Dean S. Dussias

Dean S. Dussias, Adoption Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 35 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, Alimony, and Business · 4.4/5 rating from 15 verified client reviews

Founding PartneratDussias Wittenberg Koenigsberger LLP

Chicago, IL

Practicing adoption in Chicago since 1991.

35+
Years practicing
4.4 ★
15 client reviews
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Dean S. Dussias is a founding partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Adoption, Alimony, and Business. Dean has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dussias Wittenberg Koenigsberger LLP. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 15 client reviews.

Based in
Chicago, IL
Experience
over 35 years
Known for
Adoption · Alimony · Business
  • Handles Adoption, Alimony, and Business matters from Chicago, IL.
  • Over 35 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Dean S. Dussias: Dean S. Dussias is a founding partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Adoption, Alimony, and Business. Dean has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dussias Wittenberg Koenigsberger LLP. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 15 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Dean S. Dussias

Dean concentrates on adoption, alimony, business, child custody, and child support. Each area below outlines the kind of case Dean handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Adoption cases in Chicago, Illinois

Dean takes adoption 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 Dean agrees to represent you.

Alimony cases in Chicago, Illinois

Dean takes alimony 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 Dean agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Chicago, Illinois

Dean takes business 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 Dean agrees to represent you.

Child Custody cases in Chicago, Illinois

Dean takes child custody 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 Dean agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Chicago, Illinois

Dean takes child support 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 Dean agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Dean S. Dussias — Over 35 years of Illinois adoption experience

Dean S. Dussias is a founding partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Adoption, Alimony, and Business. Dean has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dussias Wittenberg Koenigsberger LLP. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 15 client reviews.

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).

Working with Dean on a adoption matter

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…

Who Dean represents

Dean reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, alimony, and business matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Dean S. Dussias's legal education and bar admissions

  • University of Illinois Chicago School of Law

    J.D. Juris · 1991

  • Loyola University of Chicago Bachelors Degree

Jurisdictions

Dean's state bar admissions

  • Supreme Court

    1991 · ACTIVE

  • Illinois

    1991 · ACTIVE

Dean studied at J.D. Juris in University of Illinois Chicago School of Law and — in Loyola University of Chicago Bachelors Degree.

Law school and academic background

Dean completed J.D. Juris in University of Illinois Chicago School of Law and — in Loyola University of Chicago Bachelors Degree. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Dean runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Dean S. Dussias

Dean has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Dean S. Dussias's office in Chicago

Dean's primary office is at 250 South Wacker Drive, Suite 600, Chicago, IL, 60606. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Dussias Wittenberg Koenigsberger LLP

250 South Wacker Drive, Suite 600

Chicago, IL 60606

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Dean S. Dussias — 4.4/5 rating from 15 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Dean. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adoption attorneys in Chicago.

4.4

15 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Dean S. Dussias claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Dean S. Dussias — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Dean charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Dean'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; Dean will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a adoption attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adoption 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 Dean

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adoption 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. Dean confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Dean S. Dussias

  • How much does it cost to hire Dean for a adoption case?

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

  • Does Dean offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do adoption cases in Illinois typically take?

    Simple adoption 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. Dean gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

    Dean 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 — Dean 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 Dean?

    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. Dean will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Dean accepting new adoption clients right now?

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

Areas served

Adoption attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

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

More counsel

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