Two candidates filed in the Republican primary for this vacancy; only one candidate filed in the Democratic primary. The Republican candidates are listed first.
Daniel Patrick Fitzgerald is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Fitzgerald was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991 and is currently senior in-house counsel for a large corporation. Mr. Fitzgerald has worked as an in-house counsel for twelve (12) years and represents the company in a variety of civil litigation matters. Mr. Fitzgerald’s prior legal experience includes: serving as a law clerk to a Cook County Chancery Court Judge (2 years); Chicago’s Office of Inspector General (3 years); General Counsel, Illinois Racing Board (3 years); and Assistant Illinois Attorney General (6 years). While Mr. Fitzgerald has had a broad range of experience, his court and trial experience is limited. He does not possess the depth and breadth of legal knowledge and practice to effectively serve as a Circuit Court Judge.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Daniel P. Fitzgerald was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1991. Since 2005, he has worked as a litigation attorney for the Walgreen Company, where he currently serves as Senior Counsel. He focuses on health care litigation but has also handled employment law and environmental law cases. Previously, he was Chief Legal Counsel and Chief of the Bureau of Administrative Litigation of the Office of the Inspector General, Illinois Department of Health Care and Family Services (2002-2005); General Counsel to the Illinois Racing Board (1999-2002); Assistant State’s Attorney in the Illinois Attorney General’s Office (1993-1999); and Judicial Law Clerk in the Cook County Circuit Court, Chancery Division (1991-1993).The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Mr. Fitzgerald is considered to have good legal ability with a wide range of litigation and other legal experience. He has handled complex litigation on his own and as a supervisor of outside counsel. His is reported to possess a good temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Daniel Patrick Fitzgerald was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1991. He is currently a litigation attorney for the Walgreen's Corporation, focusing on health care litigation from case evaluation to settlement. Prior to that position, he was on the staff of the Office of inspector General, Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services; General Counsel for the Illinois Racing Board; and an assistant attorney general. Attorneys reported that he has a thorough understanding of the entire legal process, and is very good at analyzing legal issues, with high integrity. He has been active with the Northwest Suburban Bar association and active with civic affairs in Barrington Township. Mr. Daniel Patrick Fitzgerald is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.Other Bar Association Evaluations:
| Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area | Qualified |
| Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago | Not Evaluated |
| 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 |
Judge Michael P. Gerber is “Highly Qualified” for the office Circuit Court Judge. Judge Gerber was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1980 and served as a Cook County Assistant Public Defender for four years and as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney for 32 years before his appointment to the Circuit Court in 2016. Judge Gerber is highly regarded for his knowledge of the law, judicial ability, commitment to fairness, and excellent temperament.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Hon. Michael P. Gerber was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1980. He was appointed to the bench as a Circuit Judge by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2016. He presides over criminal misdemeanors, felony preliminary hearings, and traffic matters. Previously, he worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Cook County, where he prosecuted criminal matters (1984-2016); an Assistant Public Defender in Cook County (1981-1984), where he handled motions and trials and, during his last 18 months there, felony preliminary hearings; and as an associate for Martin S. Gerber (1980-1981), where he handled civil municipal and misdemeanor cases in the Circuit Court of Cook County.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
As a lawyer, Judge Gerber was considered to be an outstanding practitioner with very good legal ability and temperament. He was respected for his litigation skills and he had substantial litigation experience in more complex matters. He is reported to be exceptionally knowledgeable. As a judge he is reported to be handling a high volume call with efficiency and fairness. On the basis of this 2017 evaluation the Council would have found Judge Gerber to be Well Qualified.
