)
Chicago Chapter of NOW
United Hellenic Voters of America

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Bonnie Carol McGrath - #214

No Campaign Website Known

Tribune Questionnaire

Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Bonnie McGrath declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association’s governing resolution for the JEC, is automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Bonnie Carol McGrath failed to submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds her Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Bonnie Carol McGrath declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Ms. McGrath is found to be Not Recommended for election to the Circuit Court, pursuant to ISBA guidelines.

Other Bar Association Evaluations:

Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area

Not Recommended

Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago

Not Recommended

Cook County Bar Association

Not Recommended

Decalogue Society of Lawyers

Not Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association

Not Recommended

Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois

Not Qualified

Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago

Not Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois

Not Recommended

Women’s Bar Association of Illinois

Not Recommended

Endorsement

Personal PAC

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Organizing the Data: Countywide Howlett, Jr. vacancy

Updated 3/14/16

Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this vacancy.

This contest was also profiled in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.

Aleksandra "Alex" Gillespie - #206

Campaign Website

Tribune Questionnaire

Video Interview: Sonny Hersh Election Special

Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Judge Aleksandra Gillespie is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Gillespie was admitted to practice law in 1993 and served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney before her appointment to the Circuit Court in 2014. Judge Gillespie is currently assigned to the First Municipal Division where her assignments have included Marriage Court, Branch Courts and Traffic Court. As a judge, she hears DUI trials, suspended license cases, misdemeanors, felony preliminary hearings and bond cases. Judge Gillespie efficiently manages a high volume court call and is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, fine temperament, and fairness.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Hon. Aleksandra Gillespie was admitted to practice in 1993, and was recently appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court. Before becoming a judge, she was a career First Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney, and served as a First Chair prosecutor in felony matters. She has substantial litigation experience in both jury and bench criminal law trials. Ms. Gillespie is considered to have very good trial skills. She is reported to have been a very knowledgeable, hard-working, and fair prosecutor. She is considered to have very good legal ability and a professional demeanor. She is praised for treating colleagues, opposing counsel, and pro se litigants with respect. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Aleksandra Gillespie was admitted to practice in 1993. She was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2014. Prior to her appointment she was a prosecutor with the State’s Attorney’s Office prosecuting felonies as a First Chair. She has substantial jury and bench trial and motion experience in complex cases. As a prosecutor, she was considered to be an excellent litigator, always prepared and professional. Judge Gillespie is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Other Bar Association Evaluations:

Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area

Recommended

Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago

Recommended

Cook County Bar Association

Recommended

Decalogue Society of Lawyers

Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association

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

Cook County Democratic Party
Chicago Federation of Labor
Jewish Chicago
Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge No. 7
Chicago Chapter of NOW
Personal PAC
United Hellenic Voters of America
Indo-American Democratic Organization

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Thomas Maloney Cushing - #207

Campaign Website

Tribune Questionnaire

Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Thomas M. Cushing is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Cushing was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1988 and is currently Of Counsel concentrating his practice in general, business, and civil litigation. Mr. Cushing has extensive litigation experience in both criminal and civil law. Mr. Cushing is highly regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal ability, and outstanding temperament. Mr. Cushing has been involved in community activities and community service throughout his career.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Thomas Maloney Cushing was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1988. He is currently of counsel to the offices of Christopher A. Kreid and Associates, focusing on commercial and chancery litigation. From 2006-2010, Mr. Cushing was Senior Vice President for Membership at the Chicago Climate Exchange, applying his legal skills in a business/environmental policy role. From 2005-2006, he was principal in his own law practice, specializing in personal injury practice. During this time, he also assisted Counsel to the Shakman Decree Monitor. From 1988- 2005, he was an associate at Ambrose & Cushing, specializing in civil trials, particularly personal injury, professional malpractice, and municipal liability. Since 2013, he has volunteered as a Hearing Board Member at the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Thomas Maloney Cushing was admitted to practice in 1988 and is in private practice with Christopher Kreid and Associated doing commercial and chancery litigation. His prior experience includes being Senior Vice President at the Chicago Climate Exchange, and being a private practitioner specializing in personal injury and malpractice litigation. During that time he also acted as assisting counsel to the Shakman Decree monitor. He has substantial litigation experience in complex civil matters, and is regarded as a thoughtful, excellent attorney with a low-key demeanor. He has extensive professional and community involvement, including serving as a hearing board member for the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission. Mr. Cushing is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Other Bar Association Evaluations:

Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area

Recommended

Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago

Recommended

Cook County Bar Association

Recommended

Decalogue Society of Lawyers

Highly Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association

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

Endorsement

Chicago Tribune

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Organizing the Data: Countywide Hogan vacancy

Updated 3/14/16

Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this vacancy.

