Excellent representation in difficult custody case
Zanita was a tremendous asset during a very tumultuous time for my family. She took the time to understand my situation and she provided good practical advice, beyond just legal advice, through the entire process. In a rapid exchange with another lawyer, Zanita demonstrated knowledge of the law that clearly surpassed the other lawyer. My custody case had some unique challenges but Zanita expertly navigated the situation to the best possible resolution. It was a difficult time in my life, but I will always be glad that I had Zanita on my team.
Zanita or Z as she likes to be called, took me through my divorce with a great deal of concern for me as well as for my children. Z didn't let my "hurry up, I just want it over" emotional responses to the divorce proceedings cost me in my sanity or in my settlement. She certainly is not the stereotypical lawyer yet with a combination of compassion for all sides (children have a side with her), toughness at the negotiation table and experience practicing law she is a lawyer I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to family and friends going through a divorce.
For over 40 years I have dedicated my practice to ably and effectively representing families in conflict and/or in crisis. My goal has always been to provide effective, thorough, caring, and creative divorce and family law solutions. My primary aim is to resolve cases favorably for clients without the costly necessity for Court intervention, and thus a full range of collaborative and mediation services are provided. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods are now the wave of the future, as they provide both a respectful and dignified way to resolve emotionally charged family issues without court intervention.
The collaborative model allows the parties to advocate their needs and interests, and allows them to participate directly in the restructuring of their families. The process is extremely child centered and is a healthier more holistic method of resolving parenting issues. I am passionately committed to the collaborative process, since I believe that this ADR model best supports families and keeps children'sneeds and concerns paramount.
I also provide collaborative and mediation services in other civil areas, including labor disputes, employment disputes, estate disputes and the like.
I graduated from Brandeis University, magna cum laude, and from Temple Law School in 1975. I began practicing under rule 11 in 1974 and was the first woman to practice law in Erie. I founded the Collaborative Professionals of Northwest PA (CPNWPA) and was its President for a number of years. I am now chair of the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) Collaborative Law Committee and the chair of the subcommittee on Legislation, including the Pennsylvania Collaborative Law Act (PCLA). I have also searved for several years on the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP) UCLA Advisory Panel. I am a member of the PBA Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee and drafter of the Pennsylvania Collaborative Law Act. I have also been published and train widely in collaborative practice matters as well as mediation matters.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent representation in difficult custody case
Zanita was a tremendous asset during a very tumultuous time for my family. She took the time to understand my situation and she provided good practical advice, beyond just legal advice, through the entire process. In a rapid exchange with another lawyer, Zanita demonstrated knowledge of the law that clearly surpassed the other lawyer. My custody case had some unique challenges but Zanita expertly navigated the situation to the best possible resolution. It was a difficult time in my life, but I will always be glad that I had Zanita on my team.
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Posted by Sarah | June 27, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Compassionate yet tough a good combination
Zanita or Z as she likes to be called, took me through my divorce with a great deal of concern for me as well as for my children. Z didn't let my "hurry up, I just want it over" emotional responses to the divorce proceedings cost me in my sanity or in my settlement. She certainly is not the stereotypical lawyer yet with a combination of compassion for all sides (children have a side with her), toughness at the negotiation table and experience practicing law she is a lawyer I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to family and friends going through a divorce.
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Posted by Karen | June 21, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
From my first consultation, through my many questions to the final meeting, Zanita was understanding, caring, knowledgeable and had my best interest in mind. Divorce is never an easy undertaking and Zanita was sure to listen to my specific needs and wants. She led me through areas that were difficult with understanding for how I was feeling. Navigating through all the financial paperwork, settling assets and negotiating through the opposing attorney. Zanita certainly cares for her clients and works towards an end result that suits their needs. I highly recommend her services.
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Posted by anonymous | June 21, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The best!!!!!
Everyone who has ever needed to file for divorce knows that things usually aren't pleasant. When it came time to get matters in order it ended up being the most pleasant legal experience of my life thanks to Zanita. One of the most professional, hard working, and knowledgeable lawyers anyone could ask for.
Posted by Heather | June 21, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Divorce Attorney
I could not have been more pleased with Zanita. She was very professional and made me feel very comfortable and secure. She helped to guide me through the entire process and made a not so desirable thing to have to go through very, very manageable. She put together an absolutely fabulous collaboration team. With this set in place, the process went quickly and smoothly and most importantly gave the utmost support to our children.
