What Donald Schiller's Legacy Teaches Us About Choosing the Right Divorce Attorney in Chicago

The Chicago legal community lost a giant this week with the passing of Donald Schiller, founding partner of Schiller DuCanto & Fleck. For over five decades, Schiller helped shape family law in Illinois and represented some of the most high-profile divorce cases in Chicago history.

His death marks the end of an era, but it also offers an important lesson for anyone facing divorce today: the attorney you choose will define your experience and your future.

What Made Schiller Different

I've practiced family law in Chicago for years, and Schiller's reputation preceded him in every courtroom. He wasn't just skilled—he understood that divorce isn't just a legal transaction. It's a life transition that requires both legal expertise and human understanding.

Schiller built his practice on a simple principle: treat clients like people, not case numbers. He knew that behind every high-asset divorce was a person whose world had been turned upside down. That approach made him one of the most respected attorneys in the city.

The Schiller Standard: What to Look for in Your Divorce Attorney

Having handled hundreds of complex divorces, I've seen what separates good attorneys from great ones. Schiller embodied these qualities:

Deep Expertise in Complex Assets

Schiller didn't just practice family law—he helped write Illinois divorce law. When you're dealing with multiple properties, business interests, or investment portfolios, you need someone who understands the nuances. I've seen too many cases where attorneys missed crucial details about asset valuation or tax implications that cost clients hundreds of thousands.

Strategic Thinking Beyond the Courtroom

Great divorce attorneys think three moves ahead. Schiller understood that today's decisions impact your financial security for decades. Whether it's structuring spousal support or protecting retirement assets, every choice creates ripple effects. Your attorney should be mapping out those consequences before you sign anything.

Discretion and Reputation

In Chicago's interconnected business and social circles, discretion isn't optional—it's essential. Schiller understood that protecting his clients' privacy was just as important as protecting their assets. When your divorce could impact business relationships or your children's well-being, you need an attorney who knows how to keep sensitive matters confidential.

What This Means for Your Divorce

If you're facing divorce, Schiller's legacy offers a roadmap for what to expect from excellent representation:

Your attorney should educate, not just advocate. The best attorneys help you understand your options and their long-term implications. If your lawyer isn't explaining the "why" behind their recommendations, find someone who will.

Experience with high-asset cases matters. Complex divorces involve unique challenges—business valuations, hidden assets, international holdings. General practice attorneys often miss these complexities. You need someone who's navigated these waters before.

Personality fit is crucial. Divorce is intensely personal. You'll be sharing intimate details about your marriage, finances, and fears. Schiller's clients trusted him because he listened without judgment and communicated clearly. Your attorney should make you feel heard, not hurried.

The Chicago Advantage

Chicago's family law bar is sophisticated because our city demands it. We have complex businesses, generational wealth, and intricate family structures. The attorneys who thrive here understand that every divorce is unique.

Schiller's passing reminds us that finding the right attorney isn't about the biggest name or the loudest advertising. It's about finding someone who combines legal excellence with genuine care for their clients' futures.

Moving Forward

If you're considering divorce or already in the process, ask yourself: does your attorney meet the Schiller standard? Are they protecting not just your immediate interests, but your long-term security and well-being?

The decisions you make now will impact the next chapter of your life. Make sure you have someone in your corner who understands that responsibility as deeply as Donald Schiller did.

Your future depends on it.

Written by Jonathan D. Steele

Chicago divorce attorney with cybersecurity certifications (Security+, CEH, ISC2). Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star 2016-2025.

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For more insights, read our Divorce Decoded blog.