However, subsequent to the evaluation the Council conducted in 2017, the Council notes that a post conviction judge vacated a murder case conviction that then Mr. Gerber had prosecuted many years earlier. In vacating the conviction, the judge stated in regard to Mr. Gerber, as the prosecutor, that he had made “factually false arguments to the jury” about a key piece of evidence. The judge further stated,
"This Court cannot say the prosecutor's improper remarks did not contribute to petitioner's conviction; a jury could have reached a contrary verdict had the improper remarks not been made. * * * Indeed, such statements amounted to a purposeful due process violation that led to petitioner's conviction. As such, petitioner was prejudiced by appellate counsel's failure to raise this claim."The defendant was exonerated. The Council considers these findings to be exceptionally serious. However, the Council also must consider the totality of Judge Gerber’s well-respected career. In a close call, the Council finds Judge Gerber to be Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Michael Perry Gerber was admitted in 1980. He was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2016, and is currently assigned to the Second District (Skokie) as a Municipal Department judge. Prior to his appointment, he spent over thirty years as an assistant state's attorney after a short stint in private practice and as an assistant public defender. As a prosecutor, he had extensive criminal jury trial experience; he was cited, however, several times for improper closing arguments. As a judge, attorneys report that he makes thoughtful rulings, is very knowledgeable, researches the law and runs his courtroom efficiently. Judge Gerber is found to be Highly Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.Other Bar Association Evaluations:
| Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area | Qualified |
| 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 | Not Evaluated |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
Shannon P. O’Malley 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:
Shannon P. O’Malley did not participate in the evaluation process. The Council finds her Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Shannon P. O’Malley declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Mr. Shannon P. O’Malley is found to be Not Recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.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 |
Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this vacancy.
Linda Perez is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Perez was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2001 and has served as a Cook County Assistant Public Defender since her admission to the bar. Ms. Perez has had varied assignments in the Public Defender’s Office including probation, juvenile justice, traffic and specialty courts. Ms. Perez is well regarded for her excellent demeanor and possesses the requisite depth and breadth of legal knowledge and experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Linda Perez was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2001.Since 2002, she has worked at the Cook County Public Defender’s Office, where her current title is Assistant Public Defender III. She has held positions in the Felony Trial Division (2013-2018), the Juvenile Justice Division (2012-2013, 2004), the Misdemeanor Division (2005-2012), and the Civil Child Protection Division (2002-2004).The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Ms. Perez is considered to have good legal ability and has a professional demeanor. She has had a variety of experiences as an Assistant Public Defender and has defended more complex matters as part of her assignment to the Felony Trial Division for the past five years. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Linda Perez has been licensed since 2001. She is a career assistant public defender who is currently assigned to Felony Trial. She is considered to be a hard-working zealous advocate. Concerns were raised, however about her lack of recent litigation and the lack of complex litigation, as well as the depth and breadth of her total experience. Ms. Linda Perez is found to be Not Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.Other Bar Association Evaluations:
| Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area | Qualified |
| Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago | Recommended |
| Cook County Bar Association | Highly 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 |
Stephanie Miller is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Miller was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1999 and is serving as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney, First Chair, in the Felony Trial Division at the Leighton Criminal Court. Ms. Miller has extensive trial and court experience and is well regarded for her knowledge of law and legal ability. Ms. Miller is dedicated to public service and is actively engaged in community and bar association work.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Hon. Stephanie K. Miller was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1999. In January 2017 the Illinois Supreme Court appointed her a Circuit Court Judge to fill the Lopez-Cepero vacancy in the 6th Judicial Subcircuit. She currently presides in Central Bond Court, and served previous assignments in traffic court, as well as misdemeanor and felony preliminary hearings courtrooms. From 2001 to 2017, she was an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Cook County State’s Attorney Office, where she worked in Juvenile Court, Preliminary Hearings, Felony Review, the Felony Trial Division, and the Sex Crimes Division. From 1999 to 2001 she was an Assistant Public Guardian in the Cook County Public Guardian’s Office.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
As a lawyer, Judge Miller was considered to have good legal ability and temperament. She had a well-respected career as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office with substantial litigation experience in complex matters. She has earned praise for her work as a judge. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Stephanie K. Miller was admitted in 1999. She was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2017, and is currently assigned to Pretrial matters at the Leighton Criminal Court building. Prior to her appointment, Judge Miller spent 16 years as an assistant state's attorney prosecuting juvenile, felony and sex crimes. She has extensive criminal jury and bench trial experience, and is known for her solid legal knowledge and ability. She is considered to be professional with a good judicial temperament. She has been involved with bar association and community activities. Judge Stephanie K. Miller is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.Other Bar Association Evaluations:
| Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area | Qualified |
| 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 |
Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this vacancy.
