Joel Chupack

Name: Joel Chupack

Age: 61

Party: Democratic

Current residence: Northbrook

Current position: Partner, Heinrich & Kramer P.C.

Campaign funds available, July 1 to Dec. 31: $8,190.05

Campaign funds spent, July 1 to Dec. 31: $1,586.05

Law school: IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, 1982

Campaign website: facebook.com/chupackforjudge

Family: Married with three children, all in high school

Hobbies/interests: The family loves going into the city and exploring the neighborhoods. I am involved in several social action groups in the north and northwest suburbs.

Have you ever run for office before?

No.

Why should voters support your candidacy?

For most of my career, I have represented consumers, homeowners and family businesses — in other words, voters. I appreciate the toll that litigation takes on litigants and the potential life-altering results that could occur. I have practiced in virtually every division of the circuit court (and federal and bankruptcy court). I have quasi-judicial experience as an arbitrator (with the American Arbitration Association), adjudicating disputes from nominal amounts to $20 million.

Why do you want to be a judge?

While winning a case is exhilarating, it is short-lived. There is no greater long-term satisfaction than resolving issues and bringing finality to disputes. As both an arbitrator and an advocate, I know that litigants want to be heard and feel understood, even if the decision does not go their way. A losing party and their attorney will more readily accept and obey a ruling if these wants are satisfied.

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

It is hard to pick just one. I was counsel for a blues musician in a divorce from his third wife. The problem was that he had not divorced his first two wives. Early on in my career, I worked for a criminal attorney who was contesting the constitutionality of a drug paraphernalia ordinance that ultimately was decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.

What would you consider your greatest career accomplishment?

I have a long-term view on this question. It is having developed a reputation among my peers as being professional, an authority (in real estate law) and a leader in bar associations. It is having developed a reputation among my clients as dedicated, honest and fair, and having made a difference in their lives.

What qualities do you plan to bring to the bench?

For this answer, I will quote from the 2018 evaluation given by The Chicago Bar Association, which found me “Highly Qualified”: “Mr. Chupack has extensive practice experience and is highly regarded for his knowledge of the law, legal scholarship, legal ability, and excellent temperament.” I will add to that my dedication, work ethic and desire to be the best judge that I can possibly be.