This contest was also profiled in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.

Michael I. O'Malley - #204

Campaign Website

Video Interview: NTNM

Tribune Questionnaire

Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Michael I. O’Malley is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. O’Malley was admitted to practice law in 2005 and has served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for 10½ years. Mr. O’Malley is currently assigned to the Civil Division, but has had criminal bench and jury trial experience and experience in handling financial crimes. Mr. O’Malley is a CPA and prior to his admission to the bar worked in the banking industry. Mr. O’Malley is knowledgeable and has good practice experience. The Committee believes that additional practice experience will better prepare him for service as a circuit court judge.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Michael O’Malley was admitted to practice in 2005. He serves as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney in the Civil Bureau. From 2013 to 2015 he was in the Special Prosecutions Bureau. He has worked in the Criminal Prosecutions Bureau and in the Child Support Unit. He is considered to have good legal ability. He is reported to have a good knowledge of the laws and has substantial litigation-related experience. He is praised for his temperament and for his litigation skills. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Michael I. O’Malley was admitted to practice in 2005. He works for the State’s Attorney’s Office in the Civil Bureau. He has been assigned to several different areas of his office and his handled cases involved complex financial crimes. He has substantial litigation experience and has good legal knowledge and a professional demeanor. Mr. O’Malley is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Other Bar Association Evaluations:

Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area

Recommended

Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago

Recommended

Cook County Bar Association

Recommended

Decalogue Society of Lawyers

Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association

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

Endorsement

Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge No. 7

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Alison C. Conlon - #205

Campaign Website

Alison Conlon: In her own words

Video Interviews: NTNM, Sonny Hersh Election Special

Tribune Questionnaire

Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Alison Conlon is “Qualified” to serve as a Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Conlon was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2000. Ms. Conlon clerked for a U.S. District Court Judge for one year and served as an Assistant Corporation Counsel for one year before entering private practice. Ms. Conlon is currently a litigation partner in a large law firm. Ms. Conlon is highly regarded for her integrity, legal knowledge, trial skills, and excellent demeanor. Ms. Conlon is also involved in several pro bono and public interest organizations. Ms. Conlon will be a credit to the bench.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Hon. Allison Conlon was admitted to practice in 2000 and was recently appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court. She began her legal career as a law clerk for Judge Charles Kocoras of the federal district court, and then went on to become an Associate and Partner with the law firm of Wildman Harrold. She then joined Barnes and Thornburg as a partner. She did tort and commercial litigation for both firms. She maintained an active pro bono practice, as well. She is considered to have very good legal ability and trial skills. She is praised for her temperament and for being hardworking. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Alison C. Conlon was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2015. She was admitted to practice in 2000, and after a stint as a law clerk to Federal Judge Charles Kocoras, she did tort and commercial litigation for two firms: Wildman Harrold and Barnes and Thornburg. She was a partner in both firms and handled some pro bono cases. She receives high praise for her intelligence, diligence and temperament, and litigated some complex cases. She served on the hearing board for the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission and has been active in bar association activities. Judge Conlon is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Other Bar Association Evaluations:

Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area

Recommended

Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago

Recommended

Cook County Bar Association

Recommended

Decalogue Society of Lawyers

Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association

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

Endorsements

Chicago Tribune
Cook County Democratic Party
Chicago Federation of Labor
IVI-IPO
Jewish Chicago
Illinois Civil Justice League (Highly Recommended)
Chicago Chapter of NOW
Personal PAC
United Hellenic Voters of America
Indo-American Democratic Organization

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Organizing the Data: Countywide Elrod vacancy

Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary. No Republican filed for this vacancy.

This contest was also profiled in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.

