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If you’re looking to elect people that know and care about your community, these are the candidates. They have proven track records of fighting for our values and serving the public. These highly accomplished individuals are our fellow community members, and we can rely on them to use their positions for the good of our neighborhoods.
Michael started his career as an Assistant State’s Attorney for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. After serving as a prosecutor in the Appeals division he was assigned a courtroom in the 4th District of Cook County where he protected the most vulnerable members of our local community by prosecuting domestic violence, child abuse, and other violent crimes.
Michael opened the Law Offices of Michael M. Chvatal in 2016, and later he was elected President of the West Suburban Bar Association (WSBA) by his peers. Prior to being elected President, Michael ran the WSBA In-Court bar program for the 4th district. This program provides legal representation at the courthouse for reduced fees for low-income residents, helping to ensure equal access to justice for people of all backgrounds. Currently, Michael serves as an administrative hearing officer and prosecutor for a number of local municipalities.
Outside the courtroom, Michael works hard to better his community. He has been elected by local voters as Commissioner of the Park District of Lagrange where he supports recreational and environmental initiatives. He has served as Chairman of the St. John of the Cross Parish School Board, served on the Illinois Secretary of State’s Motor Review Board, and served as a Proviso Mental Health Commissioner and a Director of the St. Joseph High School Board. He also volunteers to coach local youth sports.
When he isn’t providing well-thought counsel to local communities, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife, Jamie, his two sons, Colin and Mason, and their dog, Daisy. Michael is a local man bringing professionalism, honesty, and compassion to the 4th Judicial Subcircuit.
Judge Philip Fowler is a lifelong resident of the 4th Judicial Subcircuit who currently sits as a full circuit court judge in Cook County after unanimous appointment by the Illinois Supreme Court. Phil and his two younger brothers were raised in Bridgeview, Illinois by their mom, Donna, a homemaker, and father, Phil Sr., a truck driver, who together taught Phil about the value of hard work and the soul of the working class. Phil’s parents did everything they could to provide for their family, and Phil has worked every day to honor their efforts by serving those in his community and beyond.
For the past 30+ years, Phil and his wife, Michelle, have resided in LaGrange, where they raised their two children, Aidan and Genevieve. Phil has been an active member of local organizations, including La Grange Little League and the Citizens’ Council. Phil also sat on the Foundation Board of Special Olympics Illinois and the board of the International Organization for Adolescents (“IOFA”), which combats the human trafficking of teens worldwide. Additionally, Phil has volunteered his time at a boxing gym in Englewood, Illinois, in a program designed to get troubled youth off the streets.
When Judge Fowler isn’t honorably serving the residents of the 4th Judicial Subcircuit, you can find him enjoying the world around him by walking his german shepherd dogs in the forest preserves, tending to his beehives, or fly-fishing for trout in Michigan. He’s a local man who brings experience, drive, and empathy to the 4th Judicial Subcircuit and will continue to do so if re-elected in March.
Koula is the proud daughter of immigrant parents and was born and raised on the north side of Chicago with her parents, brother, and large extended family. She understands the importance of family and community and over the past 23 years has dedicated her career to public service as an Assistant State’s Attorney for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Koula has zealously advocated for victims of crimes and sought justice while assigned to various units within the State’s Attorney’s Office, including, Felony Trial, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC), Juvenile Justice, and Narcotics, and as a Sex Crimes Trial Specialist she handled high-profile sexual assault and domestic violence cases. Koula is also a mentor leader on the WISE (Women’s Insight and Support Through Education) Employee Resource Group through the State’s Attorney’s Office.
Just as she’s committed to serving the public at work, Koula gives back to her community through active involvement in various civic initiatives. She has been a resident of the 4th subcircuit for the past 20 years and serves as Trustee of Schools for the Lyons Township Treasurer’s Office. She also served on the District 204 Parent Advisory Board. Koula’s dedication to her community extends to her church, the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Demetrios, where she serves on the Board of the Philoptochos Society, aiding those in need in her community.
When she isn’t fighting for justice, Koula enjoys spending time with her husband, Harry, and their two teenage daughters–both students at Lyons Township High School. Additionally, Koula indulges in her love for gardening, reading, and interior design, and she cherishes time with her dog, Apollo. Koula is a local woman who brings skill, reliability, and understanding to the 4th Judicial Subcircuit.
After attending law school at John Marshall, Sarah began a career as a trial attorney, primarily representing nurses, physicians, and health care facilities in cases alleging medical negligence. She sought fairness and justice throughout her work while gaining experience with the complexities of the law in practice.
In addition to trying over 50 cases to civil jury verdict, Sarah has served the most vulnerable residents of her community through various organizations. She’s worked to help those with mental and physical disabilities through the Misericordia Womens’ Board, she’s supported children in need through the Mercy Home, and she’s tutored students in the Englewood area through Lawyers Lend a Hand. Sarah has a track record of dedicated service to others, and her desire to do more for her community led her to her decision to join the judiciary.
She was appointed to the bench by Justice Joy V. Cunningham with unanimous approval of the entire Supreme Court of Illinois. Judge Johnson currently sits in the First Municipal District where she hears civil matters under $50,000 and promotes judicial access for all litigants, including those who are self-represented. Judge Johnson is a local woman who brings knowledge, dedication, and kindness to the 4th Judicial Subcircuit and will continue to do so if re-elected in March.
Honorable Russell Hartigan served as a judge for the Circuit Court of Cook County in the Law Division and Fifth Municipal District from 2010 through 2017. He was elected a county-wide circuit judge in 2012. During his tenure, he received "Highly Recommended" ratings from the Illinois State Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association.
Russ served the legal community through his work as the President of the Illinois State Bar Association from 2017-2018. He was previously appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to serve on its Committee on Judicial Performance and Evaluation as well as the Pre-trial Detainees Special Committee.
Russ has also been actively involved in his own community. He served as a Board member at Pillars, a nonprofit provider of mental health and social services in the Chicagoland area, and was involved with the Berwyn PAV YMCA. He is a past President of the Berwyn-Cicero Council on Aging and has served in numerous local positions, including Township Supervisor of Lyons Township, Lyons Township Trustee, Lyons Township School Trustee, and Trustee of the Village of Western Springs where he also served on its Zoning Board.
Russ was a frequent lecturer on legal topics, including jury selection, expert disclosure, cross-examination, post-trial motions and appeals, and has served as an adjunct professor at The John Marshall Law School, DePaul University, and Northwestern University. Russ also taught at Chicago Kent College of Law – IIT Law School.
Russ is married and has three children, and he’s also a grandfather to six grandchildren. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his growing family and serving as a high school and college football referee. He’s a local man bringing extensive experience, sincerity, and thoughtfulness to the position.
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