Lisa Palumbo has dedicated her entire 35-year career to serving low-income people in our community, particularly immigrants. Lisa currently serves as the Director of the Immigrants and Workers Rights Practice Group at Legal Aid Chicago, where she has dedicated 32 years of her career and now leads a team of 30 attorneys and paralegals in four core areas: immigration, employment, migrant workers, and human trafficking survivors. Throughout her tenure, she has been instrumental in expanding the organization’s impact on immigration reform and shaping critical policy discussions at the national level. Alongside her advocacy work, Lisa maintains an active caseload, defending and protecting immigrants in various legal matters.
Her work on immigration cases and related advocacy is described as “legendary” by her peers, distinguished by her deep understanding of the law and genuine empathy for her clients. As an outstanding advocate for justice, Lisa brings a strategic vision to her work, achieving the best results for her clients while advancing systemic legal reforms. Her efforts have transformed countless lives and significantly advanced the broader fight for social justice and equality. As one of her nominators put it, “Lisa’s passion for social justice is evident in her work. Her advocacy extends beyond the courtroom, as she actively engages with community organizations to address systemic issues and create positive change.”
Lisa’s leadership often goes unrecognized as she consistently promotes others rather than herself. As a team leader, she frequently steps in to complete unfinished tasks when team members leave or are unable to finish, often working late into the night. Her dedication and expertise have made her a respected and influential figure in the legal aid community in Chicago and throughout the country, inspiring others to pursue careers in public interest law and advocate for those most in need. These qualities make her the ideal recipient of this year’s Thomas H. Morsch Award.