Scott Edward Lipinski - #202

Campaign website

Tribune Questionnaire

Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Scott E. Lipinski is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Lipinski was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2002 and currently serves as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender in the 5th Municipal District. Although Mr. Lipinski has court experience, at this stage of his career he does not possess the depth and breadth of legal knowledge and experience to effectively serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Scott E. Lipinski was admitted to practice in 2002. He is a career Assistant Cook County Public Defender, currently assigned to the felony rotation in the Bridgeview Courthouse. Most attorneys report that Mr. Lipinski is capable of handling his call. He handled misdemeanor and other less complex matters for much of his career, but he now has begun defending more complex cases. Many lawyers also report that he on occasion will lose his temper in a professional setting. On balance, the Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Scott Edward Lipinski has been licensed since 2002. He has spent his entire career with the Public Defender’s Office, currently assigned to the Bridgeview Courthouse. He has jury and bench trial experience and is considered to be knowledgeable and competent. There are mixed opinions on his temperament, with comments ranging from respectful to arrogant. Mr. Lipinski is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Other Bar Association Evaluations:

Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area

Not Recommended

Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago

Evaluation Unavailable

Cook County Bar Association

Recommended

Decalogue Society of Lawyers

Not Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association

Not 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

Not Recommended

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Rossana Patricia Fernandez - #203

Campaign Website

Tribune Questionnaire

Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Judge Rossana Fernandez is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Fernandez was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1997. Before her appointment to the Circuit Court in 2015, Judge Fernandez had extensive civil litigation experience that included both bench and jury trials. Judge Fernandez receives high marks from lawyers for her knowledge of the law, work ethic, fine temperament and demeanor.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Hon. Rosanna Patricia Fernandez was admitted to practice in Illinois in May 1997. She was recently appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court. Before taking the bench, she was a partner at Sanchez and Daniels doing personal injury litigation. From 1997-2000 she worked at Eannace Lowery & Meade as an Associate Attorney. Judge Fernandez is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for her knowledge of the law. Most respondents say she has a good temperament. All say she is a zealous advocate for her clients. She has substantial jury trial experience. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Rosanna Patricia Fernandez was admitted to practice in 1997. She was appointed to the Circuit Court in February 2015. Before her appointment, she was in private practice doing personal injury litigation. She has substantial trial experience with good legal ability and temperament. Judge Fernandez is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court.

Other Bar Association Evaluations:

Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area

Recommended

Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago

Recommended

Cook County Bar Association

Recommended

Decalogue Society of Lawyers

Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association

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

Chicago Tribune
Cook County Democratic Party
Chicago Federation of Labor
Jewish Chicago
Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge No. 7
Illinois Civil Justice League (Highly Recommended)
Chicago Chapter of NOW
Personal PAC
United Hellenic Voters of America
Indo-American Democratic Organization

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Indo-American Democratic Organization announces Cook County Judicial endorsements

Ram Villivalam, the President of the Indo-American Democratic Organization wrote in this week to advise of the IADO's endorsements in Cook County judicial races. Here is a list of IADO's judicial endorsements (not in ballot order):

• Alex Gillespie (Countywide, Howlett, Jr. vacancy)
• Devlin J. Schoop (Countywide, Karnezis vacancy)
• Daniel Patrick Duffy (Countywide, Ruscitti-Grussel vacancy)
• John Fitzgerald Lyke, Jr. (Countywide, Biebel, Jr. vacancy)
• Alison C. Conlon (Countywide, Hogan vacancy)
• Rossana Patricia Fernandez (Countywide, Elrod vacancy)
• Maureen O'Donoghue Hannon (Countywide, O'Brien vacancy)
• Brendan A. O'Brien (Countywide, Love vacancy)
• Fred H. Bates (Countywide, Walsh vacancy)
• Sean S. Chaudhuri (Countywide, Johnson vacancy)
• Pat Heneghan (Countywide, Palmer vacancy)
• Anthony E. Simpkins (1st Subcircuit, Hopkins vacancy)
• Maryam Ahmad (1st Subcircuit, Brim vacancy)
• Robin Denise Shoffner (5th Subcircuit, Williams vacancy)
• Patricia "Pat" S. Spratt (7th Subcircuit, Rivkin-Carothers vacancy)
• Jerry Esrig (9th Subcircuit, Berman vacancy)
• Eve Marie Reilly (10th Subcircuit, Howard vacancy)
• Carrie Hamilton (12th Subcircuit, Tristano vacancy)
• James Edward Hanlon, Jr. (12th Subcircuit, "A" vacancy)
• Ketki "Kay" Steffen (13th Subcircuit - Fecarotta, Jr. vacancy)
• Eileen O'Neill Burke (Illinois Appellate Court, Epstein vacancy)
• Bertina E. Lampkin (Illinois Appellate Court, Quinn vacancy)

The reader will note, of course, that some races, all of them contested, countywide races, are bold-faced on the IADO endorsement list. Villivalam explained that these are races in which the IADO is taking a special interest, and placing particular emphasis. He particularly stressed the IADO's enthusiastic support of Sean Chaudhuri's bid for the countywide Johnson vacancy: "He is extremely qualified for the position of Cook County Judge," Villivalam wrote in an email to FWIW. "The fact that Sean received the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Award from the Chicago Bar Association for, among a number of career accomplishments, his years of service with Apna Ghar, the nonprofit domestic violence organization for women in the Asian American community, speaks volumes about his commitment to equity and fairness."

