Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP is pleased to announce thatElaineKnowles has been named as one ofLaw Bulletin Media’s “40 Under Forty” Illinois attorneys to watch for 2022.Honorees of this prestigious award are selected based on intelligence, passion, community involvement and a willingness to work hard and be successful in their areas of practice. This year, Elaine earned recognitionout of more than 1,500 nominees throughout Illinois.Aveteran practitioner withover adecade of experience, Elaine is lauded for her extraordinary ability to build strong relationships not only with her clients, but with opposing counsel as well. She prides herself onalways maintainingthe highest level of civility and professionalism. Lynn Weisberg ofGardiner Koch Weisberg & Wronawho worked with Elaine on a particularly contentious case said, "Elaine is smart, prepared and well-versed in both the prosecution and defense of her case. Further, she builds bridges with opponents, rather than burns them, which is rare in the area of domestic relations.” Elaine deeply cares about her clients and skillfully counsels them so they fully understand the pros and cons of the case strategy implemented in order to achieve the client’s desired goals. Elaine focuses her practice onnegotiating and litigating complex family law matters involving business valuations, high conflict custody issues and domestic violence. Shebelieves that communication and honesty are crucial in developing case strategies for her clients in order to obtain the best possible outcomes. She works closely with her clients to help them evaluate their goals and provides realistic advice regarding how best to achieve those objectives.Another nominator who has worked with Elaine on several mediations noted, "[Elaine's]skill in negotiations is stellar. It is clear to me that she is a good, strong advocate."Prior to relocating to Chicago, Elaine was a successful family law attorney in Maryland. Her former colleagueRobert Kostecka, partner with Paradiso, Taub, Sinay, Owel & Kostecka said, "Elaine has exceptional advocacy skills, including mediation, collaborative law and at trial. She has the ability to work with clients of differing backgrounds and has exceptional writing skills and financial acumen."Elaine earned her J.D. from American University - Washington College of Law. Among her many career achievements, Elaine has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America, Illinois Leading Lawyers, andSuper Lawyers.In addition to her busy legal career, Elaine is passionate about helping children who are battling cancer, which is why she donates and helps raise funds for research and grant projects through Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, a childhood cancer research organization. She hasalso been a member of the Innovators Program through Lurie Children's Hospital. Learn more about Elaine here.