James Zuba has a firm handshake and an easy smile – and he prefers you just call him “Jim.” After just a few minutes of chatting, it’s easy to see how he has built a successful family law practice. His ability to connect on a personal level while conveying a spirit of ultimate professionalism makes his clients feel understood and well-counseled. He thrives when presented with a challenge and always remembers the very personal nature of his work.
“I want my clients to know I will listen and fight for what’s right,” Jim shared. “I’ll also be very clear about what is a reasonable outcome.”
Jim’s natural ability to sort through complexity makes sense when you understand his unconventional path to law. While always drawn to the legal profession, he decided instead to pursue a degree in accounting. This was inspired by his father, who owned an accounting firm, as well as his own natural affinity for numbers and detail. After graduation from Arizona State University, he quickly set to work as an accountant. He worked as a C.P.A. for two international accounting firms, and eventually realized that the satisfaction he wanted from his professional career just wasn’t there. He turned to Linda, his high school sweetheart and wife, to share his desire to become an attorney.
Jim recalled, “I had progressed in my career, but I wasn’t internally satisfied. I sat down with my wife and told her that I wanted to go to law school. She said, ‘Then do it.’”
The young couple juggled the demands of life with Jim attending law school, where, as he suspected, he fell in love with law and especially litigation. He had the opportunity to complete an internship with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago, and after graduation was offered a full-time position – a rare opportunity for new attorneys.
Working at the U.S. Attorney’s office fast-tracked Jim’s experience – within just one month he was giving closing arguments in a jury trial. He contributed to significant cases, attended training seminars in Washington D.C., and learned from some of the best attorneys around. He felt a part of a high-functioning team, all focused on the shared values of serving the community and doing what was right. In his 12-year tenure with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Jim had some significant wins including prosecuting tax fraud, mail fraud, and perhaps most dramatically, successfully prosecuting 31 members of the Gangster Disciples, a street gang charged with narcotics and firearms offenses.
While he loved his time with the U.S. Attorney’s office, Jim also recognized the need for a shift. With a growing family and a desire to be rewarded for successes, he began working for – and eventually took over – a family law practice which became Zuba & Associates. Private practice was an environment that suited him well, and Jim quickly earned a reputation for his tenacity, professionalism, and integrity. His business and financial background was an asset, giving him the skills to help clients with the most complicated cases.
With his track record of success, there is no doubt that Jim is a talented and skilled litigator. However, his most notable trait is potentially a clear dedication to fairness, consistently focusing on what is right, what is legal, and what is reasonable.
“As a family law attorney, you may be providing counsel to someone through one of the worst periods of their life,” he said. “In family law, there should be no winners and losers. Everyone should ultimately want a fair result.”
While Jim was happy practicing for himself and wasn’t necessarily looking to join a larger firm, when the opportunity from WilliamsMcCarthy presented itself, he couldn’t help but be interested. He missed being part of a team, having colleagues and extended support staff available to assist, learn from and grow with. WilliamsMcCarthy offered all that and more.
“WilliamsMcCarthy is one of the most respected firms in our region. The attorneys here are ethical, professional, hard-working, and good at their jobs. It allows me to work with a group of people, which reminded me of what I liked most about the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” he said.
Jim decided to officially move his practice to WilliamsMcCarthy in July of 2024 with one requirement – that he also be able to bring over his Executive Assistant. He’s enjoying the new environment and looks forward to continuing his practice for many years to come. He still focuses on family law, but leaves the door open for matters in other areas to which his experience and expertise may draw him.
When not working, Jim still challenges himself. He recently completed an Ironman competition, sharing that it “sounded crazy but was one of the most rewarding things” he’d ever done. He’s an avid fisherman and Chicago White Sox fan (particularly challenging in 2024), and he connects every couple of months for poker nights with a group of close friends from high school. He’s extremely proud of his three adult children, whom he says are a lot like their mother, his wife Linda, whom he regards as an inspiration.
“She’s a tireless advocate,” he said. “And we have that in common. We both fight for what is right.”
James Zuba is an attorney with WilliamsMcCarthy LLP. He focuses his practice on family law and other areas that his experience and expertise may draw him to and can be reached at jtzjd@wilmac.com or 815-987-8941.
