Organizing the Data: 1st Subcircuit - Johnson vacancy

Updated June 23, 2022

Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this vacancy. This post may be updated before the primary as new information becomes available.

Maria M. Barlow - #191

Campaign Website

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Maria M. Barlow 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:

Maria M. Barlow did not participate in the evaluation process. The Council finds her Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Maria M. Barlow declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Ms. Maria Barlow is found to be not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Other Bar Association Evaluations

Arab American Bar Association: Not Recommended

Asian American Bar Association: Not Recommended

Black Women Lawyers' Association: Not Recommended

Cook County Bar Association: Not Recommended

Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Not Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Not Recommended

Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Not Recommended

Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Not Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Not Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Not Recommended

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John W. Wilson - #192

Campaign Website

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Judge John W. Wilson is “Qualified” to serve as a Circuit Court Judge. Judge Wilson was admitted to practice law in 1996. Judge Wilson was an Assistant Public Defender from 1997 through 2021. He worked his way up the ranks, defending misdemeanor, juvenile and felony cases, including death penalty cases. Ultimately, he became a supervisor in the Public Defender’s office. Since being appointed a C ircuit Court Judge, he has been assigned to Traffic Court and the Fourth Municipal District presiding over misdemeanor and felony matters. He is well-regarded for his knowledge of the law, fairness, and excellent temperament.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

The Hon. John Wellington Wilson was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1996. He was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2021. Before becoming a judge, he spent his career at the Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender, where he had served as an Attorney Supervisor. From 1997 to 2019, he was an Assistant Public Defender in the Homicide Task Force Unit/Felony Trial Division.

As a lawyer, Judge Wilson was considered to have very good legal ability. He is praised by opposing counsel and by judges for his litigation skills. He has substantial litigation experience in complex criminal law matters. He is reported to have excellent temperament and is praised for his integrity. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

John W. Wilson has been licensed since 1996. He was appointed to the circuit court in July 2021 and is currently assigned to the Municipal Division at the Maywood Courthouse. At the time of his appointment, he was acting Chief of the Sixth District (Markham Courthouse) for the Cook County Public Defender. As a career public defender, prior to his role as acting chief, he had been a member of the Homicide Task Force and homicide and felony supervisor at the Markham Courthouse. He has been a speaker on legal topics and an adjunct profess of law as well as a member of the Cook County Judicial Advisory Council.

He has extensive trial experience in criminal matters, including jury and complex cases. Lawyers interviewed expressed that he has a stellar reputation for his legal knowledge and ability and possesses impressive legal skills, while also being diligent with high integrity. The Committee finds John W. Wilson highly qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Other Bar Association Evaluations

Arab American Bar Association: Recommended

Asian American Bar Association: Recommended

Black Women Lawyers' Association: Recommended

Cook County Bar Association: Recommended

Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Qualified

Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Highly Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Endorsements

Chicago Federation of Labor
IVI-IPO
"Girl, I Guess" Voter's Guide
Indo-American Democratic Organization
AMVOTE PAC
Personal PAC

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