After graduating from Emory University's School of Law, Judge Marvin Arrington went to work in South Carolina for President Johnson's War on Poverty, where his duties included implementing and improving education and healthcare programs. It was then that he recognized he power of politics, and soon returned to Atlanta to being his career in public service.

In 1969, the then 28-year-old lawyer ran for a seat of the Atlanta Board of Alderman, the precursor of the Atlanta City Council. With a limited budget, but armed with local boy charm and name recognition, Arrington captured the citywide race where he spent more than 25 years, including 7 years as the council president after winning election in 1980 to serve the unexpired term of Carl Ware. He subsequently won 4 four-landslide victories as City Council president.

During his service on the council and as its president, Arrington distinguished himself as a member of the boards of the Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium Authority, the Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority, the Metropolitan Atlanta Olympic Authority, the Atlanta Convention and visitors Bureau, the Advisory Board of the World Trade Club of Atlanta, the Commerce Club. The Atlanta Business League, the Atlanta Lawyers Club, and the Board of Governors of the Atlanta City Club. Judge Arrington was chairman of the Stadium Authority for 7 years.

He received the Silverback Award recognizing his works with the Atlanta Zoo and the Georgia Bar Association's highest community service award, "The Chief Justice Robert Benham Award of Community Service". His ties to both Clark College and Emory University have never waned. He remains supportive of both institutions and has served as a trustee for both schools.

In 1997, Arrington choose not to run for re-election as president of the Atlanta City Council, instead challenged incumbent mayor Bill Campbell. Although outspent significantly and opposed by the late former mayor Maynard Jackson, Arrington forced Campbell into a runoff but lost the election.

In January 2002, Georgia Governor Roy Barnes appointed Arrington as Judge to the Fulton County Superior Court. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Arrington was senior partner in the law firm of Arrington and Hollowell. He was elected to a full term in November 2002.