Melissa Gold

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Melissa Gold is a practitioner of hard work, tzedakah, and public service in her career as an attorney. She is passionate about paying forward the help she received from mentors throughout her career, which she now does through Jewish bar organizations and lawyer groups. She has served on the Decalogue Society of Lawyers Board of Managers and various JUF lawyer committees for seven years and is also a member of Lincoln Park Zoo's Auxiliary Board.

In addition, she assists family, friends, and the community at large with career help and resources, including writing articles related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her work with COVID-19 Legal Response ensures that good legal advice is never far from those who need help.

AGE:
31

PRIMARY GIG:
Business Litigation Attorney at Thompson Coburn LLP

ON THE SIDE:
Serves on Lincoln Park Zoo’s Auxiliary Board

RELATIONSHIP STATUS:
Single

HOW DO YOU GIVE BACK:
My Jewish identity and values are rooted in my community and tzedakah. I was raised with the understanding that progress is only possible when we show up with our full hearts. Bringing people together – whether working, volunteering, or mentoring – is how I believe we can build a stronger community.

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME:
I performed with the Marching Illini Color Guard in both the Rose Bowl (Pasadena, Cal.) and St. Patrick's Day (Dublin, Ireland) parades.

A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
My late grandmothers, who focused on community in both their professional and personal lives. Rebecca “Bubbe” Leving served as secretary to former Chicago Mayor Jane Byrne and was a longtime leader in the Chicago Cultural Center’s Senior Laugh Class. Gertrude “Gigi” Gold was a lifelong member of both the Park Forest Environment Conservation Commission and League of Women Voters.