David Navarro
Name: David R. Navarro
Party: Democratic
Age: 50
Current residence: Riverside
Current position: Cook County circuit judge, appointed May 25, 2017
Past legal experience: Chief, Public Integrity Bureau, Illinois Attorney General, 2009-17; Cook County assistant state’s attorney, 1994-2000, 2001-09; supervisor, Professional Standards Unit, 2007-09; special assistant United States attorney, 2007-09; associate, Law Offices of David Wiener, 2000-01
Campaign funds available, July 1 to Dec. 31: $97,283.65
Campaign funds spent, July 1 to Dec. 31: $27,857.38
Law school: University of Iowa College of Law, 1993
Campaign website: electjudgedavidnavarro.com
Family: Married to Kelly Navarro, associate director of the Center for Advocacy and director of the Conflict Resolution Institute at The John Marshall Law School. Two sons who attend Fenwick High School.
Hobbies/interests: Running (marathons, triathlons, other races)
Have you ever run for office before?
No, I have not.
Why should voters support your candidacy?
I have experience as a judge, and significant trial experience handling high profile and complex cases. I have been found “Highly Qualified” or “Well Qualified” by The Chicago Bar Association, Chicago Council of Lawyers, Decalogue Society of Lawyers, Hispanic Lawyers Association and the Puerto Rican Bar Association. All other bar associations found me “Qualified” or “Recommended.” I believe my reputation as a knowledgeable, fair judge with 22 years of courtroom experience will resonate with voters.
Why do you want to be a judge?
I recognize the privilege it is to serve the public, and the responsibility judges have to look for ways to improve the lives of individuals and the court system. I am currently assigned to the newly created Pre-Trial Division, and I believe that by changing the way that pretrial detention is handled, this court will have a long-term and positive impact on litigants and the justice system. I also feel that it is important for minority lawyers and litigants to see minority judges presiding over cases.
What was the most interesting case you handled as a lawyer?
While an assistant state’s attorney and supervisor of the Professional Standards Unit, I was cross-designated as a special United States attorney and prosecuted a large-scale, complex conspiracy case against officers within the Chicago Police Department’s Special Operations Section. The prosecution of this case required collaboration between several investigatory and prosecutorial units, and the officers were ultimately convicted in federal court. As a result of the prosecution, the unit was disbanded and sweeping policy changes were effected within the Chicago Police Department.
What would you consider your greatest career accomplishment?
My appointment to serve as a judge is my greatest career accomplishment.
What qualities do you plan to bring to the bench?
As a judge, I bring my intellect and knowledge of the law, and my compassion and respect for the litigants, attorneys, witnesses, and court staff that I work with each day. In finding me “Highly Qualified,” The Chicago Bar Association stated, “Judge Navarro has extensive jury and non-jury trial experience and is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, excellent temperament and commitment to public service.” In finding me “Well Qualified,” the Chicago Council of Lawyers stated, “He is widely praised for his knowledge, his trial skills, and his integrity. He is often described as being fair and honest. He is considered to have excellent legal ability and is praised for his supervisory skills, as well.” I bring the lessons learned through 22 years of courtroom experience as a prosecutor, a defense counsel, and now as a judge, with me to court each day.