Alliance of Bar Associations releases candidate evaluations in Appellate Court races

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

The foregoing list of abbreviations and this key will explain the symbols used in the Alliance "grids":

Alliance Ratings of Judicial Candidates
in Cook County Appellate Court races

Alliance of Bar Associations releases evaluations in countywide Circuit Court races

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

The foregoing list of abbreviations and this key will explain the symbols used in the Alliance "grids":

Alliance Ratings of Judicial Candidates
in countywide Cook County races

Alliance of Bar Associations releases subcircuit judicial candidate evaluations

Actually, the Alliance released all of its candidate ratings today, but I think it will be easier to follow if I break these into four pieces (subcircuit, countywide Circuit Court, Appellate Court, and Supreme Court).

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

The foregoing list of abbreviations and this key will explain the symbols used in the Alliance "grids":

Alliance Ratings for Judicial Candidates
in Cook County Subcircuits

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See also: Alliance of Bar Associations issues corrected rating on 6th Subcircuit candidate.

Pamela McLean Meyerson: In her own words

Pamela McLean Meyerson is a candidate for the Urso vacancy in Cook County's 11th Judicial Subcircuit.

I want to be a judge because Cook County needs good judges. Judges make decisions every day that change people’s lives. If I were standing before a judge, I would want the judge to be someone like me—someone well-trained, experienced, independent, honest and fair.

What do I stand for? Giving everyone an equal chance to be heard, applying the law consistently, and being absolutely free of corruption or outside influences.

As voters, you get to judge. My education and knowledge of the law, my broad experience and, equally important, my independence from political or other outside influence, qualify me to be the kind of judge Cook County needs:

• Every one of the 12 bar associations that evaluated me gave me a positive rating. They looked at my training at the University of Chicago Law School. They looked at my 28 years of experience in the courtrooms of Cook County. They looked at my community service—both pro bono legal work and volunteer work in the community. They interviewed people who know me—colleagues, judges and opposing counsel. And all the bar associations concluded that I have the skills and experience to be a judge.


• I have broad experience representing individuals and small businesses in many areas of law. I am a civil litigator, small business advisor, arbitrator, teacher and community leader. After graduating from the University of Chicago Law School in 1983, for six years I handled commercial lawsuits for two Chicago firms, then started my own practice in Oak Park. I represent individuals and small businesses in civil disputes involving contracts, construction, fair housing, consumer fraud, and other conflicts. I also organize and advise small businesses and review and draft their agreements. My business clients have ranged from restaurants to record companies, contractors to computer consultants, midwives to meatpackers.


• I have heard cases fairly and run proceedings efficiently as an adjudicator of hundreds of arbitration cases, and I teach University of Chicago students how to be courtroom lawyers. As an arbitrator with the Cook County Mandatory Arbitration Program for more than 20 years, I have heard hundreds of cases, often controlling the proceedings and ruling on objections as chair of the panel. I also help teach the annual Intensive Trial Practice Workshop at the University of Chicago’s Mandel Legal Aid Clinic.


• I use my legal skills and energies to help others and to improve my community. A law degree comes with a responsibility to give legal assistance to those who can’t afford it. Throughout my career, I have done pro bono work, currently representing homeowners in foreclosure mediations and helping pro se litigants in small claims courtrooms. For years I’ve volunteered in leadership positions supporting the schools, youth, arts and congregations of my community.


• The Chicago Council of Lawyers says I’m “respected as a hard-working, knowledgeable and highly ethical” lawyer. I will be a hard-working, knowledgeable and highly ethical judge.

Still looking for candidate statements

This January 8 post explains what I'm hoping for. If you click on the "In Their Own Words" tab at the bottom of that post (or this one) you'll see examples of statements provided by other candidates.

I'm not going to set a deadline for submission of these statements -- as a lawyer, I know how stressful deadlines can be -- but I submit that candidates who provide statements sooner rather than later will maximize the effectiveness of those statements: The longer it's on line, the more attention is called to it by search engines. And all such posts will be linked from my "Organizing the Data" posts that will start going up in a week or two.

Mary Brigid Hayes campaign website launched

Per email received overnight, a campaign website has been established for Mary Brigid Hayes, candidate for the Cahill vacancy on the Illinois Appellate Court. That's a link to the site in the preceding sentence; a link has also been added to the list of candidates for the Appellate Court in the sidebar.

February 26 meet and greet for Abbey Fishman Romanek at Mia Figlia's in Lincolnwood

Attorney Steve Seidman is hosting a 'meet and greet' for 9th Subcircuit judicial candidate Abbey Fishman Romanek on Sunday, February 26, from 2:00 to 4:00pm, at Mia Figlia, 5304 W. Devon Avenue in Lincolnwood.

Romanek is a candidate for the Epstein vacancy in the 9th Subcircuit.

Jesse Reyes fundraiser February 27 at the Parthenon

Supporters of Judge Jesse G. Reyes are planning a fundraiser for February 27,from 5:30 to 7:30pm, at the Parthenon, 314 S. Halsted.

Tickets are $100 each, but contributions of $250, $500, or $1,000 are encouraged. For more information concerning this event, or to reserve tickets, email lpalivos@att.net or call (773) 271-5300.

Judge Reyes is a candidate for the O'Brien vacancy on the Illinois Appellate Court.

Trowbridge campaign plans "Leap Day" party on February 29

Supporters of Brad Trowbridge's 8th Subcircuit bid are planning a Leap Day Party for their candidate on February 29, from 5:30 to 7:30pm, at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted.

"Big Leap" Tickets are $50 but sponsorships are available (Giant Leap - $100, Leap of Faith - $150). Drinks and hors d'oeuvres will be served. For additional information concerning the event, email bradforjudge@gmail.com.

Trowbridge is a candidate for the Cole vacancy in the 8th Judicial Subcircuit.

Not entirely sure what a "mobile community" is...

But supporters of Judge William Stewart Boyd, candidate for the O'Brien vacancy on the Illinois Appellate Court, have asked me specifically to post an invitation to join Judge Boyd's mobile community here on For What It's Worth.

Apparently, one joins by texting Judgeboyd To: 90210. Although the number in question sounds like the zip code immortalized some years ago by a television program, it is presumably something else entirely.

