Cook County Judicial Evaluations

Judith C. Rice was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1988 and elected to the Circuit Court of Cook County in 2014 and retained in 2020. In 2019 she was assigned to Domestic Relations and is currently its Presiding Judge managing the operations of ten domestic violence courtrooms and fifteen judges.

Judge Rice also serves as a rotating judge for both civil and criminal domestic violence cases and hears after-hours orders of protection. She is described as knowing the law well and is always ready to provide a fair hearing asking relevant questions. Those interviewed report that Judge Rice brings sensitivity to diversity and bias to the bench once immediately addressing a litigant’s derogatory remark.

ISBA finds Judge Judith C. Rice qualified to serve as a justice to the Illinois Appellate Court – First District.

Steven Quaintance McKenzie was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1997. For most of his career, he has been with the City of Chicago – Law Department. Presently he is Supervising Assistant Corporation Counsel in litigating matters of building code enforcement. Prior to this, he was in the Housing Division.

Though his particular area of law does not get a substantial amount of litigation, Mr. McKenzie’s legal knowledge, ability and temperament is well suited for a judicial position. ISBA finds Steven Q. McKenzie qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Luz Maria Toledo was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2006. From 2007 to 2018 she was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney assigned to the Criminal Division where she was responsible for prosecuting all types of misdemeanor and felonies. In 2018 she transferred to the Civil Actions Bureau where she has been litigating real estate tax appeals, representing the Cook County Treasurer, Assessor and the Board of Review.

Ms. Toledo is a member of several Hispanic bar associations where she has participated in food drives and donated her hair. Many people praised her legal knowledge, attention to detail and punctuality. She is sensitive to diverse litigants. She is described as conducting herself with courtesy, professionalism and is calm and even-tempered. ISBA finds Luz Maria Toledo qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Out of public necessity to ensure an adequate level of judicial staffing in Cook County and having no opposition in the upcoming general election, Luz Maria Toledo was appointed to the circuit court on August 10, 2026; assigned to the First Municipal District, Municipal Department, Circuit Court of Cook County.

Ashonta Cherron Rice was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2005. Prior to 2024 she was a sole practitioner with concentration primarily in the areas of family law and child protection litigation. In January 2024 she began representing the Park Gold Group on matters including probate, real estate, traffic, small claims and social security disability claims.

It is reported that Ms. Rice is versed in all areas of the law; is extraordinarily competent; treats everyone equally; holds herself to a high standard; and presents herself as calm and mild-mannered.

ISBA finds Ashonta C. Rice qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County. Out of public necessity to ensure an adequate level of judicial staffing in Cook County and having no opposition in the upcoming general election, Ashonta C. Rice was appointed to the circuit court on August 10, 2026; assigned to the First Municipal District, Municipal Department, Circuit Court of Cook County.

Ava M. George Stewart was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2003. She started her career with the City of Chicago trying traffic cases. In 2005, she started her own practice concentrating in criminal defense. From 2021 to 2023, she was Chief of the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Criminal Division. She returned to her own criminal defense practice in 2023. Since January of 2025, Ms. Stewart has also served as a hearing officer for the Water Reclamation District. Since 2018, she has also taught appellate advocacy at UIC law school.

Ms. George Stewart has been active in several bar associations, serving as an officer, board, or committee member in the ISBA, Lincoln American Inn of Court, WBAI, BWLA, and Women Criminal Defense Lawyers at various times. ISBA finds Ava George Stewart qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Out of public necessity to ensure an adequate level of judicial staffing in Cook County and having no opposition in the upcoming general election, Ava George Stewart was appointed to the circuit court on August 10, 2026; assigned to the First Municipal District, Municipal Department, Circuit Court of Cook County.

D’Anthony Thedford was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1997. Effective December 2, 2024, he was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Paul Karkula. Prior to this appointment, he had been a partner at Thedford Garber Law, LLC since 2016 specializing in the areas of criminal defense and civil rights. From 2005 to 2016 he practiced at his own law firm; from 1997 to 2005 he served as an Assistant Public Defender representing indigent clients.

Judge Thedford’s first assignment was in the Traffic Division; he is presently assigned to the Pre-trial Division. ISBA finds D’Anthony “Tony” Thedford qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

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Radiance Ward was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2008. Since 2013 she has worked as an Assistant Public Defender in the Homicide Task Force Unit, and as an adjunct law professor at Loyola University – Chicago School of Law teaching intensive trial practice. From 2012 to 2013 she was a case manager in the Office of the Chief Judge. From 2009 to 2012 she was a solo practitioner with concentration on domestic relations matters.

Ms. Ward has been described as extremely bright, dedicated and has a very good understanding of the law. She has a high regard for rules of ethics; is very calm; well-prepared for trial and handles her cases diligently and efficiently. ISBA finds Radiance Ward qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Out of public necessity to ensure an adequate level of judicial staffing in Cook County and having no opposition in the upcoming general election, Radiance Ward was appointed to the circuit court on August 10, 2026; assigned to the First Municipal District, Municipal Department, Circuit Court of Cook County.

Ashley Greer Shambley was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2010. She started her career as an associate in the Law office of John F. Lyke. Since 2012 she has been an Assistant Public Defender in the Cook County Public Defender’s Office. As most of her experience is in criminal law, she has had some domestic relations practice. She lists twenty-seven criminal trials-to-verdict as a lead counsel and twenty as assisting counsel.

Ms. Greer Shambley has been active in several social and legal associations and an executive board member of AFSCME since 2023. She is described as being on top of the law with tremendous legal knowledge, unimpeachable character and highly respected by opposing counsels and judges. ISBA finds Ashley Greer Shambley qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Out of public necessity to ensure an adequate level of judicial staffing in Cook County and having no opposition in the upcoming general election, Ashley Greer Shambley was appointed to the circuit court on August 10, 2026; assigned to the First Municipal District, Municipal Department, Circuit Court of Cook County

John P. Carroll, Jr. was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1999. Effective May 2025, he was appointed to fill the vacancy of retired Judge Thomas W. Murphy. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Carroll served as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the Illinois Attorney General for six years with a focus on projects involving policy, legislation, litigation, outreach, and advocacy. Previously he spent nineteen years with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office where he prosecuted cases in the Felony Trial, Sex Crimes, Narcotics and Special Prosecutions divisions and for the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Judge Carroll was initially assigned to the Traffic Division; in July 2025 he was assigned to the Domestic Violence Division where as a “floater”, he presides over criminal and civil domestic violence cases and emergency orders of protection. ISBA finds John Carroll highly qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Rachel Stephanie Marrello was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2000. She held a variety of positions in private labor/employment firms until 2010 when she joined the Cook County and Forest Preserve as the Shakman compliance administrator. In 2010, Ms. Marrello joined the Cook County Independent Investigator General’s Office as an investigator. Since 2022, she has been in-house labor and employment counsel for Cook County Health. She reports as having acted as hearing officer or presenter for eighty-five quasi-judicial hearings in the past five years.

Ms. Marrello serves on the board of the Bellwood Stray Crew. She was elected to the Riverside School District Board and served as vice president or board member from 2013 to 2017. Respondents praised her professionalism, temperament and sensitivity. ISBA finds Rachel S. Marrello qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Stephanie S. Kelly was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2001. She has been Interim Senior Labor & Employment Counsel for Major, Lindsay & Africa since 2023. She previously worked in various positions at Chicago State University ultimately becoming Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer before leaving in late 2020.

