It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.Admittedly, these weren't an immediate comfort to me either....
"Voting is a civic sacrament."
I did manage to figure out which end of the camera to point at the street by the time this bus came rolling by, touting Elizabeth Hayes' judicial bid (she's a candidate for the countywide Ward vacancy). Some of her supporters walked along with.
A JROTC group from Prosser High School got between the judicial candidates. (I couldn't get any pictures of a later group, from Foreman, because the camera in my wife's camera ran out of steam.)
And what would an Irish parade be without Irish dancers. A huge contingent from Trinity participated. Because of my camera battery, I couldn't get the later groups from Mullane or Dillon-Gavin.
I got only this one shot of the group from the O'Hare School.
I couldn't get the St. Pat's jazz band float or the group that marched with the school entry. And I couldn't get a picture of Notre Dame College Prep Football Coach and Athletic Director Mike Hennessey (he was shepherding a group of students marching and moving too quickly for my photographic skills), but Coach Hennessey is to be congratulated on his forthcoming induction into the Illinois Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
But back to the politics of the moment. Gerald V. Cleary, a candidate for the countywide O'Brien, Jr. vacancy, was represented.
There was a small contingent of supporters for Judge Kay Hanlon's bid for the Cahill vacancy on the Appellate Court.
And there was a group boosting Judge Marguerite Quinn's bid for the Gallagher vacancy on the Appellate Court.
Maureen Murphy (11th Subcircuit, O'Brien vacancy) also had a group in the parade.
The weather today was truly glorious. Next year we'll probably have the wearin' o' the green... parkas.
This candidate has no opponent in the Democratic primary and faces no Republican opponent in November.
Justice Nathaniel R. Howse, Jr. is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. Justice Howse was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1976 and had an extensive trial practice before becoming a judge in 1998. Judge Howse was retained for an additional six-year term in 2004 and was appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2009. Justice Howse is well respected for his knowledge of the law, work ethic, well-written opinions, and outstanding demeanor.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Judge Nathaniel Howse, Jr. was appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2009. He was elected to the Circuit Court in 1998. Prior to assuming the bench, he practiced about 22 years in small law firms and as a sole practitioner. He is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. As a trial judge, he was praised for his courtroom management skills and for being knowledgeable about the variety of subjects involved in his court call, including election law, mental health adjudications, and tax deeds. He is considered to be a very good jurist and is praised for the quality of his written opinions. The Council finds him Qualified for the Appellate Court.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 | Highly Recommended |
| Hellenic Bar Association | Recommended |
| Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois | Highly Qualified |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Highly Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Highly Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Highly Qualified |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
This candidate has no opponent in the Democratic primary and faces no Republican opponent in November.
Judge Maureen E. Connors is “Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. Judge Connors was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1979 and became an Associate Judge in 1988. In 1994, Judge Connors was elected to the Circuit Court and served in the Probate Division until 2010 when she was appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court. Judge Connors has served as an Appellate Court Justice for the past ten months. Judge Connors has established an excellent reputation on the Appellate Court and is highly regarded her knowledge of the law, excellent demeanor, and well-written opinions.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Judge Maureen E. Connors was appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2010. She became an Associate Judge in 1988 and was elected to the bench in 1994. She was in private practice before taking the bench. She was an assistant general attorney at the Chicago Park District from 1983 to 1988 and was an attorney with Klafter & Burke from 1979 to 1985.Other Bar Association Evaluations:
Judge Connors receives high praise both as an Appellate Court judge and as a trial jurist. She is praised for her knowledge of the law. She asks pointed questions during oral argument and her opinions are praised as well-reasoned and well-written. She was praised for her temperament as a trial judge and her ability to manage her courtroom. She gave ample time for parties before her to argue their cases and then made prompt rulings. The Council finds her Well Qualified for the Appellate Court.
| 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 |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
This candidate has no opponent in the Democratic primary and faces no Republican opponent in November.
Justice Terrence J. Lavin is “Qualified” for the office of Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. Justice Lavin was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1983 and was appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2010. Before his appointment to the Illinois Appellate Court, Justice Lavin had an extensive trial practice concentrating in torts and medical malpractice. Justice Lavin is highly regarded for his knowledge of civil law and has published numerous articles about Civil Trial Practice. Justice Lavin serves as the Presiding Judge of the Fourth Appellate Division and is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal scholarship, writing skills, and strong work ethic.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Judge Terrence J. Lavin was appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2010. From 1983 to 2009 Judge Lavin was in private practice. He has substantial litigation experience in medical malpractice and personal injury matters. He has taught trial advocacy as an Adjunct Professor at Chicago-Kent College of Law, and has written several published articles. He is active in community service. Judge Lavin was considered to be a good practitioner with good legal ability and temperament. As an appellate judge, he is reported to be well-prepared. His opinions are considered well-reasoned. The Council finds him Qualified for the Appellate Court.Other Bar Association Evaluations:
| Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area | Recommended |
| Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago | Recommended |
| Cook County Bar Association | Recommended |
| Decalogue Society of Lawyers | Recommended |
| Hellenic Bar Association | Recommended |
| Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois | Highly Qualified |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
This candidate has no opponent in the Democratic primary and faces no Republican opponent in November.
