Former Public Defender

Judge since: 2012

Hayes began her legal career as an attorney at the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission before spending most of her career as a hearing officer and court coordinator in the Cook County Circuit Court’s Child Protection Division. She also worked as an assistant public defender before being elected as a judge. She previously served on the bench in traffic court and in the Sixth Municipal District.

Bar Association ratings

This year: The CCL and CBA rated her qualified and the ISBA recommended her for retention.

Past: All three major bar associations rated Hayes not qualified for the bench when she ran for judge in 2012. They cited her lack of experience with complex cases.