Dean S. Dussias

Summary

A practitioner in the area of family law for over 30 years, Dean Dussias has built his reputation by representing entrepreneurs, executives and other prominent clients in high profile and financially complicated cases with a careful, discreet approach that solves problems and mitigates risks. 

While there are some cases involving children or unforeseen financial roadblocks that present unavoidable delays, Dean has learned from his vast experience that in most cases, the best approach is a pragmatic, business-minded plan.  All too often, lawyers spend years in litigation only to have their clients come to a result that’s the same, if not actually worse, than the deal that two properly-counseled clients could have reached very early on in their case.  Dean’s singular focus for his clients is to get them out of the divorce process and help them move forward. Sometimes that happens as a result of mediation or a negotiated settlement; other times it’s a longer process of litigation or cleaning up a previous lawyer’s mess. However it goes, though, Dean’s clients know that he’s their “get it done” lawyer.

Dean’s achievements and qualifications as a top resource for high-net-worth individuals have earned him multiple awards and honors. 

Dean has been a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) since 1999 and has served as the Past President of AAML’s Illinois Chapter. Academy Fellows are generally recognized by judges and lawyers as preeminent family law practitioners with a high level of knowledge, skill and integrity. Only 1,600 attorneys across the United States hold this fellowship, which requires passing a rigorous examination and demonstrating substantial trial experience as lead counsel in matters related to custody, child support, division of property, alimony, or spousal support.

Dean has also been listed in The Best Lawyers in America and is recognized by the Leading Lawyers Network as being among the top lawyers in Illinois in family law. Throughout his career, he has been honored by multiple bar and professional organizations for his work. As a young lawyer, Dean was selected by Law Bulletin Media as one of “40 under Forty attorneys to watch in Illinois.”  Since then, Dean has received an AV rating under the Martindale-Hubbell ® Lawyer Rating System, indicating that he “has reached the height of professional excellence” and “is recognized for the highest levels of skill and integrity.” Dean also has been recognized as an Illinois “Super Lawyer” every year since 2008. Super Lawyers are selected by their peers and are “considered among the best in their profession” and “represent the top 5% of the practicing attorneys in Illinois.”

Dean gives lectures and writes articles for legal publications about the latest developments in family law. He has been a faculty member and lecturer at the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education (IICLE) and often appears in the media talking about divorce related topics. He is a member in good standing with the Chicago Bar Association (CBA), the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) and the American Bar Association (ABA).

Dean is fluent in the Greek language and is a member (and former Board member) of the Hellenic Bar Association (HBA).

Awards

Tier 1 recognition by US News and World Report as one of Illinois:
- Best Law Firms
- Best Lawyers of America
- Illinois Super Lawyers
- Leading Lawyers

AV Preeminent® Attorney - Judicial Edition, Martindale-Hubbell
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
Recipient of the “Forty Under 40" Award, Law Bulletin Media
Distinguished Professional Achievement Award from the Hellenic Bar Association, 2011

Education

B.A., Loyola University of Chicago
J.D., University of Illinois Chicago School of Law

Memberships

Past President & Fellow:
- Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

Chicago Bar Association
Illinois State Bar Association
American Bar Association

Bar Admissions

Illinois, 1991
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, 1991