Herb Elesh is a Immigration Lawyer Practicing in all of Chicagoland. He is active and in good standing within the Illinois State Bar Association. Questionnaire: Lawyer.com Member Questionnaire Please describe a case(s) in the last year or two where you made a big difference. On a Provisional Waiver case I-601 we were able to have USCIS Chicago District Office approve the extreme hardship to a U.S. citizen spouse which led to an approval for the greencard for a husband who entered on a false passport. His name was misrepresented on his passport and USCIS demanded a waiver of the misrepresentation. Based on the wifes medical records and detailed affidavits from myself and my paralegal and affifavits from the Petitioner and beneficiary he was approved for the I-601 and greencard. How did you build a successful practice? mostly word of mouth from satisfied families and clients; What should clients look for in a lawyer? honest, experienced and professional. should be updating himself/herself on laws/regulations/ changes to courts and USCIS and embassies How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases? not as important as new laws and regulations at embassies and USCIS and NVC What information can you provide in a free phone consultation? potential forms of relief such as work permits or green cards or U visa for crime victims or waivers What information do you need in a free phone consultation? potential forms of relief such as work permits or green cards or U visa for crime victims or waivers What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community? value-driven law office with almost 20 years of experience but fees as more affordable given the same level of experience and professionalism of the more expensive downtown law offices What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? having approvals which reunite families here in the US and enable them to build their lives here without fear of deportation. What are your other interests in addition to law? social justice for immigrants in USA including voting and participating in our democracy and helping those new citizens learn English and vote Are you involved in your community? offering pro bono help in the community for U.S. citizen applicants

Emma Hook joined Thurswell Law as an associate attorney in April 2024. As a member of the Thurswell legal team, Ms. Hook conducts legal research, drafts legal documents, represents clients in court proceedings, and handles legal disputes. She gives each client and matter the gravity and attention they deserve, working diligently to achieve fair and positive outcomes in every case. “I look forward to learning about the needs of each of my clients so I can provide them with the representation they need,” Ms. Hook says. “I consider it a profound honor to be a voice for those who require legal assistance and I treasure the opportunity to change lives for the better.” Ms. Hook earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University with a double major in English and film studies. She earned her J.D. from Wayne State University Law School where she served as a student attorney in the Asylum and Immigration Law Clinic and graduated cum laude. Ms. Hook was admitted to the Michigan State Bar in 2023. She is a resident of Royal Oak and likes to spend time reading, swimming, or with her beloved dog.