Judge Pamela M. Leeming interviewed on a Sonny Hersh Election Special

Here's the third of the interviews set to air today on a Sonny Hersh Election Special, presented by Avy Meyers and his entire technical crew, Sonny Hersh, of North Town News Magazine fame. Today's program will air in Chicago on CANTV 21 at 4:30pm (and will be replayed on February 26 at 9:00pm on CANTV 19). This interview is presented with Mr. Meyers' permission.

Judge Pamela M. Leeming is a candidate for the countywide Stewart vacancy.

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Programming Note: More links to upcoming Sonny Hersh Election Specials will be posted later today on page two.

Judge Kay Marie Hanlon interviewed on a Sonny Hersh Election Special

Here's another of the interviews set to air today on a Sonny Hersh Election Special, presented by Avy Meyers and his entire technical crew, Sonny Hersh, of North Town News Magazine fame. Today's program will air in Chicago on CANTV 21 at 4:30pm (and will be replayed on February 26 at 9:00pm on CANTV 19). This interview is presented with Mr. Meyers' permission.


Judge Kay Marie Hanlon is a candidate for the Cahill vacancy on the Illinois Appellate Court.

Judge Lorna Propes interviewed on a "Sonny Hersh Election Special"

The set will look familiar to viewers of Avy Meyers' North Town News Magazine (although there's nary a scissors in sight), but over the next few days, Mr. Meyers and his entire technical crew, Sonny Hersh, will be presenting a series of election specials. In the next three days, three such programs will be presented, the first of these airing this afternoon on CANTV 21 at 4:30pm (and replayed on February 26 at 9:00pm on CANTV 19). The following interview is taken from today's show and is presented with Mr. Meyers' permission.


Lorna Ellen Propes is a candidate for the countywide Pucinski vacancy.

Personal PAC makes Cook County judicial endorsements

According to its website, Personal PAC "is a bi-partisan political action committee dedicated to preserving abortion rights in Illinois by electing pro-choice candidates to state and local office."

A complete list of candidates endorsed by Personal PAC in all races can be found by clicking here. Herewith the list of endorsements made by Personal PAC in Cook County judicial races (note that, in some judicial races, Personal PAC endorses more than one candidate):

Judge of the Supreme Court – 1st District, Fitzgerald Vacancy: Mary Jane Theis (D)

Judge of the 1st Appellate Court – 1st District, Cahill Vacancy: Mathias Delort (D), Mary Brigid Hayes (D)

Judge of the 1st Appellate Court – 1st District, Gallagher Vacancy: Marguerite Anne Quinn (D)

Judge of the 1st Appellate Court – 1st District, O’Brien Vacancy: Jesse Reyes (D)

Judge of the Circuit Court – Cook County, Moran Vacancy: Russell Hartigan (D)

Judge of the Circuit Court – Cook County, O’Mara Vacancy: Diann Karen Marsalek (D)

Judge of the Circuit Court – Cook County, Pucinski Vacancy: Lorna Ellen Propes (D)

Judge of the Circuit Court – Cook County, Simmons Vacancy: Michael Forti (D)

Judge of the Circuit Court – Cook County, Stewart Vacancy: Deidre Baumann (D)

Judge of the Circuit Court – Cook County 8th Subcircuit, Chiola Vacancy: Celia Louise Gamrath (D), James Shapiro (D)

Judge of the Circuit Court – Cook County 8th Subcircuit, Cole Vacancy: Brad Trowbridge (D), John Ehrlich (D), Helaine Berger (D), Ellis Levin (D)

Judge of the Circuit Court – Cook County 8th Subcircuit, Durkin Roy Vacancy: Deborah Gubin (D), Sharon Finegan Patterson (D)

Judge of the Circuit Court – Cook County 8th Subcircuit, A Vacancy: Laura Liu (D)

Judge of the Circuit Court – Cook County 9th Subcircuit, Epstein Vacancy: Mary Trew (D), Abbey Fishman Romanek (D), Larry Axelrood (D)

Judge of the Circuit Court – Cook County 10th Subcircuit, Locallo Vacancy: Thomas Allen (D)

Judge of the Circuit Court – Cook County 12th Subcircuit, Rochford Vacancy: Andrea Schleifer (D), James Murray (D)

February 21 Fundraiser for Judge Larry Axelrood

Supporters of Judge Larry Axelrood are planning a fundraiser for their candidate on February 21, from 5:30 to 7:00pm, at Jimmy Fig's, 160 N. Franklin St. in Chicago.

Co-hosts for the event are Cook County Commissioners Larry Suffredin and John Fritchey.

For more information about the event, or for reservations, email electjudgeaxelrood@gmail.com or call Thom Mannard at 847-997-3020.

Associate Judge Larry Axelrood is a candidate for the Epstein vacancy in the 9th Judicial Subcircuit.

February 21 Fundraiser for Judge Nicholas Geanopoulos

Supporters of Judge Nicholas Geanopoulos are planning a fundraiser for their candidate on February 21, from 5:00 to 7:00pm, at the Parthenon, 314 S. Halsted. There will be free valet parking for the event, an open bar and Greek appetizers.

Tickets are $100 each, but sponsorships are available (Friend - $500, Supporter - $1,000, Sponsor - $2,500, Host $5000). For more information, or to reserve tickets, email electjudgegeanopoulos@yahoo.com or call 773-598-9851.

Judge Geanopolous is a candidate for the Durkin Roy vacancy in the 8th Judicial Subcircuit.

Joint fundraiser for many judicial candidates

The Committee to Elect Illinois Democratic Candidates (CEIDC) will hold a fundraiser on March 16, from 6:00pm to midnight, at the Mid America Club, on the 80th floor of the Aon Building, 200 E. Randolph.

Candidates for several offices are participating in the event, including these judicial candidates:

• Jesse Reyes
• Deidre Baumann
• Rodney W. Stewart
• Stanley Hill
• Cynthia Ramirez
• Mary Jane Theis
• Beatriz Santiago
• Nichole Patton
• Nathanial Howse
• Alfred Swanson
• Michael Tully Mullen
• Michael Forti
• Pamela Hill-Veal
• Kevin Cunningham

Interested persons can click on the Road to Victory invitation and buy a $100 ticket for the event generally or for any or all of the candidates that a person wants to support. Event proceeds will apparently be split according to who buys tickets for which candidate. From the invitation fine print:

Fundraising proceeds are directed to the candidate based on tickets sold. Photo ID must accompany printed copy of ticket. Photo ID is required at security check-in to enter venue....

