Whether meeting across the negotiation table or arguing before the bench, Nicholaus J. Dilly finds effective advocacy requires the incisive evaluation of each client’s case and goals, and strategic planning to determine the ideal path to final resolution. To that end, he is an adept analyst of clients’ wants and needs, and a skilled and astute litigator. He has deep mastery of disputes involving complex financial issues, allocation of parental responsibilities (formerly known as child custody), maintenance, child support, child expense contributions and other contests brought under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA).
Attracted by the broad, intellectually challenging and variable nature of family law, Mr. Dilly transitioned to the field from a general practice nearly a decade ago. His prior experience has served him well. “The path to resolution in a divorce case is never the same, and usually intersects with other areas of the law,” he says. “My extensive legal experience has enabled me to approach and solve problems creatively from a number of different angles.”
In pursuit of the best possible result for his clients, Mr. Dilly takes the time to listen and understand the unique circumstances and complexities of each case. “It is just as important to be able to know the law and argue persuasively on a client’s behalf as it is to provide him or her with sensible and empathetic guidance during what is often one of the most trying times that person’s life,” says Mr. Dilly.
Mr. Dilly taps his negotiation skills to help his clients avoid the emotional toll of contested litigation if a fair settlement is a possibility. “I pride myself in my civility and ability to work across the aisle with opposing counsels to find a reasonable settlement when doing so is in my client’s best interest,” Mr. Dilly says. “It’s more rewarding to have my client satisfied with a negotiated outcome where both sides are able to able to save face and keep their dignity than it is to secure a win through a contested trial.”
Mr. Dilly has earned the respect of judges and his peers in the legal community with an array of honors. He was named to Super Lawyers Rising Stars in Illinois in 2016 and 2017 – an honor selectively bestowed on the top 2.5% of lawyers 40-and-under or practicing 10 years or less. He was also honored with the Leading Lawyers Emerging Lawyers award in 2015, 2016 and 2017.
Education & Publication
Expertise
Nicholaus J. Dilly uses his mastery of disputes involving high net worth estates, business valuations, grandparent visitation, child relocation, appellate litigation, orders of protection and modification of existing financial support obligations to help Davis Friedman clients reach the best possible resolutions to their legal conflicts.
Education
- Loyola University Chicago School of Law, J.D., 2007
- University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management, B.S.B., 2004
- Certificate, National Family Law Trial Institute
Admissions
- Admitted to the Illinois Bar, 2007
Honors and Awards
- Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Illinois, 2016 – 2019
- Emerging Lawyers award in 2015, 2016 and 2017
Articles and Publications
- Contributor, Illinois Practice Series: Illinois Practice of Family Law, Volumes 12 & 14
Community Involvement
- Associate Board Member , Greater Chicago Food Depository