Robin Denise Shoffner
Robin Denise Shoffner

Name: Robin Denise Shoffner

Age: 57

Party: Democratic

Current residence: South Loop, Chicago

Current position: Cook County circuit judge, last appointed July 1, 2016

Past legal experience: Cook County circuit judge, three years; City of Chicago assistant corporation counsel, Federal Civil Rights and Affirmative Litigation Divisions, 10 years; senior litigation counsel, Aon Service Corp., seven years; senior litigation associate, Albert Whitehead & McGaugh P.C., and associate attorney, Carney & Brothers Ltd., six years; law clerk, 1st District Appellate Justice Glenn T. Johnson, 18 months; law clerk, Circuit Judge Benjamin S. Mackoff, six months

Campaign funds available, July 1 to Dec. 31: $94,788.62

Campaign funds spent, July 1 to Dec. 31: $64,506.26

Law school: Creighton University School of Law, 1990

Campaign website: citizensforshoffner.com

Family: One daughter

Hobbies/interests: I enjoy golfing, biking and fishing.

Have you ever run for office before?

In March 2016, I ran an unsuccessful campaign for circuit court judge in the 5th Judicial Subcircuit.

Why should voters support your candidacy?

Voters should support my candidacy because I bring a tremendous wealth of both legal and life experiences to the bench. Prior to my appointment as a judge, I worked as a trial lawyer for individuals and companies, plaintiffs and defendants, and indigent litigants as well as litigants with personal wealth. I have served in leadership positions in my community, the legal profession and my church. On a personal note, I adopted my daughter as a single parent 12 years ago and appreciate the challenges faced by today’s youth and families. As a result of my experiences, I am dedicated to making sure every litigant has an opportunity to be heard and to resolving cases as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Why do you want to be a judge?

The reason I went to law school was to understand civil rights so that I could advocate for a more just society. I grew up in a home where education was valued and we were encouraged to volunteer and advocate for what is fair. I experienced and witnessed injustices and I developed a desire to help people through the law. As a judge I am able to serve people to the best of my ability by treating every person with dignity and respect and each matter before me with the consideration and justice it deserves by fully and fairly deciding cases based on the controlling law and its application to each case’s unique facts and circumstances. I realize the magnitude of the judge’s ability to affect people’s lives in the pursuit of justice.

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

I have the distinction of having represented a municipality, a large corporation, and any individuals while working at small law firms. It is hard to single out just one case, but ultimately, it’s about helping people reach a fair resolution in solving conflict. When I clerked for the Appellate Court, I was passionate about researching social host liability for underage drinking as well as rights afforded to same-sex couples. I served two stints at the City of Chicago and was privileged to work on the Chicago flood litigation, free speech litigation arising the Democratic National Convention and numerous Section 1983 civil rights cases.

What would you consider your greatest career accomplishment?

It was the fulfillment of a dream when the Illinois Supreme Court appointed me to serve a judge for the Circuit Court of Cook County.

What qualities do you plan to bring to the bench?

I bring the qualities instilled in me by my parents, a need to work hard, a quest for knowledge, and to be the best person I can be.