James Hanlon Jr.: Candidate Profile

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Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: NorthbrookWebsite: www.HanlonForJudge.comOffice sought: Cook County Circuit Court - 12th subcircuit Age: 54Family: Married for 27 years to Judge Kay Hanlon with sons Kevin (18) and Jack (16)Occupation: LawyerEducation: B.S.C DePaul University, 1981J.D., with Honors, DePaul University College of Law, 1984Civic involvement: Trial Coach for Chicago Coalition for Law Related Education (Hubbard High School);Mentor Under Illinois Supreme Court;s Lawyer-to-Lawyer Mentor Program;Chicago Bar Association Securities Law Committee Chair and Legislative Liaison for E Discovery Committee;Member of Northbrook Caucus' Park District Committee;Former Board Member of social service agency Teen Living Programs, Inc.;Past President, Northbrook Hockey LeagueElected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoQuestions Answers Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is that?I believe that my more than 29 years of experience I have developed the judgment to go along with the temperament I have always had that is necessary to sit as a trial court Judge. When I first applied to law school, I was honored to have my first mentor, John Jacobs, write a letter of recommendation in which he stated that I possessed "uncommonly good common sense." That is a trait that I was very proud of then, as I am today. It is a good trait for anyone, but it is a particularly good trait for Judges.I have the right experience to hear and resolve the wide-range of issues that confront a Circuit Court Judge. I litigated and tried commercial cases of all sizes and types, from A to Z (Antitrust to Zoning) and everything in between. I have tried cases before Judges, juries and arbitration panels. I have handled and argued a number of appeals, again ranging from everyday disputes to complex securities law matters. More recently I have focused on electronic discovery issues, which are growing in complexity and importance to the administration of justice.The people of Cook County depend on a fair, prompt and cost effective way to resolve disputes and legal matters in the Courts. For each litigant, their case, no matter the amount at stake, may well be viewed by them as the most important matter to them. As a Judge, I would treat each litigant accordingly. I would want everyone to walk out of my courtroom believing that the Court system was better than they imagined it to be. Achieving that goal depends on how each person appearing in that Court is treated, the attention given to their matter, as well as the efficiency and fundamental fairness they experienced. One of my other goals should I become a Judge is to promote more cooperation and civility in the conduct of litigation (such as through application of the Sedona Conference Proclamation on Cooperation). Civility and zealous advocacy are not conflicting values. In my practice I have found these to be both complementary values and essential to the proper functioning of our system of justice. Judges are in a prime position to assure that adversarial proceedings are conducted according to the law and the finest traditions of the profession so that the litigants receive justice in an efficient and professional manner.What differentiates you most from your opponents in the race?What I can say about my approach to everything I have undertaken is that I try to exceed expectations. I try to work harder and smarter than may be expected for the role, and always with a smile and a healthy dose of humility. I would take this same passion and these personal qualities to the role of Circuit Court Judge. That is not a comment on any of my opponents in any way. These are simply the factors that have tended to distinguish me in my endeavors.Finally, is there anything we haven't asked about that you feel we should know?I am an avid hockey player (goalie) and fan!