Betar has served as a Cook County circuit court judge since 1998. He served as an associate judge until he was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to a 13th subcircuit vacancy in July 2017. He currently serves in the municipal department and domestic violence division at Rolling Meadows Courthouse. Before joining the bench, he worked in private practice for 15 years. He has also served as an instructor for other judges at the state and county level. Betar ran unopposed in the Democratic primary in March.

Bar Association ratings: Positive

The CBA found Betar highly qualified, and the ISBA found Betar qualified. The CCL also found him qualified, writing that he “is praised for his ability to manage a large call and for his patience and communication skills with litigants and lawyers.”

Survey response: In response to an Injustice Watch survey, Betar wrote he is concerned about access to legal services for the poor and that he has been active in helping design a program providing pro bono legal services to domestic violence victims. (Full survey)