Judge Jean Prendergast Rooney is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Prendergast Rooney was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1994 and was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2010. Prior to her appointment to the Circuit Court, Judge Prendergast served as a law clerk in the Illinois Appellate Court, the Illinois Supreme Court, and in private practice. Judge Prendergast Rooney is hardworking and well respected for her knowledge of the law and fine judicial demeanor and temperament.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Judge Jean Prendergast Rooney was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2010. From 1997 to 2009 she was in private practice doing civil litigation and appeals. From 1996 to 1997 she was a law clerk for Illinois Supreme Court Justice Justice Mary Ann McMorrow and from 1994 to 1996, she clerked for then Illinois Appellate Court Judge Mary Jane Theis. Judge Rooney is currently assigned to the Chancery Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. She has authored six publications published in the ISBA Illinois Lawyer Now Weekly. She is the past president of the Illinois Appellate Lawyers Association.Other Bar Association Evaluations:
Judge Rooney, as a lawyer, had substantial litigation experience in complex matters. She is considered to have very good legal ability and was reportedly always well-prepared both as a practitioner and as a judge. She has an excellent temperament and reportedly communicates clearly to all parties before her while doing a good job of managing her call. All respondents reported that Judge Rooney produced well-reasoned opinions and rulings. The Council finds her Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.
| Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area | Recommended |
| Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago | Recommended |
| Cook County Bar Association | Recommended |
| Decalogue Society of Lawyers | Highly Recommended |
| Hellenic Bar Association | Recommended |
| Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
This candidate has no opponent in the Democratic primary and faces no Republican opponent in November.
Judge Russell W. Hartigan is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Hartigan was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1976 and had an extensive litigation practice before becoming a judge in 2010. Judge Hartigan currently is assigned to a misdemeanor court in the First Municipal District. Judge Hartigan is well respected for his knowledge of the law and outstanding demeanor and temperament.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Russell William Hartigan was admitted to practice in 1976. He has been in private practice throughout his career with extensive personal injury litigation experience. He reports acting as lead counsel in 45 civil jury trials and in numerous arbitrations. He has personally handled fifteen cases as principal appellate counsel and argued orally eight of these in the U.S. Court of Appeals, the Illinois Appellate Court, and the Illinois Supreme Court. He is active in bar association activities, and currently is on the Illinois State Bar Association Board of Governors. He has published articles on civil practice matters and is active in community affairs. Mr. Hartigan is reported to have good legal ability and a very good temperament. He is praised as a hard-working, conscientious, and knowledgeable practitioner. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.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 | Highly Recommended |
| Hellenic Bar Association | Recommended |
| Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Highly Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Highly Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
This candidate has no opponent in the Democratic primary and faces no Republican opponent in November.
Michael T. Mullen is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Mullen was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1981 and served as an Assistant Illinois Attorney General and as an Assistant United States Attorney, rising to the position of deputy chief of the criminal division in which he supervised 35 attorneys. Mr. Mullen has received prestigious achievement awards from the U.S. Department of Justice. For the last 13 years, he has concentrated his practice in plaintiff’s personal injury work. Mr. Mullen has extensive civil and criminal practice experience and is highly regarded for his legal knowledge and ability and outstanding demeanor. Mr. Mullen is committed to public service and also serves as a suburban trustee.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Michael Mullen was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1981. He currently works as a partner at Paul B. Episcope LLC specializing in personal injury litigation. From 1991 to 1998, Mr. Mullen was a partner at Mullen & Minella. While in private practice, he concentrated his law practice on personal injury cases and more specifically on cases that involved catastrophic personal injuries caused by medical negligence and product liability. From 1985 to 1991, he served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney where he was the Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division, and from 1982-1985 he worked as an Assistant Illinois Attorney General. Mr. Mullen has personally handled 20 cases as principal counsel on appeal and has orally argued 15 cases. He has authored a number of continuing education articles. From 2006 to present, Mr. Mullen has been a Chairman for the Board of Fire and Police Commission at the Village of Western Springs, and has also participated in CURE, a charitable organization designed to provide medical and dental services to the community.Other Bar Association Evaluations:
Mr. Mullen is highly regarded as a very experienced trial lawyer with substantial experience in both civil and criminal law matters. He has experience as an appellate lawyer, as well. He is considered to have very good legal ability and his knowledge of his areas of law is regarded uniformly as excellent. He has a good temperament and is described by respondents generally as low key, effective as an advocate, and fair in his professional dealings. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.
| 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 | Not Evaluated |
| Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois | Highly Qualified |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Highly Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Highly Qualified |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
This candidate has no opponent in the Democratic primary and faces no Republican opponent in November.