The reader will also note that the IADO endorsements follow Democratic Party endorsements pretty much down the line -- entirely so in countywide races. In the race for the 7th Subcircuit Rivkin-Carothers vacancy, however, the IADO has departed from the local committeemen by endorsing Judge Patricia "Pat" Spratt.

Chicago Tribune judicial endorsements announced

The Chicago Tribune has completed its endorsements in Cook County judicial races.

The link to the Tribune's endorsements in countywide races can be found here; the paper's subcircuit endorsements can be accessed at this link.

The Tribune invited judicial candidates to complete questionnaires; the list of candidates and questionnaire responses can be found at this page of the Tribune website.

If I may say so, the Tribune's endorsements are remarkably non-snarky in this election cycle. The race for the countywide Howlett, Jr. vacancy, for example, was described as a "tough call," because the candidates are both good ("[i]t's a shame that these two fine candidates are running against each other"), not because the paper framed the contest as a choice between the Devil and the deep blue sea.

Believe it or not, the Tribune actually says nice things about two different subcircuit races (that's two more than ever, as far as I can tell): The Tribune refers to a "stellar field" for the Democratic nomination for the Kazmierski, Jr. vacancy in the 12th Subcircuit; in commenting on the field of candidates seeking the Howard vacancy in the 10th Subcircuit, the Tribune says, "Voters can scarcely go wrong with this lineup."

I had to keep checking the URL to make sure I was really on the Tribune website.

At any rate, here are the Tribune endorsements in countywide races:

Rossana Patricia Fernandez - Elrod vacancy
Alison C. Conlon - Hogan vacancy
Thomas Maloney Cushing - Howlett, Jr. vacancy
Mark A. Lyon - Johnson vacancy
Devlin J. Schoop - Karnezis vacancy
Pat Heneghan - Palmer vacany
Daniel Patrick Duffy - Ruscitti Grussel vacancy
Fredrick H. Bates - Walsh vacancy

In subcircuit races, the Tribune endorses:

Maryam Ahmad - 1st Subcircuit, Brim vacancy
Anthony Simpkins - 1st Subcircuit, Hopkins vacancy

Travis Richardson - 2nd Subcircuit, Savage vacancy

Leonard Murray - 5th Subcircuit, Eadie-Daniels vacancy
Robin Denise Shoffner - 5th Subcircuit, Williams vacancy

Anna Loftus - 6th Subcircuit, "A" vacancy

Patricia "Pat" S. Spratt - 7th Subcircuit, Rivkin-Carothers vacancy

Jerry Esrig - 9th Subcircuit, Berman vacancy

Richard "Rick" Cenar - 10th Subcircuit, Howard vacancy

Marc Martin - 11th Subcircuit, Kelly vacancy

Marguerite Anne Quinn - 12th Subcircuit, Kazmierski, Jr. vacancy
Janet Cronin Mahoney - 12th Subcircuit, Mathein vacancy
James Edward Hanlon, Jr. - 12th Subcircuit, "A" vacancy (Democratic)
Steven A. Kozicki - 12th Subcircuit, "A" vacancy (Republican)

Gary W. Seyring - 13th Subcircuit, Fecarotta, Jr. vacancy (Republican)

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Personal PAC announces Cook County judicial endorsements

Personal PAC, the political action committee "dedicated to protecting and advancing reproductive rights for all women by recruiting, electing, and holding accountable pro-choice candidates to state and local office in Illinois," has announced its endorsements for the forthcoming primary, including its endorsements in Cook County judicial races. A complete list of Personal PAC's endorsements may be found by clicking the link in this sentence.

In Cook County countywide judicial races, Personal PAC has endorsed Rossana Patricia Fernandez (Elrod vacancy), Alison Conlon (Hogan vacancy), Aleksandra "Alex" Gillespie (Howlett, Jr. vacancy), Devlin J. Schoop (Karnezis vacancy), and Fredrick H. Bates (Walsh vacancy). In addition, in two countywide races, Personal PAC has endorsed two candidates -- Sean Chaudhuri and Bonnie Carol McGrath for the Johnson vacancy and Pat Heneghan and Deidre Bauman for the Palmer vacancy.

