New subcircuit maps - Part 2 - Subcircuits 6-10

Updated August 18, 2023 to reflect inclusion of 6th Subcircuit map.

Continuing a look at the newly redrawn Cook County judicial subcircuits that began with this post on Page One.

Here is the map of the City-only 6th Subcircuit:

This is a map of the City portion of the new 7th Subcircuit:

This is a map of the County portion:

This is a map of the new, City-only 8th Subcircuit:

Here is the City portion of the new 9th Subcircuit:

This is the County portion of the 9th:

And, finally, for this post, here is the City portion of the new 10th Subcircuit:

This is the County portion:

For a look at the maps for Subcircuits 11-15, click here or just scroll down.

For a look at the maps for the new Subcircuits, Nos. 16-20, click here.

For a look at the new maps for Subcircuits 1-5, click here.

Organizing the Data: 9th Subcircuit - Cleveland Bernstein vacancy

Updated June 23, 2022

On the ballot this will be listed as the Cleveland vacancy, but it has been variously referred to by different evaluating groups. 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.

Sanjay Tailor - #191

Campaign Website

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Judge Sanjay T. Tailor is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Tailor was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991 and was engaged in private practice prior to his appointment to the bench as an Associate Judge in 2003. Judge Tailor served in the Chancery Division, Municipal Division, Domestic Relations, and Law Division prior to his current position as Acting Presiding Judge of the County Division. Judge Tailor was appointed as a Cook County Circuit Judge in January 2021. Judge Tailor is highly respected by his fellow judges and the lawyers who appear before him in court. Judge Tailor is an experienced jurist highly regarded for his knowledge of the law, integrity, diligence, work ethic, and excellent demeanor and temperament.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

The Hon. Sanjay T. Tailor was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1991. He was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2021, after serving as an Associate Judge between 2003 and 2021. He is currently Presiding Judge of the County Division, where he hears cases concerning mental health, election, adoption, civil asset forfeiture, property tax, name change, and other civil matters. Previously, he was assigned to the Chancery Division (2015-2020), the Law Division (2009-2015), the Domestic Relations Division (2006-2009), and the First Municipal Division (2003-2006). From 1996 to 2003, he was an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Civil Actions Bureau of the Cook County State’s Attorney Office. He was also in-house counsel in the Law Department of the First National Bank of Chicago (1994-1995) and an Associate in the Special Litigation, Bankruptcy, and Workout Group at Chapman and Cutler (1991-1994). He is a member of numerous bar associations, including the American Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, and the South Asian Bar Association of Chicago (founding member, advisory council).

Judge Tailor is a highly respected jurist who is praised for his knowledge, his preparedness, and his temperament. He has excelled in every judicial position to which he has been assigned. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Sanjay Tailor has been licensed since 1991. He was appointed to the circuit court as a full judge in January 2021 and is currently the Presiding Judge of the County Division. Prior to the appointment, he had been serving as an associate judge since 2003 in First Municipal, Domestic Relations, Law Division, and Chancery. Prior to his appointment, he had worked as an assistant state’s attorney, for First National Bank and Chapman and Cutler. He is a member of the Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Education, and also served on the Court’s Committee on Judicial Performance for six years. He was a founding member of the South Asian Bar Association. He is active with other judicial organizations and has lectured on legal topics and taught at Loyola.

Lawyers appearing before him describe him as having superior legal knowledge, being always prepared, and excellent with complex cases. He has a calm demeanor and is always on time.

The Committee finds Sanjay Tailor 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: Highly Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Highly Qualified

Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Highly Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Endorsements

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

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Ann Buran-Vongher - #192

Campaign Website

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Ann Buran-Vongher is “Qualified” to serve as a Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Buran-Vongher was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1989. She was an Assistant Public Defender for 31 years, handling felony and misdemeanor matters. Ms. Buran-Vonger has spent the last 1.5 years as a solo practitioner. She was praised by both judges and adversaries for her legal knowledge, temperament, and work ethic.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Ann Buran-Vongher was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1989 and has been a solo practitioner since December 2020. She does criminal defense work exclusively. She had been a Cook County Assistant Public Defender for 31 years practicing in a variety of cases and locations including felony trial work at the Criminal Courts Building, the Juvenile Court, the 2nd Municipal District in Skokie, and Preliminary Hearings.

