Tiana Ellis Blakely

Name: Tiana Ellis Blakely

Party: Democratic

Age: 38

Current residence: Chicago

Current position: Cook County assistant public defender

Past legal experience: 13 years, four months

Campaign funds available, July 1 to Dec. 31: $63,490

Campaign funds spent, July 1 to Dec. 31: $11,618.84

Law school: Loyola University Chicago School of Law, 2004

Campaign website: tiana4judge2018.com

Family: Married with three children

Hobbies/interests: Arts and crafts, karaoke, traveling, being a mentor to the youth

Have you ever run for office before?

No.

Why should voters support your candidacy?

I am asking voters to support my candidacy because I feel that I am “The Stand Alone Candidate” in my race. I am not endorsed by any politicians or committeemen. I firmly believe that politics have no place in the judiciary. I have been found “Qualified” and “Recommended” by the bar associations. My legal experience and career speaks for itself. I have the requisite demeanor and temperament to sit as a judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Why do you want to be a judge?

I want to be a judge because I am qualified and have the requisite legal skill and knowledge to be a member of the judiciary. I want to be a compassionate voice in the judiciary. I will achieve this by following the law but using allowable discretion where appropriate.

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

One of the most interesting cases I handled was in the Child Protection Division of the Cook County Circuit Court. During a permanency hearing, the judge learned that the foster placement wasn’t safe for the minor, during the hearing the judge determined that a return home goal was appropriate and the transition should take place immediately. The child was returned home within a few days. This had never happened while I was in that unit, and many of my colleagues said that they had never seen something like this happen before.

What would you consider your greatest career accomplishment?

The most rewarding case I handled as a lawyer was an attempt-murder case where the defendant had sat for three years in custody awaiting trial. He had gone through three lawyers and had given up hope. He told me I brought a breath of fresh air. He was a college student without any criminal background. After litigating a successful affirmative defense of self-defense, my client was acquitted of all charges.

What qualities do you plan to bring to the bench?

I plan to bring my legal knowledge, calm demeanor, and compassion to the bench. The judicial system, particularly the criminal courts, can be an unpleasant experience for some. I want to make sure that all are treated with dignity and respect no matter the reason they appear before the court.