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.
David S. Rodriguez is “Qualified” to serve as a Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Rodriguez was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1984. Since his admission to the bar, he has practiced as a transactional lawyer in private practice and has held governmental lawyer positions with the Illinois Attorney General’s office, the Illinois Department of Banking, and the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. He has served as a Commissioner with the Illinois Court of Claims, where he presided over disputes against the State of Illinois and various state agencies. Mr. Rodriguez is an experienced attorney and is qualified to serve as a judge of the Circuit Court.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
David Rodriguez was admitted to practice in 1984. He served as a Commissioner of the Illinois Court of Claims between 2011 and 2017. He also served as First Deputy Commissioner of the Illinois Office of Banks and Real Estate from 1999 to 2005. From 1989 to 2005, he was Deputy Director of the Illinois Office of Banks and Real Estate. From 1989 to 1999, he also served as an Assistant Attorney General handling litigation matters, including personal injury, reals estate, and commercial matters. He is very active in community activities.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Mr. Rodriguez .is considered to have good legal ability and knowledgeable. He is widely praised for his temperament. His litigation experience in more complex matters occurred while he was with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, but he was praised for his abilities as a Commissioner with the Court of Claims which has been described as being akin to a role as an administrative law judge. His experience with non-litigation matters has been with complex financial matters and he is reported to have done a solid job. In looking at the totality of his career, it appears that Mr. Rodriguez has had a variety of relevant experiences including litigation. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
David S. Rodriguez has been licensed since 1984. Since 2006 he has been a sole practitioner with a general practice focusing on civil litigation, real estate and business transactions. Prior to opening his solo practice, he had been the First Deputy Commission of the Illinois Office Banking and Real Estate from 1999 to 205; an assistant attorney general from 1989 to 1999; a sole practitioner from 1985 to 1989; and a tax consultant with two different firms from 1983 to 1985. In addition, from 2011 to 2017 he served as a Commissioner on the Court of Claims. He is a member of various bar associations and active in community affairs; he serves on the Board of Directors of Aspira Illinois and the Hispanic Health Alliance and the AIDS Pastoral Care Network.
He has litigation experience in both jury and bench trials and has handled two appeals. Attorneys report that he has good legal knowledge and is diligent and professional.
The Committee finds David Rodriguez qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Judge Kerrie Maloney Laytin is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Laytin was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2000 and was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2019. Prior to her appointment to the bench, Judge Laytin served from 2002-2019 in the Appeals Division, City of Chicago’s Law Department. Judge Laytin has extensive appellate court experience and is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, diligence, and thoughtful and deliberate demeanor.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
The Hon. Kerrie Maloney Laytin was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2000. She was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2019 and now serves as an Associate Judge, elected by the Circuit Judges. Before becoming a judge, she served as an assistant corporation counsel for the City of Chicago’s Department of Law, where she practiced appellate law on behalf of the City of Chicago, City employees, and City agencies.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Previously, she worked as a staff attorney at the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago (2000-2002), and volunteered for Columbia Law School, Social Justice Initiatives, as the regional adviser in Chicago for students involved in government and public interest careers.
Judge Laytin is considered to have very good legal ability. As a lawyer, she was praised for legal skills and for her professional demeanor, even in the midst of heated legal matters. She is reported to have good judgment and has the ability to resolve contested disputes. Her appellate career has demonstrated the analytical thinking and management skills necessary to be a good Circuit Judge. She has been praised in her role as a judge. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Kerrie Maloney Laytin was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2000 and was appointed to the Circuit Court in January 2019. She is currently assigned to the Municipal Department-Traffic Section having been appointed as an associate judge in 2017. From 2000 to 2002 she worked for the Legal Assistance Foundation; from 2002 until her appointment, she was an assistant corporation counsel to senior counsel in the Appeals Division. Before being licensed in Illinois, she clerked for two federal judges and was a trial attorney with the Department of Justice. She is a member of various bar associations and participates in community activities.
Judge Laytin is well-regarded by attorneys for her legal knowledge and ability to deal with substantive issues. She is considered to be professional, courteous and to have high ethical standards.
The Committee finds Kerrie Maloney Laytin qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this vacancy.
Eileen O’Connor is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. O’Connor was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2006 and concentrates her practice in personal injury law. Ms. O’Connor has had extensive trial and practice experience. Ms. O’Connor is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, work ethic, legal ability, and fine demeanor.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Eileen Marie O’Connor was admitted to practice in 2006. She specializes in civil litigation and has worked in several private law firms. Her focus is in personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability, railroad and construction negligence, workplace injuries, and civil rights matters. She has handled other cases including criminal law on child abuse matters pro bono. She is considered to have good legal ability and is praised as being hard-working. She has substantial motion practice in more complex legal matters. She is considered to have a good temperament and to be diligent and punctual. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Eileen O’Connor was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2006. She is a partner in her family’s law practice, O’Connor Law Group, where she handles civil litigation, primarily in the areas of personal injury, medical malpractice and civil rights. She has been a speaker on legal topics, a committee member with the Chicago Bar Association and is active in her community.
She has civil jury and bench trial experience in both state and federal court, and significant pre-trial motion practice. Attorneys consider her professional, level-headed and prepared. ISBA finds Ms. Eileen O’Connor qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Cory Eli Oshita is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Oshita was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2008 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in domestic relations and family law matters. Mr. Oshita also served as a hearing officer for the Chicago Board of Education. Mr. Oshita is an experienced practitioner well regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal ability, work ethic, fine temperament, and calm demeanor.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Cory Oshita was admitted to practice in 2008. He has been a sole practitioner since 2011 with a focus on domestic relations case. He also serves as an administrative hearing officer for the Chicago Board of Education. He was an attorney in a small firm between 2008 and 2010. Mr. Oshita is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for his knowledge of domestic relations law. He is reported to be diligent and have a very good demeanor. He has bench trial litigation experience. While the candidate is well respected as a lawyer, the Council is concerned about the depth and breadth of his practice, particularly in light of the relatively small number of years that he has been a lawyer. The Council finds him Not Qualified at this time.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Cory Eli Oshita was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2008. After two years as an associate with Richard C. Irvin, in 2011 he opened a solo practice focusing on domestic relations and some criminal defense. He is also a hearing officer for the Chicago Board of Education. He is a member of several bar associations and is active in the community.
While he is considered to be knowledgeable in his area of family law with an excellent demeanor, concerns were raised over his limited practice area and his lack of jury and complex trial experience. ISBA finds Mr. Cory Eli Oshita not qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Anthony Lucafo is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Lucafo was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2006 and has served as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney his entire career. Mr. Lucafo is currently assigned to the Felony Trial Division in the Criminal Court. Mr. Lucafo has extensive trial experience and has taught trial advocacy and juvenile law to law students. Mr. Lucafo is highly regarded for his knowledge of criminal law, trial skills, and excellent temperament.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Anthony Lucafo was admitted to practice in 2006. He is an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney currently assigned to the Felony Trial Division at the Leighton Criminal Courts Building. He is described as a trial attorney who has good legal ability and temperament, He has substantial litigation experience in more complex matters and is praised for being willing to help train younger prosecutors. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Anthony Lucafo has been licensed since 2006. He is a career assistant state’s attorney currently assigned to the Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Unit. Prior assignments include Felony Review, Juvenile Justice and First Municipal. He has taught as IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law and is a member of the Justinian Society.
Attorneys praised his trial skills and described him as well-versed in the law, prepared and fair to all. He has criminal jury and bench trial experience including complex matters. ISBA finds Mr. Anthony Lucafo qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
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 |
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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