Elaine Knowles
Partners
Meet Elaine
Biography
Education
American University - Washington College of Law, J.D. (2007)
Washington College, B.A., cum laude (2004)
Elaine Knowles is a family law attorney at Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP. Elaine is a veteran practitioner and has over 15 years of experience negotiating and litigating complex family law matters involving business valuations, high conflict custody issues and domestic violence.
Elaine believes that communication and honesty are crucial in developing case strategies for her clients in order to obtain the best possible outcomes. In this process, she works closely with her clients to help them evaluate their goals and provides realistic advice regarding how best to achieve those objectives. Elaine is an experienced litigator, but is also collaboratively trained and utilizes alternative dispute resolution including mediation to help settle difficult cases. From the onset of her representation of a client, Elaine helps clients navigate each stage of their case and provides them with the individualized approach needed. While being a zealous advocate for her clients, she also encourages them to take control of their lives and move forward in a positive direction.
Elaine has dedicated her career to family law and domestic violence matters, representing employees of international organizations, government consultants, medical professionals, business owners, executives, professional athletes, and their spouses. Elaine concentrates her practice in all areas of family law, including issues of pre and post nuptial agreements, property division, contract enforcement, maintenance, child support, allocation of parental responsibilities, complex financial matters, restraining orders and orders of protection.
Elaine received her Juris Doctorate from American University - Washington College of Law after graduating cum laude from Washington College.
Elaine has received a Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating of AV Preeminent in the field of Family Law, which is the highest possible rating for both ethical standards and legal ability. Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings are ratings by legal peers reflecting Very High General Ethical Standards and Legal Ability (including Legal Knowledge, Analytical Capabilities, Judgment, Communication Ability and Legal Experience). Elaine has also been recognized by Illinois Super Lawyers from 2013 to 2025 based on peer nominations within the legal community. Only 5% of lawyers within each state are named to the Super Lawyers list. In 2022, Elaine was named to the prestigious "40 Under Forty Illinois Attorneys to Watch" list by Law Bulletin Media. Each year more than 1,500 nominations are submitted for consideration. Honorees are selected based on intelligence, passion, community involvement and a willingness to work hard and be successful in their areas of practice. Elaine has also been recognized in the practice area of Family Law by The Best Lawyers in America since 2022. Best Lawyers awards are determined through a rigorous peer-review process, based on in-depth evaluations from top attorneys within the same geographic region and practice area.
Honors and Awards
- Law Bulletin Media "40 Under Forty Illinois Attorneys to Watch" (2022)
- Women in the Law: Top Peer-Nominated Lawyers, Best Lawyers (2022)
- The Best Lawyers in America (2022-2025)
- Illinois Super Lawyer (2023-2025)
- Leading Lawyers - Emerging Lawyer (2022)
- Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star (2018-2022)
- Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating - AV
- Maryland Super Lawyers Rising Star (2013-2017)
- Washington D.C. Super Lawyers Rising Star (2013-2017)
Admissions
- Illinois (2017)
- Maryland (2007)
- District of Columbia (2013)
Memberships
- Chicago Bar Association
- Illinois State Bar Association
- District of Columbia Bar Association
- Maryland Bar Association
- Montgomery County Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Women's Bar Association of Illinois