Crystal Lake attorney campaigns for seat on appellate court

Crystal Lake attorney Mike Cortina on Wednesday announced his plans to run as a Democratic candidate for a Second District Appellate Court judicial seat.

Cortina, a partner with SmithAmundsen, LLC, and manager of the firm’s Crystal Lake office, seeks to fill the vacancy created in 2020 when former Chief Justice Robert Thomas announced his retirement. As a result of Thomas’s retirement, the Illinois Supreme Court appointed Second District Appellate Justice Michael Burke to fill the chief justice’s place.

Justice Liam Brennan was subsequently assigned to fill Burke’s vacant seat through 2022, creating the vacancy that Cortina hopes to occupy.

“I am running because we need judges who not only balance the demographics of the bench to match that of the community, but also have the experience, knowledge, and history of service that is critical for any jurist,” Cortina said in a news release Wednesday. “Our judicial branch should represent the professional and demographic diversity of our state, and I am excited to apply my skills and experience to serve the community that I love.”

A Cuban American and U.S. veteran, Cortina said he envisions a judiciary that reflects the people it represents.

“Our area is about 20% Hispanic and there’s not one single Hispanic judge in the appellate court in the 2nd District,” Cortina said.

Illinois’ appellate judges serve 10-year terms and oversee cases from multiple circuit-level courts. The Second District, which includes McHenry, Kane, Lake and DuPage counties, also reviews cases from nine additional counties across northern Illinois.

Cortina’s career includes 23 years of law experience as work as an arbitrator, mediator, prosecutor and defense attorney, according to the release. He and his wife Becky have two adult daughters and have lived in Crystal Lake for more than 20 years.

Although judicial elections might not garner the public attention that presidential elections receive, “it’s vitally important for everyone to vote in elections like this,” Cortina said.

“This is the last stop and you want to make sure you have the most qualified people in these positions.”

The primary election will take place on March 15, 2022. Additional information about Cortina is available on his campaign website at www.Cortina4Justice.com.