In Cook County subcircuit contests, Personal PAC has endorsed Robin Denise Shoffner (5th Subcircuit, Williams vacancy), Anna Loftus (6th Subcircuit, "A" vacancy), Jerry Esrig (9th Subcircuit, Berman vacancy), Colleen Reardon Daly (10th Subcircuit, Howard vacancy), and James Edward Hanlon, Jr. (12th Subcircuit, "A" vacancy).

ICJL announces March primary recommendations

The Illinois Civil Justice League has announced its recommendations for judicial vacancies in Cook County and Downstate. The complete list of the ICJL's recommendations may be found here.

In contested Cook County countywide judicial races, the ICJL has bestowed "Highly Recommended" ratings on Rossana Patricia Fernandez (Elrod vacancy), Alison Conlon (Hogan vacancy), Carolyn J. Gallagher (Johnson vacancy), Devlin J. Schoop (Karnezis vacancy), and Daniel Patrick Duffy (Ruscitti Grussel vacancy). The ICJL has also given "Recommended" ratings to Pat Heneghan (Palmer vacancy) and both candidates for the Walsh vacancy, Fredrick H. Bates and Patrick Joseph Powers.

In contested Cook County subcircuit races, the ICJL gave "Recommended" ratings to Maryam Ahmad (1st Subcircuit, Brim vacancy), Chelsey R. Robinson (2nd Subcircuit, Savage vacancy), Leonard Murray (5th Subcircuit, Eadie-Daniels vacancy), and Louis G. Apostal (12th Subcircuit, Kazmierski vacancy). In the race for the Rivkin-Carothers vacancy in the 7th Subcircuit, the ICJL has given "Recommended" ratings to both Rose Silva and Mable Taylor. In the contest for the Howard vacancy in the 10th Subcircuit, the ICJL found Richard "Rick" Cenar "Highly Recommended" and Colleen Reardon Daly "Recommended."

The ICJL specifically expressed "No Position" with regard to Richard C. Cooke's unopposed bid for the Santiago vacancy in the 6th Subcircuit. It also "Recommended" Maureen O'Donoghue Hannon (countywide O'Brien vacancy) and John Fitzgerald Lyke, Jr. (countywide Biebel vacancy) in their respective unopposed bids for judicial office.

Channel 32 airs old charges against new judge

I was in Texas last Wednesday when the local Fox affiliate, Channel 32, ran this report concerning Judge Fredrick Bates; I therefore didn't see the story until today, although I'd heard about it (my comment moderation queue is chock-full of references to this story; I just haven't let these comments through).

Judge Bates was appointed to the Circuit Court late last year by the Illinois Supreme Court; he'd already been 'pre-slated' by the Cook County Democratic Party for the Walsh vacancy, the vacancy he is now seeking in this month's primary.

In the linked report, WFLD-TV investigative reporter Dane Placko conducts an interview with an anonymous woman who alleges that she was engaged to the future Judge Bates 28 years ago. When Bates broke off the engagement, the woman says, she refused to give the engagement ring back to him. She ran into her bedroom instead, intending to grab the telephone; Bates allegedly followed her, held her down on the bed, and literally bit the ring off her finger.

The woman and her father went to the police the next day to press charges. Felony charges were, according to the Channel 32 report, reduced to a misdemeanor by a judge who said he didn't want to ruin Bates's life. The woman also filed a civil suit, Placko's report states, recovering a judgment of $10,000 against Bates. Placko does report that Judge Bates, through a spokesperson, stated that this woman attacked him, not the other way around, adding, "These allegations are absolutely false now, as they were 28 years ago. Just two weeks before an election, we are confident that voters will see this for what it is-a politically-driven smear that is deeply hurtful to Judge Bates, as a man of the bench and a man of God."

I have no idea who did what to whom in 1988; I venture no opinion on the truth or falsity of the charges.

But I can say the story is insufficiently reported. I don't understand why it was considered worthy of airtime in such an incomplete state. What's missing, you ask? Don't we have both the charge made and the response of the person targeted by the accusation?

We do.

But we also have passing reference to two court cases, one criminal and one civil, both of which generated a file that should be warehoused. Either one of those court files might shed some light on whether or not there is any merit in the accusation. Nothing in the story, as reported, suggests that either court file was sought or examined.

