Why Abbey!
Best Prepared from Legal Expertise and Training
Cook County needs competent judges who will apply the requisite level of knowledge, understanding and analytical ability to a wide range of legal issues. Abbey's extensive experience and varied legal roles both in and outside of the courtroom will provide her with the ability to intelligently evaluate and analyze the facts and the law, and to efficiently and effectively manage her caseload.
As an attorney, Abbey has represented clients in a wide array of cases and has served as counsel for both the defense and the prosecution. The breadth of Abbey's experience has furnished her with a unique understanding of the perspective each party brings to the courtroom, and will help her identify and focus on the most pertinent facts of each case.
Abbey's significant legal expertise spans many practice areas: criminal defense & prosecution, regulatory matters, product liability, medical malpractice, legal malpractice, civil rights and union contract litigation.
Abbey's background ensures that she will bring to the bench knowledge and insight on diverse legal issues.
Guided by Respect and Fairness for Everyone
Abbey Fishman Romanek is the daughter of Morris Fishman, a leading Chicago rabbi, and Lala Fishman, a survivor of the Holocaust who continues to write and speak about her experiences. Abbey was raised to believe in the intrinsic equality and worth of all human beings, and to treat every individual with respect and consideration. As a judge, Abbey will manage her courtroom to ensure that all parties are treated with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
Abbey learned about fairness and respect from her father, who served as a rabbinical leader responsible for mediating issues relating to Jewish law and ethics. Her father's commitment to justice and his ability to carefully listen to all sides of an issue strongly influenced Abbey's development as a lawyer and will inform her approach on the bench.
From her mother, Abbey learned about compassion, tolerance, and the equality of all people - and what happens when these fundamental principles are turned inside out. The experiences of her mother have reinforced Abbey's strongly held belief in the genius of the American justice system, which is based on the premise that true justice is blind justice, and that nothing is more important to securing a just result than the uniform application of the rule of law.
As a community leader, Abbey has supported human rights, tolerance and interfaith cooperation. Abbey has devoted her life to working with diverse communities, and is guided in that work by her foundational principle: respect for and recognition of the dignity of every individual.
Committed to Running an Efficient and Effective Courtroom
Abbey will oversee an efficient and organized courtroom that is respectful of everyone's time and the county's resources.
The judiciary is the branch of government charged with applying and interpreting our laws. Abbey believes that with that responsibility comes a corresponding responsibility to taxpayers to run an efficient courtroom. Cases require firm deadlines and all parties need to be held responsible for adhering to those deadlines. Abbey understands that the court system cannot tolerate judges who are not accountable to the taxpayers supporting that system.
As a highly organized individual, Abbey successfully balances her many responsibilities to her family, career and community. Abbey believes this discipline is also required to run an efficient courtroom, and will bring the same high level of focus and organization to the court that she demands in her own life.
A Seasoned Community Leader
As a member of the five-person zoning board in the Village of Wilmette, Abbey has demonstrated the ability to mediate complex and sensitive community issues. Residents and neighbors trust her intelligent leadership and rely on her indefatigable efforts to improve the community.
Abbey has been, and continues to be, a tireless community volunteer. Her ability to work in partnership with various community organizations and individuals, and to do so with unfailing good humor and attention to detail, is the hallmark of her service.
Always with an open mind and fresh perspective, Abbey's problem solving skills and boundless energy have inspired friends and community members to become active in their local communities.
