Although Barry Julian served as an associate judge for a little more than 18 months, using the prefix "Judge" before his name in campaign materials isn’t permitted, according to a complaint filed with the Attorney Registration and Discipline Commission (ARDC).
As a candidate for the Third Circuit Judge of Subcircuit 1, Julian is accused of distributing promotional flyers where he misrepresents that he is a sitting judge.
“Mr. Julian is not a judge and does not have a right to imply to the public that he is a judge,” the anonymous complainant wrote in their Oct. 26 letter to the ARDC, obtained by the Record.
Under the Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct Rule 4.3 (C)(2)(b), it is prohibitive to make false or misleading statements in connection with the identity, qualifications, present position, or other facts concerning the candidate.
“Mr. Julian correctly states he was appointed as an associate judge in 2018, but he fails to state that he quit before his term ended and he is no longer a judge,” the complaint states. “Finally, he reportedly has video ads where Mr. Julian calls himself Judge Julian.”
As previously reported, Julian retired on Dec. 7, 2020, after serving as an associate under Chief Judge Bill Mudge before his term would have ended, as he "just thought it was time after some reflection with his wife," Mudge stated.
The anonymous filer also alleges that Julian has improperly taken a position on the proposed constitutional amendment when the Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct Rule 67 (C)(1) prohibits candidates from making pledges, promises, or commitments that are inconsistent with the impartial performance of the adjudicative duties of the judicial office with respect to cases, controversies, or issues that are likely to come before the court.
If approved by voters next week, the Worker’s Rights Constitutional Amendment will codify collective bargaining, including negotiating hours, wages, and working conditions.
In July, the Labor Tribune labeled Julian as a labor-backed judicial candidate along with fellow candidates Ebony Huddleston and Associate Judge Ryan Jumper who are both black.
“If Mr. Julian is willing to violate the rules governing judicial candidates, either knowingly or in ignorance of the law, then he is not qualified to be a judge,” the letter states.
Julian did not immediately respond to requests for comment.