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Posted by Pamela | June 20, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Five-Star Rating!
Zanita was a breath of fresh air for me. I went to the initial consultation nervous and upset, but from the moment I sat down she put me at ease and made me feel comfortable. She clearly explained the process we'd be going through; I felt that with her guidance, I was in control of the situation; and I was confident that she had the knowledge, experience, and compassion to lead me through the process of a collaborative divorce. Over the next several months, we had great communication, and Zanita would check in with me to make sure everything was going as planned. She worked diligently and put all parties involved at ease. I can't thank her enough for her compassionate, thorough work.
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Posted by anonymous | June 20, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Respected, experienced compassionate attorney
Zanita is an experienced family attorney who cares about her clients. She seeks to be a peacemaker and to ensure that the family unit is not harmed in the divorce process. She is thorough and has a vast knowledge of family law including traditional litigation, mediation, and collaborative law.
Posted by Josh & Kim | March 24, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
What a great caring lawyer
I have never seen such a honest caring lawyer. I'm so glad that we were referred to Zanita. She actually cared about the children and the situation that we were in. She was very honest with us and didn't give it to us lightly. When your told the truth from your lawyer right from the beginning you are prepared for the results. I would recommend Zanita to anyone who is looking for a resolution to any child custody matters. Thanks again Zanita. We couldn't have done it without you.
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Posted by Michael | November 26, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Kind, Compassionate - Effective
I could not have asked for a better person to have in my corner. Zanita helped make a very difficult situation easier to navigate. She communicated every step of the way so there were no surprises. I knew exactly what to expect and was impressed as to how well prepared she always was. She made sure I was prepared as well, for any and all outcomes. In the end, she successfully represented me in both my divorce and custody cases and made sure the outcome was in my and my kids best interests. I would definitely recommend her as she always makes sure to do what is best for her clients. Not only is she knowledgeable, but she is a kind and compassionate person. This made working with Z very easy.
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Posted by anonymous | March 14, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantastic divorce lawyer!
Zanita handled my divorce and custody. She is tremendous! She's understanding, kind, and compassionate, yet a bulldog when need be. Her work in and out of court was nothing short of amazing. Zanita's reputation certainly precedes her.
Posted by anonymous | February 10, 2013
Excellent family lawyer
I hired Zanita to handle my divorce and custody. She was honest, dedicated and kept me thoroughly informed. Zanita is very passionate about her work and it shows.
Posted by Ann | June 13, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Divorce attorney, Initial consultation
Unprofessional and condescending during the initial consultation. She came highly recommended however I was surprised at the lack of empathy and understanding she demonstrated. I did not feel comfortable with her. She was not a good listener.
I can't recall positive things about her. She also strikes me as vindictive and someone I want to stay clear from.
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Response from Zanita Zacks-GabrielJune 21, 2017
I must say I was extraordinarily shocked to read this negative review. I am a collaborative lawyer, mediator, trainer and peacemaker. I work with families in crisis to help bring them through it in the best possible way. I quite frankly pride myself on my listening skills and the ability to guide families through crisis with a minimum of conflict. I would urge anyone reading this review to please go to my website and read the other reviews on this site.
As to this particular review, I checked my “master client file list” and see that I have not represented any “Ann” since March 24, 2016. In fact, that file was closed with a very happy client who had reconciled with her partner. I have not consulted with an “Ann” since that date. I also reviewed my intake records since February 2017 and have reviewed each of my files. None of them were an “Ann”, and none of them brought in an “Ann” with them into their meeting. I have not met an “Ann” and I have not consulted with an “Ann.” I also reviewed all my AVVO contacts, and none of them have been from an “Ann.” I have read the AVVO community guidelines, and I am somewhat surprised this review remains posted. I do not represent and I have not consulted with an “Ann.
All of that being said, I am terribly sorry that “Ann” had such a bad experience with my office resulting in such a negative review. I try in each and every case to satisfy my clients. Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the negative review and, again my apologies if anyone truly took umbrage with my services. I pride myself on my listening, my compassion and my ability to help people.
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Family Attorney | Aug 17
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer without any reservation. Zanita is an excellent attorney. She is very thorough and always has her client's best interests at heart."
Family Attorney | Jun 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Zanita is an experienced family attorney who cares about her clients. She seeks to be a peacemaker and to ensure that the family unit is not harmed in the divorce process. She is thorough and has a vast knowledge of family law including traditional litigation, mediation, and collaborative law."