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| Affiliation | Democratic |
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| Name | Anita Alvarez |
| Address | 1138 Park Ave.
River Forest, Illinois 60305, United States |
| Email | None |
| Website | [Link] |
| Born |
January 16, 1960
(64 years)
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| Contributor | COSDem |
| Last Modifed | RBH
Apr 24, 2020 01:23pm |
| Tags |
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| Info | Anita Alvarez is a life-long Chicagoan who was born and raised in the Pilsen neighborhood. She is a graduate of Loyola University of Chicago where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and she earned her Law Degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law. Anita presently is the Chief Deputy of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, where she oversees day-to-day operations of over 900 assistant state’s attorneys. Prior to attaining this position, she served as the Chief of Staff to Cook County State’s Attorney Richard A. Devine, Chief of the Special Prosecutions Bureau, Deputy Chief of the Narcotics Bureau and Supervisor of the Public Integrity Unit.
Anita began her career in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office in 1986. She has argued before the Illinois Appellate Court and tried hundreds of felony cases, including more than 50 felony jury trials. Anita has handled all types of felony cases ranging from homicide, narcotics, armed robbery, and criminal sexual assaults. She spent 3½ years in the Gang Crimes Unit where she prosecuted gang-related homicides.
In 1996 Anita was promoted to the Supervisor of the Public Integrity Unit where she was responsible for prosecuting city, county, and state employees who committed felonies and violated the public trust. She personally tried police officers on corruption charges. Then in 1999, she was promoted to Deputy Chief of the Narcotics Bureau where she supervised the prosecution of drug cases as well as long term narcotics investigations in conjunction with Chicago and suburban police departments.
Anita became the Chief of the Special Prosecutions Bureau in 2001. The Bureau consists of the Arson Unit, Organized Crime/Cold Case Unit, Auto Theft Unit, Public Corruption and Financial Crimes Unit, Gang Crimes Unit, and the Professional Standards Unit.
Also in 2001, Anita tried the case of the People of the State of Illinois v. Patrick Sykes which was commonly referred to in widespread media as the “Girl X Case”. Her successful prosecution of Sykes resulted in his conviction for the predatory criminal sexual assault of a 9 year old little girl who was left paralyzed, blind, without speech and confined to a wheelchair. Anita’s tireless work and dedication ensured that, despite the victim’s daunting physical challenges, she was able to come to court and fearlessly face her attacker.
Anita is active in various bar associations and organizations. Presently, she is the Second Vice President of the Chicago Bar Association and in 2009 she will become its President. She was also a founding member of the National Hispanic Prosecutors Association and served as its National President. Anita was chosen as a fellow in the 2004 class of Leadership Greater Chicago and served on their board from 2004 – 2006. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Trustees for Fenwick High School and is on the Board of Directors for Maria High School, her alma mater.
Anita has been honored by various groups and organizations throughout her career. Of note, in 2001 Anita was named Person of the Year by Chicago Lawyer Magazine. That same year, she was also recognized by the Council for Disability Rights by receiving the Crane Gargoyle Award for precedent setting advocacy. In 2002 she was the recipient of the Professional Achievement Award from Chicago-Kent College of Law. In 2005 Anita was named Person of the Year by the Latin American Police Association and also named States Attorney of the Year by the Illinois State Crime Commission.
Anita is also a frequent speaker and lecturer to many organizations and from 2002-2005 was an adjunct professor at John Marshall Law School. In her personal life, Anita is married to Dr. James Gomez and is the proud mother of four children.
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