Michael Gallagher (Illinois)

Michael J. Gallagher
	February 7, 1953
	Illinois First District Appellate Court Judge
	Assumed office; 1996
	Illinois Circuit Court Judge
	In office; 1988-1996

Michael J. Gallagher was a judge on the Illinois First District Appellate Court. He was appointed to this position in 1996. He was retained by voters in 1998^[1] and 2008.^[2] He retired from the court in April 2011.^[3]

Education

Judge Gallagher was born on February 7, 1953. He received his B.A. degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1975 and his J.D. degree from the Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1978.^[4]

Career

Judge Gallagher began his career as a staff attorney for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 1978. The next year, he became a law clerk to Supreme Court Justice William G. Clark. He then worked with the law firm of Cassidy, Schade & Gloor as an associate and partner from 1981 to 1988. In 1988, he was appointed to the circuit court, to which he was elected by voters in 1990 and retained in 1996. He joined the Appellate Court in 1996.^[4]

2008 Retention

Chicago Tribune urges "yes" vote

The Chicago Tribune endorsed Michael Gallagher for retention on October 15, 2008.

Chicago Bar Association gives "Qualified" rating

Justice Michael J. Gallagher is "Qualified" for retention as an Appellate Court Justice. Justice Gallagher was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1978 and was appointed a Circuit Court Judge in 1988. Justice Gallagher was elected to the circuit court in 1990 and assigned to the Illinois Appellate Court in 1996. In 1998, Justice Gallagher was elected to the Appellate Court where he has served with distinction. Justice Gallagher is highly regarded and epitomizes the qualities looked for in an Appellate Court Justice.^[5]

Chicago Council of Lawyers: Gallagher "Highly Qualified"

Hon. Michael Gallagher was elected to be an Illinois Appellate Justice in 1998 and was elected to the bench as a circuit judge in 1988. He served in the First Municipal District and the Law Division before being appointed to the Appellate Court in 1997. Judge Gallagher was widely respected as an outstanding trial judge and is considered to be an excellent Appellate Court justice. He has outstanding legal ability and is fair and exceptionally hard-working. He has several published articles. The Council finds him Highly Qualified.^[6]