40 Under Forty 2024

DAISSY DOMINGUEZ

AGE 36

FIRM Justice Connect, LLC

LAW SCHOOL University of Illinois Chicago Law School

AREA(S) OF PRACTICE Immigration law

2024 ILLINOIS ATTORNEYS TO WATCH

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I mmigration law has always been a passion for attorney Daissy Dominguez. It's why she founded Chicago's Justice Connect after graduating law school. This firm provides much-needed legal services to immigrants who want to obtain citizenship, have been victims of a crime or are facing deportation. In 2023, Dominguez won 100% of her immigration cases and on average wins at least 95% of her immigration cases. During her still-young career, Dominguez has earned a repu- tation as a fierce advocate for her clients. Roya Samarghandi, associate director of advocacy, innovation and training with the Chicago Bar Foundation, said that Dominquez is an ally of women and minorities and has made a positive mark in both her profession and community. "Daisy is an attorney and social entrepreneur who works to instill positive change within the community," Samarghandi said. "Through Justice Connect, Dais- sy has guided countless clients through the immigration process, helping many achieve their dreams of becoming a U.S. citizen." Dominguez is also a successful entrepreneur. She participat- ed in Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program, which helps entrepreneurs create jobs and economic opportunity by providing access to education, capital and support services. At the Goldman Sachs graduation she received the Most Inspi- rational award. She also earned the 2017 Ms. JD's Woman of In- spiration Award, which is given to a woman lawyer who inspires others with her commitment and passion for her work. In addition, Dominguez won the INVEST Chicago's Wom- en Innovation Fund Award and was previously named to the Negocios Now's 40-Under-40 list. This talented attorney also

Daissy is an attorney and social entrepreneur who works to instill positive change within the community. ”

received the Remy "Centaur" Award from Remy Martin, in rec- ognition of her being a multi-talented Latina. Dominguez's passion was evident even while she was a stu- dent in law school. While attending classes, she founded the Academic Enhancement Program, developed to increase the retention rate of first-year minority law students. She's con- tinued these efforts with the Ibanez Scholarship, designed to encourage higher education for undocumented college stu- dents. Dominguez is an adjunct law professor at UIC Law School teaching Immigration Law and Procedure and SCALES Academ- ic Skills since 2017. "Daissy is passionate about helping others and has offered affordable representation to underrepresented groups," said Margaret Frossard, associate dean at University of Illinois-Chi- cago Law School and a retired Illinois Appellate Court Justice. "She is committed to social change and has achieved excellent results representing members of the immigration community." As a way of giving back to the community, Dominguez offers legal workshops, immigration training for the staff members of community organizations and free consultations at community centers. She also mentors law students at UIC Law School.

40 Under Forty 2024

CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN