Illinois Judges Association

Pro Bono Spotlight - October 2023

Retired Circuit Judge Rob Marsaglia holds a long-standing commitment to public service.  He began his legal career as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Grundy County, then engaged in the private practice of law, and was later appointed as an Associate Judge of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in 1996. In 2001, he was appointed resident Circuit Judge of the Grundy County Circuit Court by the Illinois Supreme Court, was elected to that position in 2002, and served as a trial court judge until his retirement in 2020. The Illinois Supreme Court appointed Judge Marsaglia to the Judicial College, the Judicial Mentor Committee, and the Special Supreme Court Advisory Committee for Justice and Mental Health Planning by the Illinois Supreme Court. He is now Counsel to the Firm of Mahoney, Silverman, & Cross, LLC, in Joliet.

Throughout his long and distinguished legal career, Judge Marsaglia regularly volunteered his time as a pro bono attorney, representing various individuals and organizations. Since retiring, he continues to engage in pro bono representation of individuals in the areas of family law and housing.   Judge Marsaglia is a member of the Board of Directors of the Grundy County Community Foundation, which administers charitable funds throughout Grundy County.  He volunteers his time at Housing for Good, which assists individuals and families facing homelessness; at Beans and Bites, a not-for-profit gourmet bakery and coffee shop staffed by young adults with developmental disabilities; and at the First Presbyterian Church of Morris.

Judge Marsaglia recently discussed his continued interest in pro bono work.  “Attorneys have always had and continue to honor their duty to provide representation to people who lack means in order to prevent unfair outcomes and to make a fair administration of the court system,” he said.  “A unique opportunity that a retired judge possesses is the ability to apply experience and help those who lack the financial means necessary to maneuver the legal system and to give back.”

Judge Marsaglia’s continued pro bono work reflects his enduring commitment to the fair administration of justice to all individuals.