Uniquely Qualified
One of the critical functions of a Circuit Court Judge is to appoint future associate judges. As a sitting associate judge, I have a distinct advantage in selecting future associate judges.
I am uniquely qualified for the position of Circuit Court judge, and my background has prepared me for the responsibility of selecting new associates.
Life Experience
Looking back, each phase of my life has set the table for me to take the next step from associate judge to circuit court judge. My experience as a teacher has helped me to evaluate both students and adults. My duties as a volunteer have given me the opportunity to listen to the real-life issues that affect people’s lives.
And my 31 years of professional experience as an attorney, prosecutor, associate judge, and mentor of other judges has also groomed me to make the necessary assessment of a candidate who aspires to be an associate judge.
Court and Bench Experience
I was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to mentor other judges during their first year on the bench. As a result, new judges and I would regularly meet to discuss problems and concerns. I have a keen understanding of what issues a newly appointed judge encounters, and this would be an advantage in the evaluation and selection process.
As an associate judge for 12 years, I have worked with many other judges, and I understand how our local judiciary is run on a day-to-day basis, as well as the prevailing issues that confront our court system today. This is another example where my background has prepared me for the appointment process.
As a former attorney, I am familiar with courtroom procedures from both sides of the bench. I can apply that knowledge in a way that is unique from any other candidate to identify the kind of qualities and demeanor a lawyer needs to possess in order to be a successful judge.
Experience Matters
I have spent my career of more than 30 years learning the law, prosecuting and defending individuals within the law, and now interpreting the law as a judge for the past 12 years. As a result, I am intimately familiar with the issues and policies that confront our court system today.
I started my legal career with five years of trial experience as a prosecutor in the Kane County State’s Attorney’s office, successfully prosecuting every class of felony offense, as well as child abuse and delinquency cases. I have represented hundreds of children throughout my legal practice, and people from all walks of life in the circuit court, state agencies and the appellate court.
As a judge, I have presided over thousands of cases in every division of the circuit court including criminal, civil, family and juvenile cases. Each one of the cases is different from the next and considering what can be at stake, the people of this district deserve that kind of diverse experience.