ISBA finds Stephanie S. Kelly qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County. Out of public necessity to ensure an adequate level of judicial staffing in Cook County and having no opposition in the upcoming general election, Stephanie S. Kelly was appointed to the circuit court on August 10, 2026; assigned to the First Municipal District, Municipal Department, Circuit Court of Cook County.

Kathleen Cunniff Ori was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2007. Since 2017 she has served as a Cook County State’s Attorney where she is currently assigned to the Special Litigation Division handling cases of labor and employment law. Previously, she was in private practice with McGuireWoods and clerked for a U.S. District judge and a U.S. Appellate Court judge.

Ms. Ori is described as a thorough and talented writer and researcher, having a good grasp of the law and effective at explaining it to other people; is quite competent’ and well respected by colleagues, opposing counsels and judges. ISBA finds Kathleen Cunniff Ori qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Lester W. Finkle was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1982. In May 2025, he was appointed to fill the vacancy of Justice Mary L. Mikva. From 1984 to 2021, Mr. Finkle was with the Office of the Cook County Public Defender presenting more than fifty oral arguments before the Illinois Supreme and Appellate courts. At the time of his judicial appointment, he was with Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer as an appellate practitioner. Since 1997 he has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Law (formerly The John Marshall Law School).

Judge Finkle is reported to be the “go to” person; incredibly knowledgeable in the interpretation and analysis of case law; personable; and is sensitive to diversity and bias. His first assignment was in Traffic Division, six weeks later he was reassigned to the Domestic Violence Division. ISBA finds Lester Finkle qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Jarrett Miller Knox was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2008. He has been with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office since 2019 in the Child Protection Division. Prior to this, he was an Administrative Law Judge with the Illinois Department of Human Services and an Assistant Public Guardian and worked as a staff attorney at the Domestic Violence Legal Clinic and Legal Aid Society.

Mr. Knox is described as incredibly smart, knowledgeable and thorough. He has been complemented as being a special person for staying in Child Protection as a Guardian ad litem and Assistant State’s Attorney which makes him sensitive to issues faced by his clients. ISBA finds Judge Jarrett Knox qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County. Out of public necessity to ensure an adequate level of judicial staffing in Cook County and having no opposition in the upcoming general election, Jarrett Knox was appointed to the circuit court on August 10, 2026; assigned to the First Municipal District, Municipal Department, Circuit Court of Cook County.

Kimberly Przekota was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2008. Effective February 2025, she was appointed to the Cook Circuit Court by the retirement of Judge Mary Colleen Roberts. On March 24, 2025, she was transferred from Traffic Division to Domestic Violence Division as a “floater”.

Prior to her judicial appointment, Ms. Przekota was a career Assistant State’s Attorney in Felony Trial at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse and Skokie. Judge Przekota is a member of various bar associations and participates in community activities. She is praised for her legal knowledge and ability, trial skills, and having a hard-working nature. ISBA finds Kimberly Przekota qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Robert Groebner has been an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney since his admission to the Illinois bar in 1999. He is currently assigned to Preliminary Hearings/Bond Court in Skokie. He was previously assigned to the same position at Belmont & Western in 2014. Previously, he worked a felony court at 26th Street, various misdemeanor courts, Child Sex Crimes, and Child Support courts. He has taken CLE classes in a variety of subjects, including DEI issues.

Mr. Groebner is an active member of Stein Collectors International. He volunteers at St. Peter Lutheran Church and the Buddy Foundation, an animal shelter. He is a current member of the Cook County, Northwest Suburban and Hellenic Bar associations. His legal knowledge is praised and he is regarded as the “go to” guy for issues. He is known to be sensitive and empathetic to litigants. In his current position, he has made use of diversionary programs to avoid criminal outcomes. He is calm, even-tempered and respectful.

ISBA finds Robert “Bob” Groebner qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County. Out of public necessity to ensure an adequate level of judicial staffing in Cook County and having no opposition in the upcoming general election, Robert Groebner was appointed to the circuit court on August 10, 2026; assigned to the First Municipal District, Municipal Department, Circuit Court of Cook County.

ISBA finds Robert “Bob” Groebner qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County. Out of public necessity to ensure an adequate level of judicial staffing in Cook County and having no opposition in the upcoming general election, Robert Groebner was appointed to the circuit court on August 10, 2026; assigned to the First Municipal District, Municipal Department, Circuit Court of Cook County.

Brittany Pedersen has been licensed since 2009. After spending three years with the Kane County Public Defender, she entered private practice, both as a solo practitioner and with various firms, in the areas of criminal defense, family law, civil litigation, real estate and contracts. Since 2020 she has been a solo practitioner with Pedersen and Irvin, with offices in St. Charles and Elgin. She does have jury and bench trial experience, almost entirely in Kane County. She has been a guest lecturer at Aurora University, a board member and former officer of the Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, and a member of the Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce. She previously ran for judge twice in the 16th subcircuit, Kane County.

She is described by other attorneys and judges as passionate and intelligent, with knowledge of the law and legal process. The investigation raised concerns about the lack of practice in Cook County courts; in addition, the Committee had concerns about a prior judicial evaluation in Kane County. ISBA finds Brittany Michelle Pedersen not qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

William F. Kelley was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1980. He has practiced the vast majority of his career with various iterations of his current firm, Kelley, Kelley, & Kelley. he started as an associate handling minor criminal/traffic, personal injury, and commercial issues. As a partner, he handled PI, workman’s compensation, tax, and estate issues. Since 2009, he has been senior managing partner; he describes his current practice as: probate/estate, 45%, business law 23%, tax law 10%, with 23% being business or commercial litigation. He lists CLEs on a variety of topics.

Mr. Kelley is very engaged with community activities. He is past president and a board member of the Northwest Suburban Bar Association. He was a past president and board member of Rotary International. He is currently a trustee of Harper College. Lawyers and judges acknowledged his wide range of legal knowledge. He is said to be sensitive to diversity issues. He is described as ‘even keeled’ and calm.

The Illinois State Bar Association finds William F. Kelley qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County. Out of public necessity to ensure an adequate level of judicial staffing in Cook County and having no opposition in the upcoming general election, William F. Kelley was appointed to the circuit court on August 10, 2026; assigned to the First Municipal District, Municipal Department, Circuit Court of Cook County.

Daniel Naranjo was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1998. Effective June 5, 2025, he was appointed to the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Shannon P. O’Malley. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Naranjo served in the Office of the Cook County Public Defender.

Judge Naranjo’s present assignment is at the Domestic Violence Courthouse. ISBA finds Daniel Naranjo qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Julian Sanchez Crozier was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2013. Though not actively practicing he was admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in 2018 and was involved in several cases during his time in private practice. Since 2018, Mr. Crozier has been with Ciesielski, Soukaras & Crozier Law in Chicago as attorney/partner with concentrations in drivers’ license reinstatement, real estate, personal injury, and criminal defense in state court. From 2013 to 2018 he was with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office – Child Enforcement Division. He is a member of various bar associations and is active in community organizations. Attorneys praise his professionalism, fairness, patience, and respectfulness.

