CCL evaluations in the race for the O'Brien vacancy in the 11th Subcircuit

The Chicago Council of Lawyers has released its evaluations of candidates running for the O'Brien vacancy in the 11th 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 A. Murphy -- Qualified

Maureen Murphy was admitted to practice in 1984. She currently serves as senior counsel to the Archdiocese of Chicago, where she has practiced since 1993. Her current practice includes employment and contract law, tax exemptions, school law, and general representation in a variety of matters. From January 1990 to March 1993, she worked as an associate at Phelan, Pope & John. From October 1987 to December 1989 she served as an Assistant Corporation Counsel at Chicago Department of Law, and from September 1984 to September 1987 she worked as an Associate at McDermott, Will & Emery. She is considered to have good legal ability. She is praised for her professional demeanor. While she has conducted few actual trials, she has an active courtroom practice. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Michael R. Clancy -- Qualified

Judge Michael R. Clancy was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2011. He was admitted to practice in 1989. Before becoming a judge, he served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney from 1990 to 2002 where he was a well-respected first chair felony prosecutor. From 2002 to the present he has been in private practice doing criminal defense work. He is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. He has substantial litigation experience in more complex matters. He is praised for his fairness and for being hard-working. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Maritza Martinez -- Qualified

Maritza Martinez was admitted to practice in 1989. Since 2005 she has been an associate at the Law Offices of Robert Fisher doing criminal defense work. In 2004, she was at a small firm doing insurance defense and catastrophic loss work, and from 1991 until 2004, she was with the City of Chicago Department of Law doing prosecution and civil rights defense. Prior to 1991, she spent two years at a small firm doing real estate work. Since November 2007, she has also served part-time as a hearing officer with the Illinois Court of Claims, conducting trials and making recommendations to the Court of Claims judges regarding the disposition of various claims against the State of Illinois. She also currently serves on the Inquiry Board of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission. Ms. Martinez reports that she has litigation experience in both state and federal courts, acting as lead counsel in two jury trials in criminal law matters, three juries in civil matters, and numerous prosecutions involving bench trials in municipal ordinance violations. Ms. Martinez is reported to have good legal ability and is considered knowledgeable about her areas of practice. She has had litigation experience in a variety of areas and she is reported to possess a good temperament. She is active in community activities. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

Roger Zamparo -- Not Recommended

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

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