Ricardo Lugo is an American attorney and legal professional who became widely known through his marriage to television personality and former The View co-host Star Jones. However, there’s more to his story than his connection to a familiar television face.
From his Chicago upbringing and legal education to his professional career and family life, Lugo has built a path of his own. His relationship with Jones also brought renewed public interest in his background, career, and life away from the spotlight.
Who Is Ricardo Lugo?
Ricardo Lugo is an American lawyer and legal professional best known as the husband of Star Jones. He has worked in several legal positions in Chicago, including roles connected to the Cook County court system and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Unlike his famous wife, Lugo generally keeps a low public profile. He doesn’t regularly seek media attention or share extensive details about his private life. Most public information about him comes from interviews with Jones, entertainment publications, and coverage of their relationship.
His professional background is particularly interesting because he and Jones share a legal career. While Jones became a familiar face on television, Lugo continued working in the legal field.
The couple’s relationship has attracted attention because they built a life together while maintaining demanding professional careers.
Ricardo Lugo’s Early Life and Family Background
Ricardo Lugo grew up in Chicago, Illinois, where his childhood experiences helped shape his outlook on life.
According to publicly reported biographical details, Lugo spent his early years in Chicago’s Cabrini-Green and Humboldt Park neighborhoods. These communities have played important roles in the city’s history and are known for their diverse populations and strong neighborhood identities.
Growing up in a large family also influenced his early experiences. Reports describe Lugo as one of 12 siblings. Being part of such a big family likely meant learning how to share responsibilities, communicate, and build relationships with different personalities.
However, Lugo hasn’t publicly shared many personal stories about his childhood. Details about his parents, exact birth date, and early family experiences remain limited.
His upbringing is an important part of his background, but it shouldn’t be confused with assumptions about his personal circumstances.
How His Chicago Roots Shaped His Journey
Chicago has a strong legal community and a long history of public service. Growing up in the city gave Lugo a connection to the community where he would later develop his professional career.
His eventual work in the local legal system also reflects a long-term connection to the area.
Although he eventually became known to a national audience through Star Jones, his professional identity developed in Chicago long before their relationship attracted celebrity attention.
Ricardo Lugo’s Education and Academic Achievements
Education played an important role in Lugo’s journey toward a legal career. He attended Benedictine University in Illinois before continuing his studies at the University of Wisconsin Law School.
His academic background reflects his interest in law, leadership, and public service.
Benedictine University
Lugo attended Benedictine University, a private university in Lisle, Illinois. During his time there, he reportedly played varsity soccer and earned a place on the dean’s list.
His involvement in sports suggests that his college experience included more than classroom work. Balancing academics with athletics requires discipline, organization, and commitment.
University of Wisconsin Law School
After his undergraduate education, Lugo attended the University of Wisconsin Law School.
Legal education prepared him for the responsibilities that would later define his professional life. Law students must understand complex rules, examine evidence, develop arguments, and learn how to apply legal principles to real situations.
Lugo eventually built a career across several areas of the legal system, including prosecution, court administration, and family law.
His educational history is one of the clearest parts of his publicly reported background. However, detailed information about his graduation dates, academic specialization, and early professional training isn’t widely available.
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Ricardo Lugo’s Legal Career and Professional Journey
Ricardo Lugo’s career is an important part of his identity. Although many people discover his name through Star Jones, his professional experience existed independently of his wife’s television career.
He has held several positions in the Chicago legal community, gaining experience in different parts of the justice system.
Work as an Assistant State’s Attorney
One of Lugo’s reported professional positions was Cook County assistant state’s attorney.
He held this role in 2017, according to published biographical coverage. Assistant state’s attorneys work within the prosecution system and represent the government in legal proceedings.
Their responsibilities may include:
- Reviewing criminal cases and evidence.
- Preparing legal arguments.
- Representing the state in court.
- Working with law enforcement agencies.
- Handling hearings and other court proceedings.
- Making decisions related to prosecution.
This position requires strong legal knowledge, careful judgment, and the ability to work under pressure.
Lugo’s experience in this area gave him exposure to the criminal justice system and the practical responsibilities of courtroom work.
Positions in the Cook County Court System
Lugo also held several administrative and investigative positions connected to the Cook County Clerk of Court.
His reported roles included:
- Deputy general counsel.
- Chief investigator.
- Chief deputy clerk.
These positions involve different responsibilities, but they all require an understanding of legal procedures and public administration.
For example, a chief investigator may handle inquiries, examine records, and support investigations. A deputy general counsel generally provides legal guidance, while a chief deputy clerk can have important administrative responsibilities within the court system.
Working in these positions gave Lugo experience beyond traditional courtroom practice.
It also shows why describing his career simply as that of a lawyer doesn’t tell the complete story. His professional background includes both legal representation and court administration.
