Thomas Villanti

Thomas Villanti

Senior Partner
"I represent my clients in a competitive, confident and composed manner that is respected by the decision-makers in the family law community."

Meet Thomas

  • Bio
  • Honors & Awards
  • Admissions
  • Memberships
  • Articles & Publications
  • Videos

Education
University of Florida Levin College of Law, J.D.
University of Florida, B.A. in Business Administration 

Thomas Villanti concentrates his practice on complex family law cases, including the distribution of multi-million dollar estates and complicated child custody disputes. His comprehensive representation includes all aspects of family law, including contested court proceedings, complex negotiation, in-depth financial analysis and the preparation of sophisticated prenuptial agreements.

Thomas' clients often present extraordinary financial and privacy concerns relative to their prenuptial, divorce, custody and parentage needs. Thomas is known for his strong business and financial background, efficient work-style and cool, confident demeanor. As a compassionate advocate, Thomas clearly and consistently communicates with his clients to make a potentially overwhelming experience easier to manage and understand. He strives to obtain financial and emotional security for his clients as they embark to the next chapter of their lives.

Thomas Villanti brings the same level of strategic acumen and dedicated advocacy to navigating complex family law matters for business owners, their spouses, and C-Suite executives as he does for his high-profile clientele in the sports and entertainment industries. Leveraging his extensive experience and nuanced understanding of the unique challenges faced by those at the helm of businesses, Thomas ensures that his clients receive tailored legal solutions. His meticulous approach safeguards his clients' personal and professional interests. With commitment to achieving favorable outcomes through negotiation or litigation, Thomas Villanti is dedicated to supporting business owners and their spouses through every step of their family and divorce law journey.

Thomas Villanti's portfolio also includes an array of former and current players of numerous professional athletic organizations, including the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Bulls, Texas Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Falcons, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, Miami Marlins, Detroit Tigers and the Tennessee Titans. He equally represents the spouses of celebrities and has served as family law counsel for several sports agents, broadcasters, disc jockeys and others in the entertainment industry. Thomas co-authored a monthly column, “Sporting Judgment,” for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin and writes articles for various sports and entertainment magazines. His publications highlight the unique family law issues that arise with sports and entertainment professionals.

Thomas has the knowledge, resources and network to manage cases nationwide. He and his firm are often consulted by out of state counsel with respect to complex family law issues. Thomas’ collaborative efforts on complicated multi-state cases have helped clients throughout the country meet and exceed their goals. 

The legal community consistently recognizes Thomas as an effective advocate for his clients. He was named a 40 Under 40 Illinois Attorney to Watch by the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin in 2019 and National Trial Lawyers named him a Top 40 Trial Lawyer Under 40 in 2014. Illinois Super Lawyers magazine named Thomas to the “Rising Stars” list 2011-2018 and to the "Super Lawyers" list in 2020. Leading Lawyers magazine has also recognized Thomas' family law expertise for many years. Thomas is an active member of his community, sitting on the board of directors for Chicago’s University of Florida alumni association and serving as a committee host for a Chicago-based domestic violence organization.

  • The Best Lawyers in America (2020-2025)
  • Law Bulletin Media - 40 Under Forty Illinois Attorneys to Watch (2019)
  • Leading Lawyers Network - Leading Lawyer (2018,2020)
  • Leading Lawyers - Emerging Lawyer (2015-2017)
  • Illinois Super Lawyers (2020-2023)
  • Illinois Super Lawyers - Rising Star (2012-2018)
  • The National Trial Lawyers - Top 40 Trial Lawyer Under 40 (2014)
  • Illinois 
  • Urban Initiatives - Associate Board Member
  • Chicago Bar Association
  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • American Bar Association

Speaker

  • "Direct and cross examination of experts in a family law case," Chicago Bar Association YLS Family Law, January 3, 2018

Articles and Publications

Coming soon…

News and Insights

Oct 21, 2024

In Memory of Donald Schiller

Donald C. Schiller, respected attorney, active member of both the legal and academic ...
Oct 01, 2024

Schiller Ducanto & Fleck Hosts "SDF Cares" Event to Support Family Focus

Schiller DuCanto & Fleck hosted its annual SDF Cares event on Thursday, September 26, ...
Sep 23, 2024

Anita Ventrelli Presents on Illinois Trust and Estate Issues in High-Net-Worth Divorces at American College of Trust and Estate Counsel Meeting

Schiller DuCanto & Fleck is pleased to announce that Anita Ventrelli was invited as a ...

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