What Schiller DuCanto's Latest Move Means for Your High-Stakes Chicago Divorce

When talent moves at the top of Chicago's family law scene, it's never just about one person changing firms. It's a signal that something bigger is happening—and if you're navigating a high-stakes divorce right now, you need to understand what these industry shifts mean for you.

I've been practicing family law in Chicago for over two decades, and I've seen how changes at major firms like Schiller DuCanto ripple through the entire legal landscape. Here's what's really happening and how it affects your case.

Why Talent Movement Matters in Your Divorce

When experienced attorneys make strategic moves, it often reflects broader changes in how complex divorces are being handled. These shifts typically signal:

• New approaches to high-asset division strategies
• Evolving tactics in custody negotiations for affluent families
• Fresh perspectives on protecting business interests during dissolution
• Updated methods for handling complex financial portfolios

The reality? Your opposing counsel is already analyzing these changes. You should be too.

What This Means for Your Strategy Right Now

If you're in the middle of divorce proceedings, here's what I tell my clients when the legal landscape shifts:

Stay focused on your fundamentals. Industry changes don't alter the core principles of protecting your assets and your children. But they do mean your legal team needs to be plugged into the latest strategies and countermoves.

Don't panic about timing. I've had clients ask if they should rush to settle or delay proceedings when they hear about firm changes. The answer is almost always neither. Your timeline should be dictated by your specific situation, not industry gossip.

Leverage the opportunity. When the market is in flux, experienced attorneys often become more available or open to strategic partnerships. If you've been considering upgrading your representation, now might be the time.

The Real Questions You Should Be Asking

Instead of wondering about who's moving where, focus on what matters for your case:

• Is your current attorney actively networking with other top practitioners to stay current on evolving strategies?
• Does your legal team have relationships across all the major family law firms in Chicago? (Trust me, this matters more than you think.)
• Are you getting insights that feel fresh and strategic, or does your counsel feel stuck in old patterns?

What I'm Seeing in High-Net-Worth Cases Right Now

The sophisticated divorce strategies I'm implementing today look different than they did even two years ago. We're seeing:

• More creative business valuation approaches as companies adapt to post-pandemic realities
• Increased focus on digital asset protection (yes, cryptocurrency and NFTs are now regular parts of our asset discussions)
• Evolving spousal support calculations that account for remote work flexibility
• New privacy protection strategies for public figures and business leaders

Your Next Steps

Whether you're just beginning divorce proceedings or you're deep in negotiations, here's my advice:

Audit your team. Make sure your attorney is actively engaged with the broader Chicago family law community. Isolation leads to outdated strategies.

Think beyond the immediate. The legal landscape will keep evolving. Choose representation that adapts rather than simply reacts.

Protect what matters most. Industry changes are interesting, but your children's wellbeing and your financial security are what really matter.

I've guided hundreds of high-net-worth Chicago families through divorce, including during major industry shifts. The clients who fare best aren't the ones who panic about every development—they're the ones who work with counsel that stays ahead of the curve while keeping their specific goals front and center.

If you're questioning whether your current representation is positioned for success in today's evolving landscape, that conversation might be worth having sooner rather than later.

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.