Zach Hesselbaum, Attorney

"We want you all to do great, and do well in your lives; but do not forget to do good while doing well or it will not be as great."
         — Jack Sandner, Former Chair of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange

Zach's favorite things, mentioned here according to their priority, include spending time with his wife, Kelly, who works as a school social worker in Bloomingdale, Illinois. He is also a sports enthusiast, and specifically a fan of the Chicago White Sox and Dallas Cowboys. In addition, he loves getting to know people and conversing with them. He says, "I love talking to people and getting to know them! I like to be a 'connector' — I search out ways to help people through connecting them to others I have met." The only thing that really bugs Zach is losing, because he is a naturally competitive person.

Zach is a person of integrity, perseverance, and goodwill. He has been nurtured by three very important people: his mother Judi, his stepfather Phil, and his grandfather Jim. He says,

"My mother Judi Bonomi, my life professor, has instilled in me an incredible work ethic with a drive towards helping people. Since a young age I can remember being taught that hard work will pay off if you are dedicated. Yet this was always conditioned by the warning that you cannot be selfish — you must consider others as you try to reach your goals. She taught this not only through practicing what she preached while working countless hours at Copley Hospital in Aurora, aiding her patients, but additionally, through creating an environment for me that would create success without having things handed to me. It amazes me to talk with my mom now and have her point out little things she did to shape me when I was younger that have become habit today. This is particularly true when we discuss my life goals and the drive I have to be successful in helping others. The best part about all of this is she continually expressed her love and desire for me to succeed while teaching me the correct way to do things.

A lesson I have learned from my stepfather, Phil Bonomi, that has paid off greatly for me, is that you can be a tremendous leader without losing your gentle nature. Through watching the way he deals with people, I have gained a great deal of "social intelligence." I enjoy being in situations where I am the leader, because I like to rationally sort out situations and reach the desired goal without disregarding others' feelings along the way. I believe this talent has been honed by watching my stepfather deal with tense situations in his profession as an oncologist — with a kind, gentle, yet decisive hand that he uses to create success in situations that look extremely bleak.

My grandfather, James K. Ward, has done a great deal to shape who I am. Since a young age my grandfather wanted me to be his protégé. I recall his teaching me the lessons he learned as a World War II pilot, and how he worked through his education on the G.I. Bill, and how he climbed the corporate ladder at Caterpillar to be a highly successful vice president. Even though he has now been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, to this day I can hear his life lessons in my mind. When I find myself in a tough situation, I remember his words of wisdom, and they always head me in the right direction.

Lastly, I have a great group of friends. I am constantly amazed by how loyal we have been to each other, staying in contact since we were so young. We are extremely dedicated to one another, and this is something I am constantly learning from as well."

Zach is a highly respected member of the Law ElderLaw legal team and especially appreciated by all for his servant's heart. He always seems to be looking for ways to help those around him.

Education

• DePaul University College of Law: Masters of Law in Taxation candidate 2011
• Valparaiso University School of Law: Juris Doctor
• Valparaiso University: Bachelor of Arts, cum laude — double majoring in Political Science and Philosophy

Bar Admissions

• Admitted to practice in the State of Illinois

Professional Affiliations

• Kane County Bar Association
• DuPage County Bar Association
• Chicago Bar Association
• Past presenter to the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) on veterans benefits