ISBA finds Judge Julian Sanchez Crozier qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County. Out of public necessity to ensure an adequate level of judicial staffing in Cook County and having no opposition in the upcoming general election, Julian Sanchez Crozier was appointed to the circuit court on August 10, 2026; assigned to the First Municipal District, Municipal Department, Circuit Court of Cook County.

Jessica Karina Velez was admitted to the Illinois bar 2012. Since September 2023, she has been Deputy General Counsel for the Office of the State Comptroller, where she oversees Freedom of Information Act requests and oversees assistant attorney generals who handle litigation for the Comptroller’s Office. Prior to her current position, she handled general tort cases at Johnson and Bell. She handled one civil jury trial as lead counsel and one as assisting counsel. She has been a committee chair for the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois and also a board member for that bar association’s charity. She is also a Regional Commissioner for the Hispanic National Bar Association and coached moot court for several years. She also served as chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee at her former firm.

Attorneys consider Ms. Velez to be bright and quick to grasp legal concepts, diligent and calm. Concerns were raised about the limited nature of her litigation experience and the depth and breadth of her legal experience. ISBA finds Jessica Karina Velez not qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Public records show that Natalia Moore was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2008 and is with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Ms. Moore declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Natalia Moore is not recommended to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Bianca Brjhett Brown was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2010. Prior to her current position as a senior associate with Pretzel & Stouffer since April 2025 where she is a trial attorney, she has worked for the Chicago Transit Authority as a Chief Attorney, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Office of the Illinois Attorney General in the Consumer Protection Division, the City of Chicago as an Assistant Corporation Counsel, and as a solo practitioner concentrating on criminal defense and family law.

Ms. Brown is praised for her legal knowledge and grasp of the issues. She has served for nine years on the Hearing Board of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission and is currently a member of the Board of Governors for the Illinois State Bar Association. She is described as professional, a person of integrity, and sensitive to diversity and bias. ISBA finds Bianca B. Brown qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Samuel Bae was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1999; since 2000 he has maintained his own practice, mainly in domestic relations, personal injury and commercial litigation. He is a member of several bar associations, most actively as a volunteer with the Korean American Women In Need program. He co-authored a review of the legal and practical issues of sexual harassment. References praised Mr. Bae for his temperament, diligence and impartiality. Attorneys reported that he is impartial, courteous and diligent, with good legal knowledge.

ISBA finds Samuel Bae qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County. Out of public necessity to ensure an adequate level of judicial staffing in Cook County and having no opposition in the upcoming general election, Samuel Bae was appointed to the circuit court on August 10, 2026; assigned to the First Municipal District, Municipal Department, Circuit Court of Cook County.

Juan Francisco Ponce de Leon was admitted to the Illinois bar in November of 2009. For the past ten years he has been a criminal defense attorney with the Office of the Cook County Public Defender currently assigned to the Third District (Rolling Meadows). Prior to this, he worked in the Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Divisions.

Colleagues and opposing counsel report that Mr. Ponce de Leon has great legal knowledge and negotiates properly for his clients. He is praised for being professional, even keeled and good with difficult situations.

ISBA finds Juan Ponce de Leon qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County. Out of public necessity to ensure an adequate level of judicial staffing in Cook County and having no opposition in the upcoming general election, Juan Ponce de Leon was appointed to the circuit court on August 10, 2026; assigned to the First Municipal District, Municipal Department, Circuit Court of Cook County.

Sara Ann McGann was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2009. After spending her career as an Assistant State’s Attorney, in July of 2025, she was appointed to the Circuit Court to fill the resident judgeship formerly held by Judge John A. Fairman who was elected to a different subcircuit. After an initial assignment in Traffic Division in First Municipal, she was assigned to the Sixth District (Markham) in January of 2026.

Prior to her judicial appointment, Judge McGann served in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office since 2009. She was a briefing supervisor in the Criminal Appeals Division and managed Drug and Mental Health Treatment Courts. Previous to that assignment she had worked in various treatment and diversion courts at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse, Fifth District (Bridgeview) and the Sixth District (Markham).

Attorneys reported that she is professional, intelligent and current on legal issues. There were concerns about the depth and breadth of her recent legal experience. ISBA finds Judge Sara McGann not qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Monica Somerville was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1990. Since January 2025 she has been a staff attorney at Cabrini-Green Legal Aid handling criminal records’ relief matters. She has also been a private practitioner and a hearing officer for the City of Chicago. In the past, she has been employed by various government agencies at the federal, state, county, and city level. She is a member of various bar associations, including as a committee member for the Cook County Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association. She volunteers with the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services and has presented on legal matters at various community and law school events.

Ms. Somerville does have some jury and bench trial experience, although the majority is not recent. Attorneys gave positive feedback on her legal knowledge and ability, her open-mindedness, professionalism and impartiality. Concerns were raised about the depth and breadth of her overall experience and her lack of recent trial experience. ISBA finds Monica G. Somerville not qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Michael J. Zink was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2004. In December 2024 he was appointed to fill the vacancy of the retirement of Judge David Haracz. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Zink had twenty years of experience in private practice having served as an equity partner and associate at Starr, Bejgiert, Zink & Rowells. He has been published extensively in legal journals and newsletters and presented CLE programs for the Chicago Bar Association and the Illinois State Bar Association.

Judge Zink’s present assignment is in First Municipal in a non-jury civil room where, among other matters, hears cases involving personal injury, subrogation, property damage, landlord/tenant, credit card debt, and breach of contract. Additionally, he fills in whenever there is a shortage of judges. ISBA finds Michael J. Zink qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Jon Karl Stromsta was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1985. In addition to his position with the Illinois Department of Employment Security as an Administrative Law Judge since 2022, he is a Panel Arbitrator with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. From 2010 to 2024, he was a partner with the Enterprise Law Group in Northfield with concentration in civil and criminal defense litigation and appellate practice. From 2008 to 2010 he practiced family law and general civil litigation and criminal defense at Pasulka & Associates.

From 2004 to 2008 he was with the Office of the State Appellate Defender – Capital Litigation Division / Post Conviction Unit. Mr. Stromsta is praised for his legal knowledge and ability and character and temperament.

ISBA finds Jon Stromsta qualified to serve as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County. Out of public necessity to ensure an adequate level of judicial staffing in Cook County and having no opposition in the upcoming general election, Jon Stromsta was appointed to the circuit court on August 10, 2026; assigned to the First Municipal District, Municipal Department, Circuit Court of Cook County.

Justice Lampkin was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1974, admitted to the U.S. Federal District court in 1974 and the Federal Trial Bar in 1985. From 1987 to 1989 she was assigned to the Traffic Division at the Daley Center; in 1989 she was assigned to the 5th Municipal District (Bridgeview); from 1989 to 1993, she was assigned to the Night Narcotics Court; from 1993 to 1996 she was assigned to the Criminal Division; from 1996 to 1997 she was assigned to the Domestic Violence Court; from 1997 to 2009 she was supervising judge in the Criminal Division; in 2009 she was assigned to the Appellate Court; in 2016 she was elected to the Appellate Court.

Justice Lampkin is a member of various bar associations and in recent years received the Kenneth Wilson Award and the George Leighton Award from the Cook County Bar Association.

