Clerk Martinez prioritized SHAKMAN reforms, crucial for the office's transformation. Given a deadline of November 21, 2022, Clerk Martinez achieved "substantial compliance" on time according to reform advocates, as well as Judge Edmond Chang, who confirmed compliance. Clerk Martinez’s Shakman reforms saved Cook County taxpayers money and allowed other reforms to finally begin.
The Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court (CCC) overcame COVID-19 pandemic challenges with the implementation of the Odyssey Case Management System, which covers all areas of law and allows greater resident access to court resources. This dedication to accessibility inspired Martinez to open the CCC Call Center to address the call backlog by handling thousands of new calls weekly. Clerk Martinez also oversaw integration of the nationally recognized and award winning COVID-19 Attestation Management System (CAMS), which set a national standard and saved lives.
As Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Iris Martinez works hard to make sure the court system bends toward justice. Under her leadership, the CCC opened the Domestic Violence Survivor Center (DVSC) in Markham Courthouse to support survivors. Clerk Martinez also opened the Pro-Se Litigants Center downtown to aid self-represented litigants. Martinez also established the CCC Expungement Center to address the backlog of over 5,000 expungement requests, restoring individuals to cleared status so they could fully return to society.
The Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County’s Employment Plan crafted by Clerk Martinez restored public trust and helped address federal monitoring concerns that remained from the previous Clerk of the Court by promoting transparency, opportunity, and collective bargaining. Clerk Martinez has worked to renovate offices to provide adequate space for residents to receive services while also empowering employees and emphasizing sustainability and wellness for all staff.
Paid for by Iris for Cook County Circuit Court Clerk. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is (or will be) available on the board's official website or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois.