Tom Sam Sianis
Tom Sam Sianis

Name: Tom Sam Sianis

Age: 41

Party: Democratic

Current residence: Park Ridge

Current position: Enforcement division chief of the Illinois Securities Department, 2012-present; Special assistant Illinois attorney general, 2016-present

Past legal experience: Cook County assistant state’s attorney, 2005-12

Campaign funds available, July 1 to Dec. 31: $139,375

Campaign funds spent, July 1 to Dec. 31: $99,778.72

Law school: Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, 2003

Campaign website: tomsianisforjudge.com

Family: Spouse, Eleni Polalis Sianis; two sons, Sam and George

Hobbies/interests: Co-owner of the Billy Goat Tavern; spending time with my family; traveling across the country visiting major league baseball stadiums with my family.

Have you ever run for office before?

No.

Why should voters support your candidacy?

I have been found “Qualified” and “Recommended” by all of the evaluating bar associations. The combination of my experience as a securities regulator, trial attorney, business co-owner, husband, and father, has made me a skilled lawyer with unique talents and knowledge. I can see issues from many perspectives and come to rational, unbiased decisions. I have always taken my professional and private life seriously and would uphold a seat at the bench with the utmost respect and professionalism.

Why do you want to be a judge?

I strongly believe in our legal system and have been a proud member of the legal profession. A seat at the bench would be a great honor and opportunity to apply the extensive knowledge of laws and court procedures I have gained during my career in public service at the Illinois Securities Department, the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. As a husband and father, I continue my record of public service with my family in mind, and the example I wish to set for my two sons and all of our young citizens. It is part of my life’s goals to teach young people the importance of giving back to our community and living in a united society.

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

As the enforcement division chief of the Illinois Securities Department, I handle complex litigation securities cases. One example of a case I worked on is where the complainants invested over $100,000 to purchase and lease spaces within a commercial space but the property was never purchased and the investors did not receive any return on their investments at the time the notice of hearing was sent out. Upon review of bank records, we uncovered the misappropriated funds and were able to return a portion to the investors. I then referred the case to prosecutors for criminal prosecution, which is currently pending.

What would you consider your greatest career accomplishment?

Being exposed to a large number of diverse cases. In particular, being a great advisor to victims of domestic violence. I successfully prosecuted and obtained orders of protection against the perpetrators of domestic violence.

What qualities do you plan to bring to the bench?

My personal qualities of patience, humility, and the willingness to consider opposing viewpoints are necessary to decide disputes in a fair and judicial manner. Both in my legal practice and my personal life, I have come across a wide variety of people with unique situations. I have always and continue to work at closely listening to what each person has to say in order to understand different viewpoints and circumstances.