Mary M. Lisi

Mary M. Lisi is a renowned United States District Judge who has served on the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island. She was nominated by President Bill Clinton and confirmed by the United States Senate in 1994. Lisi has presided over numerous high-profile cases, including those involving Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) violations and First Amendment rights. Her judicial career has been marked by her fair and impartial approach, earning her the respect of her peers and the American Bar Association.

● Early Life and Education

Mary M. Lisi was born in Providence, Rhode Island, and grew up in a family of Italian-American descent. She attended Classical High School and later enrolled at Brown University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in 1971. Lisi then pursued her law degree at Georgetown University Law Center, graduating in 1974. During her time at Georgetown, she was influenced by prominent legal scholars, including Archibald Cox and Abner Mikva. After law school, Lisi clerked for Judge Raymond Pettine of the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island.

● Career

Before becoming a judge, Lisi worked as a prosecutor in the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Rhode Island, where she handled cases involving organized crime and public corruption. She also served as an Assistant United States Attorney under United States Attorney Lincoln Almond. Lisi's experience as a prosecutor gave her a unique understanding of the criminal justice system and the importance of upholding the rule of law. She has also been involved with various professional organizations, including the National Association of Women Judges and the Federal Judicial Center.

● Judicial Service

As a United States District Judge, Lisi has presided over a wide range of cases, including those involving federal securities law, intellectual property law, and employment law. She has also served on the Judicial Conference of the United States and the Federal Judicial Center's Board of Directors. Lisi's judicial philosophy is guided by her commitment to judicial independence and the principles of federalism. She has been recognized for her exceptional service by the American Bar Association and the National Association of Women Judges.

● Notable Cases

During her tenure on the bench, Lisi has handled several notable cases, including United States v. Cianci, which involved corruption charges against former Providence, Rhode Island Mayor Vincent Cianci. She has also presided over cases involving First Amendment rights, such as Lopez v. Candaele, which dealt with the issue of free speech in public schools. Additionally, Lisi has handled cases related to Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) violations, including United States v. Patriarca. Her decisions have been cited by other courts, including the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and the Supreme Court of the United States.

● Personal Life

Lisi is married to Attorney General Patrick Lynch's former chief of staff, and they reside in Rhode Island. She is an active member of her community, having served on the Rhode Island Bar Association's Board of Governors and the Brown University Corporation. Lisi has also been involved with various charitable organizations, including the United Way of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Her commitment to public service and her dedication to the judiciary have earned her numerous awards, including the American Bar Association's Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award and the National Association of Women Judges' Justice Sandra Day O'Connor Award. Category:American judges