Candidates are listed in no particular order of preference. Candidates listed are in support of CEIDC but are not necessarily endorsing one another. Questions in respect to candidates should be directed to their respective campaign offices.

Abbey Fishman Romanek to lead post-film discussion at Evanston Public Library

It's a movie about a lawsuit that became a national punchline, made by a lawyer turned filmmaker.

Susan Saladoff's documentary Hot Coffee will be screened Wednesday, February 22 at 7:00pm at the Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington. Admission is free. Hot Coffee is presented as part of the REELTIME series, a program of Percolator Films, Evanston's non-profit film arts organization that also organizes the annual Talking Pictures Festival.

Abbey Fishman Romanek, candidate for the Epstein vacancy in the 9th Subcircuit, will facilitate a post-screening discussion, according to Ines Sommer, the Executive Director of Percolator Films.

Carl B. Boyd campaign website launched

Email received late yesterday brings word of a campaign website for Carl B. Boyd, candidate for judge in Cook County's 2nd Subcircuit. That's a link to the site in the preceding sentence; a link has also been added to the sidebar.

Judge Laine Berger interviewed on NTNM

Associate Judge Helaine "Laine" Berger, a candidate for the Cole vacancy in the 8th Subcircuit, was interviewed recently on Avy Meyers' North Town News Magazine. With Mr. Meyers' permission, the interview is posted below.


NTNM airs on CAN TV, Chicago Cable Channel 19, on Thursday evenings and Friday afternoons; on ECTV 6 on the Evanston cable system on Tuesday and Thursday evenings; and on select suburban cable systems on Mondays. Check your local listings.

Meyers also interviewed Judge Berger earlier this campaign season. That interview can be accessed here.

NB: In many of the NTNM interviews I'll be putting up in the immediate future, Mr. Meyers touts the availability of his publication, Jewish Chicago, on line and in various locations throughout the area. However, these interviews are taped in advance of their actual air dates. Mr. Meyers advises that Jewish Chicago will be available on line on or about February 23 and will begin turning up in print between February 27 and March 1.

Birthday bash and fundraiser for Judge William Stewart Boyd

Associate Judge William Stewart Boyd, a candidate for the O'Brien vacancy on the Appellate Court, is approaching a birthday milestone.

He's turned a 60th birthday party into a campaign fundraiser -- on Saturday, March 3, from 7:00pm to midnight, at Room 43, 1041 E. 43rd Street, Chicago. Tickets are $60 apiece, but sponsorships are available, as can be seen by clicking on (and enlarging) the illustration on the right.

To reserve tickets for the event click on this link.

Judge Alfred M. Swanson, Jr. interviewed on NTNM

Judge Alfred M. Swanson, Jr., a candidate for the countywide Ward vacancy on the Circuit Court, was interviewed recently on Avy Meyers' North Town News Magazine. With Mr. Meyers' permission, the interview is posted below.


NTNM airs on CAN TV, Chicago Cable Channel 19, on Thursday evenings and Friday afternoons; on ECTV 6 on the Evanston cable system on Tuesday and Thursday evenings; and on select suburban cable systems on Mondays. Check your local listings.

Meyers also interviewed Judge Swanson earlier this campaign season. That interview can be accessed here.

NB: In many of the NTNM interviews I'll be putting up in the immediate future, Mr. Meyers touts the availability of his publication, Jewish Chicago, on line and in various locations throughout the area. However, these interviews are taped in advance of their actual air dates. Mr. Meyers advises that Jewish Chicago will be available on line on or about February 23 and will begin turning up in print between February 27 and March 1.

Deborah J. Fortier campaign website launched

A reader's comment alerted me to a campaign website for Deborah J. Fortier, candidate for the Urso vacancy in the 11th Judicial Subcircuit. That's a link to the site in the preceding sentence; a link has been added to the blog sidebar as well.

Chicago Council of Lawyers releases judicial candidate evaluations

The Chicago Council of Lawyers has released its evaluations of all judicial candidates running in the March primary. (You can reach the Council's complete report by following the link from this page.)

The Council rates candidates "highly qualified," "well qualified," "qualified," or "not qualified." According to the Council's release today, any candidate that "refuses to submit his or her credentials to the Council... is rated 'not recommended' unless the Council is aware of credible information that would justify a 'not qualified' rating. Because we believe a willingness to participate in bar association and other public evaluations is a key indicator of fitness for public office, no candidate who refuses to be screened can be found 'qualified.'"

Before turning to the individual CCL ratings, there are a couple of additional points to make. Most of the CCL ratings are based on interviews and investigation conducted in the past few months. However, in a few of these ratings, some candidate information may be outdated. There are, for example, a couple of sitting judges whose Council evaluations do not reflect their appointment to the bench. This happens, on occasion because many lawyers try to become judges over a period of years. The Council explains, "In cases where the Alliance evaluated candidates within the past five years, the Alliance requested updated information, but did not investigate or interview candidates again for the March 2012 primary, instead relying on the earlier results."

Another point that should be made is that the Council does not mean any negative rating to be a reflection on an individual's skills as a lawyer. Again, quoting from the Council's explanation:

It should be noted that a lawyer might be performing well or even very well without being qualified to be a judge. A good lawyer may be unqualified to be a judge, for instance, because of a narrow range of prior experience, limited trial experience, or limited work doing legal research and writing. A lawyer may have the temperament and intelligence to be a judge without yet having worked in a position that would allow the candidate to demonstrate that capacity. Similarly, a candidate may have an outstanding resume but lack the temperament or patience to perform well as an even-handed or respectful judge. Accordingly, it should be recognized and expected that we will rate some good lawyers “not qualified.”

With these ground rules in mind, what race are you interested in?

