The Carroll Story
Judge Tom Carroll is a lifelong resident of the 3rd sub circuit of the Cook County Judicial Circuit representing Chicago’s southwest side and surrounding Cities and Villages. Married to Mikki Grabowski since 2002, Tom is the middle child of retired Chicago Firefighter, Edward Carroll, and retired Chicago Police crossing guard, Kay Carroll.
Alongside brothers Ed, a Chicago Police Officer, Jack, Bob and Michael, as well as sister Cathy Plumb (of Evergreen Park), Tom was raised in the Gage Park community, where he attended St. Simon elementary school. From there, Tom moved on to graduate from St. Rita High School and St. Xavier University before attending Chicago-Kent College of Law, from which he graduated in 1988.
Tom’s presence in the community is undoubtedly reflective of his working-class roots. Among an array of neighborhood services, Tom has spent time as a volunteer for the Mikva Challenge, as a pro bono volunteer for the Southwest Bar Association, and has offered free legal services to many individuals across the Chicagoland area through his work at the Expungement Summits. In 2010, Tom was one of seventeen candidates selected by the Illinois Democratic State Central Committee as a finalist for Lieutenant Governor.
Forever cognizant of his family,
Tom is also an uncle to six nephews and one niece, for whom he has been a
permanent spring of advice and support.
Moreover, Tom has shared his wisdom on the baseball diamond, as well,
serving as a coach of various young baseball organizations throughout Southwest Communities over the past 20 years.
In support of his brother Michael, who has Down Syndrome and
is a client at Park Lawn Association for the Mentally and Physically Handicapped,
Tom has consistently volunteered his time, not only to ensure that Michael and
his coworkers are receiving exceptional care, but also to thank Park Lawn for
its unprecedented service during Michael’s 15-plus years there.
