Corri Diane Fetman

Name: Corri Diane Fetman

Age: 54

Party: Democratic

Current residence: Cook County

Current position: Founding partner/president at Corri Fetman & Associates Ltd., since 1995

Past legal experience: Associate attorney at various law firms practicing in securities fraud, labor and employment law, municipal law, school law, class actions, corporate transactional and civil litigation; appellate law clerk for 3rd District Justice Michael P. McCuskey, 1988-95.

Campaign funds available, July 1 to Dec. 31: $22,130

Campaign funds spent, July 1 to Dec. 31: $22,130

Law school: DePaul University College of Law, 1988; member of DePaul Law Review

Campaign website: corridianefetman.com

Family: Single

Hobbies/interests: Participated in National Physique Committee (NPC) Figure competitions; avid reader.

Have you ever run for office before?

No, I have never run for office. I have spent the last 29 years focusing on my legal career always knowing that one day I would use my experience in the field to make a push for a judgeship position when the time was right. I’m stepping into the race for Circuit Court of Cook County judge today in honor of my Lithuanian and Russian grandmothers, whose wish it was for me to take my legal career to the highest level — I feel that with the full force of my career experience and confidence behind me, I can accomplish this goal just like they always dreamed I could.

Why should voters support your candidacy?

Growing up, I was instilled from a very young age with an unparalleled work ethic that ultimately supported me from high school, through law school and during my post-grad years where I worked no less than three jobs per semester (lumberyard, grocery store, restaurants, warehouse, law firm and bank). Spending my formative years with an intense focus on the value of hard work and giving back to the community gave me a fierce independence and understanding of humans that has followed me throughout my career. As a result, I have forged my own path in Chicago’s legal community since Day 1 of passing the bar. I hope when voters enter the ballot box, they consider my 29 years of dedicated work in both public and private law, as well as my commitment to empowering others not only my legal practice, but through my actions as a strong, independent female as well.

Why do you want to be a judge?

I am running in this judicial race because the people of Cook County deserve a fair, non-political and impartial judge who will serve the Circuit Court of Cook County as an instrument for justice. Being a judge has always been a dream and goal. I consider being a judge to be the highest honor in the career of an attorney. Being a judge not only requires neutrality but an intense level of commitment to the law. I vow to yield the power of the bench with the utmost respect for the law and an unwavering dedication to honest communication, fairness, and hard work to serve our county. In fact, I am certain that you will not find a candidate who is more dedicated, disciplined and hard working.

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

In the early years of my career, I served as a guardian ad litem in a case where a father was seeking custody of his child. He claimed the mother and her boyfriend were abusing and overmedicating the child. I decided to follow my gut instead of listening to other attorneys. As a result, I was instrumental in getting the proper psychological evaluations necessary to show that the mother was unfit to parent and also using/ selling drugs. As a result of my tenacious representation, I was able to pull the child out of the abusive environment and place him into a school where he would go on to thrive and excel. I still receive letters and Christmas cards from this child thanking me for taking a strong stance regarding his safety and upbringing. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

What would you consider your greatest career accomplishment?

I would consider starting my own law firm from the ground up my greatest career accomplishment thus far. When I first opened Corri Fetman & Associates Ltd., the practice was being run from my kitchen! Today, my firm practices out of an office in the Loop and is managed by strong-willed, powerful, hard-hitting individuals. My firm has forged a unique path in Chicago’s legal community and has earned a reputable name in the profession. The practice, which focuses not only on divorce law but transactional, business litigation and corporate law, as well and has grown exponentially over the years through tireless hours of hard work, discipline and networking.

What qualities do you plan to bring to the bench?

With over 29 years of professional experience in the legal field – having experience in divorce law, transactional law, corporate law, labor law, business litigation and more — I can deliver an unmatched level of know-how and discipline that draws from an illustrious career rooted in hands-on experience. I am also a firm believer is continuing education. In an effort to stay informed and relevant, I have attended graduate school to learn such subjects as mediation, evidence, accounting, business valuation, forensic accounting and various other legal topics. If elected, I vow to bring a strong female voice to the position and serve with the highest respect for the law, free of political influence or prejudice.