Robert W. Gettleman -- Qualified (from the July, 1993 evaluation of candidates for the federal bench)

Robert W. Gettleman, 50, is a 1968 graduate of the Northwestern University School of Law. Upon his graduation from law school, Mr. Gettleman served as a law clerk to Chief Judges Latham Castle and Luther M. Swygert of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit between 1968 and 1970. Mr. Gettleman joined the Chicago law firm of D'Ancona & Pflaum in 1970 as an associate. He has been an associate and partner in that law firm since that time, concentrating in civil litigation.

In addition to his private practice, Mr. Gettleman has been very active in a variety of public service activities, including service as President of the John Howard Association, a prison reform organization; as Chairman of the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, as a member of the Cook County State's Attorney's Professional Advisory Board, and as a committee member on the Illinois Attorney General's Disability Rights Council.

Mr. Gettleman has handled a wide variety of civil cases as a practitioner. He receives uniformly high marks for his legal ability on complex matters, his trial skills, and his judgment. He has received special praise for his unquestioned integrity, intelligence, and judgment. Virtually everyone interviewed by the Council commented that he has an excellent temperament and demeanor. While he is somewhat soft-spoken, he can be forceful, and would likely be able to control a courtroom.

The Council received virtually no negative comments about Mr. Gettleman. Our interview of Mr. Gettleman confirmed the many comments we received indicating that he was thoughtful about the legal system and the demands on a District Judge.

The Council noted that Mr. Gettleman has had only limited jury trial experience in recent years and has had little involvement in criminal law matters during his career. However, Mr. Gettleman handled a variety of jury trials earlier in his career, and has tried a large numbers of bench trials, arbitration, and other evidentiary hearings. The Council also was impressed with Mr. Gettleman's experience in alternative dispute resolution, which suggests that he is practical as well as being an excellent advocate. While Mr. Gettleman lacks judicial experience, he has had a great deal of federal court experience, has a good understanding of the demands of a District Judge, and has given considerable thought as to what he would do on the bench to deal in an efficient manner with the heavy caseload he would confront. While the lack of any direct experience in criminal law is a gap in his background, the Council believes that Mr. Gettleman's excellent intellect, his willingness to work very hard to develop his skills, and his outstanding judgment will make up for his limited criminal law experience in a relatively short period of time.

The Council believes that Mr. Gettleman has the potential to be an outstanding District Judge.