ON YOUR SIDE

MARY COLE, a former Lake County prosecutor, recently announced her run for Illinois State’s attorney in Lake County in the November 2024 election. She believes that justice is more than an end result; it’s how you are treated in the process. As a graduate of John Marshall Law School, National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 member, and AAIM Award winner, she knows that an honest and aggressive approach is what it takes to win. In addition to her work at prestigious firms, Cole has been both a prosecuting attorney and defense counsel. Now a partner at Brady Cole Trial Lawyers LLC, she’s ready to fight for you, protect your rights, and allow your voice to be heard.

Who is your role model and why? My mother, Mimi Cole, was the first of her siblings to be born in Thailand after her family fled Communist China. In addition to struggling through polio and typhoid fever, gender culture meant she was only allowed to go to school until the 4th grade. She spent the next few decades working in her family’s restaurant, dreaming that one day she would have a better life, which came when my uncle made his way to America and sent her a one-way plane ticket. Shortly thereafter, she met my father, David Cole. Speaking no English, with a very limited formal education, my mother opened Mimi Cole Designers Ltd. With a mother like that, what excuse could I possibly have to not chase my life?

What does power mean to you? Responsibility. A duty to serve and protect those around you.

What meaningful lesson did you learn from your first job? A real public servant understands that it is an honor to be there for people in their hard moments. Showing up for a person and treating them with dignity in their most undignified moments is an opportunity to transform their life and your own.

For more information, visit bradycolelaw.com and maryforlakecounty.com.