Attorneys speak highly of her knowledge and ability and her passion about the law, stating that her opinions are well-written and show her attention to detail. She is described as being collegial, collaborative and gracious. ISBA recommends Justice Bertina E. Lampkin be retained to the Illinois Appellate Court – First District.

Judge Nixon was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1975. He was appointed to the circuit court in 2001; elected to a countywide vacancy in 2002; retained in 2008, 2014 and 2020. Initially assigned to Traffic Division, he has been a supervising judge in the Chancery Division – Mortgage Foreclosure/Mechanics Lien Section since 2008.

Judge Nixon received positive comments across all areas evaluated. He is described as knowledgeable, kind, respectful, calm, collegial, and diligent. ISBA recommends Judge Lewis Nixon be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Kennedy was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1979. After a career as an assistant public defender, he was elected to the Circuit Court in 2002 and, subsequently, retained three times. In July 2021, he was named the Presiding Judge of the Fifth Municipal District (Bridgeview). Prior to this, since 2003 he spent time sitting in various courtrooms in the Fifth District. He is a member of various bar and judicial organizations, and in 2017 was named Jurist of the Year by the Southwest Suburban Bar Association.

In addition to his administrative duties, he often presides over the various court calls in the district. Attorneys who have appeared before him praised his in-depth knowledge of various areas of the law and ability to be pragmatic. He is considered to be well-prepared with high integrity. ISBA recommends Judge Kerry M. Kennedy be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Powell was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1992. She worked for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, Civil Division, and in private solo practice for 14 years before being elected to the circuit court in 2000. She has been assigned to the Law Division since 2014, where she hears jury and occasionally bench trials, along with necessary motions.

Lawyers and judges praised Judge Powell in all areas being evaluated. Her legal knowledge, sensitivity to diversity, professionalism, impartiality, and temperament were excellent. She is described as hard working, diligent, and punctual. ISBA recommends Judge Joan E. Powell be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Ward Kirby was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1989. She was appointed to the circuit court in 2007; elected in 2008; retained in 2014 and 2020. She has been assigned to the County Division in 2009, and in June 2025 was named Presiding Judge, after serving as acting Presiding Judge since 2023. Prior to her appointment she had been in private practice handling complex commercial litigation. She has frequently spoken on civil mental health issues and serves on Illinois Supreme Court Committees. She is a member of various bar and judicial organizations and has served on the Boards of the Illinois Judges Association and the Illinois Judges Foundation.

She is highly regarded by attorneys for her legal knowledge, integrity, even-handedness and ability to handle a variety of legal issues. ISBA recommends Judge Maureen Ward Kiry be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Arce was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1985. He was appointed to the circuit court in February 2008; elected in 2008, retained in 2014 and 2020. Since 2008, his current assignment is in Domestic Relations Division at the 1st Municipal District (Daley Center). He is a past treasurer of the Illinois Latino Judges Association and has been a speaker on legal matters.

Attorneys reported that his decisions are based on the law, and that he is diligent and prompt. ISBA recommends Judge Edward A. Arce be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County

Judge Byrne was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1989. After a career as a prosecutor, he was elected to a circuit court countywide vacancy in 2008; retained in 2014 and 2020. He has been assigned to the Leighton Criminal Courthouse since 2013, presiding over felony cases. He has been a speaker on legal issues, a mock trial volunteer, and a mentor judge, and is a member of various bar and judicial organizations.,

Attorneys praised his fairness and demeanor and reported that he is respected by both sides as a judge who follows the law. ISBA recommends Judge Thomas J. Byrne be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Kenworthy was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1995. She was elected to the circuit court in 2008; retained in 2014 and 2020. Since 2019 she has been assigned to the Criminal Division, Leighton Criminal Courthouse, presiding over a felony trial call. Prior to her election, she had focused on criminal defense as both a private practitioner and an assistant public defender. She has served on Illinois Supreme Court Committees, edited a bench book on criminal law and procedure, been a judicial mentor and instructor for new judges, and is treasurer of the Illinois Jewish Judges Association.

She received high praise from attorneys for her legal knowledge, ability to handle complex cases, integrity and professionalism. ISBA recommends Judge Diana L. Kenworthy be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Ryan was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2000; she was elected in 2008. She is currently Presiding Judge in the Fourth Municipal District (Maywood), where she has been since 2010. She hears misdemeanor, Mental Health and Veterans calls, which are not adversarial, but focus or treatment alternatives.

Judge Ryan is knowledgeable in her field, fair to everyone, especially good with pro se litigants. She is punctual, diligent and professional. ISBA recommends Judge Kristyna Colleen Ryan be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Walowski was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1993. She was elected to the circuit court in 2008; retained in 2014 and 2020. She was assigned to Traffic Court and First Municipal in 2009. Between 2009 and 2016, Judge Walowski served in the Domestic Violence Division. She has been assigned to the Criminal Division at 26th and California since 2016.

Despite comments about poor temperament and impatience, Judge Walowski was praised for her legal knowledge, her willingness to research, and her courtroom management ability. ISBA recommends Judge Ursula Walowski be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Kyriakopoulos was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1990. After a career as a prosecutor, he was appointed to the circuit court in February 2010; reappointed in August 2012; elected in 2014 and retained in 2020. Since 2015 he has been assigned to the Chancery Division, Mortgage Foreclosure/Mechanics Lien Section. He received a service award from the Hellenic Bar Association in 2023, and is currently on their Board, as well as serving as president of the Order of Themis. He has been a speaker on legal topics and involved in other community activities.

Attorneys reported that he is professional, good at explaining the law to pro se litigants, and treats all equally. ISBA recommends Judge Anthony C. Kyriakopoulos be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Moreland was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1995. She was appointed to the circuit court in 2010; reappointed in 2012; elected in 2014 and retained in 2020. She is currently assigned to the Chancery Division where she handles a broad variety of complex civil matters: administrative reviews, corporate and business disputes, trust litigation and insurance coverage.

Judge Moreland is said to be prepared and knowledgeable about cases. She is fair to everyone, and considerate of pro se litigants. She manages her courtroom well and gives parties equal time to present their cases. ISBA recommends Judge Caroline Kate Moreland be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Carroll was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1988. He was appointed to the circuit court in 2011; reappointed in 2012; elected in 2014; retained in 2020. Since 2012 he has been assigned to the Sixth Municipal District (Markham) where he serves as a supervising judge hearing misdemeanor and traffic matters. Prior to his judicial appointment, he was a private attorney focusing on criminal defense, after spending several years as an assistant public defender. He is a member of various bar and judicial associations and serves as a judicial mentor.

Attorneys praised his judicial skills, legal knowledge and ability, describing him as respectful, professional and calm. ISBA recommends Judge Thomas J. Carroll be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Buford was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1986. She was appointed to the circuit court in 2013; elected in 2014 and retained in 2020. She is the Presiding Judge of Child Protection Division, where she has been assigned since 2014. Prior to her judicial appointment she had been a private practitioner and a commissioner for the Illinois Court of Claims. She has been a speaker on legal topics, has worked on Supreme Court Committees, and is a past president of the Illinois Judicial Council. She is the recipient of several awards, including the Chicago Bar Association Vanguard Award as the Cook County Bar Association nominee, and the Earl Dickerson Award from the CCBA.