Supreme Court vacancy;

Appellate Court - Cahill vacancy;
Appellate Court - Coleman vacancy;
Appellate Court - Gallagher vacancy;
Appellate Court - O'Brien vacancy;
Appellate Court - Theis vacancy;
Appellate Court - Tully vacancy;

Countywide - Conlon vacancy;
Countywide - Jordan vacancy;
Countywide - Kinnaird vacancy;
Countywide - Moran vacancy;
Countywide - O'Brien, Jr. vacancy;
Countywide - O'Mara Frossard vacancy;
Countywide - Pucinski vacancy;
Countywide - Simmons, Jr. vacancy;
Countywide - Stewart vacancy;
Countywide - Stralka vacancy;
Countywide - Ward vacancy;

2nd Subcircuit -- Stuttley vacancy;
3rd Subcircuit -- McGann vacancy;
3rd Subcircuit -- Moore vacancy;
4th Subcircuit -- Riley vacancy;
4th Subcircuit -- "A" vacancy;
6th Subcircuit -- Delgado vacancy;
7th Subcircuit -- Jones vacancy;
7th Subcircuit -- Starks vacancy;
7th Subcircuit -- Terrell vacany;
7th Subcircuit -- Toney vacancy;
8th Subcircuit -- Chiola vacancy;
8th Subcircuit -- Cole vacancy;
8th Subcircuit -- Durkin Roy vacany;
8th Subcircuit -- "A" vacancy;
9th Subcircuit -- Bender vacancy;
9th Subcircuit -- Epstein vacancy;
10th Subcircuit -- Locallo vacancy;
11th Subcircuit -- O'Brien vacancy;
11th Subcircuit -- Urso vacancy;
12th Subcircuit -- Rochford vacancy;
13th Subcircuit -- Pietrucha vacancy;
13th Subcircuit - "A" vacancy;
14th Subcircuit - O'Gara vacancy.

Note: Some of these links will take you to page two of this blog, so you will not see all of the linked posts if you merely scroll down this page.

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Want to compare the Council's ratings with those issued by the Chicago Bar Association? Click here.

CCL evaluations in the race for the countywide Conlon vacancy

The Chicago Council of Lawyers has released its evaluations of candidates running for the Conlon vacancy. Candidates are listed in ballot order. All of the following are candidates in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this (or any other) countywide Circuit Court vacancy.

Karen Lynn O'Malley -- Qualified

Karen Lynn O’Malley was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1992. Since 2008, she has been in private practice doing personal injury litigation. From 1992 to 2008, she served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Between 2003 and 2008, she served as a deputy supervisor in the Child Advocacy Division of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. She has taught trial practice at Northwestern University School of Law.

She is considered to have good legal ability with a wide range of litigation experience in civil and criminal law matters. She is reported to have a good temperament and is praised for being hard-working and fair in her professional dealings. Respondents knowing her through both civil and criminal law matters praise her for being able to learn new areas of law quickly and thoroughly. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Jo Anne Hopson Guillemette -- Not Qualified

Joanne Guillemette was admitted to practice in 1987. She is currently an attorney with the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, working as the Assistant Director of the Expedited Child Support Department. She was an Administrative Coordinator in the Office of the Chief Judge between 2001 and 2006. Between 1995 and 2000 she was a sole practitioner in private practice. Prior to that, she worked for two years in the Office of the Illinois Attorney General. She was Chief of the Child Advocacy Division and an Assistant Attorney General in the Consumer Protection Division. She spent one year as Regional Counsel for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and three years as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Lawyers report that she has good temperament and her integrity is unquestioned. She reports having litigation experience. However, some lawyers question whether she is capable of the more demanding court calls. Overall, she has not demonstrated sufficient experience in complex litigation matters to be a judge. The Council finds her Not Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.

Stanley L. Hill, Sr. -- Qualified

Stanley Hill is widely reported to be a knowledgeable and tenacious lawyer, although the Council's current investigation turned up an issue that warrants special mention. In 1994, Mr. Hill was held in contempt by Judge James B. Zagel for professional misconduct, a ruling that was upheld by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. In reported opinions, the district judge found, and the appellate court agreed, that Mr. Hill acted at trial with the specific intent to prejudice a fair and impartial proceeding by refusing to abide by the rulings of the court. Nevertheless, the balance of the Council's investigation leads it to conclude that the passage of time and sufficient seasoning likely have tempered the approach to litigation reflected in those judicial opinions.

Based on the totality of its investigation, therefore, the Council finds Mr. Hill Qualified for the Circuit Court.

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CCL evaluations in the race for the countywide Kinnaird vacancy

The Chicago Council of Lawyers has released its evaluations of candidates running for the Kinnaird vacancy. Candidates are listed in ballot order. All of the following are candidates in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this (or any other) countywide Circuit Court vacancy.

Kevin Cunningham -- Qualified

Kevin Patrick Cunningham was admitted in 1992. He is a sole practitioner and a prosecutor for the Village of Oak Lawn. From 1992 to 1998 he served as an Assistant State’s Attorney and from 1998 to 2001 did criminal defense and personal injury litigation for a private firm. As lead trial counsel, he reports taking 31 criminal and two civil cases to a jury verdict and around 100 to a bench verdict. He has litigated three appellate cases. Mr. Cunningham is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. He is considered to be a skilled practitioner who is hard-working and conscientious. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Erica L. Reddick -- Qualified

Judge Erica L. Reddick was admitted to practice in 1991. She was appointed to the Circuit Court by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2010. Prior to being appointed, Judge Reddick was an Acting Chief Assistant Cook County Public Defender. She has spent her career with the Office of the Cook County Public Defender. As a lawyer, Judge Reddick was considered to have good legal ability. She had a wide range of experience in criminal law matters and was praised for her litigation skills. She serves as an adjunct professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

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CCL evaluations in the race for the countywide O'Brien, Jr. vacancy

The Chicago Council of Lawyers has released its evaluations of candidates running for the O'Brien, Jr. vacancy. Candidates are listed in ballot order. All of the following are candidates in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this (or any other) countywide Circuit Court vacancy.

Cynthia Ramirez -- Qualified

Cynthia Ramirez has been practicing law since 1990. Following her admission to the bar, Ms. Ramirez served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender from 1990 to 1995, left the Office for private practice in 1996 to 1997, and returned to the Public Defender’s Office from 1997 to 1998. She has served as an administrative law judge with the Illinois Department of Human Services, and is currently an administrative law judge with the Illinois Department of Public Health. Ms. Ramirez is considered to have good legal ability, and is praised as an administrative law judge for her temperament and legal skills. She acquired first-hand litigation and courtroom experience both as an Assistant Public Defender and as a private practitioner. The Council finds her Qualified.

