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Vacancy of the Hon. Thomas F. Carmody, Jr.

For Cook County Circuit Court - 3rd Subcircuit

Democratic Primary:

- Allen F. Murphy
     - Campaign Committee: Citizens for Judge Allen F Murphy
     - Campaign Committee: Joint Committee to Elect E Harmening-D Malone-A Murphy
     - Response to the Chicago Tribune Questionnaire
     - Rated "Qualified" 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

- Peter M. Kramer
     - Website: http://www.friendsofpeterkramer.com/
     - Campaign Committee: Friends of Peter Kramer
     - 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

- Thomas G. O'Brien
     - Website: http://www.tomobrienforjudge.com/
     - Campaign Committee: Friends of Thomas G O'Brien
     - Response to the Chicago Tribune Questionnaire
     - 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

- Steven G. Watkins
     - Website: http://www.watkinsforjudge.com/
     - Campaign Committee: Committee to Elect Steven G Watkins
     - Response to the Chicago Tribune Questionnaire
     - Rated "Qualified" by the Chicago Bar Association
     - Rated "Qualified" by the Chicago Council of Lawyers
     - Rated "Not Qualified" by the Illinois State Bar Association
     - Endorsed by the Chicago Tribune

- Charles Francis Fitzgerald
     - Website: http://www.fitzforjudge.net/
     - Campaign Committee: Fitzgerald for Judge
     - Response to the Chicago Tribune Questionnaire
     - Rated "Qualified" by the Chicago Bar Association
     - Rated "Not Qualified" by the Chicago Council of Lawyers
     - Rated "Qualified" by the Illinois State Bar Association

- Daniela Silaides
     - Campaign Committee: Citizens to Elect Daniela Silaides
     - Response to the Chicago Tribune Questionnaire
     - 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:
- Chicago Federation of Labor: Murphy
- Fraternal Order of Police - Chicago Lodge 7: Murphy
- Illinois Committee for Honest Government: Watkins

CBA Candidate Capsules:

Murphy: "Allen Murphy is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Murphy was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991 and has had a distinguished career in both the Public Guardian’s office and as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Mr. Murphy has extensive experience in criminal law and is well respected by his peers for his fine temperament, legal knowledge and ability."

Kramer: "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."

O'Brien: "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."

Watkins: "Steven G. Watkins is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Watkins was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1981 and is experienced in both civil and criminal law. Mr. Watkins has extensive trial experience and is well regarded for his fine demeanor and temperament. Mr. Watkins is also involved in community service. While Mr. Watkins has been the subject of several lawsuits, none of the cases involve the candidate's integrity or service to his clients."

Fitzgerald: "Charles Francis Fitzgerald is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Fitzgerald was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1981 and concentrates his practice primarily in criminal law. Mr. Fitzgerald also has served as an Administrative Law Judge. Mr. Fitzgerald possesses the requisite legal knowledge and experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge."

Silaides: "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:

Murphy: "Allen Francis Murphy was admitted to practice in 1991. He served as an Assistant Cook County Public Guardian before becoming an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney in 1995. Mr. Murphy is considered to have good legal ability. He is praised by opposing counsel as being knowledgeable and trustworthy. His temperament is described as low key and professional. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court."

Kramer: "Peter M. Kramer refused to be evaluated. He is Not Recommended for the Circuit Court."

O'Brien: "Thomas G. O’Brien did not participate in the 2010 judicial evaluation process. He is Not Recommended for the Circuit Court."

Watkins: "Steven G. Watkins was admitted to practice in 1991. Since 2001, he has been a sole practitioner focusing on criminal defense, civil litigation, and real estate work. Between 1991 and 2000, he was the founding partner of a three-lawyer firm. Mr. Watkins reports that he has acted as lead counsel in 10 jury trials in criminal matters, one civil jury trial, “at least” 43 bench trials in criminal matters and four civil bench trials. Mr. Watkins is considered to have a low-key, professional demeanor and is considered a diligent attorney. The Council finds him Qualified for the Circuit Court."

Fitzgerald: "Charles Francis Fitzgerald was admitted to practice in 1981. He has been a part-time administrative law officer for the City of Chicago since 1999. In 1987, after serving as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney, Mr. Fitzgerald entered private practice, where he handles mainly criminal defense matters. Mr. Fitzgerald is reported to have good legal ability and a good temperament. The Council is concerned, however, that he lacks sufficient experience in more complex litigation. The Council finds him Not Qualified for the Circuit Court."

Silaides: "Daniela Silaides refused to be evaluated. She is Not Recommended for the Circuit Court."