Maria Virginia Martinez is an Associate at Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres LLC and Point of Difference Strategies. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to serving Hispanic communities and advocating for their rights.
A Venezuelan immigrant, she earned a B.A. in Latino/a Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a J.D. from the John Marshall Law School. She is a member of the American Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association.
Her career is marked by extensive experience in government and nonprofit sectors. She served as Senior Legislative Counsel for Mayor Lori Lightfoot, where she advanced Chicago’s legislative priorities and led on various legislative initiatives, including public safety, reproductive health, and securing state funds.
Previously, Maria Virginia Martinez worked as an attorney on the Property Tax Appeals Board team for the Cook County Board of Review, where she adjudicated and represented the Board’s final valuations before the Illinois Property Tax Appeals Board. She also served as assistant legal counsel for the Illinois Senate, drafting legislation and conducting policy research.
Beyond her legal career, she has been actively involved in community service. She was a Regional Coordinator for the Life Goes On Program with the Illinois Secretary of State and chaired the Diversity Scholarship Foundation’s First-Generation Law-Student Mentorship Program.
Currently, she works at Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres LLC and Point of Difference Strategies, offering legal counsel and government affairs advisory. She was Lead Legal Counsel for Mayor Brandon Johnson’s transition team, providing invaluable insights into City Hall operations. Her commitment to serving immigrant communities extends to pro bono work at Temporary Protected Status workshops in Chicago, helping asylum-seekers obtain legal immigration status and work permits.
A member of several legal associations, she has demonstrated resilience, dedication, and service, enriching both the legal profession and the communities she serves.
Words of Wisdom: “It’s time to stop waiting for some future scenario to bring your dreams into the light, but to dig them out from beneath your fear and begin. Truly begin.” – Brianna Wiest
