Bradley R. Trowbridge

Name: Bradley R. Trowbridge

Age: 56

Party: Democratic

Current residence: Chicago

Current position: Attorney, Law Offices of Bradley R. Trowbridge, 2003-present

Past legal experience: Adjunct professor, Family Law & Domestic Violence Clinic, The John Marshall Law School, 2017-present; staff attorney, Pro Bono Advocates, January-October 2003; Staff attorney, Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago, 2001-02; 711 law student, City of Chicago Law Department Torts Division, 1999-01; grant monitor, Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, 1995-97.

Campaign funds available, July 1 to Dec. 31: $4,188.12

Campaign funds spent, July 1 to Dec. 31: $3,680.12

Law school: University of Illinois College of Law, 2000

Campaign website: bradforjudge.com

Family: Single

Hobbies/interests: I love dogs. I have adopted and fostered rescue dogs, and volunteered for animal rescue organizations for many years.

Have you ever run for office before?

Yes, in 2012.

Why should voters support your candidacy?

All of the bar associations that evaluate judicial candidates have rated me either “Qualified” or “Recommended.” I have over 17 years of litigation experience in multiple areas of the law, including domestic relations, chancery, probate, criminal, and appeals. Before practicing law, I earned a master’s degree and worked as a social worker in disadvantaged communities for nearly 10 years. I also currently serve as an adjunct faculty member at The John Marshall law School’s Family Law and Domestic Violence Clinic.

Why do you want to be a judge?

A fair and independent justice system is fundamental. As such, I see the role of judge as one of the most important positions in our society. I have such respect for the position that I would not be a candidate if I did not believe I would be a fair, hard-working, and ethical judge. I believe my diverse personal and professional experiences have provided me the skills to be such a judge at this point of my career.

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

I represented the wife of a prominent politician in a divorce and order of protection case. Multiple attorneys declined to take the case out of concern for their careers, but I took it because I did not believe political power should play a role in the safety of a victim of domestic violence or the custody of children. Fortunately, the judge issued rulings also without concern for the political clout of the politician.

What would you consider your greatest career accomplishment?

I authored a chapter for the Illinois State Bar Association’s Family Law Handbook, a manual that is used by practitioners across Illinois. I’m also proud of my work in the field of domestic violence. I have helped hundreds of victims of domestic violence in orders of protection, divorce, custody disputes, child support, housing, immigration, criminal defense, and bankruptcy matters. I served on the Board of Directors of the Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women’s Network for four years. I also trained Chicago Police Department officers and law students about domestic violence issues.

What qualities do you plan to bring to the bench?

I believe I would bring to the bench a strong legal ability, diverse litigation and life experience, a commitment to justice, sound judgment, and solid courtroom management skills.