Schiller DuCanto & Fleck welcomes former Lake County judge as new partner
The law firm of Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP announces the addition of Judge Joseph Waldeck as a new partner to its legal team. Waldeck brings nearly 20 years of experience from the bench, previously serving as an Associate Judge in the 19th Circuit in Lake County. During his judicial career, he focused on juvenile, domestic abuse and family law matters.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve for the last two decades. During my tenure on the bench, I have developed a great deal of respect for the attorneys at Schiller DuCanto & Fleck. The firm has an established reputation of excellence in the practice of family law and I hold them in the highest regard for both their legal knowledge as well as their standard of ethics,” said Waldeck. “I look forward to returning to the practice of family law and I hope to offer my judicial experience, insight and knowledge to help navigate clients complex litigation to achieve the best possible results.”
The firm of Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP is the largest family law firm of its kind in the country. It is internationally recognized as a model for firms practicing in family law and primarily focusing on solving affluent clients’ problems to achieve the best possible results. Its mission of ensuring quality, knowledge and experience to clients is evident through numerous awards, including being named as one of the best law firms in 2011-2014 by U.S. News & World Report.It is also recognized as having outstanding lawyers in peer ratings and publications such as Best Lawyers in America and Law Dragon Top 500.
“With the addition of Judge Waldeck, our firm’s depth of experience from the bench continues to grow, enhancing the quality of service we provide. I have known Judge Waldeck for many years and am thrilled to welcome him to the firm,” said founding partner Don Schiller. “Seasoned in the practice of family law, Judge Waldeck’s extensive trial and litigation experience gives him a profound understanding of the mechanics of our courts, making him a tremendous asset to the firm. He is well respected both in the legal and local community and we look forward to him joining our practice.”
Waldeck will be working out of Chicago-based Schiller DuCanto & Fleck’s Lake Forest office. In addition to serving most of his career in Lake County, he is also a lifelong resident of Lake Forest with long-time family connections to the community. Remaining in the area was very important to Waldeck so he can continue his family’s tradition of dedication and public service. His father, Frank Waldeck, is the oldest living former mayor of the City of Lake Forest. He was raised with a strong sense of community pride and commitment, with both of his parents having sat on numerous boards and committees for the city. His wife, Catherine, currently serves as an alderman for the City of Lake Forest and serves on the Women’s Board of Northwestern/Lake Forest Hospital. Waldeck and his wife both previously served on the board for A Safe Place, a center for battered and abused individuals, and remain actively involved with the organization.
He is a member of the Illinois Judges Association and the Lake County Bar Association, and has presented at several Lake County Bar seminars. During Judge Waldeck’s term as Supervising Judge of Lake County’s Juvenile Court, he served as Chairman of the Lake County Teen Court program.
“I am honored to become a member of Schiller DuCanto & Fleck and look forward to continuing their tradition of giving back to the profession and the community,” said Waldeck.
Waldeck received a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and later earned his J.D. from Lewis University, now Northern Illinois University College of Law. After serving as a felony assistant in the Lake County State’s Attorney’s office, Waldeck entered private practice. He eventually started his own practice where he worked until he was appointed as a Lake County Judge in 1995.
About Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP
Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLPis the largest law firm in the country focusing exclusively on family law. Internationally recognized in the field of family law, its 46 lawyers have more than 700 years of combined experience and have been named as outstanding attorneys in peer ratings and publications including The Best Lawyers in America, Illinois Super Lawyers, and the Leading Lawyers Network. With three offices in the Chicagoland area, the firm’s large size is unique among family law firms. Using a team approach, the firm’s attorneys concentrate on particular practice areas within family and matrimonial law. Schiller DuCanto & Fleck’s talented lawyers have served the profession in many capacities including former Chief Judges of county Domestic Relations Divisions, former Justices of the Appellate Court and Judges of the Illinois Circuit Court. Its attorneys are on the faculties of several Chicago law schools and authors of numerous articles in state and national publications.
Schiller DuCanto & Fleck’s missionis to work with clients to solve problems and achieve the best possible result, providing a wide range of services tailored to its clients’ unique needs. As part of their commitment to the local community, the firm’s lawyers give a minimum of 40 hours a year to pro bono activities. In addition, DePaul University College of Law recognized Schiller DuCanto & Fleck by naming its family law center in honor of the firm. The Schiller DuCanto & Fleck Family Law Center is the largest center in the nation at an accredited law school focused on teaching students family law. For more information about Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP visit www.sdflaw.com