Gerald V. Cleary -- Qualified

Gerald Patrick Cleary III has been a lawyer since 1989. He is currently a partner at SmithAmundsen, doing a variety of civil litigation. He leads the firm’s aerospace practice and also represents municipalities and corporations in civil rights matters. From 1990 to 1997 he was an associate attorney at Querrey & Harrow doing civil litigation. Mr. Cleary is considered to have good legal ability and an excellent temperament. He is praised for being exceptionally knowledgeable, hard-working, and fair. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

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CCL evaluations in the race for the countywide Pucinski vacancy

The Chicago Council of Lawyers has released its evaluations of candidates running for the Pucinski vacancy. Candidates are listed in ballot order. All of the following are candidates in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this (or any other) countywide Circuit Court vacancy.

Edward J. Maloney -- Qualified

Edward James Maloney was admitted to practice in 1989. He is a career Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney where he has prosecuted misdemeanors and felony criminal cases, and has recently begun representing Cook County in civil litigation. He reports acting as lead counsel in 40 criminal jury trials, 500 criminal bench trials, and one civil bench trial. Mr. Maloney is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for his temperament. He has had experience with both simple and complex criminal matters and respondents noted that he has successfully made the transition to civil litigation. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Lorna Ellen Propes -- Well Qualified

Judge Lorna Propes was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2010. She was admitted to practice in 1975. Before becoming a judge, she was a partner in the firm of Propes & Kaveny LLC. She served as an Assistant Cook County State's Attorney between 1975 and 1980. She has been in private practice since 1980, concentrating on medical malpractice, product liability, and personal injury litigation. Judge Propes was considered to be an excellent trial attorney with substantial experience in more complex litigation matters. She brings to the bench a knowledge of both civil and criminal law. She has a good temperament and has been active in community service activities. The Council finds her Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.

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CCL evaluations in the race for the countywide Stewart vacancy

The Chicago Council of Lawyers has released its evaluations of candidates running for the Stewart vacancy. Candidates are listed in ballot order. All of the following are candidates in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this (or any other) countywide Circuit Court vacancy.

Pamela M. Leeming -- Qualified

Judge Pamela M. Leeming was appointed to the bench in 2009 by the Illinois Supreme Court. She ran for election in the 2010 primary and was defeated. The Council found her Qualified for recall by the Illinois Supreme Court. Before being appointed to the bench she served an Assistant Cook County Public Defender since her admission to practice in 1990. She concentrated her practice in the areas of paternity, criminal misdemeanor, preliminary hearings, a variety of other pre- and post-trial matters, and appeals. As both a lawyer and as a judge, she is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council was concerned that as a lawyer she lacked breadth and depth in her legal experience, as well as an absence of sufficient experience in more complex litigation matters. As a judge she receives good marks for her temperament and ability to control a courtroom. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Terrence M. Jordan -- Not Recommended

Terrence M. Jordan did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds him Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

Deidre Baumann -- Not Qualified

Deidre Baumann was admitted to practice in 1992. She has spent her career in private practice with a small firm or as a sole practitioner. She handles civil litigation primarily, in both state and federal courts. She reports acting as lead counsel in 12 civil and 8 criminal cases. She also reports having significant appellate experience. While many respondents had a favorable impression of her litigation experience, a significant number questioned whether she had been knowledgeable enough in the cases they had opposed her. Ms. Baumann has been the subject of unfavorable written opinions by two judges. Most respondents say that she has a good temperament. While Ms. Baumann appears to be a respected attorney by many, there are attorneys who question her level of knowledge in some of her cases. On balance, the Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Mary Margaret Burke -- Not Recommended

Mary Margaret Burke did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds her Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

Sammy W. Lacey Jr. -- Not Recommended

Sammy W. Lacey, Jr. did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds Mr. Lacey Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

Rhonda Salleé -- Not Qualified

Rhoda Salleé was admitted to practice in Illinois in November 1999. She is a sole practitioner. From 2000 to 2009, Ms. Sallee´ worked part-time at Clarence L. Burch & Associates doing criminal defense work, and from 2003 to 2007 she was a Senior Attorney at Forest Preserve District of Cook County. From 1999 to 2002 she was a law clerk for the Circuit Court of Cook County. She is active in community affairs. Ms. Salleé is considered to be bright with a variety of professional experiences. The Council is concerned that during the evaluation, many respondents stated that she was often over zealous in her representation. Many respondents also commented on her temperament, saying she can be overly aggressive. The Council is also concerned that her practice at this time lacks sufficient depth – that she is an insufficient amount of litigation experience in more complex matters. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Steve Demitro -- Not Recommended

Steve Demitro did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds him Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

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CCL evaluations in the race for the countywide Ward vacancy

The Chicago Council of Lawyers has released its evaluations of candidates running for the Ward vacancy. Candidates are listed in ballot order. All of the following are candidates in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this (or any other) countywide Circuit Court vacancy.

Alfred M. Swanson, Jr. -- Qualified

Judge Alfred M. Swanson was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2010. He was admitted to practice in 1982. Before taking the bench, he did commercial and construction litigation in private practice. He served for three years as an Assistant Illinois Attorney General in the Consumer Fraud and Charitable Trust Divisions. As Editor of the ISBA Bench & Bar Section Newsletter, he frequently wrote or co-authored articles for publication in the newsletter. As a practitioner, Judge Swanson was considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He was highly regarded as a solid and diligent practitioner. As a judge, he is praised for his temperament and for his courtroom management skills. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Denise Marie Nalley -- Not Recommended

Marie Nalley did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds her Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

Elizabeth Mary Hayes -- Not Qualified

Elizabeth Mary Hayes was admitted to practice in 1986. In 2010 she became an Assistant Cook County Public Defender involved in misdemeanor matters. From 1994 to 2007 she was a Hearing Officer in the Child Protection Division. From 2007 to 2010 she worked in the Child Protection Division as a court coordinator. She was a staff attorney with the Illinois Guardianship & Advocacy Commission, Legal Advocacy Services from 1987 to 1993. The Council is concerned that her legal career lacks sufficient experience with litigation matters in more complex cases. Much of her work has been administrative in nature. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Joan Marie Kubalanza -- Qualified

Judge Kubalanza was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to be a trial judge in 2008. She is assigned to the Child Protection Division of the Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Her assignment began on the date of her recall December 1, 2008. When she was on the bench previously as an Associate Judge, 1998 to 1999, she was also assigned to the Child Protection Division of the Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Division. She was admitted to practice in 1984. Prior to becoming a judge, she was in private practice. Ms. Kubalanza is considered to have good legal ability and had solid litigation experience in more complex matters before taking the bench. She is praised for her temperament. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Peter J. Vilkelis -- Qualified

