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.

The Illinois State Bar Association finds Judith C. Rice qualified for election 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. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Steven Q. McKenzie qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Linda Sackey was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2006. Effective January 2025, she was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge William H. Hooks. Prior to her appointment she served as a judicial clerk to Supreme Court Justice Mary Jane Theis. From 2013 to 2018 she was an Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Appeals Division of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and served as an adjunct professor at The John Marshall Law School in 2016.

Judge Sackey’s present assignment is in Traffic Division where she presides over misdemeanors like DUI and petty offenses. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Linda Sackey qualified for election to the Circuit 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. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Luz Maria Toledo qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Michael Cabonargi was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2001. Effective June 2025, Mr. Cabonargi was appointed to fill the vacancy of retired Judge Mary Ellen Coghlan. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Cabonargi was Regional Director of the Great Lakes Region of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services responsible for Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and thirty-four indigenous tribal nations. From 2011 to 2022 he served as a commissioner on the Cook County Board of Review.

Judge Cabonargi’s present assignment is in the Traffic Division at the Daley Center. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Michael Cabonargi qualified for election to the 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. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Ashonta C. Rice qualified for election to the 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. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Ava George Stewart qualified for election to the 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. The Illinois State Bar Association finds D’Anthony “Tony” Thedford qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

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. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Radiance Ward qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Natalie L. Howse was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2001. Public records show she is owner and principal of the Law Office of Natalie L. Howse with a concentration in civil defense. Ms. Howse declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Natalie L. Howse is not recommended for election to the 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. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Ashley Greer Shambley qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Ginger Leigh Odom was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2003. Effective June 23, 2025, she was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the election of Justice Carl A. Walker to the Appellate Court. Prior to the appointment, she had been an Assistant Appellate Defender since 2004 in the Office of the State Appellate Defender’s Office. In 2020 she was named Director of the Expungement Unit and also served on the Illinois Supreme Court’s Commission on Access to Justice.

Judge Odom’s present assignment is in the Traffic Division. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Ginger Odom qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Tiffany N. Brooks was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2010. Public records show she is currently the General Counsel for the Clerk of the Circuit Court, a position she has held since December 2020.

Ms. Brooks declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Tiffany N. Brooks is not recommended for election to the 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. The Illinois State Bar Association finds John Carroll highly qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Martin Douglas Reggi was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1980. After spending several years as an Assistant State’s Attorney, he opened a solo practice focusing on criminal defense, civil litigation, real estate, Secretary of State hearings and evictions. He has some jury trial experience as well as misdemeanor bench trial and quasi-criminal matters. He is a member of various bar associations.

Mr. Reggi is reported to be fair and impartial and treats all with respect; however, concerns were raised about the depth and breadth of his current legal experience. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Martin Douglas Reggi not qualified for election 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. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Rachel S. Marrello qualified for election 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.

The Illinois State Bar Association finds Stephanie S. Kelly qualified for election to the 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. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Kathleen Cunniff Ori qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Garson Fischer was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2005. Additionally, he is admitted and active in the Northern, Central and Southern Districts of Illinois (2006) and the U.S. Supreme Court (2009). Since 2005 Mr. Fischer has been with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office as a Deputy Chief of Criminal Appeals.

Mr. Fischer has been commended for his legal knowledge; is sensitive to ethnic diversity; is very professional and has received praise from his adversarial opponents for his legal ability, demeanor and temperament. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Garson Fischer qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Elizabeth Christina Dibler was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2003. She has spent her career with the Cook County State Attorney’s Office, presently First Chair in the Criminal Prosecutions Bureau since 2018. Before this she served in the Felony Trial Division where she supervised other attorneys. She has extensive jury and bench trial experience in complex matters.

Ms. Dibler volunteers in her community and participated in mock trial competitions. She is described as being highly proficient and very knowledgeable. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Elizabeth Christina Dibler qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Daniel C. Balanoff was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2007. He is a solo practitioner with a general practice focusing on estate planning, probate, real estate, bankruptcy, and personal injury. Until June of 2025 he also held the position of Chief Legal Officer/Director of Special Projects for the Cook County Board of Review Property Tax Appeal Board for District 2 where he advised on legal, regulatory and procedural issues and defenders’ assessments. He has presented at various CLE seminars, was a speaker a various Board of Review outreach events, and has been a moot court judge. He reports no jury or bench trials.

Attorneys reported that Mr. Balanoff is capable and articulate in his area, as well as being considerate, patient and professional. Concerns were raised about his limited area of practice and the depth and breadth of his legal experience. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Dan Balanoff not qualified for election 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 current assignment is in Domestic Violence Division. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Lester Finkle qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Katherine Carole Morrison was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2012. After first spending several years at Dykema, in 2018 she joined Burns Noland LLP where she is a partner.

Her current practice now focuses on medical malpractice defense and civil rights/section 1983 defense cases. She reports having one jury trial as lead counsel, two as associate, but none in the last few years. She has been a member of the Chicago Bar Association’s Judicial Evaluation Committee and is a member of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois. She has also served as chair of the diversity and inclusion committee at her firm.