Ann Buran-Vongher is considered to have good legal ability and is praised for her professionalism, her knowledge of the law, and for her diligence. She is reported to be a zealous advocate for her clients while being praised for her integrity. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Ann Buran-Vongher was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1989. She is currently a sole practitioner focusing on criminal defense, after retiring from the Cook County Public Defender in December 2020. Her assignment as an assistant public defender included Felony Trial in the Second Municipal District (Skokie Courthouse), the Leighton Criminal Court Building, Juvenile Court and Preliminary Hearings. She was a union steward for AFSCME Local 3315 and active with animal rescue groups.

She has jury, bench and quasi-trial experience in criminal matters, including some complex cases. Attorneys praised her legal ability, zealous advocacy for her clients, and her professionalism. Concerns were raised about the depth and breadth of her experience.

The Committee finds Ann Buran-Vongher not qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Other Bar Association Evaluations

Arab American Bar Association: Not evaluated through no fault of the candidate

Asian American Bar Association: Recommended

Black Women Lawyers' Association: Recommended

Cook County Bar Association:

Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Not Qualified

Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Not Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

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39th Ward Democratic Organization makes endorsements in many Cook County judicial races

According to the Cook County Democratic Party's website, the post of 39th Ward Committeeman is currently vacant, but State Sen. Ram Villivalam is running unopposed for the post in Tuesday's primary. And he's already assumed the reins.

FWIW has received an email from Sen. Villivalam advising of the 39th Ward Democrats' endorsements in several Cook County judicial races; a portion of that email is reproduced above. (The 39th Ward Democratic Organization's endorsements can also be found here.)

The reader will note that the 39th Ward follows the county slate in judicial races, with certain omissions.

No endorsement is offered in the Supreme Court race.

Nor are any endorsements offered for the Coghlan, Larsen, or O'Brien vacancies on the Circuit Court. Sen. Villivalam's email explains that neither he nor the 39th Ward Democratic Organization made any endorsements in these races because "Beth Ryan, Suzanne McNeely, and Heather Kent are running in this vacancies, respectively, and they are our neighbors in the 39th Ward." Those aren't endorsements that can be added to the Organizing the Data posts, not exactly, but the omission of the county party's slated candidates from the 39th Ward endorsement list may impact the results there.

In contested subcircuit races, the 39th Ward Democrats have endorsed Pamela "Pam" Stratigakis for the Axelrood vacancy in the 9th Subcircuit, Jon Stromsta for the McGing vacancy in the 10th Subcircuit, and Liam Kelly for the O'Brien vacancy in the 10th Subcircuit. These endorsements have been added to the Organizing the Data posts.

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Organizing the Data: 9th Subcircuit - Axelrood vacancy

Updated March 14, 2020
Updated March 12, 2020

Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this vacancy.

Pamela "Pam" Stratigakis - #231

Campaign Website

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Pamela “Pam” Stratigakis is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Stratigakis was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2001 and is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in civil litigation, medical malpractice, healthcare, and the Nursing Home Care Act. Ms. Stratigakis served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney from 2003-2019 and served as First Chair in the Felony Trial Division. Ms. Stratigakis served on the Internet Sex Crimes Against Children Task Force and was engaged in groundbreaking litigation against people involved in Internet sex crimes. Ms. Stratigakis has extensive trial experience and is well regarded for her fine temperament and knowledge of both criminal and civil law.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Pamela J. Stratigakis was admitted to practice in 2001. She is Partner/Of Counsel at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP, where she handles cases involving long-term care and elder law, health care, and medical malpractice. From 2003 to August 2019, she served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Cook County State’s Attorney Office, where her assignments included Felony Trial Division, First Chair, Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Division; Special Prosecutor, Office of Violence Against Women, Women VOICES Campus Initiative Grant (2015-2018); the Special Litigation Unit; the Post-Conviction Unit; the Narcotics Division; and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. From 2001 to 2003, she was an Associate Attorney at the Huppert Richard and Wood Law Firm, where she handled civil litigation, contracts for commercial and corporate transactions, business agreements, acquisitions, and sales mergers.

