Education
University of Chicago Law School, J.D. (2002)
University of Illinois at Chicago, B.A. (English and Psychology) with highest departmental distinction in English and honors (1999)
Erika Wyatt is a partner at Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP whose practice is devoted exclusively to family law. She represents affluent clients and has successfully litigated and settled many cases involving complex and/or unique financial and custody issues. An ardent proponent of marriage equality, in 2011, Erika settled the first civil union dissolution case filed in Sangamon County, Illinois.
With her background in psychology, Erika focuses on working with her clients to determine their goals for the dissolution process and beyond. She prioritizes what is important for her clients, educates them on their available options, and guides them through the decision-making process. In order to obtain the best result possible for each client, Erika utilizes all available methods, including settlement, negotiation, and litigation.
Erika earned her Bachelor’s degree with high honors from the University of Illinois (Chicago) and her Doctor of Law degree from the University of Chicago Law School, where she participated in the Mandel Clinic representing indigent victims of police abuse. At University of Chicago, she won the prestigious Mandel Award for her exceptional contributions to the clinical education program. She joined Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP in 2006 following several years of commercial litigation practice, including the representation of major corporations in both federal and state courts and litigation cases involving sophisticated bank fraud, complex breach of contract, ERISA, personal injury, employment issues, and equine law.
- Best Lawyers in America (2016-2024)
- Leading Lawyers Network (2013-2023)
- Illinois Super Lawyer (2017-2023)
- Illinois Super Lawyers - Rising Star (2013)
- Law Dragon 500 Leading Family Lawyer (2020)
- DuPage Legal Assistance Foundation Pro Bono Service Award (2009)
- DuPage Bar Legal Aid Pro Bono Award (2006-2007)
- Edwin F. Mandel Award (2002)
- Bernard Shaw Scholar
- Van Keuren Award Winner
- Listed in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities (1999)
- Illinois (2003)
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois (2003)
- Georgia (2019)
Memberships
- American Sloughi Association (President)
- DuPage County Animal Law Committee (Past Chair)
- DuPage County Bar Association (Member, Family Law Committee, Animal Law Committee)
- DuPage County Domestic Relations Court Custody Advisory Committee (Chairperson, 2012)
- Illinois Joint Congressional Task Force on Breeders and Pet Stores (2009)
- Illinois State Bar Association (Member, Family Law Section, Animal Law Section)
- International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association
- International Kennel Club of Chicago (Vice President)
- Kane County Bar Association (Member, Family Law Committee)
- United States Dressage Federation
- United States Equestrian Federation
- University of Illinois at Chicago Honors College (1994-1999)
Academic Positions
- Lecturer at Law, University of Chicago Law School, 2012 - present
Articles and Publications
- U.S. to Deny Visas to Unmarried Same-Sex Partners of Diplomats
- Newsletter - Winter 2018
- New Illinois divorce law would give pet custody to better owner
- Erika N. Wyatt was featured in a documentary on the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show that aired on Fox Sports One
- Erika N. Wyatt was interviewed on Fox News regarding pet custody
- New Illinois divorce law would give pet custody to better owner
- Divorce Court judges can now ask, who’s a good pet owner?
- Pet Custody Comes to Illinois
- Marriage Equality and Divorce Equality Reach Illinois
- The Emotional Cost of Divorce Proceedings
- US Senate Approves Gay Rights Bill
- Adultery in Divorce Cases
- IRS Recognizes Same Sex Marriage for Federal Income Tax Purposes
- Lesbian Couple Seeks Spousal Immunity in Kentucky Murder Trial
- Preparing For Summer Co-Parenting
- Loving v. Virginia: Thoughts on Gay Marriage
- Planning Tips for Stress-Free Holidays
Erika is passionate about animal law and welfare. She is a competitive dressage rider and an active member of the dog fancy. In 2009, she was appointed to the Illinois Joint Congressional Task Force on Breeders and Pet Stores to give recommendations to the Illinois General Assembly regarding comprehensive legislative changes proposed to the Animal Welfare Act and the Humane Care for Animals Act. She has testified before multiple state legislatures regarding animal legislation. She is the past Chair and current member of the DuPage County Animal Law Committee, a member of the Illinois State Bar Association Animal Law Section, and an officer of two national not-for-profit kennel clubs.
Authorships
- Author, Inside the Minds: Recent Developments in Animal Law (chapter on Exotic Animal Legislation); Thomson Reuters/Westlaw. (2015)
Speaker
- Moderator, Pride Kick-off Continuing Legal Education Presentation, May 2017
- Exotic Animal Legislation Affecting Herpetoculture (DuPage County Bar Association Animal Law Committee CLE, 2012)
- The Federal Animal Welfare Act (DuPage County Bar Association Animal Law Committee CLE, 2012)
- Proposition 8 and The Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Unions Act (ACLU of Springfield, 2011)
- Representing Upscale Victims of Domestic Violence (Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, 2011)
- Fee Awards Under Section 508(b) (DuPage County Bar Association, Family Law Committee CLE, 2011)
