Meet Economic Driver: Emi Morales, Owner, Morales Law Group

Wanting to see people who look like myself and my community in my service area. Being someone knowledgeable to be able to educate and assist my community; I wanted to be a person of confidence for them.

Unfortunately, as a minority in my legal field, not only in ethnicity but also in gender, there are so many barriers to break. I have to always be prepared and ready; we cannot allow those perceived ethnicity/gender roles to define us—we must break them and show we are just as capable or even more so.

As a child, I remember translating for family members and being put in situations where, as a child, I was intimidated. I remember those moments pushing me subconsciously to learn and be the best I could be. I never wanted to be looked down upon or be considered unknowledgeable.

I’ve been very lucky to have been brought up in family with motivated and active women. My aunts have shown me through demonstration how we have a responsibility to be the voice of those who can’t speak for themselves. Also, my father who came here at 15 with no knowledge of the language nor family—his strength and determination in search of a better life for himself and to provide for his family remind me not to take anything for granted. If he could do it, there is no reason I can’t.

Success to me looks like leaving my home a little better than how it was. I take pride in being a trusted attorney in my community. I love that people come and know that whatever difficulty they are facing, I will assist them, or guide them in the right direction. I’m thankful this is the path I took, and that my children see the importance of family, community, and helping.

Illinois has some amazing leaders; look at Senator Castro. She is an integrated member of our community. She is deep into knowing the people she serves. She sets an amazing example for helping others succeed and not forgetting our roots.

We are such a diverse community. I truly feel I am a product of my community; I am who I am because of those that have helped to shape and mold me through experience and opportunity.

We volunteer and sponsor many events in our community, whether it’s back-to-school backpacks, community night outs, non-for-profit events, or scholarships. You name it: We try to always help the great cause!

Centro de Información! It’s a welcoming center to help those acculturate into our community. We provide so many resources to assist those in need.

My children inspire me; my nieces and nephews, too. I think of my father and how his life would have been so much easier if there were more bilingual attorneys or more Centro de Información locations. I try to impress on my children that this is something they must also help with, because it’s up to us to shape the world we live in and how we leave it.

It’s a recognition and celebration of our beautiful, vibrant culture!