team-member

Zanita Zacks-Gabriel

Erie, PA

Licensed for 46 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Child custody

Language

English

About

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. 

Practices Areas

Child custody

Child support

Divorce and separation

Family

Language

English

Contact

402 W 6th StErie, PA, 16507-1216402 W 6th StErie, PA, 16507-1216

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

Caitlyn
March 1, 2021

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.

Sarah
June 27, 2017

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.

Karen
June 21, 2017

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.

anonymous
June 21, 2017

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.

Heather
June 21, 2017

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.

Pamela
June 20, 2017

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.

anonymous
June 20, 2017

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.

Josh & Kim
March 24, 2017

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.

Michael
November 26, 2016

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.

anonymous
March 14, 2016

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.

Caitlyn
March 1, 2021

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.

Sarah
June 27, 2017

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.

Karen
June 21, 2017

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.

anonymous
June 21, 2017

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.

Heather
June 21, 2017

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.

Pamela
June 20, 2017

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.

anonymous
June 20, 2017

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.

Josh & Kim
March 24, 2017

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.

Michael
November 26, 2016

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.

anonymous
March 14, 2016

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.

Caitlyn
March 1, 2021

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.

Sarah
June 27, 2017

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.

Karen
June 21, 2017

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.

anonymous
June 21, 2017

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.

Heather
June 21, 2017

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.

Pamela
June 20, 2017

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.

anonymous
June 20, 2017

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.

Josh & Kim
March 24, 2017

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.

Michael
November 26, 2016

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.

anonymous
March 14, 2016

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.