George M. Marovich (from the October, 1991 evaluation)

Judge Marovich, 60, was appointed by President Reagan in 1988, on the recommendation of Representative Michel. He graduated from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1954. He was in private practice for many years, serving as counsel for several villages and suburban school districts. He was elected as a Republican to the Circuit Court of Cook county in 1976, serving in the Criminal and Chancery Divisions before his appointment to the federal bench.

Judge Marovich is viewed as an adequate federal judge. Lawyers believe that he is diligent, fair-minded, and very pleasant. Lawyers particularly praise his practical approach to judicial problem-solving, and his willingness to get to the heart of a matter. He is viewed as decisive, but willing to change his mind if persuaded that he is wrong.

While lawyers usually enjoy appearing before Judge Marovich, many question the extent of his legal ability and his knowledge of the law. Judge Marovich's written opinions are workmanlike, and do not show a philosophical bias. On the other hand, Judge Marovich is not likely to blaze any new trails in the law. In addition, some lawyers find his knowledge of the Federal Rules of Evidence, and his facility in applying them in difficult circumstances to be lacking.

While his demeanor on the bench is reported to be fine, lawyers have commented about Judge Marovich's persistent use of profanity in chambers. Most lawyers are neither shocked nor hurt by the language, but several have suggested that its use in the courthouse is inappropriate.

The Council hopes that with more time on the bench, Judge Marovich will develop better mastery of the Federal Rules of Evidence and complex substantive law issues.