Athena A. Farmakis
Athena A. Farmakis

Name: Athena A. Farmakis

Age: 49

Party: Democratic

Current residence: Chicago

Current position: Cook County assistant state’s attorney

Past legal experience: Cook County assistant state’s attorney, 1994-present

Campaign funds available, July 1 to Dec. 31: No report filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Campaign funds spent, July 1 to Dec. 31: No report filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Law school: DePaul University College of Law, 1993

Campaign website: athenaforjudge.com

Family: N/A

Hobbies/interests: Tennis, running, cycling

Have you ever run for office before?

No.

Why should voters support your candidacy?

Throughout my career, I have been a zealous advocate for victims of homicide, sexual assault, child abuse, and various other violent crimes. My dedication and hard work has afforded me with extensive and broad trial experience in both criminal and civil matters where I have gained invaluable knowledge and skills of the litigation process. This litigation experience together with my supervisory positions and lead attorney roles in high volume courtrooms have demonstrated my ability to be an effective and efficient leader, case-load manager and fair decision-maker. These qualifications would allow me to transcend to a similar skill set necessary to excel and to be a fair judge.

Why do you want to be a judge?

My work ethic exemplifies the intangible qualities necessary to be a good judge. I always aim to be fair, use common sense, am a good listener and know the importance of using my discretion as a prosecutor wisely. I would like to continue my public service as a Cook County Circuit Court judge to administer justice and resolve our county’s legal disputes. Given my experience and qualifications, I believe I can make a difference in maintaining the public’s trust and confidence in the legal system by serving as a fair and impartial judge.

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

In 2016 I successfully tried a media-sensitive case involving a wheelchair-bound defendant who provided a loaded handgun to his 14 year old niece who in turn shot and killed a fellow 14 year old girl over a social media dispute. The case involved the law of accountability and self-defense and highlighted the pervasive problem of the accessibility of handguns in the city of Chicago. The case also underscored the responsibility adults have and the role they should play in helping our youth resolve conflict. A jury found the defendant, Donnell Flora, guilty of all counts of first-degree murder and attempt first-degree murder, and the judge sentenced him to 100 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

What would you consider your greatest career accomplishment?

I take pride in the fact that I have represented victims of crime and child abuse for over 23 years in court. Providing a voice and seeking justice on behalf of these often –time vulnerable victims and their families has always given me a great sense of accomplishment.

What qualities do you plan to bring to the bench?

With 23 years of experience, I bring to the table a very unique, well-rounded and balanced career. I spent 13 years in the felony trial division litigating complex felony cases on a daily basis and spent nearly one-third of my career as a line assistant and supervisor implementing the principles of balanced and restorative justice in prosecuting minors for criminal offenses at the Juvenile Justice Bureau. This experience coupled with my work ethic exemplifies the intangible qualities of fairness, integrity and common sense which I possess. As a judge, our community would benefit from my compassion, trial experience, integrity, honesty and sound decision making skills.