Attorneys and judges described her as highly knowledgeable, approachable, even-tempered, and with the ability to navigate emotionally charged cases well. ISBA recommends Judge Andrea M. Buford be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Allegretti was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1995. He was appointed to the circuit court in May 2014; elected in November 2014; retained in 2020. He is currently assigned to the First Municipal District, presiding over civil non-jury trials; previous assignments include the County Division, First Municipal and Traffic. He has spoken and written on legal issues, is a member and has served on committees for various bar associations and has served as a volunteer mentor for new judges. Prior to his appointment he was general counsel for the Cook County Treasurer’s office.

Attorneys praised his legal knowledge, research skills, professionalism and fairness. ISBA recommends that Judge John Michael Allegretti be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Rivers was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1996 and the Texas bar in 1996. She was appointed to the circuit court in June 2014; elected to a countywide vacancy in 2014 and retained in 2020. From May 2015 until October 2021, she served in the Juvenile Justice Division. In 2021 she was assigned to the Misdemeanor Petty and Domestic Violence Room in Bridgeview, where she currently hears criminal bench and jury trials.

Judge Rivers is said to be knowledgeable, and able to make fair and thoughtful rulings. She is sensitive to issues confronting the diverse population that appears before her. She is respectful, calm, consistent, and predictable. Judge Rivers is ‘always on time’ and prepared. ISBA recommends Judge Kristal Rivers be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Watkins was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1991. He was appointed to the circuit court in May 2014; elected in November 2014 and retained in 2020. He is currently assigned as a supervising judge in the Criminal Division at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse.

Judge Watkins was universally praised for his legal knowledge, diligence, professionalism and temperament. He treats everyone appearing before him with respect and is fair to both sides. He is noted as being prepared, punctual, and ‘a student of the law’. ISBA recommends Judge Steven G. Watkins be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Romanek was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1987. She was appointed to the circuit court in August 2014; elected in November 2014 and retained in 2020. She served in evictions, pro se civil, municipal civil courts. In 2015, she was assigned to Domestic Relations individual docket. In 2025, she became a Supervising Judge in Domestic Relations. She is active in the community and has written articles for bar publications.

Judge Romanek is said to be knowledgeable, efficient, punctual, and fair-minded. ISBA recommends Judge Abbey Fishman Romanek be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judith C. Rice was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1988 and elected to the Circuit Court of Cook County in 2014 and retained in 2020. In 2019 she was assigned to Domestic Relations and is currently its Presiding Judge managing the operations of ten domestic violence courtrooms and fifteen judges.

Judge Rice also serves as a rotating judge for both civil and criminal domestic violence cases and hears after-hours orders of protection. She is described as knowing the law well and is always ready to provide a fair hearing asking relevant questions. Those interviewed report that Judge Rice brings sensitivity to diversity and bias to the bench once immediately addressing a litigant’s derogatory remark. ISBA recommends Judith C. Rice be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Coughlin was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1996. After a career as a prosecutor, he was elected to the circuit court in 2014 and retained in 2020. He is assigned to a felony courtroom in the Sixth Municipal District (Markham). He has been a speaker on legal topics and in 2024 received the Distinguished Jurist Award from the South and Southwest Suburban Bar Associations.

Attorneys described him as very knowledgeable and always up to date on recent case law, and also as being very fair and respectful to all. ISBA recommends Judge Patrick Kevin Coughlin be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Goldish was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1997. After a career as a prosecutor, she was elected to the circuit court in 2014 and retained in 2020. Since 2015, she has been assigned to Domestic Relations. She has been an adjunct professor, taught, written and spoken on legal topics around the state and served on Illinois Supreme Court Committees. She is president of the Illinois Jewish Judges Association, and a past president of the Decalogue Society and the North Suburban Bar Association, and a board member of the Illinois Judges Association. She has been the recipient of many awards, including the Building Bridges Award in 2021 from the Arab American Bar Association and the Decalogue Society; the Judge of the Year Award from the North Suburban Bar Association; and the Chicago Bar Association Vanguard Award in 2021, nominated by the Decalogue Society.

Attorneys highly praised her legal knowledge, patience, diligence, and fairness. ISBA recommends Judge Megan Elizabeth Goldish be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Hansen was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1998. She was elected to the circuit court in 2014 and retained in 2020. She is currently assigned to the Second Municipal District (Skokie), where she presides over a felony courtroom and also serves as Deputy Presiding Judge. Prior to her election she had been a private general practitioner and a prosecutor. She is a founding member and past president of the Asian American Judges Association of Illinois and has been an instructor for new judges. She received the Chicago Bar Association Vanguard Award in 2022 as the Filipino American Lawyers Association nominee and also received the Women’s Leadership Award in 2021 from the South Asian Bar Association.

Attorneys praised her legal knowledge, research abilities, and her impartiality and thoroughness. ISBA recommends Judge Anjana Hansen be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Kuzas was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1989. He was elected to the circuit court in 2014 and retained in 2020. He is assigned to First Municipal, presiding over preliminary hearings in Branch 44. Prior to his election, he was in private practice focusing on criminal defense. He is a member of various judicial associations and has served on the board for the Jesse White Tumbling Team.

Attorneys described him as a knowledgeable judge who applies the law carefully, is professional and diligent. ISBA recommends Judge Robert D. Kuzas be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Martinez was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1989; elected to the circuit court in 2014; retained in 2020. She has been assigned to Domestic Relations since 2016. Prior to her election, she had been a private practitioner and also had worked for the City of Chicago Law Department. She has been a speaker on legal issues and a moot court judge.

She was described by most attorneys as being diligent and hard-working, eager to see families succeed, and as someone who could be stern. ISBA recommends Judge Maritza Martinez be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge McGuire was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1991. After running a private practice focusing on estate planning, probate and real estate, he was elected to the Circuit Court in 2014 and retained in 2020. After an initial assignment in Traffic Court, in 2018 he was assigned to the Probate Division, where he currently sits in the Decedent Estates Section. He has been a speaker on legal topics and involved as a volunteer with various programs related to the Restorative Justice courts. In 2025 he received a Judicial Honoree award from Chicago Volunteer Legal Services and was inducted into their Ring of Honor.

Attorneys gave overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding his legal knowledge and ability, his level-headedness and understanding of complex matters. ISBA recommends Judge Terrence J. McGuire be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Mitchell was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1981. After a career as a civil litigator, she was elected in 2014 and retained in 2020. Her first assignment was in the Traffic Division, then to the Foreclosure Section of the Chancery Division. Since 2017 she has been assigned to jury trials in the Law Division where she handles all aspects of litigation. She has served on committees for several bar associations, including the Illinois State Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association, is a member of several judicial associations, and has been a speaker on legal topics.

Judge Mitchell is noted to have excellent legal knowledge, to treat everyone equally, and to be impartial with high integrity. Judge Mitchell is described as having great demeanor, being calm and respectful. She is punctual and diligent, investing adequate time for all cases, though some attorneys thought she moved cases too slowly. ISBA recommends that Judge Bridget Ann Mitchell be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Pieczonka was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1983; elected in 2014 and retained in 2020. He was initially assigned to the First Municipal Paternity, Traffic and Misdemeanor matters in Rolling Meadows. In 2015 he was assigned to the Civil Division; in 2019 to the Civil Jury Section.

Judge Pieczonka currently presides over civil jury trials involving personal injury, property damage, torts, and contracts among other issues. He also serves in rotation with other judges for after-hours duty for emergency matters.

