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.
Patrick A. Casey is “Not Recommended” for the office of Associate Judge. Mr. Casey was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2001 and is currently serving as an Administrative Law Judge at the Illinois Department of Human Services. Mr. Casey has had limited practice experience and failed to provide the Committee with sufficient references of lawyers who have appeared before him. At this stage of his career, Mr. Casey does not possess the requisite depth and breadth of legal knowledge and experience to serve as an Associate Judge. (Pursuant to Section 27.4 of the JEC Resolutions and Procedures, a candidate who has been evaluated and found "NOT RECOMMENDED" for the office of Associate Judge and who shall within three years of such a finding be a candidate for Circuit Judge shall be found "NOT RECOMMENDED" without hearing. -- Ed.)The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Patrick Casey was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2001. He has been in private practice since January 2020. For the previous 10 years Mr. Casey served as an administrative law judge involving a long-term care. Prior to that he did some criminal work and of some personal injury cases. Respondents indicated that Mr. Casey is knowledgeable about his current position and fulfilled his duties. However, the Council is concerned that Mr. Casey lacks sufficient litigation experience, and his current position as an administrative law judge is not sufficiently complex to demonstrate his ability to be a judge. The Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Patrick A. Casey has been admitted to the Illinois bar in 2001. He is currently in private practice, prior to that he was an administrative law judge for ten years, the last seven of those with the Illinois Department of Human Services hearing matters involving long-term care cases. Prior to becoming an ALJ, he was in private practice both on his own and with a firm, focusing on police misconduct, criminal defense and personal injury matters. He is a member of several bar associations, a supporter to various community groups, and has done pro bono work.
He does not have jury or bench trial experience as lead counsel. While attorneys reported that he is diligent and sensitive to seniors, concerns were raised about the depth and breadth of his legal experience.
The Committee finds Pat Casey not qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Bradley Trowbridge is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Trowbridge was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2000 and is engaged in private practice concentrating in family law matters. Mr. Trowbridge has a fine demeanor and temperament and possesses the requisite legal knowledge and experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Bradley R. Trowbridge was admitted to practice in Illinois in 2000. Prior to law school he served as a social worker. Since 2004 he has served as a solo practitioner focusing on domestic relations issues. He has worked as a staff attorney at the Chicago Department of Law; a staff attorney at the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago; and as an associate with Audrey Gaynor & Associates. He has done domestic violence order of protection pro bono work.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Mr. Trowbridge is considered to have good legal ability. He has had substantial litigation experience in a variety of areas. Judges and practitioners praise his litigation skills. A few respondents questioned his temperament, but on balance, the Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Bradley R. Trowbridge has been licensed in Illinois since 2000. He has had his own law practice since 2003 handling domestic, chancery, probate, and criminal matters. He also serves as an appointed guardian ad litem and has taught at The John Marshall Law School. He previously worked for several agencies included the Legal Assistance Foundation and is a mediator and arbitrator. He has published articles, volunteered with First Defense Legal Aid, and was president of the Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women’s Network.
Attorneys consider him to be professional, civil and fair.
The Committee finds Bradley R. Trowbridge qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
John Fritchey is “Qualified” to serve as a Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Fritchey was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1989. Mr. Fritchey has a long history of public service, including many years of service in the state legislature, where he chaired the House Judiciary Committee. Prior to his service as an elected official, he had seventeen years of litigation experience. Mr. Fritchey is well regarded for his temperament, work ethic, and integrity.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
John Fritchey was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1989. For about two years he practiced before administrative tribunals as an attorney with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. He then practiced with a small firm for another 4 to 5 years. He then became a politician, first as a State Representative and then as a Cook County Board Commissioner. He was defeated in 2018. He has been president of his own consulting firm for the last 15 years. In 1998, he created the John Fritchey Youth Foundation, designed to create educational and recreational opportunities for local children through the sponsorship of academic and sports programs.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Mr. Fritchey has little litigation experience and that was within the first 7 years of his career. But he is well respected as a politician, and is considered to have good ability. The Council recognizes his lack of actual trial experience, but Mr. Fritchey has had a career of public service, and as a politician, he has made impressive contributions to the public interest in a wide variety of legislative areas. The Council believes that his work as a respected public servant compensates for his paucity of litigation experience. On balance, the Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
John Fritchey has been licensed since 1989. Since 2006 he has been president of F4 Consulting, Ltd. focusing on providing strategic and legal counsel to clients dealing with government agencies and handling land use and zoning matters. In addition, from 2010 until 2018, he was a commissioner on the Cook County Board, after first serving as a state representative to the Illinois General Assembly from 1996 to 2010. During that same time period, he worked for various firms handling government and zoning issues. Before his election to the General Assembly, he was an associate at Barnett, Bornstein and Blazer handling civil litigation, after first working as an assistant attorney general. While in the legislature he served as chair of the House Judiciary Committee.
