Results for All Counties Outside Cook

ISBA Judicial Evaluation – Recommended

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.

ISBA Judicial Evaluation – Recommended

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.

ISBA Judicial Evaluation – Yes

Justice James A. Knecht received his undergraduate degree from Illinois State University and his law degree from the University of Illinois College of Law, with honors, and was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1973. He is a long-standing member of the judiciary: three years as an Associate Judge, eight years as a Circuit Judge, and 40 years on the Appellate Court.

The committee also investigated Justice Knecht’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 Justice Knecht is recommended for retention to the Illinois Appellate Court, Fourth District. It is reported that Justice Knecht is well respected by his peers and courtroom personnel and is described as treating others, including parties and lawyers appearing before him, with respect and fairness. Attorneys also noted he is well prepared for oral arguments and asks pertinent questions of litigants.

ISBA Judicial Evaluation – Highly Recommended

Justice Amy Sholar received her undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, her law degree from St. Louis University School of Law, and was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2002. Prior to being appointed as a Circuit Judge in Madison County in 2021 (and elected to the position in 2022), Justice Sholar worked for the Madison County State’s Attorney office, for the City of Alton, and in private practice. In 2024, Justice Sholar was assigned to the Fifth District Appellate Court. Justice Sholar was a member of the Board of Trustees SIU System, and volunteers with the Boys and Girls Club of Alton, Clayton and Virginia Williams Foundation, and P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization).

The committee investigated Justice Sholar’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 Justice Amy Sholar is highly recommended for the position of Fifth District Appellate Court Justice. Attorneys described Justice Sholar as fair, well-prepared, and thoughtful. They further noted her even temperament and professionalism.

ISBA Judicial Evaluation – No

The ISBA Judicial Evaluations Committee evaluates judicial candidates for legal ability, experience, fairness, and judicial temperament, among other qualifications. John B. Barberis, Jr. was offered the opportunity to participate in the ISBA Judicial Evaluations Committee’s investigation into his qualifications but has declined the invitation. Without the cooperation of the candidate, it is impossible for the committee to fully evaluate his qualifications. Therefore, the committee cannot recommend John B. Barberis, Jr. for retention to the Illinois Appellate Court.