Judge Rosemarie Aquilina

Judge Rosemarie Aquilina is a circuit court judge, military veteran, law professor, and published author whose career centers on justice and advocacy for vulnerable populations. Aquilina serves as a judge of the 30th Circuit Court in Ingham County, Michigan. Before joining the circuit court, Aquilina served as the 55th District Court Judge, holding the roles of Sobriety Court Judge and Chief Judge. Her legal career began after more than a decade working alongside a state senator, after which she partnered in a lobbying firm and opened the Aquilina Law Firm, PLC. She also hosted the syndicated program "Ask the Family Lawyer."

Prior to her judicial career, Aquilina served in the Michigan Army National Guard for 20 years, becoming the first female JAG officer in the state's history. She received a commendation medal for Operation Desert Storm and the Army Achievement Medal. Her service earned her the nickname Barracuda Aquilina, a reputation that followed her into the courtroom.

Aquilina gained national attention when she presided over the USA Gymnastics sex abuse scandal case, allowing more than 150 women and girls to present testimony against U.S. Olympics gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar and sentencing him to 40–175 years in prison. Her approach to victim testimony in this high-profile sexual abuse case was widely noted in legal and media circles. Glamour Magazine named Aquilina, along with the women who testified, its Women of the Year. She was also honored at the ESPY Awards for her role in the case.

Beyond the courtroom, Aquilina has developed a career as a public speaker and educator, addressing topics such as female leadership, women's rights, empowerment, social activism, sexual assault recovery, and legal reform. She has been a featured speaker at Congressional events focused on reforming the United States Olympic Committee. Aquilina serves as an adjunct professor at Cooley Law School, where she received the Griffen Award for Teaching Excellence, and at Michigan State University College of Law, teaching courses in criminal and civil trial practice, trial practicum, criminal law, and criminal procedure. She was honored with the College of Law Student Bar Association Adjunct Faculty Award for teaching.

Aquilina is also a published novelist, authoring "Feel No Evil" and "Triple Cross Killer." She has served on various boards and commissions and is a mentor for the State Bar of Michigan Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program. Aquilina's work spans the legal, academic, and literary fields, contributing to ongoing conversations about justice, legal ethics, and social change.