In Illinois, the Circuit Court is the court of original jurisdiction. There are 25 judicial circuits in the state, of which seven are single-county circuits (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, St. Clair, and Will). The remaining eighteen circuits range from two to twelve counties each.Circuit judges are elected to six-year terms and may be retained by voters for additional six-year terms. They can hear any circuit court case. Circuit judges are initially elected either circuit-wide, from the county where they reside, or from a sub-circuit within a circuit, depending on the type of vacancy they are filling. Each circuit is administered by a chief judge who is elected by the vote of the circuit court judges of that circuit. [Source: https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/courts/circuit-court/ ]Review the Illinois State Bar Association Judicial Evaluations and Advisory Polls -https://www.isba.org/judicial-elections/reports/all-resultsSalary: $258,158 [Source: https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/public/state-and-local-funding-for-the-illinois-courts/]
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Since June of 2024, I have served as a judge in a felony courtroom presiding over serious criminal matters and applying the law impartially. I bring nearly two decades of public service to the bench. For 18½ years, I served as a public defender representing indigent clients who could not afford an attorney. In that role, I worked to ensure that constitutional rights were protected, due process was followed, and the law was applied fairly to every single individual. I understood the responsibility of being protector of the Constitution. Before that, I worked for a nonprofit operating a charter school and assisting with immigration matters. My entire legal career has been dedicated to public service, fairness, and the rule of law.
My judicial philosophy is rooted in fairness, impartiality, and respect for the law. A judge’s role is to apply the law as written, guided by the Constitution and precedent. A judge should not let personal views or outside influences affect their ruling. Every person who comes before the court deserves to be heard, treated with dignity, and judged based on the facts and the law. Justice must be administered equally and impartially, without regard to race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, financial status, or any other personal characteristic.
For many individuals, navigating the court system can be confusing and intimidating. This is particularly true for those who are unfamiliar with legal procedures or who lack access to legal counsel. Complex rules, formal processes, and unfamiliar terminology can make it difficult for people to fully understand their rights and responsibilities. When individuals feel overwhelmed or unheard, it can erode confidence in the judicial process.
To help improve public understanding of the courts, judges can work to ensure that proceedings are conducted efficiently and are not delayed longer than necessary. Judges can also strive to communicate clearly and transparently so that litigants understand the process and their rights. Most importantly, judges must ensure equal treatment for every person who comes before the court. Doing so is essential to maintaining fairness, accountability, and public trust in the justice system.
Juries are intended to reflect a cross-section of the community. However, in practice, they do not always fully represent the diversity of our society. This is particularly true in terms of race and socioeconomic status. Factors such as who summonses are sent to and who responds to summonses can unintentionally limit representation. Making sure that jury service is accessible and that all voices have the opportunity to participate is essential to maintaining fairness and public confidence in the justice system.
I bring more than 30 years of courtroom experience to the bench, grounded in both prosecution and defense practice. I have served as an Assistant State's Attorney in the Will County State's Attorney's Office and clerked for the Illinois State Appellate Public Defender. I have worked for a civil law firm and am a small business owner, having founded and run my own law firm. I earned my J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School, studied comparative criminal procedure at Oxford University, and began my academic career as valedictorian of Plainfield High School. Throughout my legal career I have focused on applying the law with integrity, respect, and thoughtfulness and look forward to serving our community with those same principles.
My judicial philosophy centers on impartiality, respect for the rule of law, and a fair application of legal principles to the facts of each case. A judge's role is not to legislate from the bench or to favor one outcome over another, but to interpret and apply the law consistently, thoughtfully, and without bias. I believe that every litigant who appears before the court should be heard and treated with dignity. My approach emphasizes careful analysis and adherence to established legal standards, while always respecting the rights of those who come before the court.
For many people, the biggest obstacle isn't the law itself, it's understanding and navigating the system. Court procedures can feel complicated and overwhelming, especially for someone who has never been inside a courtroom before. Delays and the cost of legal representation can also make the process feel frustrating and out of reach. While a judge cannot change every part of the system, a judge can make sure the courtroom runs efficiently, that procedures are explained clearly, and that everyone who appears before the court is treated with respect.
Most people only see the courts through television or headlines, which often do not reflect how cases are actually decided. Judges who apply the law to the facts, not personal opinions, build confidence in the system. While judges must remain neutral and avoid political debate, they can explain court procedures and make sure their courtrooms are places where people feel respected and informed.
A jury of one's peers is the cornerstone of our system of justice. A jury chosen from a broad cross-section of the community ensures that justice is not reserved just for the rich and powerful.