Stephanie Saltouros is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Saltouros was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1996 and served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for 12 years before entering private practice. Ms. Saltouros has substantial felony and misdemeanor trial experience. Ms. Saltouros is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, integrity, fine temperament, diligence, work ethic, good communication skills and punctuality.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Hon. Stephanie D. Saltouros was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1996. In September 2016 the Illinois Supreme Court appointed her as a Circuit Judge. She is currently a assigned to the First Municipal District in Cook County Circuit Court. Previously, she was a solo practitioner with a practice focused on criminal defense (2008-2016), and an Assistant Attorney in the Cook County State’s Attorney Office (1996-2008), where she prosecuted criminal and traffic cases. She is a member of the Pensions and Benefits Committee of the Illinois Judges Association.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Judge Saltouros is considered to have good legal ability. Respondents praised her as a prosecutor, a criminal defense practitioner, and as a judge. She is reported to have a professional demeanor. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Stephanie Saltouros has been licensed since 1996. She was appointed to the circuit court in September 2016 and is currently assigned to Domestic Violence. She was in private practice since 2008 until her appointment, after twelve years as an assistant state’s attorney. Her practice focused on criminal, domestic and traffic defense, and some civil work. She is considered to be very smart and quick to grasp legal issues, practical and even-tempered. Judge Stephanie Saltouros is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.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 | Highly Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Highly Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Highly Recommended |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
Gwynn E. Ward Brown is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Brown was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991 and has served as a Cook County Assistant Public Defender for 26 years. Ms. Brown has extensive experience in post-convictions and appeals and possesses the requisite legal knowledge and experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Gwyn E. Ward-Brown was admitted to the Wisconsin Bar in 1989 and to the Illinois Bar in 1991. She is an Assistant Public Defender in the Cook County Public Defender’s Office.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Ms. Brown is considered to have good legal ability who is knowledgeable about her area of law. She is reported to be a mentor in her office of other lawyers. She has substantial litigation experience, although she has been handling post conviction and appellate matters for the past five years. She is praised for her temperament. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Gwyndolette E. Ward-Brown has been licensed in Illinois since 1991, in Wisconsin since 1989. She had a solo practice in Wisconsin before moving to Illinois and becoming an assistant public defender. She has been assigned for a number of years to the Legal Resources Division, handling appeals and post-conviction matters. While she is considered to be diligent and knowledgeable in her area, she has very limited jury trial experience, all dating from approximately twenty years ago. Ms. Gwyn E. Ward-Brown is found to be Not Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.Other Bar Association Evaluations:
| Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area | Qualified |
| Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago | Recommended |
| Cook County Bar Association | Recommended |
| Decalogue Society of Lawyers | Not Recommended |
| Hellenic Bar Association | Recommended |
| Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois | Not Recommended |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Not Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
Lorraine Murphy is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Murphy was admitted to practice law in 2003 and is serving as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney in the Felony Trial Division at the George N. Leighton Criminal Court. Ms. Murphy was serving as a member of the Judicial Evaluation Committee when the committee began its investigative work for candidates running in the March 2018 primary. Ms. Murphy’s “Not Recommended” finding is based on Rule 17.5 of the Judicial Evaluation Committee’s governing resolution, which reads in pertinent part “…a candidate’s participation in the evaluation shall be deemed to have occurred if the candidate is still a member of the committee on the date investigation files are first distributed to investigation teams for other judicial candidates in the same primary or general election.”The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Lorraine Lynnot Murphy was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2003. She is an Assistant State’s Attorney at the Cook County State’s Attorney Office, where she currently is First Chair in a felony courtroom at the George Leighton Criminal Courthouse. She is a member of several bar associations, including the Chicago Bar Association, where she served on the Judicial Evaluation Committee.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Ms. Murphy is considered to have good legal ability. She is reported to have a good temperament and is praised for her trial skills. She has substantial experience in complex litigation matters and is currently a lead prosecutor in a felony trial courtroom. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Lorraine Murphy has been licensed since 2003. She is an assistant state’s attorney assigned to Felony Trial at the Leighton Criminal Court building. She is considered to be very accomplished attorney with substantial jury and bench trial experience and to treat all with respect. Ms. Lorraine Murphy is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.Other Bar Association Evaluations:
| Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area | Qualified |
| Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago | Not Evaluated |
| 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 | Highly Recommended |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
Two Republicans and one Democrat filed for this vacancy. The Republican candidates are listed first.
