About Mary Lu
Mary Lu Cole graduated from the University of Illinois - Chicago John Marshall Law School in 2016. She completed her J.D. in a program that prepared her for both courtroom work and public-service roles. Early academic records emphasize coursework in trial advocacy and civil procedure, foundations that would inform her later work in Illinois.
After law school she began her career in public practice. In 2019 she served as an assistant lawyer for Lake County States Lawyer, where she handled matters on behalf of the county. That role placed her in regular contact with prosecutors, county officials and the local court system. The position gave her direct experience in courtroom practice and case management.
Two years later she moved into private practice leadership. In 2021 she joined Brady Cole Trial Lawyers as managing partner. The move marked a transition from county service to a role that combines management responsibilities with ongoing client work. As managing partner she has overseen firm operations while continuing to appear in hearings and trials, balancing administrative duties with advocacy.
Cole is licensed to practice in Illinois and maintains professional memberships in state bar-related organizations. Her career shows a mix of public-sector prosecution or county representation and private litigation practice. That combination has given her familiarity with both the processes of government lawyering and the demands of representing private clients in contested matters.
Colleagues describe her as methodical in preparation and practical at the lectern. She favors clear legal writing and direct oral argument. Those habits reflect her early training and the hands-on work she performed at the Lake County office, where fact investigation and courtroom calendars required a steady approach.
Her work since 2021 has involved firm leadership as well as case work. She supervises younger lawyers and coordinates with experts and investigators when matters require additional support. The managing partner role also involves client intake, risk assessment and courtroom strategy, tasks she carries out alongside case appearances.
Mary Lu Cole practices in Illinois and combines her public-sector background with private litigation responsibilities. She continues to lead at Brady Cole Trial Lawyers while maintaining an active practice in the state.