Peter J. Vilkelis was admitted to practice in 1980. He is in private practice focusing on criminal defense work. He served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney between 1981 and 1990. He is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for his professionalism. He has substantial experience in more complex legal matters. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Brian J. Stephenson -- Qualified

Brian Stephenson was admitted to practice in 1988. He has been in private practice throughout his career doing insurance defense, other types of civil litigation, and criminal defense. He is praised for his community service. He reports acting as lead counsel in 15 criminal jury cases, five civil jury cases, about 50 civil bench trials, and 25 criminal bench trials. Mr. Stephenson is considered to have good legal ability with a professional demeanor. He is respected as a good practitioner who is diligent and well-prepared. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

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CCL evaluations in the race for the Stuttley vacancy in the 2nd Subcircuit

The Chicago Council of Lawyers has released its evaluations of candidates running for the Stuttley vacancy in the 2nd Subcircuit. Candidates are listed in ballot order. All of the following are candidates in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this Circuit Court vacancy.

Carl B. Boyd -- Not Qualified

Carl B. Boyd was admitted to practice in Illinois in October 1991. Mr. Boyd has been a general practitioner with the same firm for 19 years doing bankruptcy and torts litigation. He has participated with the Rainbow Push Legal Clinic and the Chicago South Community Development Organization. Mr. Boyd is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council is concerned, however, that his actual trial work is limited. On balance, the Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Arthur Wesley "Wes" Willis -- Qualified

Arthur Wesley Willis was admitted to practice in 1994. He is a career Assistant Cook County Public Defender, now handling felony trials. He reports being lead counsel in 25 trials that have gone to a jury verdict and over 300 that have gone to a bench verdict. Mr. Willis is considered to have good legal ability. He is praised by prosecutors, other defense counsel, and judges for the quality of his motion practice, research, and grasp of legal issues. He has a professional demeanor. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Alma Learetta Tyson -- Not Recommended

Alma Learetta Tyson did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds her Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

Chester Slaughter -- Not Recommended

Chester Slaughter did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds him Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

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CCL evaluations in the race for the McGann vacancy in the 3rd Subcircuit

The Chicago Council of Lawyers has released its evaluations of candidates running for the McGann vacancy in the 3rd Subcircuit. Candidates are listed in ballot order. All of the following are candidates in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this Circuit Court vacancy.

Maureen Leahy Delehanty -- Qualified

Maureen Leahy Delehanty has been a lawyer since 1992. She has served as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney throughout her career. Since April 2007 she has been the coordinator of the preliminary hearings room in the Markham courthouse. Lawyers report that Ms. Delahanty is considered to have good legal ability. A few lawyers complained about her temperament, but she is generally considered to be a knowledgeable prosecutor who does her job well. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Scott Edward Lipinski -- Not Qualified

Scott Lipinski was admitted to practice in Illinois in November 2002. He currently serves as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender assigned to a misdemeanor courtroom in the Fifth Municipal District. Most attorneys report that Mr. Lipinski is capable of handling a misdemeanor call. But he does not have substantial litigation experience in more complex matters. Many lawyers also report that he on occasion will lose his temper in a professional setting. The Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

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CCL evaluations in the race for the "A" vacancy in the 4th Subcircuit

The Chicago Council of Lawyers has released its evaluations of candidates running for the "A" vacancy in the 4th Subcircuit. Candidates are listed in ballot order.

Democratic Candidates

Julie Line Bailey -- Qualified

Julie Line Bailey was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1990. She is in private practice focusing on property and casualty subrogation. She has spent most of her legal career doing litigation as a private practitioner. She spent a short time at the beginning of her career doing appeals as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. She reports handling 60 appellate cases. Ms. Bailey is considered to have good legal ability and is reported to be a well-respected lawyer in the area of subrogation and insurance liens. Her career involves substantial in-court motion practice in addition to bench and jury trials. She is reported to have a good temperament. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Karin Elizabeth Swanson -- Qualified

Karin E. Swanson was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1995. She currently serves as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney, prosecuting murders, attempted murders, aggravated battery with a firearm and sexual assault cases. She served as an Assistant Illinois Attorney General between 1995 and 1999. Ms. Swanson is considered to have good legal ability. She is praised for her litigation skills and for being well-prepared. She is reported to have a good temperament and is considered to be a zealous, but fair prosecutor. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Linda A. Walls -- Not Qualified

Linda was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1999. She currently serves as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. She also held this position from 1999 to 2005. From December 2005 to April 2009 as a solo practitioner in Palos Hills. Ms. Walls is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council is concerned, however, that she does not yet have sufficient litigation experience in more complex matters. The Council finds her Not Qualified at this time for the Circuit Court.

Edward M. Maloney -- Qualified

Edward Michael Maloney was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1978. He is a partner at Ahern Maloney Moran & Block. From 1978 to 1985 he was an associate at Hennessy, Faraci & Tassone. He has published various articles on DUI related issues for the ISBA Traffic Newsletter, and the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. Mr. Maloney is considered to have good legal ability and is exceptionally knowledgeable about his practice area. He is reported to have good temperament and has substantial litigation experience in more complex matters. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Republican Candidate

Christine Cook -- Qualified

Christine Cook was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1990. She is an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney doing appellate work. She worked from 2003 to 2008 as an Assistant State’s Attorney at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office in the Complex Narcotics Division, from 1997 to 2008 as an Assistant State’s Attorney for the Criminal Appeals Division, and from 1994 to 1997 as an Assistant State’s Attorney for the Criminal Prosecutions Bureau in Markham, IL. Ms. Cook is reported to have good legal ability and most respondents praised her temperament. The Council is concerned about her lack of jury trial experience. However, she has substantial complex motion practice experience and frequently appears in court. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

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CCL evaluations in the race for the Delgado vacancy in the 6th Subcircuit

The Chicago Council of Lawyers has released its evaluations of candidates running for the Delgado vacancy in the 6th Subcircuit. Candidates are listed in ballot order. All of the following are candidates in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this Circuit Court vacancy.

