Ariel Yang Hodges

Associate

Ariel is a detail-oriented, results-driven attorney with a strong track record of managing complex litigation and delivering favorable outcomes. She thrives in high-pressure environments, where she crafts persuasive motions, negotiates high-stakes agreements, and offers steady, strategic counsel—always focused on providing practical, business-minded solutions to help her financial services and gaming clients navigate an increasingly fraught regulatory and litigation landscape.

Ariel moved to the United States to attend college and fell in love with the Midwest. Raised in a family of public servants, she developed an early appreciation for the importance of knowledge, empowerment, and advocacy. Fluent in both English and Mandarin Chinese, Ariel is adept at communicating across cultures and perspectives—a skill that strengthens her ability to tackle matters with nuance and clarity. Her path to the legal profession was shaped by a longstanding interest in how rules shape real-world outcomes. As a child, she dreamed of becoming an actress—drawn to roles where characters stood up for others. Eventually, she traded scripts for statutes, and found that the legal field offered the perfect stage for analytical thinking, adaptability, and meaningful impact. A believer in the value of showing up and doing the work (lessons she acquired through modern dance training), Ariel brings that same discipline and creativity to everything she does, both in and out of the courtroom.

Associations

American Bar Association, Business Law Section's Consumer Financial Services Committee

Conference on Consumer Finance Law

Chicago Bar Association

Illinois State Bar Association

ACA International, Members Attorney Program

Receivables Management Association

Mortgage Bankers Association

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Contact Ariel

(312) 280-0442 DIRECT

(312) 939-0983 FAX

Email  |  Download Vcard


Did You Know

Ariel is inspired by the words of Merce Cunningham—"the only way to do it is to do it"—an ethos she applies to every aspect of her life.

She loves to unwind by going to the late-night showing at the local movie house.

During law school, Ariel clerked for the Cook County Public Defender's Office in its Homicide Task Force and Child Protection Division.

She served as a staff editor for the UIC Law Review and a member of the Trial Advocacy & Dispute Resolution Council.

Ariel is the proud owner of two spirited dogs: Champ, an internet famous German Shepherd, and Loki, a mischief-loving Double Doodle.

Weekends are spent scouting new trails for dog-friendly adventures.

Education

University of Illinois-ChicagoJ.D., cum laude (2019)

Beloit CollegeB.A. (2014)

Admissions

State of Illinois

U.S. District Court, N.D. Illinois