OUR FOUNDER

Hi! My name is Noeli Serna

I'm a Spanish-speaking corporate law attorney with many years of experience educating and assisting the business community in their business transactions. Entrepreneurs that work with me benefit from my Big Law and In-House Counsel training and exceptional services at a price they can afford.

I'm the daughter of an entrepreneurial Latine family and I know first-hand the challenges and sacrifices of entrepreneurs. I grew up at the family restaurant, which contributed to my interest in business and appreciation for excellent customer service. My formative years in the family business eventually led me to the practice of corporate law as a former finance attorney turned in-house corporate counsel. I have a high degree of admiration for Latines who want to carry out the dream of establishing their business in the United States.

As a first-generation Mexican American, my Spanish-speaking ability coupled with a deeply instilled work ethic has now brought me to one of my proudest achievements as the founder of Serna Legal Services.

Through my experience working on multimillion-dollar finance deals to drafting and negotiating a wide array of English and Spanish-language contracts during my time as in-house counsel, I am well-equipped and excited to bring together all my strengths and abilities to help business owners and entrepreneurs protect and expand their businesses.

*I am licensed to practice law in Illinois and Wisconsin

Meet the Team

Corporate Associate

Hi! My name is Ashley Messina

I have experience advising public and private companies on corporate law matters. I have represented clients in domestic and cross-border mergers, acquisitions, spin-offs, divestitures, and other strategic transactions. In addition, I have experience advising companies on corporate governance matters, shareholder engagement, SBA financing, business disputes, and real estate transactions. I received my law degree from UIC Law (formerly The John Marshall Law School), graduating cum laude. During my studies, I focused on corporate law, contractual drafting, strategic problem solving, and negotiation tactics and skills. Prior to law school, I spent several years working in the industrial/commercial construction-products industry after graduating from the University of Cincinnati with a dual degree in accounting and marketing.

Communications Specialist

Hi! My name is Norma Noriega

I’m a proud daughter of Oaxacan immigrants; I work as a bilingual virtual assistant based in the suburbs of Chicago. I worked previously as a bilingual educator in public schools for over 7 years and gained invaluable experience as a rank-and-file member and elected representative to the executive board of the Chicago Teachers Union; I was known for my collaborative efforts across various committees and organizations to move campaigns forward. I’m excited to now use this skill set to support growing businesses and courageous leaders. In my time off, I enjoy reading, weight lifting, and spending time with my family and my two cats, Chuchi and Gus.

Managing Administrative Assistant

Hi! My name is Alondra Valencia

I'm a proud Mexican-American bilingual virtual assistant and recent mompreneur based in Chicago. I graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in Business Management and over the past two years, I've been passionately supporting entrepreneurs and professionals as a virtual assistant. Juggling work and motherhood has taught me (and is still teaching me) the art of multitasking and time management, helping me become even more efficient in providing top-notch assistance. I enjoy dancing, watching movies/tv shows and eating delicious food!

Our Mission and Vision

Serna Legal Services strives to provide skilled, diligent and ethical corporate legal services in English and Spanish to businesses and entrepreneurs.

We believe that the business community deserves access to attorneys they can trust, with whom they can communicate and that will provide the highest quality customer service.

Welcome

Serna Legal Services is proud to work with established and successful Illinois and Wisconsin businesses looking to scale further. As their Spanish-speaking legal partner, we help them mitigate the legal risks that arise with larger and more specialized domestic and international contracts and transactions. This allows our clients to sleep well at night knowing their contract and corporate legal needs are covered.

Our clients tell us we're different to other business lawyers, not only because we speak Spanish, but because we speak their language. As the proud daughter of Latine business owners, our Founding Attorney understands her clients’ needs and cares passionately about their success.

At Serna Legal Services, we understand that business ownership and management require multi-tasking. And corporate legal protections can fall low on the list of business priorities. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to ensure that our clients' corporate legal needs are covered, giving our clients peace of mind. We understand our clients' cultures and values, including what drives their entrepreneurial journeys. Because of this, we are proud to offer legal services tailored to each of our clients' business goals.

Get To Know Our Ideal Client

M. Velasquez

"I highly recommend Attorney Serna. She helped me with all my business needs when I launched my financial coaching business. I normally dread dealing with attorneys but dealing with her was like dealing with a friend. She made the process seem so simple and was very quick to respond."

V. Calvario

"Serna Legal Services has been very, very helpful. Not only have I attended a free webinar with tons of good information, but I also reached out with more needed help and Noeli was very good at replying quickly and taking her time for a 15 minute phone call to answer and help me with even more guidance. Really appreciate all the help!!"

D. Bailey

"Noeli was very knowledgeable, understanding, patient and thorough in her communication with me. I will be retaining her."