About Lesley Ann
Lesley Ann Irizarry-Hougan is the founder and principal attorney of L.I.H — Law, P.S., a prominent immigration law firm located in Seattle, Washington. She was admitted to the Washington State Bar on November 14, 2005, under license number 36939. Born into a Puerto Rican family, Lesley has a deep-rooted understanding of the challenges faced by immigrants. She earned her Juris Doctor from Northern Illinois University School of Law in 2004, where she developed a focus on immigration law that would shape her career. In 2005, Lesley began her legal career as an associate attorney at Rios Cantor, P.S. in Seattle. During her time there, she focused exclusively on immigration law, gaining inexperience in the details of the field.
By 2009, she had established L.I.H. Law, P.S., which quickly gained a reputation for its unwavering dedication to the immigrant community. The firm specializes in asylum cases, family-based immigration, and deportation defense, providing crucial legal support to those navigating the immigration system. L.I.H. Law, P.S. is unique in its approach—every staff member is Spanish-speaking and of Latino heritage. This ensures that clients receive culturally competent legal services tailored to their needs.
Lesley is licensed to practice law in both Washington State and Illinois, expanding her ability to assist clients across state lines. Additionally, she is admitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. This lets the attorney represent clients in various federal matters. Beyond her legal practice, Lesley is actively engaged in community service. In 2009, she was appointed by Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels to the Seattle Immigrants and Refugees Advisory Board, where she contributed her expertise to improve the lives of immigrants in the city.
Lesley regularly volunteers at the Latina/o Bar Association Legal Clinic and the King County Bar Association Neighborhood Legal Clinic, providing pro bono legal services to those in need. Her commitment to community service has made a significant impact on the lives of many individuals and families. Lesley’s contributions to the legal field have not gone unnoticed. In 2014, she was recognized as Northern Illinois University Law School's Young Alumna of the Year, an honor that reflects her dedication to her profession. She also received Rockford University's Award of Distinction for Outstanding Young Alum, further solidifying her reputation as a leader in the legal community. Outside of her professional endeavors, Lesley enjoys hiking, practicing Pilates, and spending quality time with her three children, balancing her career with her family life.