Comments regarding Judge Pieczonka’s judicial performance were positive. He is described as well prepared, consistent, patient, professional, fair, diligent, and efficient. ISBA recommends Judge James Pieczonka be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Sheahan was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1996. She was elected to the circuit court in 2014 and retained in 2020. She was assigned to First Municipal until 2017, when she was moved to the Motions Section of the Law Division. Her current assignment is in Law Division – Trial Section.

Judge Sheahan is said to be knowledgeable about the law and always prepared. She is said to be sensitive to issues of diversity. Judge Sheahan is described as impartial, professional and hardworking. She has the ability to stay neutral and keep control of her courtroom, with a pleasant, consistent demeanor. ISBA recommends Judge Patricia O’Brien Sheahan be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Forti was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1980. After a career in private practice, employment with the City of Chicago – Law Department and Chief Counsel for the Illinois Department of Transportation, he was appointed to the circuit court in 2016, reappointed in 2018, became an associate judge in January 2020, then elected in November. His current assignment is in Domestic Relations where he presides over an Individual Calendar. He is a member of various bar and judicial associations and sits on the board of the Italian American Judges Association and Music of the Baroque.

Attorneys described him as highly skilled and knowledgeable on domestic relations matters, issuing well-reasoned decisions, while being respectful and patient. ISBA recommends Judge Michael A. Forti be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Patton was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1997. She was appointed to the circuit court in 2018 and elected in 2020. From 2018 until 2023, she was assigned to the County Division, hearing mental health, real estate taxation, civil asset forfeiture, and election law cases. From 2023 to the present, Judge Patton has served in the Law Division, Trial Section, where she hears complex matters exceeding $30,000, involving personal injury, wrongful death, medical or legal malpractice and motor vehicle accidents.

Judge Patton has served as an adjunct professor at UIC and has written articles for the CBA and ABA. She is the past president of the CBA. The super majority of respondents were complimentary about her legal knowledge, sensitivity, temperament, character and diligence. ISBA recommends Judge Nichole C. Patton be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Denmark was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2004; After a career as a prosecutor, she was appointed to the circuit court in December 2018 and elected in 2020. Prior to joining the bench, she had been an Assistant State’s Attorney in Will County for ten years. After an initial assignment in Traffic, she moved to First Municipal; in January 2026 she was appointed Supervising Judge of First Municipal Trial Section. She has been a speaker in legal topics, is a member of various bar and judicial associations, and participated in community activities.

Attorneys gave positive feedback regarding her legal knowledge, her firm grasp of case law, and her ability to explain things to jurors and pro se litigants. ISBA recommends Judge Sondra Nicole Denmark be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Tristan was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2002. He was appointed to the Cook Circuit Court in 2019 and elected in 2020; this is his first retention election. Since 2021, Judge Tristan has been assigned to the First Municipal District – Civil Jury Courts, where he handles cases involving personal injury, evictions, and contract disputes, in addition to filling in at other courtrooms.

Judge Tristan is active with a variety of moot trial programs, both coaching and judging the participants. He is a member of five bar associations. Comments about his legal knowledge, sensitivity, temperament, diligence, and integrity were all positive. ISBA recommends Judge Gerardo Tristan, Jr. be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Weaver Boyle was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1990. She was appointed to the Cook Circuit Court in 2019 and elected in 2020; this is her first retention election. Since 2024, Judge Weaver Boyle has been assigned to General Chancery where she handles a wide variety of cases including class actions, temporary restraining orders and insurance coverage. Between 2021 and 2024, she served in the Mortgage Foreclosure Section of the Chancery Division. She began her judicial service in Traffic Court. Before becoming a judge, she was a partner in a firm handling commercial litigation; she began her legal career in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Comments about Judge Weaver Boyle’s legal knowledge, sensitivity, integrity, temperament, and preparedness were positive. ISBA recommends Judge Lynn Weaver Boyle be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Maloney was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2001. He spent the majority of his career as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Cook County, where he was last assigned in the Narcotics Unit.

Judge Maloney was appointed to the circuit court in 2019 and elected in 2020. His first short assignment was in Traffic Court. Since 2019, he has been assigned to the Sixth Municipal District (Markham) in the Traffic and Misdemeanor rooms. He has also served in the Problem Solving Courts there, which involve substance addiction, and mental health issues.

Judge Maloney has been a speaker on the Problem Solving Courts at the Southwest Bar Association and the ISBA. He is active in church and community organizations as a coach and mock trial coach/judge. Comments about Judge Maloney’s legal knowledge, sensitivity, character, temperament, and diligence were all positive. ISBA recommends Judge Daniel E. Maloney be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Cushing was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1988. He was appointed to the circuit court in June 2019 and elected in 2020. Prior to his appointment, he had been “of counsel” to Christoper Kreid & Associates since 2010 where he focused on civil litigation. After prior assignments in Traffic and Domestic Violence, in 2023 he has been assigned to the Law Division – Jury at the First Municipal District (Daley Center). He has spoken as a panelist on legal issues and is a member of different bar associations.

Attorneys praised his legal knowledge and ability, his diligence, integrity, and even keeled temperament. ISBA recommends Judge Thomas M. Cushing be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Mulroe was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1988. He started his career as a Cook County State’s Attorney. From 1995 until his appointment in 2019, he had his own firm, concentrating in real estate, probate, personal injury, and criminal defense. From 2010 to 2019, he also served as an Illinois state senator. After his appointment, Judge Mulroe was assigned to Traffic Court and also served in Forcible Entry/Detainer and Eviction Courts. After his election in 2020, he was transferred to Juvenile Justice, where he has been ever since.

Judge Mulroe has volunteered as a mock trial judge and coach for community and legal organizations. He has worked with Redeploy Illinois, with the pilot program in his courtroom. He is also working on the bench book for Juvenile Justice Court. All comments about Judge Mulroe’s legal knowledge, sensitivity, temperament, diligence, and character were very favorable. ISBA recommends Judge John G. Mulroe be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Walton was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1997. She briefly had her own practice before joining the Office of the Cook County Public Defender, where she was assigned to the Markham courthouse as a trial attorney. Since her appointment to the circuit court in 2019, she served in the First Municipal District, and the Maywood Courthouse. She was elected in 2020 and presently hears felony cases at both bench and jury trials at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse.

Judge Walton has been active as a speaker for both legal (AOIC) and community (local churches and Kennedy-King College) events. She is an officer of the Illinois Judicial Council. She has also been active with the local branch of the NAACP. References uniformly praised her Legal knowledge, temperament, character, and professionalism. ISBA recommends Judge Tyria B. Walton be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Antonietti was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1991. After a career as a prosecutor, she was appointed to the circuit court in June 2019 and was elected in 2020. Her current assignment is at the 6th Municipal District (Markham), where she presides over a misdemeanor courtroom. She is a member of various bar and judicial associations and has been a committee member for the Illinois Judges Association. Attorneys stated that she has good legal knowledge and gives thorough rulings, is prepared and punctual.

