Allan W. Masters
James Edward Hanlon Jr.
In the days leading up to the March 15 primary election, the Daily Law Bulletin will publish responses to questionnaires sent to candidates in all contested Cook County judicial races. Campaign finance information comes from Illinois State Board of Elections reports.
Name: James Edward Hanlon Jr.
Age: 56
Party: Democratic
Current residence: Northbrook
Current position: Director of Client Services, Novus Law LLC
Past legal experience: Novus Law, 2010-present; sole practitioner, 2008-10; Howrey LLP, 2002-08; Katten, Muchin, Rosenman LLP, 1984-2002
Campaign funds available, July 1 to Dec. 31: $61,066.10
Campaign funds spent, July 1 to Dec. 31: $8,418.01
Chicago Bar Association finding: Qualified
Law school: DePaul University College of Law, 1984
Campaign website: HanlonforJudge.com
Family: Married to Cook County Circuit Judge Kay M. Hanlon, sons Kevin, 20, and Jack, 18
Hobbies/interests: Hockey
Have you ever run for office before?
I ran for circuit judge in the 12th Judicial Subcircuit in 2014, narrowly losing the Democratic primary.
Why should voters support your candidacy?
Each bar association has evaluated me as either qualified, recommended or highly recommended. I think my key personality traits — curiosity, optimism and even-keeled temperament — are well-suited to service on the bench. My litigation experience, almost 32 years of handling cases from A (antitrust) to Z (zoning), has prepared me well to serve in any courtroom in our county.
Why do you want to be a judge?
I have litigated and tried cases before many judges. The quality of the judge often makes a difference not just to the quality of the experience for the parties and their lawyers, but on the time, cost and sense of justice they experience.
I think that I can become the kind of judge that lawyers and litigants will appreciate appearing before. I want to make the balance of my legal career one of service to the public and to the court system that has meant so much to me in my career.
What was the most interesting case you handled as a lawyer?
There are many cases that stand out as interesting (at least to me). I have always tended to think of my most interesting case as one I was currently handling and then the next most interesting case would come along! In looking back in time, though, one of the most interesting cases I handled was an antitrust case I tried with Joel Chefitz on behalf of the Chicago Bulls against the NBA. We challenged (and prevailed against) restrictions the NBA had imposed on the rights of its member clubs to televise their games.
What would you consider your greatest career accomplishment?
Gaining and keeping friendships with counsels I have tried cases with and against.
What qualities do you plan to bring to the bench?
I bring my education, experience and the lessons learned while gaining that experience. I also bring my desire to continue to learn and grow as a person and as a professional, all in pursuit of service to the public and our court system.
Name: Allan W. Masters
Party: Democratic
Current residence: Glencoe
Current position: Attorney, Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving Ltd.
Past legal experience with years of each job: Cook County circuit judge, 2001-05 and 2013-14; owner, Allan W. Masters Ltd., 33 years; Fisher & Miller, seven years; Cook County assistant state’s attorney, one year; FBI special agent, two years
Campaign funds available, July 1 to Dec. 31: $12,954.65
Campaign funds spent, July 1 to Dec. 31: $5,903.79
Chicago Bar Association finding: Qualified
Law school: Loyola University Chicago School of Law, 1966
Campaign website: N/A
Family: Wife, Linda, son, Michael, one grandchild
Hobbies/interests: Auto restoration, exercise/lifting weights
Have you ever run for office before?
Yes, in 2014.
Why should voters support your candidacy?
I believe my 40-plus years in private practice; focused areas of domestic relations, chancery, personal injury, Hague Convention treaty issues, working on behalf of the disadvantaged groups (Native Americans and African-Americans) as well as my years serving as judge in Cook County, would assist the voter in considering my candidacy.
Why do you want to be a judge?
As a result of my prior years of experience, I believe the court must uphold and convey impartiality, compassion, understanding, reason and courtesy. It is my wish to implement these criteria, as they are my shared values.
What was the most interesting case you handled as a lawyer?
For many years while in private practice, I represented pro bono, the director of the Indian Child Welfare Act, Navajo Nation and Oglala Sioux Nation. The Sioux Nation had multiple serious issues with the Department of Indian Affairs and the U.S, Environmental Protection Agency which, after years of positive action, we were able to resolve.
What would you consider your greatest career accomplishment?
My work to support minority and disadvantaged groups, such as the 44th Ward Committee in the early 1980s to institute a city ordinance to protect LGBT rights. Chicago was the first city in the United States to institute these rights. Also assisting, and with the assistance of others, to resolve the serious environmental, health, legal and law enforcement issues of the Oglala Sioux Nation.
What qualities do you plan to bring to the bench?
It is important that a judge have an understanding heart and an open, receptive mind. The court must maintain an objective posture regardless of the cause, the litigants or counsels. The court must be free from bias and protect the rights of all litigants, regardless of their cases, attitude, income or position in life. I believe I have worked to uphold these qualities in my professional and personal life. I would be honored to serve the 12th Subcircuit and Circuit Court of Cook County.