Stephen J. Feldman
Stephen J. Feldman

Name: Stephen J. Feldman

Age: 44

Party: Democratic

Current residence: Chicago

Current position: Sole practitioner, The Law Offices of Stephen J. Feldman, 2003-present; adjunct professor, The John Marshall Law School, 2011-present

Past legal experience: Enforcement attorney, Illinois Secretary of State Securities Department, 2002-03; hearing officer, Illinois Secretary of State, Department of Administrative Hearings, 2005-15

Campaign funds available, July 1 to Dec. 31: $6,080.54

Campaign funds spent, July 1 to Dec. 31: $5,355.73

Law School: The John Marshall Law School, 2001

Campaign website: votefeldmanforjudge.com

Family: Married, with a 19-year-old stepson

Hobbies/Interests: Working out, playing racquetball, attending local sporting events and reading mystery novels

Have you ever run for office before?

Yes. I ran for Cook County Judge in 2014. I pursued a countywide vacancy.

Why should voters support your candidacy?

In addition to being a knowledgeable and experienced trial lawyer, I am independent from any and all political influences. I do not have, nor have I sought out any support from any public official or any political organization. I am my own man. Any person who appears before me should know that they will be given a full and complete opportunity to be heard, that they will be treated with dignity and respect and that my decisions will be prompt and will be based on the law.

Why do you want to be a judge?

I want to serve our community, as well as the legal profession by serving as an independent and impartial decision maker so that I can assist people in resolving disputes in a civilized and intelligent manner.

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

My most interesting case was when I represented a man who was accused of threatening a public official, a Class 3 felony. The public official was a former Chicago alderman who appeared at every court date wearing an oversized hat. The case involved an interesting fact pattern and Chicago politics. Following a bench trial, my client was found not guilty. Justice was served.

What would you consider your greatest career accomplishment?

To date, my greatest career accomplishment has been helping my students at The John Marshall Law School build self-confidence and develop trial skills. I teach Trial Advocacy, which is a skills oriented class. Every class session, each student is required to perform at least one witness examination or make one opening statement or closing argument. As the semester progresses, the students who put forth the effort gain self-confidence and develop the trial skills necessary to competently try a case. It is very satisfying to watch a timid student work hard and transform him/herself into a confident and competent young lawyer.

What qualities do you plan to bring to the bench?

Independence, integrity, experience, knowledge, patience, diligence, decisiveness, courtesy and compassion.