LISA DUARTE
Partner

Lisa Duarte has spent her career turning policy complexity into strategic advantage for clients, for institutions, and for the city of Chicago. What she brings to private practice is rare: years of senior government leadership, a track record of moving major legislation, and a reputation built on results.

As a Partner and Co-Chair of the Management Committee at CROKE FAIRCHILD DUARTE & BERES, Lisa helps guide the strategy, operations, and continued growth of one of the country’s fastest-growing women-owned law firms, recognized by the Women Presidents’ Organization as one of the 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies.

Named one of Chicago Magazine’s Top 50 Most Powerful Chicagoans, her work spans regulatory strategy, legislative advocacy, and stakeholder engagement across sectors including economic development, infrastructure, and emerging markets.

Before entering private practice, Lisa served as First Assistant Deputy Governor for Budget and Economy under Governor JB Pritzker, overseeing 17 state agencies and more than 170 boards and commissions. She led major legislative and fiscal initiatives, supported statewide economic development strategies, and served as a key liaison to the business community. She also played a central role in Illinois’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic, helping guide economic stabilization efforts and the deployment of more than $1 billion in federal relief funding.

Earlier in her career, Lisa served in the Chicago Mayor’s Office as Legislative Counsel and later as Chief of Staff to the Mayor’s Economic Council, where she helped shape the city’s legislative agenda and economic priorities.

In addition to her work at the firm, Lisa serves as President and CEO of Point of Difference Strategies (PoD), a government affairs and strategic advisory firm. Founded by Lisa in 2021, PoD helps clients navigate complex policy environments at the local, state, and federal levels.

Lisa is a recognized voice in Chicago’s political and civic landscape and regularly appears as a political analyst on WGN-TV’s Election Night coverage, where she provides real-time insights on key races and their broader economic and policy implications.

Lisa serves on the Board of Directors of Choose Chicago, the Board of Trustees of the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and the Board of Directors of Arts Alliance Illinois. She was recently appointed to the Hearing Board of the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission. Her leadership has been recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business as a Notable Woman in Law, and she has received numerous honors for her contributions to the legal profession.