He has no jury experience as lead counsel, and very little bench or quasi-trial experience. While attorneys consider him to be very bright, professional, well-prepared, and with a good understanding of the law, concerns were raised about the depth and breadth of his legal experience and his lack of trial experience.
The Committee finds John Fritchey not 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.
Lindsay Huge is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Huge was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1989 and has served as an Assistant Cook County Public Defender his entire career. Mr. Huge is currently assigned to the Appellate Post Conviction Unit and has written more than 137 appellate briefs and personally argued 13 cases in the Illinois Appellate Court. Mr. Huge has had bench and jury trial experience in a wide variety of criminal cases. Mr. Huge possesses a fine demeanor and temperament and is well regarded for his knowledge of the law and legal ability.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Lindsay Christopher Hugé was admitted to practice in 1989. He is a career public defender with the Cook County Public Defender’s Office. He currently serves in the Appeals, Post-Convictions, and Legal Resources section, but has served as a trial attorney, defending complex criminal actions.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Mr. Hugé is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for his knowledge of the law. He is reported to be both a good trial and appellate attorney. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Lindsay Huge has been licensed since 1989. He is a career assistant public defender, currently handling appeals and post-conviction matters after spending nine years in the Felony Trial division. He has substantial criminal jury and bench trial experience, including in complex matters. He is considered to be an excellent attorney and litigator, with a deep respect for the humanity of his clients. He is thorough and mild-mannered. He participates in community activities, is a member of some bar associations, and has lectured on legal issues. Mr. Lindsay Huge 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 | Not Evaluated |
| Decalogue Society of Lawyers | Highly 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 |
Michael A. Forti is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Forti was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1980 and has experience in both the private sector and government. Mr. Forti is an experienced lawyer well regarded for his judgment, fine demeanor, and temperament.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Hon. Michael A. Forti was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1980. In 2016, he was appointed a Circuit Judge by the Illinois Supreme Court, and is currently assigned to the Domestic Relations Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Previously he was chief counsel and ethics officer at the Illinois Department of Transportation (2012-2015); deputy corporation counsel (1999-2012) and chief assistant corporation counsel (1994-1998) for the City of Chicago Department of Law; and associate (1980-1988) and equity and income partner (1988-1994) at Bell Boyd & Lloyd (now K&L Gates), where he handled commercial litigation and antitrust counseling.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Judge Forti was considered to be a good attorney with good legal ability and temperament. As a judge, he continues to receive very positive marks. He has demonstrated his ability to handle a high volume call and is praised for his handling of pro se litigants – respectful and informative without going beyond the role of judge. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Michael A. Forti has been licensed since 1980. He was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2016. Prior to his appointment, from 2012-2015, he was the chief counsel for the Illinois Department of Transportation. Earlier in his career, he was Deputy Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago Law Department, and a partner at Bell Boyd & Lloyd. Attorneys report that he has good legal knowledge, considers matters thoughtfully, is even-keeled and treats all equally. Judge Michael A. Forti 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 | Highly Recommended |
| Women’s Bar Association of Illinois | Recommended |
Cyrus Hosseini 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:
Cyrus Hosseini did not participate in the evaluation process. The Council finds him Not Recommended for the Circuit Court.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Cyrus Hosseini declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Additionally, Mr. Hosseini was admitted to practice law in 2012; less than the ten years required. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Ms. Cyrus Hosseini 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 |
Athena Farmakis is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Farmakis was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1993 and has worked as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney for her entire career. Ms. Farmakis has served as a Supervisor in the Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Division and then as Supervisor of Preliminary Hearings in the Criminal Court. Ms. Farmakis has extensive trial experience and is well regarded for her work ethic, knowledge of the law, and legal ability.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Athena Aphrodite Farmakis was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1993. Since 2014, she has been the Supervisor of the Preliminary Hearings Branch at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, where she supervises all felony cases brought before the court for a preliminary hearing. Ms. Farmakis has worked for the State’s Attorney’s Office since 1994. The majority of her experience is in the Felony Trial Division, but she also has experience in the Child Protection Division and the Juvenile Justice Division. Ms. Farmakis was formerly the Judicial Evaluation Chair and is currently the Director of the Lawyer of the Year Committee for the Hellenic Bar Association.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Ms. Farmakis is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. She is reported to be a good prosecutor who is professional and fair in her legal dealings. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Athena Farmakis was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1993. She has been a career assistant state's attorney, currently assigned as a supervisor in the Preliminary Hearings Unit of the Criminal Prosecutions Unit. She has tried numerous criminal juries as lead counsel, and is considered to have excellent legal knowledge and ability, with a good demeanor, integrity and diligence. She has been active with the Hellenic Bar Association and with animal-care organizations. Ms. Athena Farmakis 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 | Highly Qualified |
| Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago | 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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