Did Ricardo Lugo Work in Family Law?
Yes. Lugo also worked with the law offices of Jeffery M. Leving, joining the firm in 2018 with an emphasis on family law.
Family law covers legal matters involving relationships and family responsibilities. These cases can include divorce, child custody, parenting arrangements, and related disputes.
The firm is known for its work involving fathers’ rights and family-related legal matters.
This part of Lugo’s career is especially interesting because his personal life also includes fatherhood. However, his professional work and private family experiences should be considered separate aspects of his life.
Is Ricardo Lugo an Administrative Law Judge?
Ricardo Lugo has been publicly described as an administrative law judge.
Published biographical coverage in March 2025 reported this professional title. Star Jones also described her husband as an administrative judge in an earlier interview.
Administrative law judges handle disputes involving government agencies, regulations, and administrative procedures. Their work differs from that of judges in traditional criminal or civil courts.
Depending on their jurisdiction, they may:
- Conduct administrative hearings.
- Review evidence and testimony.
- Interpret relevant laws and regulations.
- Evaluate disputes involving government decisions.
- Issue rulings based on applicable legal standards.
This position reflects the range of experience Lugo has gained throughout his legal career.
However, a person’s professional title can change over time. Without a current official employment record, it is best to describe him as someone publicly reported to have served as an administrative law judge rather than assume every earlier employment detail remains unchanged.
Ricardo Lugo and Star Jones: How Their Love Story Began
Ricardo Lugo’s relationship with Star Jones is the main reason his name has become familiar to entertainment audiences.
Their romance began in an unexpected way: through an online dating platform.
Both had successful careers in law, and that shared professional background became an early connection between them.
How Did Ricardo Lugo Meet Star Jones?
Lugo and Jones met through an online dating platform. Their profiles included similar details about their names, professions, and locations.
Jones used the username Starlet54LawyerNewYork, while Lugo used Ricardo54LawyerChicago.
The similarities caught their attention.
According to Jones, they communicated online for approximately eight weeks before meeting in person. Their first date took place at a French restaurant, where they enjoyed a champagne tasting.
What followed was quite different from an ordinary first date. Jones later described their first meeting as turning into a four-day date.
She also explained that the relationship developed quickly and that they remained close after that initial meeting.
Their story offers a reminder that people can connect through shared interests and experiences, even when they live in different cities.
When Did Ricardo Lugo and Star Jones Go Public?
The couple made their first widely reported public appearance together in July 2016 at the Children’s Museum of the East End Family Affair in Bridgehampton, New York.
Lugo’s son Jake was also present.
At the time, Jones spoke warmly about the two of them and described them as her family, although they weren’t married yet.
Their appearance attracted attention because Jones had already established herself as a recognizable television personality.
However, she didn’t immediately share every detail of their relationship. The couple maintained some privacy while their romance developed.
Ricardo Lugo and Star Jones’ Engagement
After dating for some time, Lugo and Jones took their relationship to the next level.
In June 2017, Jones shared a photograph showing her engagement ring on social media. Her caption hinted at her happiness without revealing all the details of the proposal.
The engagement became public news in October 2017 when Jones confirmed it to Us Weekly at the Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation Angel Ball in New York City.
She kept the announcement simple and expressed how happy she was with Lugo.
The engagement marked an important moment for the couple. Both had experienced marriage before, and their decision to marry again showed their commitment to building a future together.
Ricardo Lugo’s Wedding to Star Jones
Ricardo Lugo and Star Jones married on March 25, 2018, aboard Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas during a cruise to the Bahamas.
Their wedding included approximately 150 guests, making it a memorable celebration surrounded by family and friends.
Several recognizable guests attended, including Phaedra Parks, Holly Robinson Peete, and Tina Knowles.
Jones wore a fitted wedding gown designed by Dennis Basso, while Lugo chose a white tuxedo jacket with black trousers.
The wedding was particularly meaningful because it took place just one day after Jones’ birthday.
Lugo also organized a birthday celebration for his bride during the cruise weekend, adding another special moment to the occasion.
The ceremony marked the beginning of their married life and brought considerable public attention to Lugo.
Ricardo Lugo and Star Jones Renewed Their Wedding Vows
Their wedding wasn’t the last major romantic celebration.
In 2023, Lugo and Jones celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary by renewing their vows in Santorini, Greece.
The couple chose another cruise vacation for the occasion. Their anniversary celebration reflected their shared interest in traveling and spending quality time together.
Jones shared moments from the trip on social media, describing the experience as a dream come true.
The vow renewal also demonstrated that their relationship had continued beyond the excitement of their original wedding.
In March 2025, Jones celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary with a heartfelt tribute to her husband. She described him as her joy, peace, and safe place.
