Kankakee County Judicial Evaluations and Advisory Polls

Judge Jason Helland received his undergraduate degrees from Joliet Junior College and the University of St. Frances, his law degree from the John Marshall Law School, and was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2003. Prior to being elected as a Circuit Judge for La Salle County in 2022, Judge Helland worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Kankakee County and as the State’s Attorney in Grundy County. He currently sits in the Civil Division in La Salle County. Judge Helland helped establish the Grundy County Mental Health Court and has served on the Board of Directors of Grundy Three Rivers Habitat for Humanity and Breaking Away, Inc. He has also held coaching positions in a soccer club and YMCA basketball.

The committee investigated Judge Helland’s credentials in litigation experience, professional experience, health and age, legal knowledge and ability, integrity, sensitivity to diversity and bias, judicial temperament, diligence, punctuality, impartiality, professional conduct, and character.

Using the criteria and process above, the ISBA finds that Judge Helland is recommended for the position of Third District Appellate Court Justice. Attorneys described Judge Helland as compassionate and fair. They further noted his professionalism and promptness.

Judge Margaret “Peggy” O’Connell received her undergraduate degree from Bradley University, her law degree from the John Marshall Law School, and was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1991. Prior to being elected as a Circuit Judge in DuPage County in 2020, Judge O’Connell worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney in DuPage County, as an Assistant Attorney General, and in private practice. Judge O’Connell currently serves as presiding judge of the felony division in DuPage County.

The committee investigated Judge O’Connell’s credentials in litigation experience, professional experience, health and age, legal knowledge and ability, integrity, sensitivity to diversity and bias, judicial temperament, diligence, punctuality, impartiality, professional conduct, and character.

Using the criteria and process described above, the ISBA finds that Judge Margaret “Peggy” O’Connell is recommended for the position of Third District Appellate Court Justice. Attorneys described Judge O’Connell as fair and prompt. They further noted her passion for and knowledge of the law.

Judge John J. Pavich received his undergraduate degree from St. Norbert College, his law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2002. Prior to being appointed as an Associate Circuit Judge in Will County in 2019, Judge Pavich worked as a Legal Assistant for the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, for the Central Intelligence Agency, and as an associate and then managing partner with Pavich Law Group, P.C. He currently presides over the misdemeanor courtroom in Will County. Judge Pavich regularly volunteers with the charitable organizations Care for Friends and Bridges from School to Work.

The committee investigated Judge Pavich’s credentials in litigation experience, professional experience, health and age, legal knowledge and ability, integrity, sensitivity to diversity and bias, judicial temperament, diligence, punctuality, impartiality, professional conduct, and character.

Using the criteria and process above, the ISBA finds that Judge Pavich is highly recommended for the position of Third District Appellate Court Justice. Attorneys described Judge Pavich as compassionate, prepared, and as having an excellent temperament. They further noted his passion for the rule of law.