Five Good Minutes With Abbey Fishman Romanek

Abbey Fishman Romanek wants to be a judge. With more than 20 years of experience in the courtroom as a lawyer, she views it as a logical next step. So the legal veteran is campaigning for the 9th Judicial Subdistrict seat in Cook County. 

Patch caught up with her Wednesday morning to see what she brings to the table. The takeaway? After a narrow defeat in the last election, which she lost by 48 votes in 2010, Romanek is back and ready to win.

Earlier: 

Patch: You've practiced law for the past 24 years or so—both for large firms and small. What are you involved with right now?

Abbey Fishman Romanek: I currently run a small private practice focusing on civil litigation. What I've also done over the last year is started a group of about 20 women in similar situations where they work out of small offices. It's called North Shore L.A.W. (Lawyers, Advisors, Women), and we've become a marketing and referral group for each other because marketing is so difficult for sole practitioners.

Patch: Why do you want to be a judge in Cook County?

Romanek: The reason I'm running is because I feel [I have] a lot to offer. I have a diverse background in the law; I've practiced criminal law and tried cases as small as minor drug possession and as big as capital murder. I've tried multimillion-dollar cases for 18 years for medical malpractice defense. I've worked for big firms, small firms, the government, and now on my own. I have a unique and well-rounded perspective on all areas of the law and the manner in which it's practiced by different people. I think I could help things move more efficiently. 

Patch: Tell us about your life in Wilmette; how long have you lived here, what are some of your favorite memories, etc.?

Romanek: We've lived in Wilmette since May 1998. I remember because we moved on my third son's birthday. My kids are all in high school now, and they all went to McKenzie Elementary, and I was part of the well-known variety show for three or four years, mostly as a producer, and I sang and danced—not well, but I did it!

It was one of the most amazing community I've ever had the opportunity and pleasure to be involved in. That was without a doubt one of my fondest memories, along with the schools, park district and wonderful friends and neighbors.

Patch: You're running in the Democratic primary. What was it that drew you to the party?

Romanek: I've been a Democrat my entire life. I grew up as a Democrat, and I've been a member of the New Trier Democrats for about eight years. [Judges] aren't supposed to have biases on issues. Yet, the crazy part about [it] is that I have to pick a side.

One of the things I think is admirable about the Democrat Party is that there is open-mindedness. It is inclusive, and it's about treating people with dignity and respect and fairness and open-mindedness. And certainly that is something I will bring to the bench.

Patch: Similarly, why did you become a lawyer?

Romanek: It's very interesting. I actually started out in a master's program in social work. While I was in social work, I discovered that I felt I could make a bigger impact in peoples' lives as a lawyer.

I'm proud of the trials I've had. They've been complex. Many have worked out in my favor--a number have not. But I had a passion for being in the courtroom. I'm proud of the way I have handled my clients with dignity and respect—my clients have ranged from people with addictions and mental illness all the way up to physicians and hospitals.

I like trying to help people feel like they have someone in their corner, especially if they have to defend themselves.

Patch: In your opinion, what are the most important political issues right now? What kinds of things are you looking ahead to ruling on as a judge?

Romanek: One of the biggest issues I've encountered as a candidate, if I can start there, is that people ask me why we vote for judges. I get that. What I try to do is make it about educating people on voting for judges.

I think the problem is the lack of information about it. Especially because I can't talk about issues. I don't want someone to come in front of me and think, "Oh, she'll be against me."

Every single case that comes in front of me would be considered based on the facts of that case, and the law of course. And there will be laws I have to follow, even if I disagree. But I'm not there to change the law. 

It is my opinion that as a judge, you must follow the law. I think that's a given. Now, where there are issues in the law where there may be problems or areas that legislators didn't understand [when they made the law], that's what appellate courts are for.

As far as impacts, I think of [the] waste and efficiency in government. I think everyone has a problem with that. When you have a judge who understands what's going on in the lawyer's milieu, it's easier to get the case to a resolution instead of having to bring cases back repetitively and wasting time and money. I could probably address that with better case management as a judge.

Stay tuned to Patch for more on the race. Like Wilmette-Kenilworth Patch on Facebook to join the conversation.