Former Prosecutor

Judge since: 2005

Axelrood previously worked as an assistant Cook County state’s attorney and later as a criminal defense attorney. He became an associate judge in 2005 and was elected to a circuit judge term in 2012. He currently hears civil jury trials in the Law Division and previously heard traffic matters at the Daley Center and criminal matters in various county courthouses. He has also presided over two specialty courts: the Veterans Court and the Mental Health Court.

Bar Association ratings

This year: The CCL rated him well qualified, the CBA rated him qualified, and the ISBA recommended him for retention.

Past: In 2012, Axelrood was rated “highly qualified” or “well qualified” ratings from all three major bar groups. The CBA noted that he “possesses an outstanding demeanor and temperament and is highly regarded for his knowledge of the law and ability.”

Notable: In 2012, Axelrood received the highest bar association ratings out of all candidates in his race for judge in the 9th judicial subcircuit. Axelrood once faced controversy as a lawyer when a client who witnessed a double murder alleged Axelrood told him to go along with what the prosecutor wanted. That allegation was found not credible after a post-conviction hearing.