Voter Information

https://www.isba.org/judicial-elections/counties/coles

The Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) utilizes a rigorous multi-step process to evaluate applicants for appellate and supreme court judge vacancies before making recommendations about them to the public. The process considers the candidate’s application, a comprehensive investigation including interviews with lawyers knowledgeable about the candidate, and a formal interview with the candidate. Finally, the full committee reviews and finalizes its ratings before making any recommendation. The ISBA’s evaluation process is designed to recommend candidates that will uphold the integrity and fairness of the judiciary.  The ISBA is a statewide voluntary association of lawyers and legal professionals, and its recommendations represent solely the ISBA’s opinion. 

In counties outside of Cook, ISBA conducts an advisory poll. The advisory poll is conducted electronically and by mail and is sent to all ISBA members in the circuit or district from which a candidate seeks election. Illinois licensed attorneys who are not members of ISBA, or any Illinois licensed attorney outside the circuit or district may request a ballot. Participants of the poll are asked to evaluate each candidate only if they have professional knowledge of the candidate(s) that enables them to make an informed evaluation. Ballots are confidential. Candidates and judges are rated "recommended" or "not recommended" based on whether respondents agree that the candidate "meets acceptable requirements for the office." Those receiving 60 percent or more "yes" responses to that question are rated "recommended" and those receiving less than 60 percent are rated "not recommended." Opinions expressed in the poll are of those attorneys who chose to respond and do not reflect the opinion of the Illinois State Bar Association or the opinion of all Illinois attorneys. 

(To fill the vacancy of the Hon. Thomas M. Welch)

ISBA Judicial Evaluation – Highly Recommended

Justice Amy Sholar received her undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, her law degree from St. Louis University School of Law, and was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2002. Prior to being appointed as a Circuit Judge in Madison County in 2021 (and elected to the position in 2022), Justice Sholar worked for the Madison County State’s Attorney office, for the City of Alton, and in private practice. In 2024, Justice Sholar was assigned to the Fifth District Appellate Court. Justice Sholar was a member of the Board of Trustees SIU System, and volunteers with the Boys and Girls Club of Alton, Clayton and Virginia Williams Foundation, and P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization).

The committee investigated Justice Sholar’s credentials in litigation experience, professional experience, health and age, legal knowledge and ability, integrity, sensitivity to diversity and bias, judicial temperament, diligence, punctuality, impartiality, professional conduct, and character.

Using the criteria and process above, the ISBA finds that Justice Amy Sholar is highly recommended for the position of Fifth District Appellate Court Justice. Attorneys described Justice Sholar as fair, well-prepared, and thoughtful. They further noted her even temperament and professionalism.

ISBA Judicial Advisory Poll – Recommended  

Recommendation - 84.18

Integrity - 93.22

Impartiality - 87.57

Temperament - 93.06

Legal Ability - 85.63

Court Management - 88.51

Sensitivity to Diversity & Bias - 93.53

Number of Respondents - 185 

https://www.isba.org/judicial-elections/counties/coles

"Vote on the Proposition with respect to all or any of the Judges listed on this ballot. No Judge listed is running against any other Judge. The sole question is whether each Judge shall be retained in his or her present office."

SHALL James A Knecht be retained in office as JUDGE OF THE APPELLATE COURT FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT? 

ISBA Judicial Evaluation – Yes

Justice James A. Knecht received his undergraduate degree from Illinois State University and his law degree from the University of Illinois College of Law, with honors, and was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1973. He is a long-standing member of the judiciary: three years as an Associate Judge, eight years as a Circuit Judge, and 40 years on the Appellate Court.

The committee also investigated Justice Knecht’s credentials in litigation experience, professional experience, health and age, legal knowledge and ability, integrity, sensitivity to diversity and bias, judicial temperament, diligence, punctuality, impartiality, professional conduct, and character.

Using the criteria and process above, the ISBA finds that Justice Knecht is recommended for retention to the Illinois Appellate Court, Fourth District. It is reported that Justice Knecht is well respected by his peers and courtroom personnel and is described as treating others, including parties and lawyers appearing before him, with respect and fairness. Attorneys also noted he is well prepared for oral arguments and asks pertinent questions of litigants.

James A. Knecht – Recommended for Retention

Recommendation - 81.58

Integrity - 86.84

Impartiality - 81.08

Temperament - 86.84

Legal Ability - 89.19

Court Management - 91.67

Sensitivity to Diversity & Bias - 91.89

Number of Respondents - 38 

SHALL John B. Barberis, Jr. be retained in office as JUDGE OF THE APPELLATE COURT FIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT? 

ISBA Judicial Evaluation – No

The ISBA Judicial Evaluations Committee evaluates judicial candidates for legal ability, experience, fairness, and judicial temperament, among other qualifications. John B. Barberis, Jr. was offered the opportunity to participate in the ISBA Judicial Evaluations Committee’s investigation into his qualifications but has declined the invitation. Without the cooperation of the candidate, it is impossible for the committee to fully evaluate his qualifications. Therefore, the committee cannot recommend John B. Barberis, Jr. for retention to the Illinois Appellate Court. 

John B. Barberis, Jr. - Not Recommended for Retention

Recommendation - 55.88

Integrity - 68.57

Impartiality - 55.56

Temperament - 74.29

Legal Ability - 54.29

Court Management - 64.52

Sensitivity to Diversity & Bias - 65.63

Number of Respondents - 36 

https://www.isba.org/judicial-elections/reports/all-results

SHALL Mitchell Shick be retained in office as JUDGE OF THE CIRCUIT COURT FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT? 

Mitchell Shick – Recommended for Retention

Recommendation - 97.06

Integrity - 97.06

Impartiality - 94.12

Temperament - 97.06

Legal Ability - 97.06

Court Management - 96.97

Sensitivity to Diversity & Bias - 96.97

Number of Respondents - 34 

SHALL Thomas M. O'Shaughnessy be retained in office as JUDGE OF THE CIRCUIT COURT FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT? 

Thomas M. O'Shaughnessy – Recommended for Retention

Recommendation - 96.67

Integrity - 93.75

Impartiality - 90.63

Temperament - 96.88

Legal Ability - 96.88

Court Management - 100

Sensitivity to Diversity & Bias - 93.55

Number of Respondents - 32