Her message offered a glimpse into the affection and appreciation she continues to express publicly for Lugo.
Who Is Ricardo Lugo’s Son?
Ricardo Lugo is also a father.
He has a son named Jake Lugo from a previous relationship. Although Lugo generally keeps his family life private, Jake has occasionally appeared in photographs shared by Star Jones.
Jones has embraced her relationship with Jake and frequently uses affectionate descriptions when talking about him.
She has referred to herself as his bonus mom, showing that she considers their relationship an important part of her family life.
In 2023, Jones shared a photograph of herself, Lugo, and Jake during Parents’ Weekend at the University of Southern California (USC).
The family moment attracted attention because it showed the close bond they share.
Jake’s college experience also marked an important milestone for the family. However, his private life deserves the same respect as anyone else’s, and details beyond those publicly shared should not be assumed.
Does Ricardo Lugo Have Children With Star Jones?
Public biographical reports identify Jake as Lugo’s son from a previous relationship.
There is no reliably established public information confirming that Lugo and Star Jones have children together.
Jones has openly embraced her role as Jake’s bonus mother, and their blended family appears to be an important part of their life together.
Ricardo Lugo’s Relationship With Star Jones During the COVID-19 Pandemic
One interesting part of their marriage was how the couple handled the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic created challenges for many married couples, especially those who suddenly had to spend nearly all their time together. For Lugo and Jones, however, the experience reportedly strengthened their relationship.
Jones explained in a 2025 interview that her husband took extra precautions to protect her because she is immunocompromised due to heart disease.
She said Lugo created a comfortable and enjoyable environment at home, helping her feel safe during a difficult period.
Jones appreciated his protective nature and explained that his care gave her the chance to relax without constantly worrying about her surroundings.
She also shared advice for newly married couples, emphasizing three important things:
- Spend meaningful time together.
- Make room for romance.
- Take care of each other during difficult moments.
Her comments offer a personal look at Lugo’s supportive role in their marriage.
Ricardo Lugo’s Life Outside His Legal Career
Although Lugo has a demanding professional background, his life isn’t limited to legal work.
His relationship with Jones has introduced him to public events, travel, and entertainment gatherings. Still, he appears to prefer a relatively private lifestyle.
Does Ricardo Lugo Enjoy Traveling?
Travel is one of the interests the couple shares.
Lugo and Jones have appeared together during trips to several destinations, including Italy, Greece, and Napa Valley.
Their 2023 trip to Santorini was particularly memorable because it included their fifth-anniversary vow renewal.
According to published reports, the couple also divides time between Chicago and East Hampton.
Their travel photographs often show them attending special occasions, enjoying vacations, and celebrating important moments together.
Although Jones is comfortable sharing selected experiences with her followers, Lugo doesn’t appear to seek the same level of public attention.
Does Ricardo Lugo Attend Celebrity Events?
Yes. Lugo has accompanied his wife to several public events over the years.
Some notable appearances include:
- Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation Angel Ball events.
- The American Ballet Theatre Fall Gala.
- The Viennese Opera Ball.
- The Daytime Emmy Awards.
- Other entertainment and charity gatherings.
He has also appeared alongside Jones at events connected to her television career.
Their public appearances show that he supports his wife’s professional and social commitments while maintaining his own identity outside entertainment.
Ricardo Lugo’s Net Worth and Sources of Income
Many people searching for Ricardo Lugo want to know how much money he has earned throughout his career.
However, his exact net worth hasn’t been confirmed through reliable public financial records.
Lugo has worked in several legal positions, including prosecution, court administration, family law, and administrative judging.
These professional roles provide a reasonable basis for identifying his career as a source of income. However, his actual salary, investments, savings, property holdings, and other financial details aren’t publicly established.
It would therefore be misleading to assign him a specific net worth based on unsupported celebrity websites.
What Are Ricardo Lugo’s Main Income Sources?
His publicly documented professional background suggests that his income has been connected primarily to legal work.
Potential professional income sources include:
- Legal and judicial employment.
- Previous positions in public service.
- Work connected to family law.
- Other professional activities, if any.
There is no verified public breakdown of his total earnings.
It’s also important to distinguish Lugo’s finances from those of Star Jones. Although they are married, their individual net worth figures shouldn’t be treated as interchangeable.
Ricardo Lugo’s Age, Birthday, and Physical Appearance
Lugo’s exact date of birth and age aren’t reliably established in the available public biographical information.
Some online searches may produce age estimates, but those figures shouldn’t be treated as confirmed facts without a dependable source.
Similarly, detailed information about his height and other physical measurements isn’t consistently documented.
What is publicly clear is that he has appeared at numerous events with Star Jones, often wearing formal suits and tailored jackets.