Gary William Seyring is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Seyring was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1978 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in family law, real estate, business law, and wills, trusts and estates. Mr. Seyring has commercial litigation experience and is well regarded for his knowledge of probate, tax and family law. Mr. Seyring is actively involved in community service and highly regarded by the judges before whom he has appeared.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Gary W. Seyring was admitted to practice in 1978. He is also a Certified Public Accountant. He is a solo practitioner focusing on domestic relations, real estate, estate planning, tax planning, and business law. A substantial percentage of Mr. Seyring’s practice involves litigation. He is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Gary W. Seyring has been licensed since 1978. He is a sole practitioner and a CPA focusing on domestic relations, real estate, estate planning, and business law. He does have litigation experience in those areas. It is reported that he has good legal knowledge and is diligent with a good demeanor. Mr. Gary W. Seyring is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.Other Bar Association Evaluations:
| Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area | Qualified |
| 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 Evaluated |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
Susanne Groebner is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Groebner was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2000 and is currently serving as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney in the Third Municipal District. Ms. Groebner has tried many complex cases and is well respected by judges and lawyers for her knowledge of the law, outstanding trial skills, fine demeanor and temperament.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Susanne Groebner was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2000. Since 2001, she has worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Cook County State’s Attorney Office, where she currently works in the Felony Trial Division in Rolling Meadows, IL (2013-present). She previously served in the Felony Trial Division in Chicago (2008-2013); in the Felony Review, Preliminary Hearings, and Grand Jury Units (2004-2008); in the Juvenile Division (Abuse and Neglect/Delinquency, 2001-2004); and in the Child Support Division (2001).The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Ms. Groebner is considered to have good legal ability. Respondents to this evaluation say that she has good litigation skills and that she is an honest and fair prosecutor. She has substantial litigation experience in more complex matters. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Susanne Groebner has been licensed since 2000. She is a career assistant state's attorney, and is currently assigned to felony courthouses in District 3 (Rolling Meadows). She has tried close to 50 criminal juries as lead counsel and hundreds of bench trials. She is considered to have a thorough knowledge of the legal process, and to be diligent, even-keeled and open-minded. In general, she is seen as honest and respectful; early campaign materials, however, improperly appeared to refer to her as a sitting judge, and the material was corrected after a complaint was filed. She is active in local youth sports activities. Ms. Susanne Groebner is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.Other Bar Association Evaluations:
| Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area | Qualified |
| 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 |
Judge Ketki Shroff Steffen is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Steffen was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991 and was first appointed to the Circuit Court in 2010. Judge Steffen served on the bench for two years and presided over traffic, civil and criminal domestic violence cases. From 2013 to November 2015, she served as an Administrative Law Judge Arbitrator for the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. Judge Steffen was reappointed to the Circuit Court in 2015 and is currently assigned to the First Municipal District where she presides over forcible detainer cases. Judge Steffen is diligent and highly regarded her knowledge of the law, judicial ability, and integrity.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Ketki Shroff Steffen was admitted to practice in 1991. She was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2015 and served until December 2016. She was a career Assistant State’s Attorney for Cook County. She reports being lead counsel in 30 trials that have gone to a jury verdict and over 500 that have gone to a bench verdict. She has litigated 13 cases on appeal. Ms. Steffen is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. She enjoys a reputation as a trusted and experienced criminal law litigator. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Ketki “Kay” Steffen has been licensed since 1991. In November 2015 she was appointed to the circuit court, assigned to the Third District, until December 2016. She is currently an arbitrator for the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission. She also served as a circuit court judge by appointment from 2010 – 2013 and was then appointed to be an Administrative Law Judge for the Illinois Compensation Commission from 2013 – 2015. Before her original appointment to the bench, Ms. Steffen spent nineteen years with the State’s Attorney’s Office where she obtained extensive litigation experience. She is considered knowledgeable in a variety of areas of law and is highly regarded by attorneys who have appeared before her. Ms. Ketki Steffen is found to be Highly Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.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 | Highly Qualified |
| 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 |
Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this vacancy.
