Adam Miel Zebelian

Adam Miel Zebelian worked seven years as an assistant state's attorney, where he litigated countless criminal and civil matters. And that experience? It's paying off today as Zebelian has built a thriving career as a family law specialist at Chicago's Schiller DuCanto & Fleck. 

“Adam joined us as a former prosecutor with unlimited energy and an interest in family law. He’s applied those trial skills and has since developed many more, earning the respect of attorneys and judges in the field of family law,” according to Donald Schiller, senior partner. 

As a prosecutor, Zebelian conducted investigations, took on pre-trial hearings and motions and conducted more than 100 trials, both bench and jury. This experience gives him an edge today. Complex matters don't intimidate him. And not only does Zebelian possess a deep knowledge of the law, he's not afraid to get creative, either, when crafting out-of-court resolutions that benefit his clients. 

During his time as a prosecutor, Zebelian served in the Domestic Violence Division before moving on to handle complicated thefts, public corruption, gun crimes and murders involving gang violence while at the Special Prosecutions Bureau of the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. 

"Cook County Criminal court requires attorneys to be prepared and to continuously think on their feet. That's Adam," said Gavin Quinn with the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. "Adam is always prepared and ready to pivot at a moment's notice for whatever is thrown his way in court. Because of Adam's advocacy, I've seen him secure multiple guilty verdicts for victims of Cook County."

This range of experience has served him well. Working closely with the victims of domestic violence has given Zebelian a unique perspective on intrafamily relations, abuse and the often-complex issues involved in divorce.

During his career in family law, Zebelian has earned several memorable victories for his clients. He prevailed on a motion for summary judgment protecting one client's multi-million-dollar non-marital estate, removing tracing and characterization claims as a trial issue.

He also resolved a $50 million contentious case during attorney-assisted mediation. This allowed Zebelian's client to avoid a two-week trial. 

"Adam excels at everything he puts his mind to," said Matthew Jannusch, an assistant state's attorney with the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. "He is an exceptional litigator and very good legal researcher. He exudes civility and professionalism everywhere he goes whether in the courtroom, in the halls of justice, at a bar association function or volunteering at a community-based organization. He is a model attorney and an example for his peers."

Despite his busy career, Zebelian finds time to give back to his community. He is a volunteer for the Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women's Network, organizing its annual fundraiser. In 2015, the network presented Zebelian with the 2015 Outstanding Partnership award.

Zebelian is also vice president of LAGBAC, Chicago's LBGTQ+ Bar Association and is a member of the national LGBT Bar Association.