Former Public Defender

Judge since: 1999

Karkula’s previous experience includes work as an assistant public defender and as counsel for the City of Cicero in 1998. He was in private practice immediately before being appointed to the bench in 1999. He was then elected to a full term in 2000. Before being assigned to the County Division, Karkula was assigned to the traffic court at the Daley Center and also heard cases in the Chancery Division. He currently hears tax-related matters, change-of-name petitions, and mental health trials.

Bar Association ratings

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

Past: In 2012, the CBA, CCL, and ISBA found Karkula qualified.

Notable: Karkula’s wife, Elizabeth Karkula, is also a Cook County Circuit Court judge in the Daley Center.