Granted, it is hard enough -- at the present time -- to get current court files and, when a physical court file can be located, there are often documents obviously missing or obviously filed incorrectly. Getting either file from 1988 might have proven to be a herculean task -- but there is nothing in the story as reported to indicate that an attempt was made. Review of the court files might have provided corroboration of at least some of the particulars of the ex-fiancee's charges -- or it might have refuted them altogether. Without these court files, however, all we can say with certainty is that the Fox story is incomplete.

In addition, the story unfairly insinuates that Judge Bates did not disclose this episode from his past to the screening bar associations. The story quotes, though not verbatim, an unnamed spokesperson for the Illinois Supreme Court who says that the Court was "unaware of the assault charge and the lawsuit when Bates was appointed judge. [The Court depends] on bar association screenings, which generally require judicial candidates to disclose all convictions and lawsuits in their past."

A layperson -- you know, a voter? -- might well infer from this that Bates made no disclosure was made to the bar groups, particularly since none of the bar groups that issue written explanations of their findings (the Chicago Bar Association, the Chicago Council of Lawyers, and, this year, the Illinois State Bar Association) mention any such incident. (Every bar group evaluating Judge Bates rated him Qualified, Recommended or better; the CBA, CCL and ISBA all found Judge Bates 'Qualified.')

The problem with jumping to such a conclusion is that bar evaluations are highly confidential. We don't (and can't) know what Judge Bates did or did not disclose; assuming these events were disclosed, the bar groups could have conducted their own independent investigations into the prior charges and prior lawsuit. In other evaluations, the CBA, CCL and ISBA mention old lawsuits or other problems that a candidate has had; you would not have to spend a long time reading the findings published by these groups to find examples (sometimes, with regards to particular candidates, a bar group says a prior legal problem is not a bar to a positive finding, sometimes otherwise). The fact that no mention was made in any of the groups' findings, however, does not mean that Judge Bates made no disclosure, nor does it mean that the groups did or did not separately investigate, nor does it mean that the groups concluded the charges were untrue. All we can fairly say from the absence of any mention of these incidents in any of the reported evaluations is that, if there was disclosure, the bar groups did not find the incident particularly significant to their ultimate findings.

If there turns out to be more to report about this story, I will try and get a new post up or update this one. For now, however, I've turned comments off on this post.

March 9 fundraiser for Deidre Baumann

Supporters of Deidre Baumann's bid for the countywide Palmer vacancy are throwing a fundraiser for their candidate on Wednesday, March 9, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., in the 33rd floor party room at 535 N. Michigan. Saul Wexler will be the host for this occasion.

Tickets for the event are $100 apiece and may be obtained on the candidate's website; questions about the event should be directed to baumannesq@gmail.com.

Corrected March 4, 2016.

Underhill fundraiser Thursday at Sidetrack

Supporters of Ed Underhill's bid for the "A" vacancy in the 6th Subcircuit are staging a fundraiser for their candidate tomorrow, March 3, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted St.

The event is being held, according to organizers, to celebrate Underhill's endorsement by the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund. The host committee for the party includes David Baumgartner, Brian Boholst, M.D., Ludwig Defrenne, Hamza Fateh, Kevin Foy, Scott Hanson, Nobuko Katsumura, Luis C. Martinez, Tuan Ngo, Nam Nguyen, and Todd O’Gorman.

Tickets for the event are only $25 apiece, but sponsorships are available ($50 - friend, $100 - host, $1,000 - sponsor). For more information about the event, email brandon.henander@gmail.com; to order tickets, click on this link.

March 5 fundraiser for Travis Richardson at MVie Chicago

Supporters of Travis Richardson's 2nd Subcircuit judicial bid are planning a March 5 fundraiser, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., for their candidate at MVie Chicago, 1372 W. Grand.

Event hosts include vocalist, actress, and humanitarian Terisa Griffin and members of the "Divine 9," the nine member organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Hors d'oeuvres and wine will be served from 6:30 to 7:30.

Individual tickets are $50, but sponsorships are available (Bronze - $250, Silver - $500, Gold - $1,000). For more information about the event, or to reserve tickets, email info@Richardson4Judge.com.