Ms. Stratigakis is considered to have good legal ability and has litigation experience in both criminal and civil matters. She is praised for her litigation skills and for her temperament. The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Pamela Stratigakis was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2001. In August 2019, after spending sixteen years as an assistant state’s attorney, she joined Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith as a partner handling insurance defense for medical malpractice cases. As an assistant state’s attorney, her assignments included Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Division, Child Support, Narcotics, and Felony Review. She has spoken on legal topics and internet safety, is a member of several bar associations, and is on the board of the North Suburban Bar Association.

She has substantial criminal jury and bench trial experience. Attorneys praised her legal knowledge and ability, her diligence, demeanor, and professionalism. ISBA finds Ms. Pamela Stratigakis qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Other Bar Association Evaluations

Arab American Bar Association: Recommended

Asian American Bar Association: Not evaluated through no fault of the candidate

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: Recommended

Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Highly Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Endorsements

Chicago Federation of Labor
Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge No. 7
Italian American Police Association
41st Ward Regular Democratic Organization
39th Ward Democratic Organization
United Hellenic Voters of America
Indo-American Democratic Organization
Chicago NOW PAC
Personal PAC

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Thomas M. Cushing - #232

Campaign Website

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Thomas Cushing is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Cushing was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1988 and was engaged in private practice from 1988-2005 concentrating in civil trial and appellate work. Mr. Cushing worked for the Chicago Climate Exchange from 2006-2010 and as the Managing Director of Public Policy for the Delta Institute, after which he re-entered private practice as of counsel to a small firm. Mr. Cushing has extensive trial experience and is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal ability, diligence, work ethic, and fine temperament.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Hon. Thomas Maloney Cushing was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1988. He was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2019. Before taking the bench, he was of counsel to the offices of Christopher A. Kreid and Associates, focusing on commercial and chancery litigation. From 2006-2010, Mr. Cushing was Senior Vice President for Membership at the Chicago Climate Exchange, applying his legal skills in a business/environmental policy role. From 2005-2006, he was principal in his own law practice, specializing in personal injury practice. During this time, he also assisted Counsel to the Shakman Decree Monitor. From 1988-2005, he was an associate at Ambrose & Cushing, specializing in civil trials, particularly personal injury, professional malpractice, and municipal liability. Since 2013, he has volunteered as a Hearing Board Member at the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission.

As a lawyer Judge Cushing is reported to have been a solid practitioner with very good ability and an excellent temperament. He has substantial litigation experience in complex matters, and is praised for his litigation skills and for his temperament. He has been involved with numerous community activities, including teaching and environmental advocacy. The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Thomas M. Cushing has been licensed since 1988. He was appointed to the circuit court in June 2019 and is currently assigned to Domestic Violence. Prior to his appointment he had been ‘of counsel’ to Christopher Kreid & Associates since 2010. Before joining that firm, from 2006 to 2010 he had been senior vice president at the Chicago Climate Exchange. He also had his own practice for many years before that handling professional and municipal liability matters. He was assisting counsel on the Shakman Decree case. He has taught trial practice, written and spoken on legal matters; was a hearing board member for the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission; and a volunteer with Chicago Volunteer Legal Services.

