Here is a brief synopsis of the Judicial Candidates that appeared at the 3/13/12 membership meeting. Websites are supplied when available. Also visit these websites for additional information: www.voteforjudges.org and http://www.chicagobar.org/.
Circuit Court Judge – Chiola Vacancy
Judge Celia Louise Gamrath – www.judgegamrath.com
- 16 years of experience as an Attorney
- Endorsed by the Democratic Party
- Rated “Highly Qualified” by the Chicago Bar
- Currently Circuit Judge of Cook County
Thomas Osran
- 21 years experience of litigating complex cases in State and Federal courts
- Rated “Qualified” by the Chicago Bar Association
Judge James Shapiro – www.judgeshapiro.org
- Rated “Highly Qualified” by Chicago Bar Association
- 5 years of experience on the bench and over 20 years practicing law
- Endorsed by:
- Independent Voters of Illinois – Independent Precinct Organization
- Personal PAC
- Progressive democrats of America
Rod Stewart – www.rodneystewartforjudge.com
- Over 28 years of trial and appellate courtroom experience
- Rated “Qualified” by the Chicago Bar Association
- Over 15 years representing parents and children in the Cook County Juvenile Justice Abuse and Neglect Courts
Circuit Court Judge – Cole Vacancy
John Ehrlich – www.ehrlichforjudge.com
- Attorney for 17 years in the city of Chicago
- Currently Deputy Corporation Counsel for city’s law department
- Endorsed by Chicago Tribune
- “Highly Qualified” by the Chicago Bar Association
Judge James Kaplan – www.judgekaplan.com
- Over 40 years of experience as an Attorney
- Judge since 2005
- Judge in the 8th Subcircuit of Cook county since 2010
- Rated “Qualified” by Chicago Bar Association
Ellis Levin – www.ellislevinlaw.org
- State Representative for district for 15 years
- Circuit Court Judge
- Rated “Qualified” by Chicago Bar Association
- Former 8 term State Representative
Brad Trowbridge – www.bradforjudge.com
- Represented over 500 victims of domestic violence
- Serves on Board of Directors of the Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women’s Network
- Endorsed by IVI-IPO and Personal PAC
- Rated “Recommended” or “Qualified” by Illinois State Bar Association
Circuit Court Judge – Durkin-Roy Vacancy
Judge Deborah Jean Gubin – www.electjudgegubin.com
- Over 35 years experience as an attorney
- Appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court
- Rated “Qualified” by Chicago Bar Association
Sharon Finegan Patterson
- 31 years of diverse experience
- Former Schoolteacher
- Rated “Highly Recommended” by Woman’s Bar Association of Illinois
- Rated “Qualified” by Chicago Bar Association
Circuit Court of Cook County Judge – Frossard Vacancy
Judge Diann Karen Marsalek – www.electjudgemarsalek.com
- Attorney for 21 years with trial experience
- Former President of Lake View Citizens’ council
- President Central Lake View Neighbors Chair of 23rd District Steering Committee
- Rated “Qualified” by Chicago Bar Association