ISBA recommends Judge Erin Haggerty Antonietti be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Molina-Gonzalez was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2001. Prior to her appointment to the circuit court in 2019, she was a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney in the Child Support Enforcement Division and the Felony Trial Division; and Chief of Real Estate Prosecutions for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. She was elected to a countywide vacancy in 2020 and is assigned to the Fourth Municipal District (Maywood) where her duties rotate every 4 months. She has covered various courtrooms, including misdemeanors, preliminary hearings, domestic violence, and occasionally felony and mental health courts.

Judge Molina-Gonzalez has a variety of community engagements, including work with Special Olympics, Friendship Animal Protective League, Corazon Community Services, and the Arts Alliance of Forest Park, to name only a few. Attorneys report that she is knowledgeable and research cases; is level-headed and respectful. ISBA recommends Judge Teresa Molina-Gonzalez be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Fallon was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2001. She was appointed to the circuit court in 2019 and elected in 2020. She has been assigned to Domestic Relations since July 2023, after initial assignments in Traffic and First Municipal. Prior to her appointment she was Chief of Human Resources for the Cook County Recorder of Deeds; she had been a prosecutor prior to taking that position. She has been a speaker in legal matters, a moot court judge, and a committee member for the Illinois State Bar Association.

Attorneys reported that she demonstrates strong legal knowledge and analytical ability and is well-respected for her preparedness and fairness. ISBA recommends Judge Patricia M. Fallon be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Henry was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1986. After a career as an assistant public defender she was appointed to the circuit court in August 2019 and elected to a countywide vacancy in 2020. Since October 2020 she has been assigned to the Fourth Municipal District (Maywood). She has been a speaker to new judges and is a member of various bar and judicial associations. She has been a board member of the Illinois Judicial Council and received their President’s Award in 2023 and the Distinguished Service Award in 2025. She is also a veteran of the Illinois Army National Guard.

The investigation revealed overall feedback that she is a good judge who mainly follows the law and who is honest, respectful and calm. ISBA recommends Judge Sheree Desire Henry be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Mays was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1990; appointed to the circuit court in January 2019 and became an associate judge in January 2020. She was elected to a countywide vacancy in 2020 and is currently assigned to the 4th Municipal District (Maywood), hearing a variety of matters. Prior to her appointment she was a sole practitioner chaired committees for various bar and judicial groups and received the Cook County Bar Association Presidential Award in 2021, the Outstanding Service Award from the Illinois Judicial Council in 2025.

She is considered by attorneys to be patient, respectful, and a good researcher, with good legal knowledge. ISBA recommends Judge Celestia L. Mays be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Smith was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1993, and the Missouri bar in 1999. He was appointed to the circuit court in March 2019; appointed as an Associate Judge in January 2020 serving briefly in Traffic Court and Domestic Violence Court. After his election to a countywide vacancy in 2020, he has been assigned to the Child Protection Division of Juvenile Court, where he conducts bench trials and hearings. He also volunteers twice a month for ‘benchmark hearings’, which are proactive meetings with youth (16 - 20) in foster care who are focused on transitioning them to independence as they become adults.

Prior to taking the bench, Judge Smith’s legal career focused on family and child protection issues. He is a member of several bar associations, has volunteered in the community and has received awards for his judicial service. ISBA recommends Judge Levander Smith, Jr. be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Aimen was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1984. Prior to her election in 2020 she was a sole practitioner with concentrations in criminal defense, family and civil rights matters and appellate law. After the initial assignment, since 2022 she has been assigned to Domestic Relations Division at the 1st Municipal District (Daley Center). She has been a committee member for several bar associations and was on the Board of Directors for the Chicago Council of Lawyers.

Attorneys consider her to be smart, hardworking, professional, and patient with the many pro se litigants who appear before her. ISBA recommends that Judge Julie Bess Aimen be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Ayala-Gonzalez was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2003. She was elected to the circuit court in 2020; since December 2022, she has been assigned to the Leighton Criminal Courthouse where she presides over a felony call. Prior to this she had been assigned to First Municipal and Traffic. She serves as secretary for the Illinois Latino Judges Association, is a committee member for the Illinois Judges Association, and is a member of various other bar associations. She has been a speaker on legal topics to students, a mock trial volunteer, and is on the Board of Trinity High School.

Attorneys and judges praised her legal knowledge and ability, describing her as one of the stronger jurists in the Criminal Division. She is considered to be fair, effective, diligent, and prepared. ISBA recommends Judge Laura Ayala-Gonzalez be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Butler was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1993. After a legal career serving in various state agencies, she was elected to the Circuit Court in 2020. Since February 2023 she has been assigned to First municipal, where she currently sits in the Civil Jury section. She has been a panelist on legal topics and a moot court judge and is a member of various bar associations. She has received awards during Women’s History month from Calumet City and Thornton Township.

Attorneys described her as a hardworking judge with a good understanding of legal issues who takes the time to understand all sides. She was also commended for her patience and for taking extra care with pro se litigants. ISBA recommends Judge Krista D. Butler be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Dempsey was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2002 and elected to the circuit court in 2020. After initial assignments in Traffic and First Municipal, in May 2024 she was assigned to the Law Division, Motions Section, where she currently presides. She has been a speaker in legal topics, is a member of various bar associations, teaches martial arts and volunteers with various community groups. Prior to her election, she had been in private practice with various firms handling civil defense litigation.

Judge Dempsey was described as being very smart with an immense amount of legal knowledge and integrity; she is considered to be diligent and slow to anger. ISBA recommends Judge Maire Aileen Dempsey be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Dickler was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2005. After a career as a prosecutor, she was elected to the circuit court in 2020. She is currently assigned to the Probate Division, Minor Guardianship after initial assignments in Traffic and First Municipal. She sits on the Board of the Jewish Judges Association; is a member of the Illinois Judges Association and other bar associations and has been a speaker on legal topics. She is also an active member of various community groups.

Attorneys described her as highly knowledgeable, patient with pro se litigants, and thoroughly prepared on complex matters. ISBA recommends Judge Jamie Guerra Dickler be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Green was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1986. Prior to his election in 2020 he was a supervising attorney with the Corporation Counsel’s Office for Chicago and with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. After initial assignments in Traffic and Domestic Violence, he has been assigned to the Law Division – Commercial Calendar since April 2025. He has been a speaker on legal topics and is active with various bar and judicial associations having served as past president of the Advocates Society, as a Board member of the Polish American Judges Association, the Illinois Judges Association, and the Illinois Judges Foundation. He was the Advocates Society recipient of the Chicago Bar Association Vanguard Award in 2024.

Attorneys spoke highly of his legal knowledge and ability, temperament and character, many stated that “the bench could use more like him”. ISBA recommends Judge Jonathan Clark Green be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Marubio was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1997. In 2016 she was appointed as an associate judge assigned to the Pretrial Division at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse. She was elected to the circuit court in 2020. Immediately prior to her appointment, she served as an administrative law judge for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. She has written on legal topics and was an adjunct professor at DePaul College of Law. She is a past president of the Alliance of Illinois Judges and received their Outstanding Leadership Award in 2021; additional she was named the LAGBAC recipient of the Chicago Bar Association Vanguard Award in 2023. In January 2026, she was named the Presiding Judge of the 2nd Municipal District (Skokie); she also is the Deputy Chief Judge of First Appearance Court. She was first assigned to the Pretrial Division in 2017, after first sitting in Traffic and Domestic Relations.

