Kathaleen Theresa Lanahan

Name: Kathaleen Theresa Lanahan

Age: 54

Party: Democratic

Current residence: Lemont

Current position: Cook County assistant state’s attorney

Past legal experience with years of each job: 24 years at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office; one year at the Cook County Board of Real Estate Tax Appeals

Campaign funds available, July 1 to Dec. 31: $31,047

Campaign funds spent, July 1 to Dec. 31: $12,764.49

Law school: The John Marshall Law School, 1992

Campaign website: Lanahanforjudge.com

Family: Dan Groth (husband), Sam Groth (son), Reggie Groth (dog)

Hobbies/interests: Reading, music, & travel

Have you ever run for office before?

No.

Why should voters support your candidacy?

Voters should support my candidacy because I have the integrity, experience, fairness and temperament to be a good judge. With every case I have litigated, I always sought to increase my legal skills and expand my basis of knowledge. I also have the empathy and compassion to see both sides of a case.

Why do you want to be a judge?

I want to be a judge because it is a natural progression for me to continue to serve the public in a new capacity. Over the years I have watched several judges that I admire dispense justice in a fair manner. From these experiences, I learned how important it is for people to believe in and respect the justice system. Based on my character and attributes, as well as the encouragement I have received from these same judges, I believe I would be a worthy and valuable addition to the judiciary.

What was the most interesting case you handled as a lawyer?

The most interesting case I have handled was a first-degree murder case with no eyewitnesses. Instead, I relied on third-party statements the defendant made to his family members, cell-tower records and DNA evidence. The challenges presented in this type of circumstantial case greatly tested my existing trial skills and added several new ones.

What would you consider your greatest career accomplishment?

The one thing I can look back on with most pride during my career is the way I have mentored other attorneys. I am very honored to know that I have earned the reputation of being a good teacher to less-experienced lawyers. It is especially rewarding to watch them pass along the knowledge, strategies and tactics to their proteges.

What qualities do you plan to bring to the bench?

I will bring the qualities of integrity, legal knowledge, fairness and a good temperament to the bench.