He has extensive civil jury and bench trial experience in both state and federal courts. Attorneys universally praised his experience, diligence and demeanor; he is considered to be well-versed in evidence. ISBA finds Judge Thomas M. Cushing qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Other Bar Association Evaluations

Arab American Bar Association: Not evaluated through no fault of the candidate

Asian American Bar Association: Recommended

Black Women Lawyers' Association: Recommended

Cook County Bar Association: Recommended

Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Highly Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Recommended

Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Endorsements

Chicago Tribune
Democratic Party of the 49th Ward

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Ira I. Silverstein - #233

No known Campaign Website

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Ira I. Silverstein is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Silverstein was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1985 and is currently a sole practitioner engaged in the general practice of law. Mr. Silverstein served as an Illinois State Senator from 1999-2018. In 2017, a complaint involving harassment was filed against Senator Silverstein, which was investigated by the Inspector General who found in 2018 that Senator Silverstein’s conduct was unbecoming of a legislator. This incident and Mr. Silverstein’s limited practice and court experience resulted in a “Not Recommended” finding.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Ira I. Silverstein was admitted to practice in 1985. He was an elected official serving as a State Senator of the 8th District from 1999 to 2018. He has been a sole practitioner from July 1988 to the present, handling civil litigation and probate. From 1988 to approximately 1990, he co-counseled for a collection law firm, handling more than 30 trials a year. He was accused of harassment but was cleared after an investigation by the legislative inspector general. But the inspector general’s report found that he have behaved in a way “unbecoming of a legislator.” He lost his re-election bid in 2018.

Mr. Silverstein is considered to have good legal ability and temperament. He has had litigation experience throughout his extensive legal career. The Council is concerned about his past ethical lapse. On balance, the Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Ira I. Silverstein was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1985. He is a sole practitioner focusing on domestic relations, real estate and guardianship. From 1999 to 2018 he was a state senator in the Illinois Legislature representing the Eighth District. He was chair of the Illinois Senate Judiciary Committee and a member of both the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission and the Holocaust and Genocide Commission.

While some attorneys gave positive comments about his diligence and knowledge, concerns were raised about the depth and breadth of his legal experience and his lack of litigation experience. In addition, a harassment complaint filed against him in 2017 resulted in a finding by the Inspector General that his conduct was unbecoming for a legislator, with a recommendation for ethics counseling. ISBA finds Mr. Ira I. Silverstein not qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Other Bar Association Evaluations

Arab American Bar Association: Not evaluated through no fault of the candidate

Asian American Bar Association: Not evaluated through no fault of the candidate

Black Women Lawyers' Association: Not Recommended

Cook County Bar Association: Not Recommended

Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: 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

Endorsement

Niles Township Democrats

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Timothy Patrick Carter - #234

Campaign Website

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Timothy Patrick Carter is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Carter was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1995 and served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for 16 years before entering private practice. Mr. Carter is currently engaged in private practice concentrating largely in criminal matters. Mr. Carter has extensive trial experience and is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal ability, diligence and fine demeanor.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Timothy Patrick Carter was admitted to practice in 1995. He has been in private practice since 2012 and served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney from 1992 to 2012. He is considered to a solid practitioner with good legal ability and temperament. He is praised for his litigation skills, and has substantial litigation experience. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court.

The Illinois State Bar Association says:

Timothy Patrick Carter has been licensed since 1995. He has been in private practice since 2012 currently with Carter & Opdyke, PC focusing on criminal defense. From 1996 to 2012 he was an assistant state’s attorney serving in the Appeals, Traffic, Juvenile, and Felony Trial divisions. He has been a moot court judge, is a member of several bar associations and is a past president of the Northfield Bar Association.

He has extensive jury and bench trial experience including in complex matters. He is well-respected for his legal knowledge and ability, integrity and professionalism. He treats all with respect and is fair and diligent. ISBA finds Mr. Timothy Patrick Carter qualified to serve as a judge 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: Recommended

Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago: Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

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Organizing the Data: 9th Subcircuit - Epstein vacancy

Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for this vacancy. Information on this post will be updated as time permits until the March 20, 2012 primary.

