Two Named Magistrate Judges

CHICAGO–Maria Valdez and Jeffrey Cole have been named magistrate judges for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Chief Judge Charles P. Kocoras announced.

Valdez, 42, comes to the court from the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, while Cole, 62, comes from the law office of Cole & Staes.

“We look forward to them joining us as soon as their background checks have been completed and other administrative matters finalized,” Chief Judge Kocoras said. “Congratulations are in order for Maria and Jeffrey, particularly in light of the outstanding qualifications possessed by each of the other eight finalists.”

Valdez fills a vacancy created by the retirement last year of Magistrate Judge Edward A. Bobrick. Cole fills a newly created magistrate judgeship, bringing the number to 11 such posts in the Northern District of Illinois. They will likely assume their posts in the late spring, with courtroom and chamber assignments to be announced later.

The selections of Valdez and Cole were made by the life-tenured judges of the District Court. They acted after a 15-member merit panel met for three months and reviewed applications for the jobs. The panel narrowed the field to 10 candidates, who were interviewed by the district judges.

Chief Judge Kocoras thanked the merit panel for its selfless work. He noted that attorney Michael Demetrio of Corboy & Demetrio PC served as its chair.

Valdez has practiced law for 12 years. She is a graduate of the University of California Hastings College of Law. She’s also worked in the office of the Federal Defender in the Central District of California as well as in the firm of Gessler, Hughes, Socol, Piers, Resnick & Dym Ldt. Cole has practiced law for 35 years. He is a graduate of DePaul University College of Law. Prior to Coles & Staes, he operated Jeffrey Neal Cole Ltd.

Of the 11 magistrate judgeships in the District Court, 10 are in the Eastern Division at the Chicago courthouse and one in the Western Division at the Rockford courthouse. Both Valdez and Cole will serve in Chicago. The term of office is eight years, and the current annual salary is $149,132.