The candidate 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:
Daniel R. Degnan did not submit materials for evaluation. The Council finds him Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.Other Bar Association Evaluations:
| Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area | Not Qualified |
| 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 Recommended |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Not Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Not Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Not Qualified |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Not Recommended |
This candidate has no opponent in the Democratic primary and faces no Republican opponent in November.
Ms. Aicha Marie MacCarthy is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. MacCarthy was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1997 and has held a variety of positions including: service as a Hearing Officer for the Chicago Housing Authority and Traffic Prosecutor for the City of Chicago from 1998-2001 and as an Assistant Commissioner for the City of Chicago from 2001-2008. Ms. MacCarthy has been self-employed from 2009 to the present. Ms. MacCarthy has a fine demeanor and presented well. However, Ms. MacCarthy lacks substantive legal experience in complex matters and has limited practice experience. In addition, Ms. MacCarthy has not had any jury trial or appellate experience. At this stage of her career, Ms. MacCarthy does not possess the requisite depth and breadth of legal experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Aicha M. MacCarthy was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1997. She is a sole practitioner handling a variety of criminal and civil law matters, with a focus on probate, real estate, and criminal law matters. She serves as a court-appointed guardian ad litem. From 2001 to 2008 she worked for the City of Chicago. From 2004 to 2008 she was an Assistant Commissioner at the Department of Aviation, and from 2001 to 2004 she was Assistant to the Mayor at the Office of the Mayor. In 2001, she was a Financial Planning Analyst at the Department of Planning and Development and from 1998 to 2001, she worked as a Staff Attorney/Hearing Officer at the Chicago Housing Authority. In 1998, she served as a Traffic Division Prosecutor at the Chicago Department of Law. She provides substantial amounts of time to pro bono programs. Ms. McCarthy is considered to have good legal ability with a substantial commitment to pro bono work. She has a good temperament and is considered diligent and hard-working. The Council is concerned that she does not have substantial experience in a variety of more complex litigation matters. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court at this time.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 | Not Recommended |
| Decalogue Society of Lawyers | Recommended |
| Hellenic Bar Association | Recommended |
| Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois | Not Recommended |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
This candidate has no opponent in the Democratic primary and faces no Republican opponent in November.
William Gamboney is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Gamboney was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1977 and served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for fifteen years. Following his service in the State’s Attorney’s office, Mr. Gamboney entered private practice and has concentrated in criminal defense work. Mr. Gamboney has tried many complex cases and is highly respected for his integrity, legal knowledge, trial skills, and outstanding demeanor.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
William Gamboney was admitted to practice in 1977. After spending a few years in private practice, he served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney between 1979 and 1994. He has been a sole practitioner since 1994. He reports acting as lead counsel in one civil jury, 50 criminal jury trials, 10 civil bench trials, and hundreds of criminal bench trials. He has handled 25 cases on appeal. Mr. Gamboney is considered to be a skilled criminal defense lawyer with extensive experience in state courts. He is praised for his demeanor and honesty. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.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 |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
This candidate has no opponent in the Democratic primary and faces no Republican opponent in November.
Laura Cha-Yu Liu is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Liu was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991 and has had diverse civil practice experience concentrating in Municipal and Health Care Law. Ms. Liu is thoughtful, organized, and well regarded for her work ethic. Ms. Liu possesses the requisite qualifications for service as a Circuit Court Judge.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Judge Laura Liu was admitted to practice in 1991. She was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2010. Before taking the bench, she was in private practice. She is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. She has substantial litigation-related experience in more complex matters. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.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 |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
This candidate has no opponent in the Democratic primary and faces no Republican opponent in November.
