Lisa Duarte Appointed to Illinois Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) Hearing Board

March 23, 2026

Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres is proud to announce that Lisa Duarte, Partner and Co-Chair of the Firm’s Management Committee, has been appointed to serve on the Hearing Board of the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC). Her one-year term began on March 1, 2026.

In this role, Duarte will serve on panels that preside over formal disciplinary, disability, and reinstatement proceedings involving Illinois attorneys. The Hearing Board plays a central role in safeguarding the integrity of the legal profession and upholding public trust in the administration of justice.

“Lisa’s appointment reflects the respect she has earned across the legal community,” said Patrick Croke, Partner and Co-Founder of CFDB. “Her judgment, leadership, and commitment to ethical practice make her exceptionally well suited for this role.”

“I am honored to serve on the ARDC Hearing Board and to contribute to the important work of maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct in our legal community,” said Duarte. “Public trust in the legal profession depends on rigorous and fair accountability, and I look forward to fulfilling this responsibility.” Duarte has deep experience at the intersection of law and government.

Prior to joining CFDB as an equity partner in 2021, she served as First Assistant Deputy Governor for Budget and Economy in the administration of Governor JB Pritzker. In that role, she oversaw 17 state agencies involving budget, economy, economic development, and regulation, and more than 170 boards and commissions. Earlier in her career, Duarte served as Legislative Counsel to former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and later as Chief of Staff to the Mayor’s Economic Council.

She has been widely recognized for her leadership, including being named one of Chicago Magazine’s Top 50 Most Powerful Chicagoans in 2024 and receiving Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Women in Law Award, as well as the Mercedes Luque Rosales Government Lawyer of the Year Award from the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois.

The Firm is proud of Lisa’s continued recognition and celebrates her dedication to the legal community.