Thomas M. Cushing
Judge up for retention, on the Chicago ballot November 3, 2026. Incumbent.
Circuit Court of Cook County
Ratings
- Chicago Bar Association: Qualified
- Illinois State Bar Association: Yes
- Injustice Watch: Notable reversals
Record
Appointed to the Circuit Court in 2019 and elected to a full term in 2020; handles civil jury trials in the Law Division after serving in the Domestic Violence Division. Injustice Watch reports that in 2022 the Illinois Appellate Court reversed his denial of an order of protection for a woman who said her former boyfriend had abused her, finding he focused too much on who was the aggressor and not enough on the evidence of abuse. He told Injustice Watch he discussed the reversal with fellow judges at the division's request and applied its lessons afterward. A judge stays on the bench with a yes from 60 percent of voters.
Background
Attorney at a small Evanston law firm handling civil litigation and chancery cases (2013-2019); managing director of strategic partnership and policy at the Delta Institute (2012-2013); solo practitioner (2005-2006, 2010-2011); senior vice president of the Chicago Climate Exchange (2006-2010); trial and appellate attorney handling professional and municipal liability cases (1988-2005). Law degree from Loyola University Chicago (1988).
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