Michael A. Forti
Michael A. Forti

Name: Michael A. Forti

Age: 63

Party: Democratic

Current residence: Chicago

Current position: Cook County circuit judge, appointed September 2016

Past legal experience: Chief counsel, Illinois Department of Transportation, 2012-15; deputy corporation counsel, City of Chicago Department of Law, 1999-2012; chief assistant corporation counsel, Chicago Department of Law, 1994-98; equity partner, Bell Boyd & Lloyd (now K&L Gates), 1988-94; associate, Bell Boyd & Lloyd, 1980-88

Campaign funds available, July 1 to Dec. 31: $94,121.44

Campaign funds spent, July 1 to Dec. 31: $34,823.30

Law school: Northwestern University School of Law, 1980

Campaign website: judgeforti.com

Family: Partnered with Daniel Joseph

Hobbies/interests: Jazz and classical music, downhill skiing, travel

Have you ever run for office before?

Yes, I ran a countywide race in 2012 to fill the Simmons vacancy. I was slated by the Cook County Democratic Party, but I lost in the March primary.

Why should voters support your candidacy?

Voters should support my candidacy first and foremost because I have the most experience of any of the candidates running in the Liu vacancy. By the time of the primary, I will have been a circuit court judge for 18 months. I already have demonstrated during that time period that I possess the requisite qualities to be an effective judge. Moreover, prior to my appointment by the Illinois Supreme Court, I had over 35 years of legal experience in both civil and criminal law, a level of experience no other candidate can equal.

Why do you want to be a judge?

I have been a public servant for most of my legal career. My commitment to public service is one of the reasons why I wish to remain a circuit court judge. I also believe that my tenure on the bench has already demonstrated that I possess the right mix of qualities that make me an effective and fair jurist. I would like the opportunity to remain on the bench and strive to be the most thoughtful, compassionate and hard-working judge I can be.

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

The most interesting case I handled as a lawyer was serving as lead counsel at the district court level in McDonald v. Chicago (561 U.S.2010), which was a Second Amendment case challenging a Chicago ordinance that banned handguns within the city limits. Although the city prevailed in the district court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, the U.S. Supreme Court ultimately struck down the firearms ban and held that the Second Amendment’s individual right to possess firearms applied to the states through the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It was very rewarding professionally to be involved in McDonald from its inception, through argument at the Supreme Court and serving as lead counsel in cases spawned by the decision in McDonald.

What would you consider your greatest career accomplishment?

My greatest career accomplishment was my appointment by the Illinois Supreme Court in the fall of 2016 to the Circuit Court of Cook County. Prior to my appointment, I had hoped that one day I would become a judge. Undaunted by my unsuccessful countywide race in 2012 and my near miss having made the “short list” for associated judge in 2014, I was elated when the Illinois Supreme Court conferred on me this great honor. I was humbled by the appointment, and I have cherished this opportunity to serve on the bench.

What qualities do you plan to bring to the bench?

I currently serve as a trial judge in the Domestic Relations Division of the circuit court. Litigants are typically at a low point in their lives in these courtrooms, hoping to find a judge who dispenses not only justice but acts with compassion. I recognize the fundamental importance of “procedural fairness” in our judicial system, and I believe I have the temperament and sound judgment to advance that principle. One bar association recently gave me “very positive marks” since serving on the bench, and another bar association recognized “my judgment, fine demeanor and temperament.”