Marise James is an attorney, mediator, educator, and public servant dedicated to uplifting her community and championing justice. A proud Crucian, she has dedicated her life to public service, building a reputation as a compassionate advocate and purposeful leader.
Born and raised on St. Croix, Marise graduated from St. Joseph High School before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Zoology from The George Washington University, where she excelled as a Division I basketball player on an athletic scholarship.
Returning to St. Croix after college, Marise embarked on a mission to inspire and educate the next generation. She taught physical science at Elena Christian Junior High and St. Croix Central High School and served as a GED science instructor for adult learners. Her passion for community growth led her to become the first Tourism Careers Coordinator for the Division of Tourism, fostering local talent in the hospitality industry.
Marise’s pursuit of justice took her to the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor. Her extensive career spans the private, public (civilian and military), and nonprofit sectors. She has worked as an associate attorney for the law firm Hodge and Sheen PC, served as legal counsel for the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, advised Senator Gerard Luz A. James II and Governor Roy L. Schneider, and led the Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Program as the Disaster Branch Manager/Supervisory Attorney. Recognizing the need for legal assistants in the Virgin Islands, Marise founded The Paralegal Institute, empowering graduates to succeed locally and nationally.
A proud veteran, Marise answered the call to serve her country by joining the Virgin Islands National Guard. She provided legal expertise and leadership as the Staff Judge Advocate from 2004 until 2018 and during that time served a federal active-duty tour at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. After military service, Marise served in Governor Albert Bryan’s administration as the Policy Advisor for Justice and Public Safety, before returning to private practice.
Marise’s commitment to her community propelled her to public office, where she was elected to the 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands in November 2022 and re-elected to the 36th Legislature. As Chair of the Committee on Education & Workforce Development and Vice Chair of the Committee on Housing, Transportation & Telecommunications, and a member of the following committees: Disaster Recovery & Infrastructure; Health, Hospitals & Human Services; and Rules & Judiciary, she championed transformative legislation, including:
- Establishing the Mobile Integrated Healthcare Program (Act 8795)
- Removing outdated mortgages to clear property titles (Act 8794)
- Eliminating statutes of limitations for child abuse claims (Act 8953)
Her proudest achievement was the Williams Delight Initiative, which provided $15,000 grants to residents participating in the HUD Section 5(h) Homeownership Program. After nearly three decades of delays, Marise’s advocacy is turning the dream of homeownership into reality for dozens of families. Her relentless efforts reflect her commitment to empowering the underserved and ensuring equity for all.
Senator James is a compassionate supporter of children, senior citizens, veterans, and families in need. Known for her hands-on approach, she tirelessly helps constituents navigate red tape, celebrates their achievements, and ensures that territorial services meet their needs. Her collaborative leadership and unwavering work ethic embody her belief that “hope inspires us to keep going, even when we encounter challenges.”
Her legislative priorities include quality education, affordable housing, accessible healthcare, and sustainable development in agriculture, energy, and the environment. Marise believes in the transformative power of people to create change for the greater good.
Marise is married to Anthony Paul. Together, they have three adult children—Camille, Sydney, and Jordan—and her husband has two older sons. Guided by her faith and inspired by the words of Edmund Burke—“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing”—Marise has devoted her nearly four-decade career to being a force for good, empowering others to overcome challenges and achieve their fullest potential.
