Melisa Hood brings a rare depth of perspective to her practice, combining a high-level legal education with over 15 years of hands-on experience in the legal field. Before becoming an attorney, Melisa spent a decade and a half as a paralegal specializing in family law, estate planning, and business formation—giving her a foundational understanding of the law that few junior attorneys possess.

A 2022 magna cum laude graduate of the UIC School of Law, Melisa now focuses her practice on Probate, Guardianship, Civil Litigation, and Family Law. Her reputation for diligence and advocacy has led to her regular appointment as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in both the Probate and Domestic Relations divisions, as well as a frequent appointee for SIJS guardianship cases in DuPage County.

Always seeking to expand her expertise, Melisa is currently pursuing an LL.M. in Agriculture and Food Law at the University of Arkansas.

Outside of the courtroom, Melisa is a maker and an enthusiast of the outdoors. She spends her free time cooking, baking, crocheting, and sewing, or recharging through reading and spending time in nature.