Beatriz Santiago -- Qualified

Beatriz Santiago was admitted to practice in 1996. She is an Assistant Cook County Public Defender defending felony cases in the Juvenile Division. For three years she was in private practice doing personal injury litigation. She is active in community affairs. As an Assistant Public Defender she has tried over 200 bench trials to verdict.

She is considered to have very good legal ability with good litigation skills. She was praised by both judges, colleagues, and prosecutors as being a zealous advocate for her clients while maintaining a professional demeanor. She is praised for her integrity. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Mark V. Ferrante -- Well Qualified

Mark Vincent Ferrante was admitted to practice in Illinois on November 9, 1983. From April 1991 to the present he has worked at the Law Offices of Mark V. Ferrante as the owner of the firm. His practice focuses on personal injury matters. He has served in the Chicago Department of Law. He received a Pro Bono Service Award from the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and the Federal Bar Association. Mark Ferrante is highly praised for his legal ability, his professionalism, his attention to detail, and temperament. He has substantial litigation experience in more complex matters and has written and lectured for the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Gregory Emmett Ahern, Jr. -- Qualified

Gregory E. Ahern Jr. was admitted into practice in 1995, and has been an Assistant State’s Attorney his entire career. He became a first chair in 2004, handling felony trials. As lead trial counsel, he reports that he has brought 15 cases to a jury verdict. In addition, he has litigated 26 appellate cases. Mr Ahern is described as having good legal ability and is hardworking with an even-keeled temperament. He is considered ethical and is praised by opposing counsel as being honest and well-prepared. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Carlos Claudio -- Not Recommended

Carlos Claudio did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds him Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

Kent A. Delgado -- Qualified

Kent Delgado was admitted to practice in 1996. He is currently a partner with Delgado and Tiernan, PC doing criminal defense, probate, and immigration law. From 1996 to 2007, he served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. He reports handling 25 criminal jury trials, 1 civil law jury trial, more than 500 criminal law bench trials and 6 civil law bench trials. Mr. Delgado has substantial trial experience in more complex matters. He is respected for his knowledge of the law and for his litigation skills. He is considered to have good legal ability and temperament, and he is praised for his willingness to mentor other attorneys. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Richard Lugo -- Not Qualified

Ricardo Lugo was admitted to practice in Illinois in 2001 and in Wisconsin in 1991. From 1991 to 2000, he served as an Assistant Public Defender, concentrating in juvenile law matters. From 2002 to 2004, he was in private practice in Cook County. His present professional practice is Deputy General Counsel for the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. He has been with the Clerk’s Office in some capacity since November 2004. He is currently engaged in human resources matters. His responsibilities for the past seven years have been mostly supervisory and administrative. He currently volunteers as an advisor at the trial advocacy skills clinic at the University of Chicago Law School. Mr. Lugo is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. Most of his litigation experience is from his employment as an Assistant Public Defender in Wisconsin between 1991 and 2000, although he was involved in a litigation practice in Chicago between 2002 and 2004. Many lawyers praise his work and his litigation skills. The Council is concerned that his litigation experience is not recent and that much of his legal career has not involved litigation. On balance, the Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

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CCL evaluations in the race for the Starks vacancy in the 7th Subcircuit

The Chicago Council of Lawyers has released its evaluations of candidates running for the Toney vacancy in the 7th Subcircuit. Candidates are listed in ballot order. All of the following are candidates in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this Circuit Court vacancy.

Tommy Brewer -- Qualified

Judge Tommy Hoskin Brewer was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2010. He was admitted to practice in 1976. Before becoming a judge, he was in private practice, specializing in criminal defense. He has been a sole practitioner since 1996. From 1976 to 1981 her served as a special agent for the FBI. He was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney from 1981 to 1985 and worked as a trial attorney and Deputy Chief in the Massachusetts Attorney Office from 1985 to 1989. He was the Chief Administrative Law Judge for the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation from 1991 to 1993. Mr. Brewer is reported to have good legal ability and good temperament. He has substantial litigation experience in a a variety of matters. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Roxanne L. Rochester -- Qualified

Roxanne L. Rochester was admitted to the bar in 1989. She is a staff attorney in the Law Motions Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Before that, she was in private practice, spending fifteen years as a solo practitioner handling litigation, transactions for small companies, and probate work. Ms. Rochester is considered to be knowledgeable and well-prepared, with good analytical skills. She has substantial litigation experience in more complex civil litigation. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

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CCL evaluations in the race for the Toney vacancy in the 7th Subcircuit

The Chicago Council of Lawyers has released its evaluations of candidates running for the Toney vacancy in the 7th Subcircuit. Candidates are listed in ballot order. All of the following are candidates in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this Circuit Court vacancy.

Arthur P. Wheatley -- Qualified

Judge Arthur P. Wheatley was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2010. He was admitted to practice in 1974. Before becoming a judge, he was Deputy General Counsel of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). He spent much of his career as an attorney with the CTA, although he worked for the federal government and was in private practice for four years. As a lawyer, he was considered to have good legal ability and was praised for his temperament and for his knowledge of tort law. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Mable Taylor -- Not Qualified

Mable Taylor was admitted to practice in 1994. She is a sole practitioner doing both criminal and civil law matters. Some lawyers report that she is a good lawyer with good temperament. She has demonstrated her commitment to public service. However, while Ms. Taylor has litigation experience, the Council is concerned that she lacks sufficient experience in more complex matters. In addition, she showed questionable judgment during the evaluation process through her unwillingness to cooperate fully with the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening (which includes the Chicago Council of Lawyers) in its efforts to gather meaningful information about her record and candidacy. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Kimberly D. Lewis -- Not Recommended

Kimberly Lewis did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds her Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

Mark Battaglia -- Not Qualified

Mark Battaglia was admitted to practice in 2000. He served for five years as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. He is now in private practice doing criminal defense, family law, and personal injury matters. Mr. Battaglia is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council is concerned that he lacks sufficient experience in more complex litigation matters. The Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

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CCL evaluations in the race for the Chiola vacancy in the 8th Subcircuit

The Chicago Council of Lawyers has released its evaluations of candidates running for the Chiola vacancy in the 8th Subcircuit. Candidates are listed in ballot order. All of the following are candidates in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this Circuit Court vacancy.