Judge Marian Emily Perkins is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Perkins was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1987 and served as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney and as staff attorney with the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation. Judge Perkins entered private practice in 1998 and concentrated her practice largely in criminal matters. Judge Perkins was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2017 and is currently assigned to Traffic Court. While Judge Perkins is recognized for her integrity and excellent temperament, concerns about the depth of her legal knowledge and judicial ability resulted in a “Not Recommended” finding.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Marian Emily Perkins was admitted to practice in 1987. She was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court. Before taking the bench, she was a sole practitioner doing criminal law and domestic violence cases. She reports having been a trial advisor at the University of Chicago Mandel Clinic Intensive Trial Techniques Course. She was also a Commissioner on the Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Character and Fitness and a Commissioner on the 2009 State of Illinois Disproportionate Justice Impact Study Commission. Judge Perkins, as a lawyer, had been lead counsel in more complex jury and bench trials, including a recent three day trial, and bench trials in juvenile and felony trial courtrooms. She had substantial recent experience in more complex litigation matters. Judge Perkins is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. She was praised for her trial skills as well as for her civic activities. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Marian E. Perkins was admitted in 1987. She was appointed to the Circuit Court in July, 2017, and is currently assigned to the Municipal Department, First District, Traffic section. Prior to her appointment, Judge Perkins was a sole practitioner concentrating in criminal defense and family law. Before opening her practice, she had been an assistant state's attorney, on the staff of the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation, and an attorney with the State Appellate Defender. She has substantial jury and bench trial experience both criminal and civil, and received high marks from attorneys for her litigation skills, disposition, integrity and legal knowledge. She is a former president of the Cook County Bar Association, is active in bar association activities, and was awarded the John McAdams Pro Bono Award from the Illinois State Bar Association. Judge Marian E. Perkins is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.Other Bar Association Evaluations:
| Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area | Qualified |
| Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago | Recommended |
| Cook County Bar Association | Highly 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 |
Jenetia Marshall 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:
Jenetia Marshall did not participate in the evaluation process. The Council finds her Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Jenetia Marshall declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Ms. Jenetia Marshall is found to be Not Recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.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 |
David L. Kelly is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Kelly was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2001 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in civil and criminal matters. Mr. Kelly is active in bar and community work and is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal experience, integrity, fine temperament, and excellent demeanor.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
David Lewis Kelly was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2001. Since 2006, he has been a Solo Practitioner primarily focused on criminal defense, civil litigation, and real estate. Previously he was Of Counsel at the Property Law Group, LLC (2013-2015), where represented landlords and condominium associations, and investors and individuals in real estate transactions; and served as an Assistant State’s Attorney at the Cook County State’s Attorney Office (2001-2006). He is a member of the Cook County Bar Association, where he has served as Executive Board Member/Secretary (2013-2015) and provided pro bono services in Expungement Workshops and the Legal Assistance Program for low-income individuals.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Mr. Kelly is considered to have good legal ability. He is reported to be very knowledgeable with a good temperament. He has substantial litigation experience in more complex matters. He is praised for his litigation skills and for his integrity. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
David L. Kelly has been licensed since 2001. After serving as an assistant state’s attorney, he opened his own general practice in 2006, focusing on criminal defense and real estate. He has both criminal and civil trial experience. He is well-regarded for his litigation skills, knowledge and temperament, and is considered to be ethical and respectful. He is active in bar associations and legal clinics. Mr. David L. Kelly is found to be Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.Other Bar Association Evaluations:
| Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area | Qualified |
| 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 | Highly Recommended |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
Edited 5/9/18 to remove no-longer-functioning video link. I heard this on the radio in the last couple of days: Singer Anita Baker is bein...
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