Adam Zebelian

Adam Zebelian

Partners
"Although I believe my experience as a prosecutor gives me an edge in the courtroom, my ability to develop strong attorney-client relationships enhances my effectiveness as an advocate for my clients."

Meet Adam

Biography

Education

Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, LL.M. in Taxation

Penn State University, The Dickinson School of Law, J.D. 
Michigan State University, B.S. 

Adam Zebelian joined Schiller DuCanto & Fleck after 7 years as an Assistant State’s Attorney litigating countless criminal and civil matters. As a prosecutor, Adam made charging decisions, conducted in-depth investigations, handled pre-trial hearings and motions and conducted over a hundred trials, including both bench and jury trials. Adam’s extensive trial experience, including financial crimes cases, gives him the ability to try complex matters, as well as the ability and creativity to achieve out-of-court resolutions.

Adam began as a prosecutor in the Criminal Appeals Division, where he litigated cases before the Illinois Appellate Court. Adam also served in the Domestic Violence Division, where he prosecuted intrafamily violent crime. Adam then advanced to the Special Prosecutions Bureau of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, where he handled matters involving complicated thefts, public corruption, gun crimes and gang involved murders. Adam also served in the Civil Actions Bureau of the State’s Attorney’s Office, defending the county in both state and federal court.

Adam’s wide-ranging prosecutorial experience enables him to uniquely serve his clients’ emotional and financial needs. Working closely with victims of domestic violence gives Adam a unique perspective on intrafamily relations and abuse and the complex issues involved. Prosecuting financial and violent felony matters taught Adam the importance of preparedness and attention to detail throughout every stage of litigation. Adam’s sensitivity, good nature, and open mind allow his clients to have a sense of ease during one of the most difficult times of their lives.

After joining Schiller DuCanto & Fleck, Adam continues his dedication to community service. For the last several years, Adam has volunteered for the Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women’s Network (“Network”), organizing and executing its annual fundraiser as host committee chair. In 2015, the Network recognized Adam by presenting him with the 2015 Outstanding Partnership award. Adam has lectured at Chicago – Kent College of Law regarding the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ domestic violence survivors. Adam also serves on the board of directors of LAGBAC – Chicago's LGBTQ+ Bar Association; the Jr. Board of the Chicago Lighthouse; the Board of Trustees for Chicago House and Social Service Agency; Host Committee Chair for the Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women's Network's annual benefit; Unity Award Dinner planning committee for the Diversity Scholarship Foundation; and currently serves as co-chair of the Women's Bar Association of Illinois Family Law Committee. Adam recently completed serving a two-year, elected term on the Chicago Bar Association's Board of Managers and is past co-chair of the Chicago Bar Association Young Lawyers’ Section Family Law Committee. Adam is the former board secretary and is currently board vice president of LAGBAC. Adam is also a founding member and board member of Stonewall Sports Chicago, volunteers for the Chicago Alliance for Animals, and serves on the board of directors of Erin's Farm, which is an animal rescue and sanctuary. 

Honors and Awards

Admissions

  • Illinois (2009)
  • United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (2015) 

Memberships

  • DuPage County Bar Association
  • Chicago Bar Association
  • Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago
  • National LGBT Bar Association
  • Women's Bar Association of Illinois
  • Illinois State Bar Association

Publications

Articles and Publications

Speaker