Rodney W. Stewart -- Not Qualified

Rodney Stewart was admitted in 1983. Since 1985, he has been a sole practitioner with an emphasis in juvenile abuse and neglect cases. He has served as a hearing officer with the Chicago Board of Education since 2000. Prior to serving as a sole practitioner, he was an attorney with the Chicago Department of Law. As lead counsel he reports taking six civil cases to a jury verdict and around 40 civil cases to a bench verdict. He has litigated five appellate cases. Mr. Stewart is reported to have good legal ability and experience in a variety of litigation matters. He is praised for his temperament. The Council is concerned, however, that his practice lacks sufficient breadth. The Council finds Mr. Stewart Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Celia Louise Gamrath -- Qualified

Judge Celia Louise Gamrath was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2010. She was admitted to practice in 1994. Before becoming a judge, she was a partner at Schiller DuCanto and Fleck where she handled family law litigation, complex motion practice, and appeals. From 1994 to 1997, she served as a judicial law clerk in the Illinois Appellate Court. The vast majority of her cases settled before trial, but she did substantial numbers of evidentiary and dispositive motions. She reported handling about 50 appeal cases. Judge Gamrath is exceptionally active in bar association activities and has published numerous articles in legal texts. Lawyers report that as a lawyer, Judge Gamrath had good legal ability and was considered to be a zealous, ethical advocate who is hard-working. She has a good temperament and is praised for her community service. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

James A. Shapiro -- Qualified

Judge James Anthony Shapiro was admitted to practice in 1985. He was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2007 and continues to sit by appointment. As a private lawyer, he has been in private practice as (simultaneously) a solo practitioner, a partner in Shapiro & Schwartz, and of counsel to Applegate, Valauskas. His practice involved criminal law, employment, personal injury, appeals, and commercial litigation. He served as an Assistant United States Attorney from 1989 to 1995. From 1985 to 1989, he was in private civil practice doing commercial, tort, and labor litigation. Mr. Shapiro was also a hearing officer with the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission and a Cook County Arbitrator.

As a lawyer, Judge Shapiro was considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He had litigation experience in both civil and criminal law matters. He had demonstrated a laudable commitment to community service. As a judge, he is respected for his fairness, temperament, and ability to communicate with all those in the courtroom. The Council finds Judge Shapiro Qualified to serve in Circuit Court.

Thomas N. Osran -- Qualified

Thomas N. Osran was admitted to practice in 1990. Prior to becoming an attorney, he was a newspaper reporter in Waukegan. Between 1991 and 2000, he served as an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the Chicago Department of Law. From 2000 to 2001, he worked at a public relations firm as an account executive. From 2001 to 2002, he worked at Arthur Andersen. Since 2002, he has been in private practice doing tort and insurance defense litigation. Mr. Osran is considered to have good legal ability. He has substantial litigation experience in more complex matters. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

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CCL evaluations in the race for the Cole vacancy in the 8th Subcircuit

The Chicago Council of Lawyers has released its evaluations of candidates running for the Cole vacancy in the 8th Subcircuit. Candidates are listed in ballot order. All of the following are candidates in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this Circuit Court vacancy.

Brad Trowbridge -- Not Qualified

Bradley R. Trowbridge was admitted to practice in Illinois in 2000. Prior to law school he served as a social worker. Since 2004 he has served as a sole practitioner focusing on domestic relations issues. He has worked as a Staff Attorney at the Chicago Department of Law, as a Staff Attorney at the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago, and as an associate with Audrey Gaynor & Associates. He has done Domestic Violence/Order of Protection pro bono work. Mr. Trowbridge is considered to have good legal ability. He is praised by both lawyers and judges as having good litigation skills. He has a good temperament and is praised as being respectful and professional. The Council is concerned about his relatively few years in practice, and the narrowness of his experience. On balance, the Council finds him Not Qualified at this time for the Circuit Court.

John H. Ehrlich -- Well Qualified

John H. Ehrlich was admitted to practice in 1988. He has worked in the City of Chicago Law Department since 1994 and has been Chief Assistant Corporation Counsel in the Torts Division since 1999. Prior to that, he was in private practice handling commercial litigation matters. Mr. Ehrlich has served as an adjunct professor at Northwestern University School of Law since the fall of 2003. Mr. Ehrlich has excellent legal ability and extensive legal experience. He has handled significant, high profile cases on behalf of the City of Chicago, both as plaintiff and defendant. He has a very good temperament. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Gideon Abraham Baum -- Qualified

Gideon Baum was admitted to practice in Illinois on November 5, 1992. From November 1998 to present, he has worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, primarily in the Juvenile Division. From January 1994 to November 1998 he served as Legal Counsel/Analyst for Senate Democratic Staff. He was in private practice in 1993. Mr. Baum is considered to be knowledgeable about juvenile law matters. He is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. He is involved in a court program to supervise and train newer prosecutors. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Helaine "Lainie" Berger -- Not Qualified

Judge Helaine Berger became an Associate Judge in 1997. She has been assigned to the Child Protection Division since 2008. From 1983 to 1997, Judge Berger was in private practice doing general litigation. Judge Berger is considered to be a smart, hard-working jurist with a good grasp of juvenile law. Some lawyers say she has a good temperament, but many complain that she is too often dismissive of the lawyers before her. Many lawyers say that she is thorough and carefully reviews prepared orders. But other lawyers say she can make inconsistent rulings, and sometimes makes decisions that are outside her jurisdiction. On balance, the Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

James L. Kaplan -- Qualified

Judge James L. Kaplan was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2010. He was admitted to practice in 1971. Before becoming a Circuit Judge, he was senior partner with the law firm of Kaplan & Sorosky Ltd., and served as a judge on the Illinois Court of Claims. His practice primarily involved workers’ compensation matters. Judge Kaplan was considered to be a good lawyer with good legal ability and temperament. As a judge, he is reported to demonstrate a good temperament and ability to manage a courtroom. The Council finds Mr. Kaplan Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Ellis B. Levin -- Not Qualified

Ellis B. Levin was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1973. He is currently a sole practitioner specializing in condominium, cooperative community associations, and property tax law. He primarily represents condominiums, community associations, and cooperatives in forcible entry cases and in administrative proceedings involving housing discrimination matters and building code cases. He was an Illinois State Representative from 1977-1979 and from 1981 to 1995. From 1973 to 1977, he served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Mr. Levin had a long career in the public service. The Council is concerned, however, that his litigation experience is narrow and he has insufficient experience in more complex matters. Some lawyers have questioned his tactics as a lawyer. The Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

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