Vacancy of the Hon. John O. Steele

For Cook County Circuit Court - 1st Subcircuit

Democratic Primary:

- Sharon Oden-Johnson
     - Website: http://www.sharon4judge.org/
     - Response to the Chicago Tribune Questionnaire
     - Rated "Not Recommended" by the Chicago Bar Association
     - Rated "Not Qualified" by the Chicago Council of Lawyers
     - Rated "Not Qualified" by the Illinois State Bar Association

- Michelle Hugghis Flagg
     - Website: http://friendsofmichellehugghisflagg.community.officelive.com/
     - Campaign Committee: Committee to Elect Michelle Hugghis Flagg
     - Response to the Chicago Tribune Questionnaire
     - Rated "Not Recommended" by the Chicago Bar Association
     - Rated "Not Qualified" by the Chicago Council of Lawyers
     - Rated "Not Qualified" by the Illinois State Bar Association
     - Endorsed by the Chicago Tribune

- Jesse Outlaw
     - Website: http://www.jesseoutlawforjudge.com/
     - Campaign Committee: Friends for Jesse Outlaw
     - Rated "Not Recommended" by the Chicago Bar Association
     - Rated "Qualified" by the Chicago Council of Lawyers
     - Rated "Qualified" by the Illinois State Bar Association
     - Endorsed by the Chicago Sun-Times

- Joseph Chico
     - Website: http://www.chicoforjudge.com/
     - Campaign Committee: Friends of Joseph Chico
     - Rated "Not Recommended" by the Chicago Bar Association
     - Rated "Not Recommended" by the Chicago Council of Lawyers
     - Rated "Not Qualified" by the Illinois State Bar Association

- Theodore "Ted" London
     - Rated "Not Recommended" by the Chicago Bar Association
     - Rated "Not Recommended" by the Chicago Council of Lawyers
     - Rated "Not Qualified" by the Illinois State Bar Association

Republican Primary:

- No Republican Filed For This Vacancy

ENDORSEMENTS:
- Independent Voters of Illinois (IVI-IPO): Chico
- Chicago Federation of Labor: Flagg
- Illinois Committee for Honest Government: Chico

CBA Candidate Capsules:

Oden-Johnson: "The candidate declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening
process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association's governing resolution for the JEC, is automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED."

Flagg: "Michelle Hugghis Flagg is "Not Recommended" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Flagg was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2003 and is engaged in private practice. Ms. Flagg is intelligent and enthusiastic, but lacks the requisite practice experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge."

Outlaw: "Jesse Outlaw is "Not Recommended" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Outlaw was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1980 and has concentrated his practice in real estate, bankruptcy, divorce, and probate law. The candidate possesses a fine temperament, but does not possess the requisite depth and breadth of legal experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge."

Chico: "Joseph Chico is "Not Recommended" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Chico was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1993 and currently serves as a full-time hearing officer for the City of Chicago. Mr. Chico presides over predominantly pro se administrative hearings. While Mr. Chico is personable and possesses a fine temperament, he has had limited practice and trial experience. At this stage of his career, Mr. Chico does not possess the requisite legal knowledge and experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge."

London: "The candidate declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association's governing resolution for the JEC, is automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED."

CCL Candidate Capsules:

Oden-Johnson: "Sharon Dolores Oden-Johnson was admitted in 1996. She is a sole practitioner focusing on real estate, family law, probate, and small business matters. She reports having no jury trial experience and acting as lead counsel in 4 civil bench trials. She is very active in community activities and pro bono work. Ms. Oden-Johnson is praised as a smart lawyer with a good temperament. The Council is concerned, however, that she has little litigation experience in more complex matters. The Council believes that a judicial candidate must have substantial litigation experience before becoming a judge. The Council finds her Not Qualified for the Circuit Court."

Flagg: "Michelle Flagg was admitted to practice in Wisconsin in 2000 and in Illinois in 2003. She is currently a sole practitioner focusing on real estate matters. She served as an associate in a firm between 2000 and 2002. She is praised for her public service. She reports having no jury trial experience but she reports acting as lead counsel in two bench trials. Ms. Flagg is considered a knowledgeable lawyer who is public-minded. The Council is concerned that she has little litigation experience. The Council finds Ms. Flagg Not Qualified for the Circuit Court."

Outlaw: "Jesse Outlaw was admitted to practice in 1980. He is a sole practitioner concentrating in commercial and residential real estate, bankruptcy, family law, and probate. He serves as a guardian ad litem in the Probate Division. Much of his current practice involves bankruptcy in Chapter 7 and 13 proceedings. He reports acting as lead counsel in two jury trials and ten civil bench trials. While he has had relatively few trials, he reports that much of his work as a lawyer involves motion practice. He has been an arbitrator with the Cook County arbitration program for many years. Mr. Outlaw is praised for his temperament and for his diligence. He is considered an intelligent lawyer who is a zealous advocate for his clients. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court."

Chico: "Joseph Chico refused to be evaluated. He is Not Recommended for the Circuit Court."

London: "Theodore “Ted” London refused to be evaluated. He is Not Recommended for the Circuit Court."