If you watch the popular TV show Chicago P.D., you probably know Marina Squerciati. She plays Officer Kim Burgess on the show. But do you know about her husband? His name is Eli Kay-Oliphant, and he’s a successful lawyer with an interesting story. Let’s learn more about him.
Personal Info
| Full Name | Eli J. Kay-Oliphant |
|---|---|
| Profession | Lawyer/Attorney |
| Birthday | September 24 |
| Education | Northwestern University (2001), Emory University School of Law (2005) |
| Current Job | Partner at Sparacino PLLC |
| Wife | Marina Squerciati (actress) |
| Children | Two (daughter born 2017, second child born 2024) |
| Known For | Complex legal cases and being married to a TV star |
Who is Eli Kay-Oliphant?
Eli Kay-Oliphant is an American lawyer who works in Chicago, Illinois. He became famous not just for his legal work, but also because he married actress Marina Squerciati. However, Eli has built his own successful career in law over almost 20 years.
He celebrates his birthday on September 24, though his exact birth year is not publicly shared. Eli grew up in the United States with his parents, Paulette Kay-Oliphant and Jay Oliphant. He has three siblings – two brothers named Jason and Josh, and a sister named Jenna.
Education and Early Career
Eli went to Northwestern University, where he finished his studies in 2001. During his time there, he was part of the debate team and received a Hardy Debate Scholar award. This shows he was good at arguing and presenting ideas – skills that help lawyers a lot.
After finishing at Northwestern, Eli went to Emory University School of Law. He graduated with honors in 2005. At law school, he did very well. He became the Editor-in-Chief of the Emory Law Journal, which is a big deal in law school. He also won several Dean’s Awards for doing great work in different subjects.
After graduating from law school, Eli worked as a clerk for Judge W. Eugene Davis at the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. This job helped him learn a lot about how courts work and how judges think about cases.
His Legal Career
Eli has worked at some of the best law firms in America. He started as an associate at big international firms like Latham & Watkins in New York City and O’Melveny & Myers in Washington, D.C. Later, he became a partner at Massey & Gail LLP.
Now, Eli works as a partner at Sparacino PLLC. This is where he focuses on helping clients with difficult legal problems. His work includes:
- Contract problems: When businesses have fights about agreements
- Commercial fraud: When companies trick or cheat others
- Business torts: Legal issues between businesses
- Mass tort claims: Cases where many people were hurt by the same thing
Eli has worked in courts all over the United States. He knows his way around state and federal courts in Illinois, New York, and Washington, D.C. He has also argued cases in appeals courts, including winning cases at the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals and the Illinois Court of Appeals.
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Famous Cases
Eli has worked on several important cases during his career. One of his most well-known cases was representing the parents of Seth Rich. Seth Rich’s family sued Fox News for causing them emotional pain. Eli helped them reach a settlement with the news company.
Another big case involved helping nearly 100 construction workers. These workers were suing a U.S. company about the 2022 World Cup stadiums built in Qatar. This case shows that Eli cares about helping regular people fight against big companies.
He has also worked on cases about terrorism, human trafficking, and helping businesses solve big financial problems. In one case, he won an $8 million award for a private equity client through arbitration.
Recognition and Awards
Eli’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. He has been named a Super Lawyer every year since 2022. This award shows that other lawyers and judges think he does excellent work. Only a small number of lawyers get this honor, so it’s a big achievement.
He is allowed to practice law in Illinois, New York, and Washington, D.C. He can also work in many federal courts across the country.
His Marriage to Marina Squerciati
Eli met his wife Marina when they were both students at Northwestern University. They were college sweethearts, which means they started dating while in school. After being together for many years, they got married in 2016.
Marina Squerciati is an actress who plays Officer Kim Burgess on the hit TV show Chicago P.D. She has also appeared in other shows like Gossip Girl, where she played Alessandra Steele.
Even though Marina is famous, Eli likes to keep his personal life private. He rarely appears at public events or on red carpets. However, in June 2025, he made a rare appearance with Marina at Christian Slater’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony.
Family Life
Eli and Marina have two children together. Their first daughter was born in May 2017. When their daughter was born, Marina shared the happy news on Twitter, calling her their “newest female detective on the Chicago P.D. force.”
At the end of 2024, the couple welcomed their second child. Marina announced this surprise on December 31, 2024, on Instagram. She explained that this was why she wasn’t in the first two episodes of Chicago P.D. that season – she was having a baby!
The couple keeps their children’s lives very private. They have not shared their kids’ names or many photos publicly. This shows they want to give their children a normal life away from cameras and media attention.
Life Outside Work
Even though Eli has a busy job as a lawyer, he makes time for his family. He and Marina try to balance their careers with raising their children. They live in the Chicago area, which makes sense since Marina films Chicago P.D. there and Eli works in Chicago courts.
Eli has an Instagram account with the username @elikayoliphant, but he keeps it private. Only people he approves can see his posts. This shows again that he values his privacy and doesn’t want to be in the spotlight like his famous wife.
Net Worth
While exact numbers are hard to confirm, reports suggest that Eli Kay-Oliphant’s net worth is around $500,000. This money comes from his many years working as a lawyer at top law firms. His wife Marina has a higher net worth of about $3 million from her acting career.
Together, they have built a comfortable life for their family. They can afford good schools for their kids and a nice home in Chicago.
Why He Stays Out of the Spotlight
Unlike many people married to celebrities, Eli chooses to stay private. He doesn’t do interviews or share much on social media. He focuses on his legal work and his family instead of seeking attention.
This makes sense because his job as a lawyer requires trust and privacy. Many of his clients need someone who can keep secrets and handle sensitive information. By staying out of the news, Eli shows he is serious about his work.
Conclusion
Eli Kay-Oliphant may be known to some people as “Marina Squerciati’s husband,” but he has built his own impressive career. He is a respected lawyer who has worked on important cases and helps people fight for justice.
From his days as a debate scholar at Northwestern to becoming a partner at a major law firm, Eli has shown dedication and skill. He balances a demanding career with being a husband and father of two. While he may not seek the spotlight, his work speaks for itself.
Whether he’s in court fighting for his clients or at home with his family, Eli Kay-Oliphant shows that success doesn’t always need to be loud or public. Sometimes, the best way to make a difference is to work hard, stay focused, and let your actions speak for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does Eli Kay-Oliphant do for a living?
Eli Kay-Oliphant is a lawyer who works as a partner at Sparacino PLLC in Chicago. He handles complicated legal cases including contract disputes, business fraud, and cases where many people are affected by the same problem. He has been working as a lawyer for almost 20 years.
2. How did Eli Kay-Oliphant meet Marina Squerciati?
Eli and Marina met when they were both students at Northwestern University. They were college sweethearts who dated for many years before getting married in 2016. They have been together for over 20 years in total.
3. How many children do Eli and Marina have?
Eli and Marina have two children together. Their first child, a daughter, was born in May 2017. Their second child was born at the end of 2024. The couple keeps their children’s names and details private to protect their privacy.
4. What major cases has Eli Kay-Oliphant worked on?
Eli has worked on several important cases. He represented the parents of Seth Rich in their lawsuit against Fox News and helped them reach a settlement. He also represented nearly 100 construction workers in a case about the 2022 World Cup stadiums in Qatar. He won an $8 million arbitration award for a private equity client as well.
5. Why don’t we see Eli Kay-Oliphant in public very often?
Eli chooses to keep his personal life private. Unlike his wife who is a public figure, Eli focuses on his legal career and family life. He rarely attends public events or does interviews. He keeps his social media private and only shares with people he knows personally. This privacy helps him maintain trust with his legal clients and gives his family a more normal life.
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