Welcoming Elea Nielsen to Erwin Law

Late last year, we added a phenomenal new member to the Erwin Law Team -- Elea Nielsen. And while you can find her ‘official’ bio at erwinlawfirm.com, we thought her answers to the following questions provide a better understanding of who she is … and what makes her tick!

Where did you get your law degree?
Chicago-Kent College of Law, class of 2011 (though I actually finished a semester early, in December 2010)

Where did you start your career?
My first career was as a costume designer/craftsperson. I worked on projects all over Chicago and New York, including the 1999 Broadway revival of ‘Death of a Salesman,’ and at the Steppenwolf Theatre, Goodman Theatre and the New York City Ballet

Since becoming an attorney, and before joining Erwin Law in 2024, I worked with Yavitz & Levey, Gaynor Law, and the Kiselstein Franckowiak Law Group.

What are your specialties?
I like to think I'm especially good at explaining complicated legal matters so that the ‘average’ person can truly understand them.

That and homemade lasagna with garlic bread.

What do you like to do when you're not at work?
Cheer at my daughter's volleyball games, grow vegetables and flowers in my backyard garden, read every book in the world, and try out new restaurants and pubs.

Coffee or tea?
Coffee, preferably a latte, and keep 'em coming.

Best sandwich?
Italian beef with plenty of hot giardiniera. Or, if that's not an option, a classic grilled cheese.

Beach or mountains?
The beach! I can spend the whole day. And if we get a bonfire going, the whole evening too.

If you won the lottery, but didn't tell anyone, how would your friends and family know?
If the personal massage therapist didn't give it away, the room full of custom-made shoes probably would …