Joanne F. Rosado

Name: Joanne F. Rosado

Age: 46

Party: Democratic

Current residence: Chicago

Current position: Cook County circuit judge, appointed Jan. 20, 2017

Past legal experience: Circuit judge, 2017-present; Cook County assistant public defender–Grade IV, 2002-17; sole practitioner, Law Office of Joanne Rosado, 2002-10

Campaign funds available, July 1 to Dec. 31: $21,573.29

Campaign funds spent, July 1 to Dec. 31: $22,811.71

Law school: The John Marshall Law School, 2001

Campaign website: joannerosado.com

Family: Divorced mother with three children

Hobbies/interests: Reading, sports, gym

Have you ever run for office before?

Yes.

Why should voters support your candidacy?

I was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court and have been found “Highly Qualified” or “Qualified” by all the bar associations. I am slated by the Democratic Party, endorsed by all the mayors in my subcircuit, the Chicago Federation of Labor and the Chicago Chapter of the National Organization of Women (NOW PAC). Over the last year as a judge, I have proven my legal ability, my ability to be fair, compassionate, a courtroom manager and that I am dedicated to justice reform.

Why do you want to be a judge?

I want to continue to be a Cook County judge, in the position I was appointed to by the Illinois Supreme Court, because everyday I sit on the bench is an honor. I do not take my position lightly and I realize the responsibility for being honest and fair to each person that comes before me. I want to be a judge because I possess great qualities that help me to make a difference in the person’s life in front of me everyday. I want to be an instrument of justice to ensure that every person that comes before me has an opportunity to be heard individually and to leave the courtroom knowing they had their day in court.

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

The most interesting case I handled as a homicide attorney in the Multiple Defendant Unit of the Cook County Public Defender’s Office was a murder case. The defendant was charged with murder, demanded trial, and was indicted on attempted murder. The victim was deceased when the indictment was issued and the state waited 18 months to dismiss the attempt murder charges and indict the defendant on the murder. The defendant was incarcerated for 18 months in Cook County jail awaiting trial and because the demand on the murder charge was still running the state missed their term date and based upon my research and motion the case had to be dismissed.

What would you consider your greatest career accomplishment?

My greatest career accomplishment is being appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to be a Cook County judge on Jan. 20, 2017 and then working hard everyday to prove I deserve their confidence in my ability.

What qualities do you plan to bring to the bench?

The qualities I bring to the bench as a judge every day are diversity, life experience, knowledge and balance. On the bench, I have shown that I have the ability to listen, to be impartial and fair, be compassionate, hardworking, and dedicated to justice reform. Additionally, I conduct myself with the best interest of justice at all times while being an efficient and effective courtroom manager.

*As to all the answers above: I will keep an open mind, remain impartial and my personal views play no role in the judicial decision-making process.