Abeer H. Zanayed
Partner
At the heart of my practice are two beliefs: First, communication is the key to every successful relationship; and Second, the law can assist individuals in articulating their needs and reconsidering their relationships. I maintain a constant dialogue with my clients to understand their needs and to provide effective solutions. If mediation is appropriate, I seek an amicable and efficient process and an equitable outcome. If litigation is needed, I advocate fiercely and work tirelessly for the best result that the law offers.
Background
I have handled hundreds of family law cases, including pre-decree and post-decree divorce cases, child support enforcement, paternity and parenting time matters, and relocation cases. I am an active member of the DuPage County Bar Association and Illinois State Bar Association. Recently, I have been selected to the 2020 Illinois Rising Stars list, an honor reserved for attorneys who exhibit excellence in practice. Only 2.5% of attorneys in Illinois receive this distinction. I have also been selected to the 2020 Leading Lawyers list as an Emerging Attorney.
I’m a first-generation American. I grew up in a community and culture where the men are the breadwinners and the women stay in the home. At a young age, I decided there was no way I was putting up with that.
I wanted to take the road less traveled and challenge the patriarchy. I left home and attended Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana. College was a place of discovery and an opportunity to set the path for my future. I discovered my own voice and learned to advocate for myself. I then went to John Marshall Law School and learned how to help others advocate for themselves. I am proud to say that I am the first female attorney in my family, having graduated in 2005.
At the start of my law career, I focused mostly on civil cases; it was during this time that I honed my skills in litigation and all aspects regarding the management of court proceedings, which included such facets as establishing litigation strategies and directing settlement negotiations. As a civil litigator, I dealt with all manner of cases such as breach of contract, personal injury, corporate shareholder disputes, and more. However, I wanted to help people become independent and unlock their full potential. That’s why I decided to shift my focus exclusively to family law a decade ago.
