Posted by CBA “Judge Smart Pocket Guide” Available for Voters in English, Spanish and Polish
SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 – The Chicago Bar Association released evaluation results for judicial candidates who are seeking election or retention to the Illinois Appellate Court or the Circuit Court of Cook County in the upcoming November 3, 2026, general election.
The non-partisan evaluations are a comprehensive, peer-to-peer review process conducted as a long-standing public service by the CBA’s Judicial Evaluation Committee. Candidates who submit a questionnaire and participate in the screening process are evaluated on their integrity, legal knowledge, legal ability, professional experience, judicial temperament, diligence, and punctuality.
The Judicial Evaluation findings are available on the CBA’s website at www.chicagobar.org/chicagobar/votejudges. The CBA’s “Judge Smart Pocket Guide” is available in English, Spanish and Polish and can be downloaded from the site for voters to take directly into the voting booth.
“Judges have the power to profoundly impact people’s lives, which is why we strongly encourage Cook County voters to review the CBA’s Judicial Evaluation findings to make informed decisions about judicial candidates on November 3,” said JEC Chair, Michael Shapiro. “Our nonpartisan judicial evaluation process provides voters with objective, independent assessments of candidates, free from political influence. An independent judiciary is a cornerstone of our democracy and plays a vital role in protecting the rights and liberties of all citizens.”
Judicial Evaluations Committee Findings
Retention Candidates:
In the coming general election, the CBA recommends retaining 60 of the 60 Cook County judges on the November ballot. Of the 60 judges on the ballot, the JEC found one Illinois Appellate Justices “Qualified,” and 59 Circuit Court judges “Qualified,” to be retained by Cook County voters.
Appellate Court:
One candidate seeking retention to the Illinois Appellate Court, was found to be “Qualified.”
Circuit Court of Cook County:
Of the 59 Cook County Circuit Court candidates running, the CBA’s Judicial Evaluation Committee screened all. The JEC rated 59 as “Qualified.”
Election Candidates:
Appellate Court:
One candidate is running to fill one open seat on the Illinois Appellate Court. The candidate was rated “Qualified.”
Circuit Court of Cook County:
In addition to the Appellate Court race, 28 candidates are running for Judge in the Cook County Circuit Court. Of the 28 circuit court candidates running, 26 were screened by the CBA’s Judicial Evaluation Committee. Of those 26, the JEC rated two as “Highly Qualified,” 22 as “Qualified,” and two as “Not Recommended.”
Two “Not Recommended” candidates declined to participate in the JEC screening process and were automatically found “Not Recommended” pursuant to the JEC’s governing bylaws.
About the Judicial Evaluation Committee
The CBA’s Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) is a semi-autonomous committee that evaluates candidates for judicial office and judges seeking retention in Cook Count. As a public service, the CBA publishes the JEC’s findings for every election to inform the public and the courts about candidates’ qualifications, independence, and integrity. Through a comprehensive peer-review process conducted by a diverse group of investigators, the JEC advances the CBA’s longstanding commitment to improving the administration of justice and the Cook County judiciary. The findings are available at www.chicagobar.org/chicagobar/votejudges.
About the Chicago Bar Association
Founded in 1874, the Chicago Bar Association maintains the honor and dignity of the legal profession, cultivates relationships between members, and promotes the administration of justice and the public good. One of the oldest and most active metropolitan bar associations in the United States, the Chicago Bar Association has more than 17,000 members, including attorneys from every practice area, the judiciary, and law students. Through CLE (Continuing Legal Education) offerings, mentorship, and pro bono projects, the Association provides resources and opportunities for attorneys of all ages, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the modern practice of law.