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David Zwaska, ADR Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 14 years of legal practice · focused on ADR and Family Law

Merel Family Law

Chicago, IL

Practicing adr in Chicago since 2012.

14+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

Practices in

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Quick answer

David Zwaska is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on ADR and Family Law. David has over 14 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Merel Family Law.

Based in
Chicago, ILLINOIS
Experience
over 14 years
Known for
ADR · Family Law
  • Handles ADR and Family Law matters from Chicago, ILLINOIS.
  • Over 14 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026).

About David Zwaska: David Zwaska is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on ADR and Family Law. David has over 14 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Merel Family Law.

Areas of practice

Legal matters David takes on

David concentrates on adr and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

ADR cases in Chicago, Illinois

David takes adr matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Chicago, Illinois

David takes family law matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet David Zwaska — adr lawyer in Chicago

David Zwaska is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on ADR and Family Law. David has over 14 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Merel Family Law.

David Zwaska is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law and Family Law Mediation.

David, who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

How David handles adr matters

David Zwaska is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law and Family Law Mediation. David, who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

The kind of cases David takes

David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr and family law matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • DePaul University

    J.D. · 2012

Jurisdictions

David's state bar admissions

  • Illinois, Illinois S

    2012 · ACTIVE

David studied at J.D. in DePaul University.

Law school and academic background

David completed J.D. in DePaul University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

David has received 2 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Family Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Family Law Mediation

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Family Law Mediation (2026).

Locations

David Zwaska's office in Chicago

David's primary office is at 440 W Randolph Ave., Chicago, Illinois, 60606. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Merel Family Law

440 W Randolph Ave.

Chicago, Illinois 60606

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of David Zwaska

David has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire David Zwaska — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a adr attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for David

David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adr matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about David Zwaska

  • How much does it cost to hire David for a adr case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does David offer a free consultation?

    David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.

  • How long do adr cases in Illinois typically take?

    Simple adr matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can David take my case if I'm outside Chicago?

    David is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with David?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is David accepting new adr clients right now?

    David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

ADR attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

David handles adr matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If David's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adr attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.