Marisa O’Gara is an attorney in the Litigation practice group. She and her colleagues argue in courts across the country to protect democracy and voting rights.

Prior to joining Elias Law Group, Ms. O’Gara was an attorney at Willkie Farr & Gallagher in Chicago. While attending Cornell Law School, she won the Cuccia Cup Moot Court competition arguing a voting rights case before judges from the 2^nd and 9^th circuits, and her work on gerrymandering was published by the Cornell Journal of Law and Public Policy. Marisa also received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award for two courses: Money Talks: Amping Up Political Speech Under the First Amendment and Constitutional Law in the News, was named a Point Foundation Scholar, and was a member of the Capital Punishment and First Amendment Clinics.

Before law school, Marisa was Deputy Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Providence. In that role, she oversaw a portfolio that included constituent services, intergovernmental affairs, and immigration policy. Immediately prior, Marisa was Campaign Manager for the Mayor’s successful campaign against political juggernaut and six-times elected former Mayor Buddy Cianci. Her leadership led to her being recognized as one of Providence Monthly’s 10 to Watch. Marisa has also worked on several other electoral and legislative campaigns, including Sheldon Whitehouse’s successful campaign for U.S. Senate and the Rhode Island campaign for marriage equality.

Ms. O’Gara is fluent in French and is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island’s Honors Program and Cornell Law School.