Jewish Chicago announces judicial endorsements

Jewish Chicago has hit the streets (and the Internet -- the link will take you to the site). In contested Cook County judicial races, Jewish Chicago has made the following endorsements:

Countywide races

Rossana Patricia Fernandez - Elrod vacancy
Alison C. Conlon - Hogan vacancy
Aleksandra "Alex" Gillespie - Howlett, Jr. vacancy
Carolyn J. Gallagher - Johnson vacancy
Mary Kathleen McHugh - Karzenis vacancy
Pat Heneghan - Palmer vacancy
William S. Wojcik - Ruscitti Grussel vacancy
Fredrick H. Bates - Walsh vacancy

Subcircuit races

Anna Loftus - 6th Subcircuit, "A" vacancy

Jerry Esrig - 9th Subcircuit, Berman vacancy

Eve Marie Reilly - 10th Subcircuit, Howard vacancy

Marguerite Anne Quinn - 12th Subcircuit, Kazmierski, Jr. vacancy
Janet Cronin Mahoney - 12th Subcircuit, Mathein vacancy
James Edward Hanlon, Jr. - 12th Subcircuit, "A" vacancy (Democrat)
Steven A. Kozicki - 12th Subcircuit, "A" vacancy (Republican)

Jameika Mangum fundraiser tomorrow night

Supporters of Jameika Mangum's bid for the Eadie-Daniels vacancy in the 5th Subcircuit are planning a fundraiser for their candidate tomorrow night, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Mangum Committee's office, 1525 E. 53rd St., Suite 460. The suggested donation for the fundraiser is $75 per person.

To reserve tickets, or for more information, email info@mangumforjudge.com. Reservations are encouraged, but not required: The committee advises that interested persons can buy tickets at the door, but anyone attending must have a picture ID in order to get past building security.

Welcome early voters!

"Regular" early voting starts today and continues pretty near constantly until the polls open on Primary Election Day itself. If you're not certain about hours or locations of early voting sites, consult your nearest telephone: It'll ring, any second now, with yet another robocall. Alternatively, if you live in the City of Chicago, consult this page of the Chicago Board of Elections website. If you live in one of those places that the first Mayor Daley charmingly, if condescendingly, referred to as the 'county towns,' i.e., a Cook County suburb, click on this page of Cook County Clerk David Orr's website (the Clerk's office also has an explanation of early voting procedure, and rules and regulations, here).

Hopefully, if the search engine spirits have been kind to you, you've arrived in this little corner of the Blogosphere specifically because you are interested in making intelligent decisions about Cook County judicial candidates. My Organizing the Data posts are not done yet; they are apparently becoming a relic of those carefree, bygone days when people actually had to wait until Election Day to vote. Isn't that the bee's knees? 23 skidoo.

I'll have the Organizing the Data posts done as soon as I can -- but, since you may be impatient, and ready to exercise your franchise immediately, I can offer these resources:

If you're planning to take a Republican ballot, unless you live in the far northern or northwestern reaches of the County Cook, you have no worries about making intelligent judicial choices. You have no choices to make at all. You have no candidates. No Republican filed in any countywide judicial race, neither the two Appellate Court races, nor the 11 countywide Circuit Court races. If you live in any judicial subcircuit (it's one of the many numbers on your voter registration card) except the 12th or 13th, there are no Republicans running there either (there are no vacancies at all in Subcircuits 3, 8, and 15; voters there have a say in countywide races only, and only in the Democratic primary). If you live in the 12th or 13th Subcircuit, and plan on taking a Republican ballot, skip ahead two paragraphs.

For Democratic primary voters, the Chicago Bar Association, the Chicago Council of Lawyers, and the Illinois State Bar Association have all provided explanations of the ratings these respective associations have given to each candidate (those are links to FWIW posts, but the CBA and CCL source materials can be accessed from those those respective posts). Several races are uncontested, including both Appellate Court vacancies.

If you live in Subcircuit 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 or 7, the Chicago Bar Association, Chicago Council of Lawyers, and Illinois State Bar Association explanations of these groups' ratings of candidates seeking these vacancies can be found by clicking on the links embedded in this sentence.

Voters living in Subcircuit 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 can likewise access explanations offered by the Chicago Bar Association, the Chicago Council of Lawyers, and the Illinois State Bar Association regarding candidates seeking these vacancies by clicking the links embedded in this sentence. These links identify the Republicans running in the 12th and 13th Subcircuits, as well as the Democrats which is why, Republican voters, I told you to skip ahead here.

