Who Is Eli Kay-Oliphant? The Full Story of Marina Squerciati’s Husband

If you’ve ever watched Chicago P.D., you probably know Marina Squerciati. She plays Officer Kim Burgess and has become a fan favorite. But not many people know much about her real-life husband, Eli Kay-Oliphant.

Eli isn’t an actor or a celebrity. He’s a lawyer. A really good one. While Marina shines on-screen, Eli has built a smart and quiet life as a top legal expert in the United States. Today, we’ll explore everything about Eli — where he comes from, how he met Marina, his job, family life, and why people admire him even though he stays out of the spotlight.

Let’s take a look at the full story of Eli Kay-Oliphant — a name you may not know, but a life that’s full of interesting surprises.

Eli Kay-Oliphant Quick Bio

Where Did Eli Kay-Oliphant Grow Up?

Eli Kay-Oliphant was born in the United States. While he hasn’t shared his exact birthday, most sources suggest he was born around 1984. That would make him about 41 years old in 2025. He grew up in a caring and private family that focused on values, hard work, and staying grounded.

His parents are Jay Oliphant and Paulette Kay-Oliphant. He also has three siblings — two brothers named Jason and Josh, and one sister, Jenna. Even today, Eli is known for being close to his family. He often talks about how much his mother inspired him to work hard and stay humble.

Unlike celebrities who grow up in the spotlight, Eli had a quiet childhood. He didn’t chase fame. Instead, he focused on school, family, and building a strong future for himself.

How Smart Was He in School?

Eli was a bright student from the start. He went to Northwestern University, one of the top schools in the U.S. There, he studied political science and became a Hardy Debate Scholar. He also joined the university’s Debate Society, where he sharpened his public speaking and thinking skills.

After college, Eli wanted to do more. He joined Emory University School of Law, where he really stood out. He didn’t just graduate — he graduated with honors. While there, he was named a William Agnor Scholar, won the Dean’s Awards, and became Editor-in-Chief of the Emory Law Journal. That’s a huge achievement in the world of law.

These early wins showed that Eli was serious about becoming a great lawyer. He was focused, smart, and ready to take on big challenges.

What Kind of Lawyer Is Eli Kay-Oliphant?

Eli’s legal career is just as impressive as his education. After law school, he started off by working for Judge W. Eugene Davis in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. This job gave him a strong foundation in how the legal system works at the highest level.

Then, he joined two of the biggest law firms in the country — Latham & Watkins LLP in New York City and O’Melveny & Myers LLP in Washington, D.C. At these firms, Eli worked on some very complex cases, including business lawsuits, fraud, and data privacy.

In 2014, he co-founded his own law firm called Massey & Gail LLP in Chicago. Later, in 2020, he co-founded Sparacino PLLC, which has offices in both Chicago and Washington, D.C. Today, he’s a full-time partner at Sparacino and handles cases that often involve millions of dollars and big-name clients.

He has even won major appeals and worked with well-known companies like Southwest Airlines. Eli’s not a lawyer who just sits in an office — he’s been in courtrooms, faced high-pressure situations, and won.

Has He Won Any Awards?

Yes, and more than a few.

Eli has been honored many times for his great work in law. At Emory, he earned the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Contract and Corporate Law. He also became a William Agnor Scholar, which is a high honor for top-performing law students.

His biggest recognition came when he was chosen as Editor-in-Chief of the Emory Law Journal — a major academic role that’s only given to the best of the best.

Since 2022, Eli has been listed by Super Lawyers, a title given to only the top lawyers in each state. It’s based on peer review, performance, and professional reputation — and it’s not easy to get.

Clearly, Eli isn’t just a lawyer. He’s one of the top legal minds in his field, and people in the legal world know his name, even if the general public doesn’t.

How Did Eli Kay-Oliphant Meet Marina Squerciati?

Their love story started long before Marina became famous.

Eli and Marina both went to Northwestern University, and that’s where they first met. At the time, they were just regular college students trying to find their way. Nobody knew Marina would go on to star in a major TV show, and nobody knew Eli would become a top lawyer.

They became friends in college, and over time, their bond grew into something deeper. Even after graduation, they stayed in touch, supported each other’s dreams, and built a strong relationship that lasted through the years.

Their story is rare — a college romance that stood the test of time.

When Did They Get Married?

Eli and Marina got married in 2016 or early 2017. They didn’t have a huge public wedding. In fact, most people didn’t even know they were married until Marina shared news of her pregnancy in 2017.

Their marriage has always been private and calm. They don’t post photos of each other all the time or show off their relationship on social media. But behind the scenes, they’ve built a loving and steady life together.

Sometimes, they appear together at public events, like the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony for Christian Slater in 2025. Eli showed up looking sharp in a khaki blazer and sunglasses while Marina wore a black gown. It was one of the rare moments they stepped out together in public.

