Lindsay Hugé
EDITOR’S NOTE: This candidate did not submit responses to all questions on the Daily Law Bulletin’s questionnaire. We’ve filled in some gaps with public information. Should the candidate respond, we will update this page.
Name: Lindsay Hugé
Party: Democratic
Current position (from ARDC record): Cook County assistant public defender
Campaign funds available, July 1 to Dec. 31: $116,884.65
Campaign funds spent, July 1 to Dec. 31: $66,148.25
Campaign website: lindsayhuge.com
Why should voters support your candidacy?
My work as a public defender for over 27 years has prepared me to be the type of jurist who will provide all parties before me the fairness and equal treatment they are entitled to under the law. I have been rated successfully by all 11 bar associations that have evaluated me. I have conducted many bench and jury trials in a wide range of criminal cases and also have a great amount of experience in appellate and post-conviction litigation. I have represented many different types of clients and cases. The difficulty and sensitivity of the cases and clients I have managed has furnished me with the temperament and empathy needed to serve all the people of Cook County as a judge. I have lived in and actively served the community from which I hope to be elected for more than 30 years.
Why do I want to be a judge?
Throughout my career I have been dedicated to serving my community. I have worked on the boards of a professional theater, other arts organizations and my son’s school. I helped start and have served as an officer of my neighborhood association, and I founded and am president of our local branch library Friends support organization. I have also earned three additional graduate degrees beyond my J.D. and have taught college history and law for over 17 years. This work has informed my decision to pursue this next step in my career. I want to use my education and experience to have a new impact in the law. I would like the opportunity to work with both parties in disputes after having represented one side throughout my career.
What is the most interesting case I have handled?
It is impossible to select one, but a recent appeal and PLA of a torture-false confession inquiry petition comes to mind as well as a current case involving the use of a forenssic psychiatrist. These cases provide me with the opportunity to apply my legal training and experience in new ways to assist my clients.
What would you consider your greatest career accomplishment?
I consider among my main accomplishments attaining a significant amount of both trial and appellate experience within the Cook County Public Defender’s Office, and earning three graduate degrees after my juris doctor, enabling me to teach history while practicing law.
What qualities do you plan to bring to the bench?
The broad legal background, learning and experience in both trial and appellate work. The results of an extensive education. The curiosity, patience and understanding of what I do not know from being a devoted life-long learner. Excellent listening skills. I worked many different jobs before practicing law and teaching, including: shipping clerk, dishwasher, trail hand, bartender, doorman, house painter, cook, truck driver, exterminator, waiter and accounting clerk. I believe this varied background plus the patience and humility I have needed as a parent are beneficial qualities for the bench.