Robin Shoffner
Daryl Jones
In the days leading up to the March 15 primary election, the Daily Law Bulletin will publish responses to questionnaires sent to candidates in all contested Cook County judicial races. Campaign finance information comes from Illinois State Board of Elections reports.
Name:Daryl Jones
Age: 38
Party: Democratic
Current residence: Chicago
Current position: Member, Illinois Prisoner Review Board
Past legal experience: Senior legal adviser and agency ethics officer, Illinois Department of Corrections, 2013-15; chief of intergovernmental relations, Illinois Department of Corrections, 2012-13; Cook County assistant state’s attorney, 2005-12; law clerk, Law Office of Rebecca Whittington in Carbondale, 2003-05; summer associate, Chester, Willcox & Saxbe LLP in Columbus, Ohio, 2003
Campaign funds available, July 1 to Dec. 31: $17,296
Campaign funds spent, July 1 to Dec. 31: $7,678.93
Law school: Southern Illinois University School of Law, 2005
Campaign website: JonesforJudge.org
Family: Married
Hobbies/interests: Reading, traveling, public service, exercise, military affairs
Have you ever run for office before?
Yes, for 37th Ward alderman in February 2007.
Why should voters support your candidacy?
Voters should support me because I am passionate about juvenile justice, and I believe I have the ability to make our criminal justice system better. I would bring unique experiences to the judiciary, having served in the Cook County state’s attorney’s office, the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Illinois Prisoner Review Board. I am knowledgeable about the law and I will be fair and impartial. I have also been found “Qualified” and “Recommended” by numerous local bar associations.
Why do you want to be a judge?
The main reason I would like to be a judge is to serve in the juvenile court. I would be fair and impartial and I believe it would be my greatest honor. My background is similar to many of the youths who appear in the court. I believe I would be a great source of inspiration and guidance to help the juvenile offenders rehabilitate, while also delivering justice to the victims of crimes.
What was the most interesting case you handled as a lawyer?
Prosecuting a first-degree murder jury trial in the juvenile court. The case had multiple co-offenders and involved an innocent victim being murdered at a construction site with a piece of concrete. More than 20 witnesses testified, including a DNA expert. The jury returned a guilty verdict.
What would you consider your greatest career accomplishment?
Having the ability to serve on the Illinois Prisoner Review Board and being unanimously confirmed by the Illinois Senate.
What qualities do you bring to the bench?
The qualities I would bring to the bench include passion, knowledge, experience, an excellent demeanor and excellent temperament.
Name:Robin Denise Shoffner
Age: 55
Party: Democratic
Current residence: Chicago
Current position: Cook County circuit judge (appointed effective Dec. 3, 2014)
Past legal experience:
City of Chicago assistant corporation counsel, 2008-14; senior litigation counsel, Aon Service Corp., 2000-07; senior litigation associate, Albert, Whitehead & McGaugh P.C., 1998-2000; Chicago assistant corporation counsel, 1995-98; associate, Carney & Brothers Ltd., 1992-95; law clerk for 1st District appellate justice Glenn T. Johnson, 1991-92; law clerk to Cook County circuit judge Benjamin S. Mackoff, 1990-91
Campaign funds available, July 1 to Dec. 31: $69,435.20
Campaign funds spent, July 1 to Dec. 31: $45,720.76
Law school: Creighton University School of Law, 1990
Campaign website: citizensforshoffner.com
Family: One daughter
Hobbies/interests: Golfing, biking and fishing
Have you ever run for office before?
No.
Why should voters support your candidacy?
Voters of the 5th Subcircuit should support my candidacy because I am the only candidate with judicial experience and significant trial experience as an attorney with more than 20 years of experience.
I was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court after submitting an application and being reviewed by the court on my legal qualification as well as vetted by bar associations. Since my appointment, I have learned to manage high-volume courtrooms. I bring a strong judicial and legal background to the race.
Why do you want to be a judge?
The reason I went to law school was to understand civil rights so that I could advocate for a more just society. I grew up in a home where education was valued and we were encouraged to volunteer and advocate for what is fair. I experienced and witnessed injustices and I developed a desire to help people through the law.
As a judge, I am able to serve people to the best of my ability by treating every person with dignity and respect and each matter before me with the consideration and justice it deserves by fully and fairly deciding cases based on the controlling law and its application to each case’s unique facts and circumstances.
I realize the magnitude of the judge’s ability to affect people’s lives in the pursuit of justice.
What was the most interesting case you handled as a lawyer?
I have the distinction of having represented a municipality, a large corporation and many individuals while working at small law firms. It is hard to single out just one case, but ultimately, it’s about helping people reach a fair resolution in solving conflict.
When I clerked in the appellate court, I was passionate about researching social host liability for underage drinking as well as rights afforded to same-sex couples.
I served two stints at the city of Chicago and was privileged to work on the Chicago flood litigation, free speech litigation arising from the 1996 Democratic National Convention and numerous Section 1983 civil rights cases.
What would you consider your greatest career accomplishment?
It was the fulfillment of a dream when the Illinois Supreme Court appointed me to the bench to fill the Williams vacancy in the 5th Judicial Subcircuit.
What qualities do you plan to bring to the bench?
I bring the qualities instilled in me by my parents — a need to work hard, a quest for knowledge and to be the best person I can be.