Their relationship is real, lasting, and based on quiet trust, not drama or fame.

Do They Have Any Children?

Yes, Eli Kay-Oliphant and Marina Squerciati are proud parents.

Their first child, a daughter, was born on May 9, 2017. Some sources say her name is Isabella, but the couple has never officially confirmed it. Marina shared the baby news on Twitter at the time with a fun caption, calling her newborn the “newest female detective on the Chicago P.D. force.” Fans loved it.

In late 2024, the couple welcomed their second child. They haven’t shared the name or gender of this baby either. That’s because they both value privacy. Even on Marina’s social media, their children’s faces are hidden, sometimes using masks or fun stickers to keep their identities private.

This shows how much they care about giving their kids a normal life, away from the spotlight. While Marina and Eli are both successful in their careers, they clearly put their family first.

How Do They Handle Rumors and Public Talk?

Being married to a celebrity can bring a lot of attention — and sometimes, unwanted rumors.

In 2014, there were rumors that Marina was dating her Chicago P.D. co-star Patrick John Flueger. Their on-screen chemistry was so good that fans started guessing something was going on off-screen, too.

At the same time, Eli was also pulled into gossip. Some people claimed he was seen with actress Serinda Swan, and rumors of a possible affair spread online.

But here’s the truth: Both rumors were false. Marina and Eli stayed quiet and focused on their relationship. Over time, the gossip faded. They didn’t let outside noise break their bond.

This calm and quiet approach shows how strong they are together. In a world where drama often takes center stage, Eli Kay-Oliphant and Marina chose peace.

What Does Eli Kay-Oliphant Do Outside of Work?

Eli is not just a lawyer. He also cares about giving back.

He serves on the Evening Associates Board of Directors at the Art Institute of Chicago. This shows he has a deep love for art and culture.

He’s also on the board of the Chicago Debate Commission, helping young students improve their speaking and thinking skills. Remember, Eli was a debate scholar in college, so this cause is close to his heart.

He doesn’t just work hard — he helps others grow, too. Whether it’s law, education, or the arts, Eli gives his time to help his community. That says a lot about the kind of person he is.

How Much Is Eli Kay-Oliphant Worth?

Let’s talk about money in a simple way.

As of 2025, Eli Kay-Oliphant’s net worth is around $500,000. Most of this comes from his legal work and partnerships in top law firms.

His wife, Marina Squerciati, has done very well too. Her acting career has earned her a net worth of around $3 million. She’s been on Chicago P.D. for years and has also worked in films and theater.

Together, they enjoy a comfortable life. They don’t flash their wealth or live a showy lifestyle. Instead, they focus on work, raising their kids, and living quietly in Chicago.

What Is Eli Really Like?

If you ask people who know him, they’ll say Eli Kay-Oliphant is a calm and thoughtful person.

He doesn’t post much on social media. His accounts are private, and he rarely shares details about his life. That’s a big contrast to many people connected to Hollywood.

Even when he attends events with Marina, he stays low-key. He dresses well, smiles for the camera, but never tries to steal the spotlight.

He’s focused on his work, proud of his family, and happy to stay out of the public eye. In 2025, that kind of quiet strength is rare — and something many people respect.

Final Thoughts

So, who is Eli Kay-Oliphant?

He’s a smart and successful lawyer. A loving husband to a famous actress. A caring father who puts family before fame. And a private man who doesn’t chase attention but still lives a full and respected life.

His journey — from debate clubs to law school honors, from courtroom wins to quiet family moments — shows that success doesn’t always have to be loud. Sometimes, the most inspiring stories are lived quietly.

In a world full of headlines and noise, Eli Kay-Oliphant stands out by doing the opposite — staying focused, kind, and real.

(FAQs)

Who is Marina Squerciati’s real-life husband?

It’s not her Chicago P.D. co-star — Marina is actually married to lawyer Eli Kay-Oliphant, her college sweetheart from Northwestern University.

Is Eli Kay-Oliphant really a top attorney? What’s his net worth?

Yes — Eli is a respected lawyer who co-founded two law firms and has won major cases. His net worth is around $500,000, while Marina’s is nearly $3 million.

How old is Eli Kay-Oliphant, and when was he born?

Eli keeps his birthday private, but most reports say he was born in 1984, making him around 41 years old in 2025.

How many children do Eli and Marina have?

Surprise — they have two kids, but they’ve kept both names and faces hidden from the public. Their daughter was born in May 2017, and their second child arrived in late 2024.

Who are Eli Kay-Oliphant’s parents?

His parents are Jay Oliphant and Paulette Kay-Oliphant. Eli also has three siblings and credits his mother as a major influence in his life.