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Schiller DuCanto & Fleck's Thomas Villanti Named Top 40 Under 40 By National Trial Lawyers

New Port Richey native recognized as a top young attorney in Illinois

National Trial Lawyers has named family law attorney Thomas Villanti, an associate at Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP one of its Top 40 Under 40 trial attorneys.  With this recognition, Villanti joins an elite group of attorneys recognized by this professional organization as America’s top young trial attorneys who exemplify superior qualifications, trial results and leadership as trial lawyers.

Thomas Villanti concentrates his practice on complex family law cases, including the distribution of multi-million dollar estates and complicated child custody disputes.  As one of the founding members of Schiller DuCanto & Fleck’s Sports and Entertainment Group, Villanti focuses in the unique family law issues relevant to professional athletes and entertainers.

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“Athletes and public figures require special support in protecting their assets, privacy and reputations because both their career and personal life is in the spotlight. We work hard to be sensitive to those needs and ensure the best possible results for everyone involved,” said Villanti.

Villanti is the son of the Hon. Craig C. Villanti, an appellate court judge for the Florida Second District Court of Appeals in Tampa, Fla. Villanti’s father-in-law, Fernando Cuza, resides in Sarasota, Fla., and runs a management agency for professional athletes. Villanti’s long exposure to the law and unique access to the sports industry helped Villanti realize the need for family law attorneys sensitive to athletes, who often present extraordinary concerns relative to their prenuptial agreements, divorce, custody and parentage needs.  

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Villanti represents former and current players of numerous professional athletic organizations, including the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Bulls, Texas Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, Chicago Cubs and the Tennessee Titans.

Originally from New Port Richey, Fla., Villanti is a graduate of River Ridge High School and went on to receive both his bachelor’s degree and J.D. from the University of Florida. After graduation, he moved to Chicago and joined Schiller DuCanto & Fleck, the nation’s largest law firm focusing exclusively on family law. Although located in the Midwest, Villanti and his firm represent clients from across the country. In addition to being named a Top 40 Under 40 attorney by the National Trial Lawyers, the Illinois Super Lawyers magazine has named Villanti a “Rising Star” for three consecutive years.

“We are lucky to have young attorneys like Thomas who continue to perform and be recognized as leaders in their field,” said founding partner Don Schiller. “His background both personally and professionally make him uniquely qualified to represent this industry and he is an asset to our firm.”

Villanti, 31, currently lives in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood with his wife. Thomas enjoys various intramural sports and participating in cross fit training and competitions. He is active in his community and dedicates his spare time to several philanthropic organizations. He recently served as a host for The Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women's Network and regularly contributes to the Boys and Girls Club of Chicago. He is also the former vice president and co-founder of Design for a Cure, a nonprofit organization that integrates art and design to help fund the science and advancement of colon cancer research and awareness.

About Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP 

Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP is the largest law firm in the country focusing exclusively on family law. Internationally recognized in the field of family law, its 44 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 mission is 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.

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