Meet Jessica Zadjura
Jessica is a compassionate and dedicated Family Law lawyer. With a heart that truly understands the complexities of familial relationships, she is committed to guiding you through any legal challenges with empathy and expertise. As an experienced professional and a blended family member, she firmly believes that every family deserves the best possible outcome in their legal matters. Jessica is also an advocate for children during the divorce process. Her primary focus is on ensuring the well-being and best interests of the children involved. Divorce can be a challenging and emotionally charged time for families, and children may be particularly vulnerable during this transition period. In addition to divorce matters, Jessica is well-versed in simple estate planning, mediation, custody and child support, and adoption procedures.
QUICK Q&A
What degrees do you hold, and from what universities?
I received a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland. I also hold a Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore.
What led you to law and specifically the family law practice area? How many years have you been practicing?
I always wanted to be an attorney growing up. I suspect my parents would agree that I enjoyed arguing as a kid, so becoming an attorney was a good fit.
In law school, I anticipated practicing estate planning and probate, as that was the area of law I worked in during law school. When I graduated, though, the job market could have been better, and the attorney I worked for was approaching retirement. I stumbled into family law and enjoyed it and had much to bring besides my law degree.
What specific areas of Family Law are you most passionate about and why?
Anything involving children is incredibly important to me. Children should be every parent’s focus in a custody or divorce case, and unfortunately, sometimes that gets lost in parents’ anger, frustration, resentment, etc., towards one another.
What are the most significant legal issues or changes currently impacting Family Law?
The upcoming changes in the grounds for divorce, including removing fault-based grounds and limited divorce, are one of the most significant changes in family law since I began practicing over a decade ago.
There have been more minor shifts related to the grounds for divorce in that time, but the basis of much of family law has remained relatively the same.
What advice would you give someone considering a career in Family Law?
I recommend anyone going to law school or considering a career in law, not just family law, to intern for a law firm, observe in court, find a mentor, etc. One of the things I wish I had more of before I graduated from law school was practical exposure.
What qualities should I consider when selecting a family law attorney?
Someone who is compassionate, empathetic, will listen to you, is detailed-oriented, and can communicate well with you as a client is incredibly important.
Why do you recommend hiring a family law attorney for my divorce?
Going through a divorce is an incredibly stressful, overwhelming time when you, as a party to a divorce, will be faced with making many long-term decisions for you, your children, your finances, etc. Having an attorney who can explain all of the options and help guide you through the process (and the complex court system) is invaluable when navigating such a life-altering time.
Are you a mediator?
Yes. I have completed 40-hour mediation training and the 20-hour mediation training in child custody and marital property, as required by the Maryland Rules of Court to serve as a third-party neutral to mediate an array of family law matters.
What can I expect if I selected you as my attorney?
One of the things that were most important to me when I started my practice in 2023 was the ability to make sure that none of my clients feel rushed through the process and that each client has a comfortable space to ask questions and gain legal advice.
I firmly believe that a client’s time on the phone with me, when exchanging emails or meeting in person, is for that client only, and I strive to give each client the personal attention and time their case deserves.