Debra A. Seaton

Name: Debra A. Seaton

Party: Democratic

Current residence: South Holland

Current position: Cook County circuit judge

Past legal experience: Cook County circuit judge, eight months — traffic & criminal misdemeanors; attorney supervisor, Cook County Public Defender’s Office, seven years — criminal misdemeanors, felony, post convictions, bond court, mental health court, deferred prosecutions, specialty court and appeals; sole practitioner, Law Office of Debra A. Seaton, 10 years — death penalty, criminal misdemeanor and felony, post convictions, appeal, arbitration, child support and visitation, real estate, civil; assistant public defender, 12 years — criminal misdemeanor and felony, paternity, bond court and preliminary hearings; assistant public defender, one year — criminal misdemeanors, juvenile, traffic and mental health; assistant appellate public defender, one year — criminal appeals

Campaign funds available, July 1 to Dec. 31: $55,750.51

Campaign funds spent, July 1 to Dec. 31: $55,472.01

Law school: University of Iowa College of Law, 1986

Campaign website: judgedebraaseaton.com

Family: Married

Hobbies/interests: International travel, visiting historic sites, writing, dancing

Have you ever run for office before?

Yes — for circuit court judge in 1996 or 1998; withdrew in 2004.

Why should voters support your candidacy?

As a practicing attorney, I was a voice for the voiceless; now as a judge, I am a gatekeeper of justice for all communities. My experience as both as a private attorney; knowledge of various areas of the law; my supervisory role over attorneys and my belief that as a judge I am a public servant are qualities that voters should consider. I have been found “Highly Qualified” by The Chicago Bar Association; as well as three of the alliance bar associations. As a judge, I believe that all people should receive due process and procedural fairness in court.

Why do you want to be a judge?

I want to be a judge in order to serve people as a gatekeeper of justice and ensure fairness in our courts. My love for the law and history also undergirds my desire to be a judge.

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

People v. Andre Crawford — This was eleven murder cases tried together along with an attempt-murder case. The complexity of the case; developing the story of the client’s life through mitigation and facing the ultimate sentence of the death penalty made it the most interesting case I have ever tried.

What would you consider your greatest career accomplishment?

My appointment to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court is my greatest accomplishment because it is the culmination of my legal career’s work.

What qualities do you plan to bring to the bench?

Courage to do the right thing under pressure is one of the greatest strengths that I bring. Legal knowledge, experience, ability to make decisions and understanding and respect of litigants from various walks of life and all communities are other qualities that I bring to the bench.