Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Lisi earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1972 from the University of Rhode Island and a Juris Doctor in 1977 from Temple University Beasley School of Law.

From 1991 to 1992 she was a Member, Select Commission to Investigate the Failure of Rhode Island Share and Deposit Indemnity Corporation.

She left her role of Chief Disciplinary Counsel in 1994, when she was tapped for a seat on the federal bench.

[2] On the recommendation of United States Senator Claiborne Pell, Lisi was nominated by President Bill Clinton on January 27, 1994 to a seat vacated by Francis Joseph Boyle as Boyle assumed senior status.

[2] She assumed senior status on October 1, 2015, and ceased taking cases after July 1, 2017.