She started law school at the age of 30, attending nights while working for the U.S. Department of Labor as the Training Officer. 

After graduation in 1985, she worked as a staff attorney for the U.S. Department of Labor before moving to the Illinois Department of Professional Regulations where she eventually held the position of Chief of Medical Prosecutions.

At the age of 37 she married Peter and became mother to his 10-year-old daughter.  She started her own practice specializing in real estate law approximately 14 years ago. 

At age 45, Marianne and Peter traveled to Sochi, Russia to adopt their son, Matthew, who is now 9.

Marianne spends her spare time with her family and is an active member of the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce.

She is a member of the Lake County Bar Association.