| Judge Sheila McGinnis Circuit Court of Cook County Legal Experience: Sheila McGinnis has been involved in the criminal and civil judicial system in Cook County since 1983, where she began her employment with the Cook County State’ Attorney’s office in their Victim/witness Assistance Program. As a Victim/witness specialist, she explained court procedures, provided information on services such as counseling and compensation, kept the victim apprised of the case’s progress through the court system, and attended all hearings and trial, if necessary, to provide support. During this time, Sheila initiated a children’s court program that introduced child victims to court personnel and procedures in a non-threatening manner, and created playrooms and special interview rooms to better accommodate the unique needs of these victims. Sheila also helped manage the introduction of victim/witness advocates to Juvenile Court, and spoke regularly to community groups and schools about the judicial system, court procedures, and the many services offered by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Sheila has 25 years of litigation experience in the civil and criminal courts and in both the circuit and appellate courts. As an assistant state’s attorney, she litigated in the Narcotics Division, Traffic Court Division, Sixth District Criminal Division, Criminal Appeals Division and the Child Support Enforcement Division. Judicial Experience: Since she was elected to the bench in 2002, Sheila has been assigned to the Traffic Court Division, and the Fifth District Criminal Division, where she has presided over traffic cases, misdemeanor cases and domestic violence cases. She has heard hundreds of motions and bench trials, and numerous jury trials. As the last 25 years demonstrates, Sheila has a broad and diverse legal background. She has dedicated her career to serving the public interest within the judicial system. Throughout each state of her career, she has been privileged to work with some of the finest attorneys in Cook County and before some of the finest judges as well. Within every division she worked, she has a consistent record of high achievement. She is accustomed to high volume court calls and has the ability to dispatch them promptly and efficiently. She is honest, hard working, fair, courteous and compassionate. She prides herself on treating everyone she encounters, from litigants to court personnel, with the same respect she would wish for herself. She has the legal knowledge and legal ability to continue to be an asset to the bench. |
