CBA Record July-August 2026

The CBA’s Judicial Evaluation Committee Focuses on Innovation and Growth

By Ann Glynn, CBA Public Affairs Director T he Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC), the CBA’s semi-autonomous committee that evaluates candidates for judicial offices and sitting judges seeking retention in Cook County, has been making improvements to work more effectively. Improvements include a comprehensive update of the JEC’s Investigator Instruction Manual as well as the Judicial Evaluation questionnaires, to enhance consistency, efficiency, and transparency throughout the evaluation process. The JEC also launched a new Teams Initiative, pairing inves tigators with Executive Committee mentors to foster professional development, strengthen engagement, encourage collaboration, and build a greater sense of community among the attorneys who volunteer their time in service to the public. With these new processes in place, the JEC completed 122 investigations and 95 hearings more than a month ahead of schedule for the March 2026 primary election. This helped ensure that voters had timely access to comprehensive judicial evaluations before casting their ballots, while also improving JEC operations and member engagement. The JEC was honored with the Committee of the Year Award, the CBA’s highest committee honor, at the 2026 CBAY mem bership awards ceremony. “This recognition reflects the dedica tion of more than 100 volunteer investigators and Committee members, highlighting the JEC’s and the CBA’s commitment to public service, professional excellence, and civic engagement,” said Jeffrey W. Finke, 2025–2026 JEC Chair. Evaluations are currently underway for approximately 75 judges seeking retention ahead of the November election in Cook County. The Committee is developing enhanced inves tigator training programs to further strengthen the evaluation process ahead of this election. The JEC’s work is an important part of the CBA’s legacy of improving the effectiveness of the administration of justice in Chicago and strengthening public confidence in the judiciary

CBA President Judge Nichole C. Patton presented the CBAY Award for Committee of the Year to JEC Chair Jeffrey W. Finke.

through an independent evaluation process. As demand for fair, thorough, and independent judicial evaluations continues to grow, the Committee actively seeks dedicated attorneys inter ested in promoting public confidence in the courts. Attorneys interested in serving are encouraged to contact JEC Administrator Phyllis Lubinski at plubinski@chicagobar.org.

Complimentary Mid-Year Financial Review for CBA Members

Through our partnership with True Wealth Strategies, we’re pleased to offer every CBA member a complimentary 30-minute mid-year financial review — at no cost, with no obligation. These sessions are designed specifically around the financial reali ties attorneys face at every stage of their career. Schedule review at www.cbainsurance.org or contact Michael Taff directly at michael.taff@twealth.us.

16 July/August 2026