Attorneys commented favorably on her legal knowledge and ability, her preparedness, her fairness and her sensitivity. ISBA recommends Judge Mary Catherine Marubio be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Mescall was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2007 and elected to the Cook Circuit Court in 2020; this is her first retention election. Judge Mescall has been assigned to Domestic Relations in Fifth Municipal District (Bridgeview) since July 2025. Before this, she sat in the First Municipal District – Civil Jury. Before becoming a judge, she was a prosecutor in New Mexico from 2002 until 2007 when she moved to Chicago and became an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Felony Trial Division.

Judge Mescall is a member of several bar associations and teaches Trial Advocacy at the University of Illinois Law School. Comments about her temperament, sensitivity and preparedness were uniformly positive. There were concerns voiced about her legal knowledge and impartiality in her new assignment in Domestic Relations Court. She appears interested in improving and willing to learn. ISBA recommends Judge Regina Ann Mescall be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Murphy was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2003. Prior to her election to a countywide vacancy in 2020, she was a career Assistant State’s Attorney assigned to the Leighton Criminal Courthouse in the Appeals Division and at the Sixth Municipal District (Markham). Since March of 2024, Judge Murphy has been assigned to a felony courtroom in the Second Municipal District (Skokie); she served as a floater in Skokie from October 2021 until her present assignment. Prior to that, she was briefly assigned to Room 1104 in the Daley Center and to Traffic Court.

Judge Murphy reports she has worked with the Outreach Community Center in Little Village. She has participated in their school and summer programs, including chaperoning field trips to various museums.

Reports indicate that Judge Murphy has a good knowledge of criminal law and procedures. However, concerns were expressed about her lack of impartiality in criminal cases in favor of the prosecution and what the Committee felt was careless preparation of her judicial evaluation questionnaire. ISBA does not recommend Judge Lorraine Mary Murphy be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge O’Connor was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2006, and the Wisconsin bar in 2014. Prior to becoming a judge, she concentrated in litigation of personal injury, medical malpractice, construction cases, product, product liability, and civil rights.

Judge O’Connor was elected in 2020. She was assigned to Traffic Court for one month. From there she spent three and a half years in the First Municipal Division, civil trials. From May 2024 to July 2025, Judge O’Connor was assigned to the motions call. She has been sitting in the Law Trial Division since 2025, where she hears trial and pretrials.

Judge O’Connor has been a speaker on various topics relevant to tort litigation for the CBA, ITLA, and ISBA. She has written articles on those subjects as well. All comments in the areas of legal knowledge, temperament, sensitivity, diligence, and character were positive. ISBA recommends Judge Eileen O’Connor be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Quinn was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1983; her practice consisted mainly of family law, real estate and probate cases. She was elected to a countywide vacancy in 2020; this is her first retention election. Her first assignment was in Traffic Court. Since 2023 she has served in Domestic Relations Court. She has taught and lectured to community groups, law schools and other judged about issues affecting LGBTQ+ litigants and lawyers.

Comments were uniformly positive about her legal knowledge, sensitivity, temperament, character, and diligence. ISBA recommends Judge Jill Rose Quinn be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Reaves-Harris was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1992 and elected in 2020. She started her judicial career in Traffic Court, where she served until her current assignment in November 2021 to Housing Court. Her duties include dealing with all municipal housing code violations, for all structural including residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional.

Before becoming a judge, she served as an Administrative Law Judge for various municipalities, including Chicago, and served as a State Representative for the 10 District from January 2015 to January 2017. From 2017 to November 2020, she was Special Assistant to Legal Affairs in Cook County Government.

Judge Reaves-Harris was praised for her legal knowledge, sensitivity, character, diligence, and temperament. ISBA recommends Judge Pamela Reaves-Harris be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Smith was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2007. She was elected in 2020 to a countywide vacancy in the circuit court. She served for a brief period in Traffic Court. From 2021 to 2024, Judge Smith was assigned to the Child Protection Division in Juvenile Court. In 2024, she was transferred to the Juvenile Justice Division. She worked in several areas of civil law: expungements, insurance defense, and mortgage counseling until becoming an Assistant Public Defender in 2010 where she practiced prior to her election.

Reports of screaming matches between the Judge and attorneys, and between the Judge and minor respondents cause concern about her temperament and effectiveness of her judicial performance. ISBA does not recommend Judge Tiesha L. Smith be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Stacey was admitted to practice in 1982. In 1992 and up until his election, he had his own solo firm, concentrating in tort and commercial litigation in both state and federal courts.

Judge Stacey was elected to the circuit court in 2020; he served briefly in the Traffic Division. From January 2021 until December 2021, Judge Stacey was assigned to Evictions Court, where he presented over motions, bench trials and settlement conference. Since December 2021, he has been assigned Civil Jury Room where he hears bench and jury trials in addition to motions and settlement conferences.

Judge Stacey is a member of the Chicago Lincoln Inn of Court, leading and attending pupilage sessions. He is also involved in ‘hands on’ work with World Relief International. ISBA recommends Judge Christ S. Stacy be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Tirado was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2005. She began her career in the Domestic Violence Court in the Public Defenders’ Office. She worked briefly for a white collar criminal defense firm before establishing her own practice in criminal defense, immigration, and traffic cases. From 2016 until her election in 2020, Judge Tirado was a supervisor in the Community Activism Law Alliance, dealing with criminal defense, traffic and immigration cases. After her election, Judge Tirado was assigned briefly to Traffic Court before being assigned to the First Municipal Division, where she covered the Eviction Trial room as well as the Early Resolution Program. In 2024, she was assigned to the Civil Jury room, where she currently presides.

Judge Tirado has served as a panelist, speaker or moderator on various topics for the University of Illinois law school, the CBA, and WBAI. She is currently co-authoring the bench book for the First Municipal Division. Judge Tirado received favorable comments for her diligence, temperament, sensitivity, and character. She was noted as doing her own research in issues and issuing written rulings when necessary. ISBA recommends Judge Perla Tirado be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Walsh was elected in 2020. She served in the Traffic Division until February 2021, when she was transferred to the First Municipal Non-Jury Division, where she served until February of 2025. She presided over a variety of cases from start to finish, including a large number of self-represented litigants. In February 2025, she was assigned to her current call, Law Motions, where her caseload included car accidents, dog bites, medical malpractice, and defamation, among other issues.

Prior to her election, Judge Walsh worked for a firm handling defending insureds from State Farm from pleadings through trial. Those familiar with Judge Walsh’s conduct on the bench were uniformly positive about her legal knowledge, sensitivity, temperament, diligence, and character. ISBA recommends Judge Elizabeth A. Walsh be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Zeller was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1993. She was elected to a circuit court countywide vacancy in 2020. She was assigned to Traffic Court until she her transfer to the Domestic Relations Division in October 2021, where she has served ever since. She handles an Individual Calendar, wherein she hears cases from filing to conclusion, and post-decree.

Prior to becoming a judge, Judge Zeller worked as a Public Guardian, representing children in the Child Protection Division of Juvenile Court for 10 years. For 17 years thereafter, she had her own practice in guardianships; she served as a Child Representative and mediator in Domestic Relations. Interviewees described her legal knowledge, diligence, sensitivity, and character as good, with temperament being a particular strong point. ISBA recommends Judge Maura McMahon Zeller be retained to the Circuit Court of Cook County.