Updated 3/16/12

Mary S. Trew - #183

Campaign Website

Questionnaire Response: Chicago Tribune

Video Interviews: NTNM, Sonny Hersh Election Special

Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Judge Mary S. Trew is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Trew was admitted to practice law in Michigan in 1981 and in Illinois in 1991. Prior to her appointment to the bench in 2011, Judge Trew served as Executive Director of the Domestic Violence Legal Clinic and as an adjunct professor of law. Judge Trew is well regarded for her knowledge of the law, integrity, outstanding temperament, and work ethic. Judge Trew occasionally issues detailed written opinions and has a passion for the law and our justice system.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Judge Mary S. Trew was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2010. She currently sits in the Domestic Relations Division. She was admitted to practice in Michigan in 1981 and in Illinois in 1991. From 1991 to 2010, she was a lawyer and Executive Director of the Domestic Violence Law Clinic. Judge Trew was an Adjunct Professor of Law at John Marshall Law School from 2008 to 2010. As a lawyer, Judge Trew was well-respected for her legal ability and litigation skills, with a variety of experience in both civil and criminal law matters. As a judge, she is praised for her courtroom management skills, for her temperament, and for the quality of her opinions. She is considered to have an outstanding knowledge of procedural and substantive law. 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

Endorsements

Chicago Tribune
IVI-IPO
Personal PAC

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Abbey Fishman Romanek - #184

Campaign Website

Questionnaire Response: Chicago Tribune

Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Abbey Fishman Romanek is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Romanek was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1987 and served as an Assistant Illinois Attorney General before entering private practice. Ms. Romanek is experienced in both criminal and civil law and is well regarded by her peers for her legal knowledge and excellent demeanor. Ms. Romanek is also actively involved in community work.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Abbey Romanek has practiced law since 1987. From 2004 to 2009, she was a Senior Assistant Attorney General in the Medicaid Fraud Division. From 1987 until 2004, she was in private practice first handling criminal defense matters and then focusing for the next eleven years on medical malpractice cases. Ms. Romanek is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. She has had substantial trial and appellate experience in complex civil and criminal law matters. The Council finds her Qualified to serve in 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

Endorsements

Chicago Federation of Labor
Citizen Action Illinois
Personal PAC
Advocates Society (recommended)
Illinois Committee for Honest Government
Chicago Fire Fighters Union, Local 2

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David C. Adams - #185

Campaign Website (newly found; link added to sidebar on page one)

Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:

David Charles Adams is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Adams was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991 and clerked for an Illinois Supreme Court Justice. Mr. Adams is currently engaged in private practice concentrating in appellate practice and matrimonial law. Mr. Adams has considerable experience in appellate practice, but lacks the depth and breadth of practice experience to serve as a trial judge. It is recommended that Mr. Adams reapply after gaining additional practice and court experience, which would better prepare him for service on the bench.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

David C. Adams 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

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Larry G. Axelrood - #186

Campaign Website

Questionnaire Response: Chicago Tribune

Video Interviews: NTNM(1), NTNM(2)

Bar Association Evaluations

The Chicago Bar Association says:

Judge Larry Axelrood is “Highly Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Axelrood was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1985 and served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney and in private practice concentrating in criminal defense before his appointment to the bench in 2005. Judge Axelrood possesses an outstanding demeanor and temperament and is highly regarded for his knowledge of the law and ability. Judge Axelrood presides over the new Veterans Court and Mental Health Court calls and treats all litigants with respect.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:

Judge Larry Axelrood became an Associate Judge in 2005. He has been assigned to the Second Municipal District since 2008. From 1989 to 2005 Judge Axelrood worked as a sole practitioner specializing in criminal defense. From 1985 to 1989, he served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney.

Judge Axelrood participates in a program “What Teens Need to Know.” This program is presented at area high schools to teach teenagers about the legal consequences of certain decisions. In June 2010, Judge Axelrood was given the Honorary Chairperson Award by the Alliance of Illinois Judges. He is the author of three published novels.

Judge Axelrood is considered to be a very good jurist, with a good grasp of the law and an even demeanor. He is considered to be hard-working and is adept at handling the requirements of presiding over two specialty court calls, Veterans Court and Mental Health Court, in addition to hearing felony criminal matters in the Criminal Division. He communicates well with defendants and is praised for his courtroom management. The Council finds him Well 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

Highly Recommended

Hellenic Bar Association

Recommended

Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois

Not Evaluated

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

Endorsements

Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge No. 7
Personal PAC
Jewish Chicago
Arab American Democratic Club
Advocates Society (recommended)

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