Rather than relying on unsupported personal details, his education, professional experience, and family background provide a more meaningful picture of his life.
Ricardo Lugo’s Social Media Presence
Ricardo Lugo maintains a relatively low public profile compared with his wife.
Star Jones regularly shares photographs and updates about their marriage, vacations, celebrations, and family experiences.
Lugo has also appeared in photographs shared by Jones, including birthday celebrations and anniversary tributes.
However, there isn’t enough reliable information to establish a complete list of his official social media accounts or their current activity.
Readers should be careful with accounts using his name because a matching username or photograph doesn’t automatically prove that a profile belongs to him.
His limited public presence appears consistent with his preference for keeping much of his personal and professional life away from entertainment headlines.
Recent Updates About Ricardo Lugo and Star Jones
Ricardo Lugo continues to attract public interest because of his marriage to Star Jones.
In March 2025, the couple celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary. Jones marked the occasion with a loving social media message about their relationship and the happiness they had built together.
The celebration followed their 2023 vow renewal in Santorini.
In May 2025, Jones also discussed their marriage during an appearance on The View: Behind the Table podcast. She explained how spending time together during the pandemic strengthened their bond.
More recently, Lugo and Jones appeared together at the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards, held on October 30, 2026, according to entertainment coverage.
Their appearance offered another public glimpse of the couple attending an important entertainment event together.
Despite this attention, Lugo continues to maintain a professional identity separate from his wife’s television career.
Ricardo Lugo’s Life Compared With Star Jones’ Public Career
Lugo and Jones have several things in common, but their professional paths have developed differently.
| Category | Ricardo Lugo | Star Jones |
|---|---|---|
| Profession | Attorney and legal professional | Attorney and television personality |
| Background | Chicago | North Carolina |
| Education | Benedictine University and University of Wisconsin Law School | American University and University of Houston Law Center |
| Public recognition | Legal career and marriage | Television and legal career |
| Known for | Judicial and legal work | The View and Divorce Court |
| Family | Father of Jake | Stepmother to Jake |
Their shared interest in law helped create an early connection, while their different professional experiences have allowed them to maintain individual careers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ricardo Lugo
Who Is Ricardo Lugo?
Ricardo Lugo is an American attorney and legal professional best known as the husband of television personality Star Jones. He has held several legal positions in Chicago and has been publicly described as an administrative law judge.
Is Ricardo Lugo Married to Star Jones?
Yes. Ricardo Lugo married Star Jones on March 25, 2018, aboard Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas during a cruise to the Bahamas.
What Does Ricardo Lugo Do for a Living?
Lugo has worked as an attorney and held positions in prosecution, court administration, and family law. He has also been described publicly as an administrative law judge.
Where Is Ricardo Lugo From?
Ricardo Lugo is from Chicago, Illinois. He reportedly grew up in the Cabrini-Green and Humboldt Park neighborhoods.
Where Did Ricardo Lugo Go to College?
He attended Benedictine University in Illinois and the University of Wisconsin Law School. He reportedly played varsity soccer and earned a place on the dean’s list at Benedictine University.
How Did Ricardo Lugo Meet Star Jones?
The couple met through an online dating platform. Both were attorneys, and their usernames included their names, professions, and locations. They communicated for approximately eight weeks before their first date.
When Did Ricardo Lugo and Star Jones Get Married?
They married on March 25, 2018, in the Bahamas aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Approximately 150 guests attended their wedding.
Does Ricardo Lugo Have a Son?
Yes. Ricardo Lugo has a son named Jake from a previous relationship. Star Jones has embraced Jake as her stepson and affectionately calls herself his bonus mom.
What Is Ricardo Lugo’s Net Worth?
His exact net worth hasn’t been verified through reliable financial sources. Although he has held several legal positions, there isn’t enough confirmed information to provide an accurate figure.
How Old Is Ricardo Lugo?
His exact birth date and age haven’t been reliably confirmed in public biographical sources.
Did Ricardo Lugo and Star Jones Renew Their Wedding Vows?
Yes. The couple renewed their wedding vows in 2023 in Santorini, Greece, while celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary.
Is Ricardo Lugo Active on Social Media?
He has appeared in photographs and posts shared by Star Jones. However, his official social media presence and current account activity aren’t fully established.
Conclusion
Ricardo Lugo’s story goes beyond being known as Star Jones’ husband. He has built a legal career through education, public service, prosecution, and court-related work. His Chicago upbringing, experience as a father, and long-lasting marriage also offer insight into his personal journey. Although he prefers privacy, his relationship with Jones has given the public occasional glimpses of his life. Ultimately, Lugo is best understood as a legal professional and family man who maintains an identity beyond celebrity attention.
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