Judge Thomas R. Allen is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Allen was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1977. Judge Allen had extensive legal experience in both the government and private sectors before his appointment to the bench in December 2010. In addition, Judge Allen served as an Alderman for the City of Chicago for 18 years. Judge Allen is well respected for his strong work ethic, integrity, and knowledge of the law.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Thomas R. Allen was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2011. From 1990 to 2010, he was a partner with Chapekis Marcus Allen & Chapekis. From 1986 to 1990, he was a sole practitioner doing criminal defense, real estate, and litigation. From 1987 to 1992 he was a Panel Attorney for the Federal Defender Program and from 1976 to 1986, he served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender. He served as a Chicago Alderman from 1993 to 2010.Other Bar Association Evaluations:
Judge Allen is considered to have very good legal ability with substantial litigation experience in both civil and criminal law matters. As a judge he is praised for his decisiveness his ability to facilitate settlements, his communication with jurors, and his courtroom management skills. He is reported to have an excellent temperament. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
| Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area | Recommended |
| Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago | Recommended |
| Cook County Bar Association | Recommended |
| Decalogue Society of Lawyers | Recommended |
| Hellenic Bar Association | Recommended |
| Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
This candidate has no opponent in the Republican primary and faces no Democratic opponent in November.
The candidate 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:
Martin C. Kelley has been in private practice since his admission to the bar in 1992. He has spent his entire career with his family firm and is currently a partner. Mr. Kelley has adequate legal ability and temperament. The Council is concerned, however, that his practice lacks depth. He has little actual trial experience as the primary practitioner. In general, he lacks experience in complex litigation matters. The Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.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 |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Not Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Not Qualified |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Not Recommended |
This candidate has no opponent in the Democratic primary and faces no Republican opponent in November.
Judge Regina Ann Scannicchio is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Scannicchio was admitted to practice law in 1989 and practiced family law before her appointment to the bench in 2011. Judge Scannicchio is currently assigned to Traffic Court in the First Municipal District. Judge Scannicchio is highly regarded for her knowledge of the law and dedication to the justice system. Judge Scannicchio is active in the bar and is a frequent speaker at continuing legal education seminars.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Regina Scannicchio has been in private practice since her admission to the bar in 1989. From 1989 to 1992, Ms. Scannicchio was associated with a general litigation firm, but her current practice consists mainly of family law and some real estate matters. Ms. Scannicchio is considered to have good legal ability and she is praised by both lawyers and judges for her professional demeanor. She has substantial litigation experience in more complex matters and enjoys a reputation as a solid practitioner. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.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 | Highly Qualified |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Highly Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Highly Qualified |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot, first in the Democratic primary, then in the Republican primary. Information on this post will be updated as time permits until the March 20, 2012 primary.Updated 3/16/12
Julie Line Bailey is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Bailey was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1990 and served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney in the Appeals Division for eight years. Ms. Bailey is currently in private practice concentrating in civil litigation and appeals. Ms. Bailey is knowledgeable in both civil and criminal law and is qualified to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
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.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 | Not Recommended |
| Decalogue Society of Lawyers | Not Recommended |
| Hellenic Bar Association | Recommended |
| Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Not Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
Karin Elizabeth Swanson is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Swanson was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1995 and serves as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Criminal Court at 26th and California. Ms. Swanson is well respected by her adversaries and judges before whom she has tried cases. Ms. Swanson is hard working, dedicated to the law, and qualified to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
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.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 |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Highly Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
Linda A. Walls is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Walls was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1999 and is currently serving as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney assigned to the Criminal Division. Ms. Walls is well respected by her colleagues and adversaries for her knowledge of the law, integrity, legal ability, and pleasant demeanor.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
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.Other Bar Association Evaluations:
| Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area | Not Qualified |
| Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago | Not Recommended |
| Cook County Bar Association | Recommended |
| Decalogue Society of Lawyers | Not Recommended |
| Hellenic Bar Association | Not Recommended |
| Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois | Not Recommended |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Not Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Not Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
Edward M. Maloney is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Maloney was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1978 and concentrates his practice in Criminal Law, DUI and Administrative Hearings. Mr. Maloney has a broad base of legal experience and has been a member of several Illinois Task Forces on driving safety. Mr. Maloney is highly regarded by his peers and possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
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.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 |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Not Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
Christine Cook is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Cook was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1990 and has served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for 21 years. Ms. Cook has handled complex trial and appellate matters. Ms. Cook is highly regarded by her peers for her integrity, diligence, legal knowledge and ability.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
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.Other Bar Association Evaluations:
| Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area | Not Qualified |
| Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago | Not Recommended |
| Cook County Bar Association | Not Recommended |
| Decalogue Society of Lawyers | Not Evaluated |
| Hellenic Bar Association | Not Recommended |
| Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois | Not Recommended |
| Illinois State Bar Association | Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | Recommended |
| Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois | Qualified |
| 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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