While attorneys contacted gave positive feedback on Ms. Morrison’s legal knowledge and ability, stating that she is well-prepared, organized and patient, concerns were raised about the depth and breadth of her litigation experience. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Katherine Carole Morrison not qualified for election 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. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Jarrett Knox qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

John Roy Carrozza was admitted to practice in 2005. From 2005 to 2009, he was an associate at Spina, McGuire and Okal. He started his own firm in 2009, where his practice consists of 40% criminal cases, 25% real estate matters, 15% probate matters, the remainder consisting of eviction, corporate or building code violations. Mr. Carrozza has no jury trial experience but reports 2 -5 civil bench trials and 5 - 10 criminal bench trials in the last 5 years.

Mr. Carrozza is a member of the ISBA. He is chair of the Tootsie Roll Drive for the Knights of Columbus. He is a board member of the Sheridan-Carroll Charitable Works group. He has been involved with the latter two organizations for at least twenty years. The candidate received favorable comments from interviewees in all areas, including legal knowledge, sensitivity, and preparedness.

The Illinois State Bar Association finds John R. Carrozza qualified for election to the 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. She 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.

The Illinois State Bar Association finds Kimberly Przekota qualified for election 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 Luthern Church and the Buddy Foundation, an animal shelter. He is a current member of the Cook County, Northwest Suburban and Hellenic Bar associations.

Mr. Groebner’s legal knowledge was praised as 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. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Robert “Bob” Groebner qualified for election to the 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 lack of completeness and candor in filling out the questionnaire. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Brittany Michelle Pedersen * for election 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 for election to the 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. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Dan Naranjo qualified for election 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.

Mr. Crozier is a member of various bar associations and has been active in community organizations. Attorneys praise his professionalism, fairness, patience, and respectfulness.

The Illinois State Bar Association finds Julian Sanchez Crozier qualified for election to the 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 Mr. 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. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Jessica Karina Velez not qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Meridth Hammer was admitted to the Illinois bar in March 2020 and the Indiana bar in November 2001; her license in Indiana is still active. In July of 2025 she returned to private practice after serving for the second time as First Deputy General Counsel for the Clerk of the Circuit Court, having previously served in that position from 2019 to 2021. Her duties included employment matters, ensuring compliance with laws and rules and legal research. Between 2021 and 2024 she was a supervising administrative law judge for the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Prior to 2019 she was based in Indianapolis, working for several tech-related firms and as corporate counsel for the Crosstown Community Development Corp. in addition to being the lead attorney for The Hammer Legal Group handling business real estate transactions. She has not handled any jury trials, she does report over 100 bench trials and 100 quasi-trial matters. She is a member of the Disciplinary Commission Hearing Board for the Attorney and Registrations Disciplinary Commission and has been a committee member with the Black Women Lawyers’ Association.

Most people contacted gave Ms. Hammer positive comments on her legal knowledge and said she is impartial, prepared and professional. There are concerns about the lack of depth and breadth of her experience and her lack of complex litigation experience. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Meridth Hammer not qualified for election 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 for election 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. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Bianca B. Brown qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Amari Dawson declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Public records indicate that Ms. Dawson was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2005 and is with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Amari Dawson is not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Public records indicate that Andre’ Thapedi was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1996. From 2009 to 2021 he was a democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives representing Auburn, Gresham, Chicago Lawn, Ashburn, Chatham, West Englewood, and portions of Justice and Hickory Hills.

Mr. Thapedi declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Andre’ Thapedi is not recommended for election 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. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Sam Bae qualified for election to the 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. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Juan Ponce de Leon qualified for election to the 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).

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. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Sara McGann not qualified for election 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. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Monica G. Somerville not qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

David Richard Condron was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2001. Presently he is an Assistant Corporation Counsel Supervisor with the City of Chicago’s Department of Law, defending Chicago Police officers named in civil rights claims. From 2018 to 2013 he was an Associate Counsel with O’Rourke Hogan Fowler & Dwyer with concentrations in construction, mechanics lien and commercial real estate litigation. From 2017 to 2018 he was with Conklin & Conklin handling eminent domain matters on behalf of the State of Illinois. From 2001 to 2017 he was with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office prosecuting felony cases.

Mr. Condron has been praised for his legal knowledge by supervisors and opponents and has been described as treating everyone with respect and dignity even during difficult and emotional trials. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Dave Condron qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Public Records show that John Harkins was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2018 and is with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office representing the Sheriff’s office in courtrooms throughout the county.

Because he has less than the required ten years of attorney licensure and active legal practice, the Illinois State Bar Association finds John Harkins not recommended for election 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. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Michael J. Zink qualified for election 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. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Jon Stromsta qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Belle Lourdes Katubig was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1997. She has been with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office since 2018 representing the John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County Health. She does have jury trial experience, has been a speaker on legal issues, and is a member of various bar associations and community groups. She has also served on the Illinois Supreme Court’s Committee on Professional Responsibility.

Respondents spoke highly of Ms. Katubig’s legal knowledge and ability, her sensitivity to diversity and bias, her character, impartiality and integrity, and her temperament. The Illinois State Bar Associations finds Belle Katubig qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.