Adam Scott Mathein
Adam Scott Mathein
Janet Cronin Mahoney
Janet Cronin Mahoney

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: Janet Cronin Mahoney

Age: 54

Party: Democratic

Current residence: Glenview

Current position: Cook County assistant state’s attorney

Past legal experience: I have been with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office for 28 years.

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

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

Chicago Bar Association finding: Qualified

Law school: Loyola University Chicago School of Law, 1987

Campaign website: www.janetmahoney.com

Family: Married, four children, two dogs

Hobbies/interests: cross training, crossword puzzles, Marquette basketball, fantasy football

Have you ever run for office before?

No.

Why should voters support your candidacy?

As an appellate attorney, I have reviewed, analyzed, and critiqued thousands of legal issues that touch on every aspect of the criminal trial process. I have developed an area of expertise that easily transitions into the role of judge. I have a thorough and expansive knowledge of the law.

Why do you want to be a judge?

I have been a public servant my entire career. I have worked hard in a unique area of law, honing skills that can greatly benefit the lawyers in the courtroom and the clients they represent. I want to continue my public service and use my area of expertise to the benefit of our court system.

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

People v. Jerry Ward. Ward shot and killed a man and bludgeoned a woman to death with a tire iron. He was convicted of murder. I handled all of the appeals in the case, including Ward’s direct appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court, his post-conviction case in the Illinois Supreme Court, his habeas corpus petition in the federal district court, his appeal of the federal district court ruling in the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, his writ of certiorari in the United States Supreme Court, and his clemency petition before the Illinois Prisoner Review Board.

What would you consider your greatest career accomplishment?

I represent the oft-forgotten and faceless victims of violent crimes throughout the appellate process. I have followed many of these cases for decades. My consistent representation has resulted in effective advocacy on behalf of these victims

What qualities do you plan to bring to the bench?

I bring a passion and respect for the law.

 


 

Name: Adam Scott Mathein

Age: 47

Party: Democratic

Current residence: Glenview

Current position: Attorney and vice president of Mathein & Rostoker P.C.

Past legal experience: I have been vice president of Mathein & Rostoker P.C. since 1997 and primarily practice in insurance law and litigation.

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

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

Chicago Bar Association finding: Not Recommended

Law school: The John Marshall Law School, 1997

Campaign website: matheinforjudge.com

Family: Married to Soraia for 24 years; sons Kevin, 21, and Nicholas, 15

Hobbies/interests: Woodworking and reading historical fiction

Have you ever run for office before?

I considered running for school board in 2006, but reconsidered before the election and did not appear on the ballot at that time.

Why should voters support your candidacy?

I have always taken great care to practice as ethically and diligently when handling matters for my clients. I take great pride in the reputation that my firm and I developed over the 18 years of my practice in our industry. I believe I can bring integrity and respect to the office of circuit court judge and use my skills and considerate approach to further the high standards set by the judiciary.

Why do you want to be a judge?

I have been fortunate to have spent many productive years in courtrooms across northern Illinois. Those years have brought great emotional award. I wish to be elected to serve as a judge so that I can not only stay in the legal community I have grown so fond of, but to use my skills to ensure that the judicial system continues to meet the needs and gather the respect of our entire community.

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

A few years after Sept. 11, I received a call from a friend whose elderly Egyptian parents had been taken into custody and charged with overstaying a tourist visa. When we appeared before the administrative law judge in the immigration court, I was able to negotiate their voluntary departure and ensure that they would face none of the repercussions of a deportation, allowing them to apply to visit their son and grandchildren here in the future. This matter taught me the importance of appropriate representation of those who might otherwise be unable to represent themselves. It also reinforced my belief in the importance of a judicial system that responded fairly and compassionately to the needs of all who might be involved with that system.

What would you consider your greatest career accomplishment?

My greatest career accomplishment is the respect that my firm and I have earned in our industry throughout the years. It is easy to lose sight of the importance of goodwill that can be shared, even among adversaries. I have found that an open and honest approach to the court, clients, adverse attorneys and litigants goes a long way to resolving the disputes that arise in our complex society.

What qualities do you plan to bring to the bench?

I will continue to be fair, diligent and thoughtful in considering each matter brought before me. I plan on not losing sight of the fact that everyone who participates in the legal system should be treated with respect and dignity. I will decide matters based on a genuine desire to correctly apply the law to the facts of each case and ensure that every party, prevailing or not, understands and respects the reasoning underlying my decisions.