Rossana Patricia Fernandez
Scott Edward Lipinski
Name: Scott Edward Lipinski
Age: 46
Party: Democratic
Current residence: Oak Lawn
Current position: Cook County assistant public defender
Past legal experience: Cook County public defender’s office, 2003 to present
Campaign funds available, July 1 to Dec. 31: No report filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections
Campaign funds spent, July 1 to Dec. 31: No report filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections
Law school: Northern Illinois University College of Law, 2000
Campaign website: LipinskiForJudge.com
Family: Engaged to Kimberly Wilson, whom I reside with, along with her two beautiful daughters, Jade and Maddie.
Hobbies/interests: Motorcycle riding, camping and swimming.
Have you ever run for office before?
Yes. I ran in 2008, in the 15th Subcircuit, and in 2012 in the 3rd Subcircuit.
Why should voters support your candidacy?
I’ve devoted my whole career to representing people from all walks of life who are less fortunate than myself. I put myself through law school while I was working a job. Proud current and lifelong union member from a working class background. I’ve never been “handed” anything my whole life, I’ve always worked for it.
Why do you want to be a judge?
Again, to help those less fortunate than myself. I believe in alternative sentencing programs for nonviolent offenders with nonviolent backgrounds. Also, the job would be a raise in salary for me that would help to ensure support for my family.
What was the most interesting case you handled as a lawyer?
A client of mine was eating at a restaurant with friends and was attacked and beaten by an angry mob. He was detained for over four hours by the police while being denied medical attention. The police searched his vehicle and found a gun and charged him with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. I filed a motion to quash the arrest and suppress the evidence, which was granted, and the case was subsequently dismissed.
What would you consider your greatest career accomplishment?
To be elected judge.
What qualities do you plan to bring to the bench?
Fairness, equality, compassion and justice.
Name: Rossana Patricia Fernandez
Age: 45
Party: Democratic
Current residence: Chicago
Current position: Cook County circuit judge (appointed effective Feb. 2, 2015)
Past legal experience: Owner, Fernandez & Associates, 2013-15; partner, Sanchez, Daniels, & Hoffman LLP, 2007-12; associate, Sanchez, Daniels, & Hoffman LLP, 2000-06; associate, Galvin, Lowery & Meade, 1997-2000.
Campaign funds available, July 1 to Dec. 31: $87,440
Campaign funds spent, July 1 to Dec. 31: $47,214.77
Law school: IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, 1996
Campaign website: JudgeRossanaFernandez.com
Family: One son
Hobbies/interests: Cooking elaborate meals for family and friends, exploring new cultures
Have you ever run for office before?
No.
Why should voters support your candidacy?
Voters should support my candidacy because I am the most qualified candidate in my race. I was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court after I was found “Qualified” or “Recommended” to serve as a judge by the Supreme Court Merit Selection Committee as well as each and every screening bar association. I bring 19 years of legal experience including judicial experience with an understanding of the need for judges to efficiently and effectively manage their courtrooms and their calls with rulings based upon the applicable law, but also with compassion, respect and dignity to all individuals that appear before me.
Why do you want to be a judge?
I am the bilingual daughter of Hispanic immigrant parents, our second language being English, and I was allowed to achieve the American dream — mine in particular, to serve as a judge. I practiced law for 18 years before being appointed to the bench with the majority of my career as an attorney in a courtroom setting or in preparation for court. As such, while practicing law, I became acutely aware of the necessary and essential functions that judges perform on a daily basis.
Additionally, because of my upbringing, I have an understanding and appreciation for the cultural complexities many residents face in Cook County and I truly appreciate our system of justice. I believe that my 19 years of extensive and diverse experience, coupled with my life experiences, allow me to successfully preside over matters brought before the court.
What was the most interesting case you handled as a lawyer?
The most interesting and most challenging case I have handled was based upon a contract controversy involving convertible debentures, ascertaining calculations of splits, profits and losses, researching and applying Nebraska law (per the signed contract) and arguing the matter in the Chancery Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County.
What would you consider your greatest career accomplishment?
Being appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court. It is my understanding that I am the first Hispanic of either gender to be appointed to a countywide judicial vacancy by the Illinois Supreme Court.
What qualities do you plan to bring to the bench?
I have a very strong work ethic and believe I bring the qualities of hard work, knowledge of the law, patience and compassion to the bench. I take pride on being prepared when I take the bench and rule based upon the law and facts presented, but with compassion.