Vikki S. Ziegler, Esq. is a multi-layered talent: a practicing attorney of matrimonial law and civil litigation; a television personality known for her commentaries on high-profile cases; an active volunteer for women’s and children’s charities; and the innovator of a unique and realistic approach to “divorce management.” Bringing together her insights as a divorce attorney, her childhood experience of her own parents’ divorce, and years of careful listening to clients and friends, Ziegler’s approach seeks to de-stigmatize divorce by allowing its empowering aspects to triumph. Her concrete pre-marital tips help couples avoid the pitfalls that can lead to divorce, and her step-by-step impact-management guide will prevent emotional and financial devastation for those facing the inevitable. Capable, qualified and compassionate, Ziegler holds a folio of accomplishments that speak for themselves.
Ziegler is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she studied Political Science, Sociology and Spanish, and Quinnipiac College School of Law in Hamden, Connecticut. While a student, she served as judicial law clerk to the Honorable Jerome Hornblaas in the Criminal Part of the State Supreme Court of New York and, in Rhode Island, worked for the Public Defender’s office in the Domestic Violence Unit and volunteered at a Battered Women’s Shelter.
Following law school graduation in 1998, Ziegler returned to her home state of New Jersey, where she served as a clerk to the Honorable Michael K. Diamond, presiding Judge in the Family Division of the Superior Court in Passaic County. While under Diamond’s tutelage, she trained as a mediator in small claims and landlord tenant matters, knowledge she has applied to her work as a divorce lawyer. Viewing mediation and settlement as the most beneficial outcome for all, she has successfully settled 99% of her cases to date.
In 1999, Ziegler entered private practice, specializing in the areas of matrimonial and civil litigation. She is a member of the Passaic County, Essex County and New Jersey State Bar Associations, as well as a member of the Northern New Jersey and Family Law Inns of Court. Over the course of her career, honors and distinctions have made steady arrival. She was nominated and appointed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey to the District XI Ethics Committee for Passaic County, a four year term of which she has completed as the Chairperson. In 2006, she was chosen as one of the “Top 40 Lawyers under 40” by the New Jersey Law Journal followed by the same recognition in 2008 by New Jersey Business News for her professional excellence and her commitment to her community. In 2011 and 2010, she was recognized as a rising star in the Super Lawyers Magazine and was named Top 50 Women in Business by the New Jersey Business News in March 2010. For the past eight years she has served as an Executive Panel Chair in Passaic, Morris and Essex Counties, assisting with recommendations for divorce settlement solutions. She also has volunteered her time and expertise to sit as a Moot Court Judge for Rutgers law students. She is currently an Adjunct Professor at Fordham Law School. She was featured in Image Magazine as the "local spotlight" for her achievements in New Jersey.
As an authoritative and motivational speaker, Ziegler shines. She has spoken on how to cope with the pressures of working for a judge and the law clerks role for their tenure at the law clerk “Boot Camp” for the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (New Jersey Chapter), on the First Amendment at the Institute of American and Talmudic Law for Continuing Legal Education for Attorneys, and on divorce and money for numerous accounting firms, including Merrill Lynch. In fact, Ziegler has been chosen to speak at a CPA convention where top accountants are gathering to discuss litigation tactics when facing forensic accountants in the context of trial. She also has taught the two day Family Law Practice seminar for the Institute For Continuing Legal Education with the Honorable Michael k. Diamond for over 150 lawyers. She spoke at the State Bar Convention on Social Media in 2011, for the American Bar Association on Social Media and Divorce, as well as a key note Speaker at the Annual Women's Empowerment Summit this summer. She is a teacher for the Marino Legal Group education new attorneys on Family Law Basics offering CLE credit for participants. She also speaks throughout the country all legal topics.
She is often called on to give her expert advice on television, radio and print for the past several years. She is on HLN/CNN, Fox News and Fox Business Channel weekly. She has been on CNBC, MSNBC, Fox 5, TAlk Soup on E!, ESPN and many other networks. She is also contributing to top publication such as People Magazine, Ok!, Life and Styles as well as www.popeater.com , www.thehuffingtonpost.com and www.hollywoodlife.com. She has been quoted in the NY Times, Washington Times, momlogic.com, E!news.com, yahoo.com, NY Post, Daily News and many others. Her vast media experience has made her a premiere legal expert.
Ziegler currently is awaiting publication of her next book entitled " The Pre-Marital Planner, "A Complete Legal Guide". Her movie entitled “Love, Lies and Litigation” a chick-lit legal thriller will be out in theaters in 2012. Her current published book “Premarital Survival Guide” for those approaching marriage to stay in it for the long haul which is available on her website and on Amazon.com. She also has co-authored legal articles for NY Divorce Magazine and the New Jersey Law Journal, titled “How Can I Keep My Legal Fees Down During My Divorce?” and “Know Your Limits,” respectively.
Charitable causes always have been an important aspect of Ziegler’s life. As a volunteer with Make a Wish Foundation – which grants wishes for terminally ill children – she ran the gift giving and charity events for the Passaic County Chapter for four years and met with families and helped plan wishes. She also volunteers at soup kitchens in New York City, collects for Toys for Tots each year, donates clothes for women in business, collects prom dresses and gowns for Catherine’s Closet, contributes to Chai Life Line – a Jewish organization that gives guidance to single mothers – and participates in food drives for the underprivileged with A Brand New Day every year. Her pro bono work with Partners for Women and Justice – an organization for indigent and battered women – continually exceeds her yearly requirement for New Jersey.