New or infrequent judicial voters are often surprised to learn that there are 12 bar associations that screen and evaluate the credentials of candidates seeking judicial office. We've only covered three so far. The other nine, all members (along with the Chicago Council of Lawyers and the Illinois State Bar Association) of the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening, publish 'grids' explaining their respective ratings for each and every judicial candidate. You can access the countywide Alliance grids here, the Alliance grids for candidates in Subcircuits 1-7 here, and the Alliance grids for candidates in Subcircuits 9-14 here.

Bar ratings or evaluations are not endorsements. This is why, as you will notice, the bar associations may have favorable or unfavorable ratings about every candidate in a race. And you will also notice that, sometimes, bar associations may disagree over whether a particular candidate is or is not qualified or recommended.

If, after reviewing the explanations and the grids, you're still not certain how to choose between two candidates who seem equally qualified to you, feel free to consult the blog Sidebar: The candidates with websites (at least those I've been able to find or who have told me about their websites) are all listed there in alphabetical order. You may have a better feel about who is worthy of your vote after such a visit. The candidates hope so, anyway; that's why they spend the money for websites.

I'll pull all this information together, along with the various endorsements that each candidate garners (each endorsement that I can independently verify, that is) in the Organizing the Data posts. But, for now, if you feel you must vote today, I hope you may find this information helpful.

Chicago FOP announces March primary endorsements

The Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge No. 7, has announced its endorsements for the upcoming primary. (Click here for a complete list of candidates endorsed by the Chicago FOP.)

In contested Cook County judicial races, the FOP has made these endorsements:

Countywide Vacancies

Rossana Patricia Fernandez - Elrod vacancy
Michael I. O'Malley - Hogan vacancy
Aleksandra "Alex" Gillespie - Howlett, Jr. vacancy
Carolyn J. Gallagher - Johnson vacancy
Pat Heneghan - Palmer vacancy
Daniel Patrick Duffy - Ruscitti Grussel vacancy
Fredrick H. Bates - Walsh vacancy

Subcircuit Vacancies

D. Renee Jackson - 2nd Subcircuit Savage vacancy
Anna Loftus - 6th Subcircuit "A" vacancy
Colleen Reardon Daly - 10th Subcircuit Howard vacancy
Marc Martin - 11th Subcircuit Kelly vacancy
Ketki "Kay" Steffen - 13th Subcircuit - Fecarotta, Jr. vacancy

The FOP also endorsed Appellate Court candidate Bertina E. Lampkin (Quinn vacancy) and countywide Circuit Court candidate Maureen O'Donoghue Hannon (O'Brien vacancy).

The FOP has also decided to back Jacob Meister for Clerk of the Circuit Court.

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Looking for more information about Cook County judicial candidates? Click here for the most complete information about every Cook County judicial contest.

United Hellenic Voters of America announce Cook County Judicial endorsements

The United Hellenic Voters of America have announced their endorsements for the March 15 primary election. (Click here for the complete list of all candidates endorsed by the UHVA.)

While the UHVA makes endorsements in both Democratic and Republican primary races, the UHVA did not this year make any endorsements of Republicans in any Cook County judicial races. In contested Cook County judicial races, the UHVA made the following endorsements:

Countywide races

Rossana Patricia Fernandez - Elrod vacancy
Alison C. Conlon - Hogan vacancy
Aleksandra "Alex" Gillespie - Howlett, Jr. vacancy
Carolyn J. Gallagher - Johnson vacancy
Devlin J. Schoop - Karnezis vacancy
Pat Heneghan - Palmer vacancy
Daniel Patrick Duffy - Ruscitti Grussel vacancy
Fredrick H. Bates - Walsh vacancy

Subcircuit races

Jerry Esrig - 9th Subcircuit Berman vacancy
Eve Marie Reilly - 10th Subcircuit Howard vacancy
Louis George Apostol - 12th Subcircuit Kazmierski Jr. vacancy
Janet Cronin Mahoney - 12th Subcircuit Mathein vacancy
James Edward Hanlon, Jr. -12th Subcircuit "A" vacancy

The UHVA also endorsed a number of Cook County judicial candidates who are running in uncontested races. These include both Appellate Court candidates, Judge Eileen O'Neill Burke and Justice Bertina E. Lampkin; Countywide Circuit Court candidates John Fitzgerald Lyke, Jr. (Biebel, Jr. vacancy), Brendan A. O'Brien (Love vacancy), Maureen O'Donoghue Hannon (O'Brien vacancy); and 12th Subcircuit candidate Judge Carrie Hamilton (Tristano vacancy). Only Hamilton faces Republican opposition in November.