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The Unseen Bench: 5 Key Facts About Judge Lisa Ann Marino And Her Critical Role In Cook County's Housing Court

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The Honorable Lisa Ann Marino is a prominent figure in the Illinois judicial system, specifically serving as a Circuit Judge in the Cook County Judicial Circuit Court. As of December 25, 2025, she presides over the critical Housing Section of the First Municipal District in Chicago, a role that places her at the forefront of complex tenant-landlord disputes and municipal housing code violations, impacting thousands of residents across the county.

Her career trajectory from a dedicated prosecutor to an elected judge in the 11th Subcircuit is a testament to her extensive legal experience and commitment to public service. This deep dive explores the biography, judicial philosophy, and current workload of Judge Marino, shedding light on the often-overlooked but vital work she performs at the Richard J. Daley Center.

Complete Biography and Judicial Profile of Judge Lisa Ann Marino

Judge Lisa Ann Marino has built a distinguished career rooted in Chicago and Cook County, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to the legal profession and public service. Her profile is marked by extensive experience both as a practicing attorney and a member of the judiciary.

  • Full Name: Lisa Ann Marino
  • Current Position: Circuit Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit Court, 11th Subcircuit
  • Current Assignment: First Municipal District – Chicago, Housing Section (Courtroom 1107)
  • Political Affiliation: Democratic Party
  • Judicial Service Began: Elected in 2012
  • Bar Admission: Admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1988
  • Education:
    • J.D. Degree: DePaul University College of Law (1988)
    • B.A. Degree: DePaul University, Major in Sociology (1985)
  • Pre-Judicial Career: Former Prosecutor
  • Notable Recognition: Recipient of the Public Service Leadership Award from the Italian American Political Coalition (IAPC) [cite: 7 in step 1]

The Road to the Bench: From DePaul Law to Circuit Judge

Judge Marino’s legal foundation was established at DePaul University, where she earned both her undergraduate degree in Sociology in 1985 and her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the DePaul University College of Law in 1988. This educational background laid the groundwork for a career dedicated to understanding and applying the law within a societal context.

Following her admission to the Illinois bar in 1988, Marino gained valuable experience as a practicing attorney, including a significant tenure as a prosecutor. This experience provided her with crucial insights into trial procedure, evidence, and the impact of the law on individuals and the community.

In 2012, Lisa Ann Marino successfully ran for election as a Circuit Judge in the 11th Subcircuit of the Cook County Judicial Circuit Court. Her victory was seen as a positive affirmation of her breadth of experience and commitment to fairness on the bench [cite: 5 in step 1].

The Critical Role in Cook County's Housing Section

The most current and defining aspect of Judge Marino's judicial career is her assignment to the Housing Section of the First Municipal District, located at the Richard J. Daley Center. This section is arguably one of the most vital and high-volume areas of the Cook County court system, dealing directly with the fundamental right to shelter.

The Housing Section is tasked with hearing a wide array of cases, including disputes over residential leases, evictions, property damage claims, and, significantly, cases involving municipal housing code violations. This means Judge Marino is one of the key judicial figures responsible for maintaining the balance between landlords' rights and tenants' protections in Chicago.

Handling the Bulk of Tenant-Landlord Disputes

Judge Marino is recognized as one of a small group of judges—often just three—who handle the majority of the Housing Section's caseload. This specialized focus requires a deep understanding of complex Illinois landlord-tenant law, including recent changes related to eviction moratoriums, rent assistance programs, and fair housing practices.

Her position requires a delicate balance of judicial temperament and legal acumen, as the outcomes of these cases have immediate and profound effects on the lives of Cook County residents, often involving issues of homelessness, property investment, and community stability. The court’s ability to efficiently process these high-volume cases is crucial for the overall functioning of the Cook County legal system.

  • Key Case Types: Eviction proceedings, security deposit disputes, breach of lease, and municipal code enforcement actions.
  • Impact: Her rulings set precedents and directly influence the relationship between property owners and renters across the First Municipal District.

Judicial Evaluations and Public Perception

The performance of any judge is periodically reviewed through judicial retention elections and detailed evaluations by various bar associations. These evaluations serve as a public measure of a judge's fitness, integrity, and legal knowledge.

During her time on the bench, Judge Lisa Ann Marino has consistently received positive ratings from major judicial review organizations. For instance, the Chicago Bar Association (CBA) found her "Qualified" to serve [cite: 7 in step 2]. Similarly, the Chicago Council of Lawyers found her "Qualified for retention," noting her experience and performance in the Housing Section [cite: 6 in step 2].

These positive evaluations are based on several factors, including her legal ability, integrity, temperament, court management skills, and diligence. The consensus among these organizations is that she possesses the necessary skills and judicial temperament to effectively manage her demanding calendar in the Housing Section, which requires patience and clarity when dealing with self-represented litigants.

The Importance of the Retention Vote

In Illinois, Circuit Court judges seek retention every six years through a retention vote [cite: 12 in step 1]. Voters are asked to vote "Yes" or "No" on whether the judge should be retained for another term. This process ensures that judges are accountable to the public they serve.

As the 2024 election cycle progresses, Judge Marino, like her peers, remains under scrutiny as she continues to handle the daily complexities of the Cook County court system. Her consistent assignment to the Housing Section highlights the trust placed in her ability to manage this specialized and high-stakes area of law, confirming her status as an experienced and qualified member of the Cook County judiciary.

The work of Judge Marino and her colleagues in the Housing Section is a vital component of Chicago’s social and legal infrastructure. It ensures that critical disputes between tenants and landlords are resolved efficiently and fairly, upholding the rule of law in one of the most sensitive areas of civil litigation.

lisa ann marino judge
lisa ann marino judge

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