Attorney at Law Magazine sat down with Chicago criminal defense lawyer, Vadim A. Glozman, the founder of the Law Offices of Vadim A. Glozman, to discuss his career and his outlook on the profession.
AALM: Tell us about your path to become a criminal defense lawyer.
VG: During my internship at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, I saw people in one of the worst, if not the worst, situation of their life – facing the weight of the entire system against them. This experience evoked a profound sense of empathy within me.
Growing up, I often had the feeling of being underestimated and overlooked. Despite my affiliation with the State, I instinctively found myself championing the underdog, compelled to stand by their side and fight on their behalf. This experience led me to pursue a job with a criminal defense lawyer – and I have never looked back.
No matter your resources, the moment you find yourself pitted against the might of the government, you become an underdog. The responsibility bestowed upon me, as clients place their trust in my ability to guide them through such challenging circumstances, both humbles and energizes me. I cannot envision myself engaged in any other pursuit.
AALM: Tell us about your mentor, Ed Genson, and some of the best lessons he taught you.
VG: Eddie was an extraordinary individual, truly one of a kind. By the time I had the privilege of working alongside him, his reputation had become near mythological.
Over the course of five decades, he had successfully defended some of the most influential and notorious figures in Chicago. Judges, prosecutors and fellow defense attorneys all regarded him as one of the best. Eddie possessed an uncanny ability to analyze a collection of facts and uncover what no other lawyer could perceive. His skill lay in exploiting those hidden nuances to his client’s advantage.
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Eddie until his retirement. During our time together, I absorbed invaluable lessons on case preparation, client care and navigating interactions with juries, judges and prosecutors. Perhaps most importantly, Eddie taught me the art of thinking both analytically and outside the box. I learned to approach each case with meticulous attention to detail while also embracing creative and innovative strategies.
I hold deep admiration and gratitude for the time I spent under his guidance. It was an experience that shaped not only my professional abilities but also my perception of what it means to be an exceptional attorney.
AALM: What compelled you to launch your own practice? How have you sought to differentiate your firm?
VG: Launching my own practice was a decision driven by a strong inner conviction. After Eddie’s retirement, I was presented with offers from several firms to join them as an associate, which would have been the safer route. However, I sought the autonomy to carefully select the cases and clients I would work with, as well as the freedom to shape my own professional trajectory. It turned out to be the best decision I could have made.
With my own practice, I have been able to establish a reputation for myself early on in my career and have had the privilege of collaborating with some of Chicago’s most exceptional legal minds. Each collaboration has provided me with valuable insights and fueled a never-ending drive for improvement.
From the outset, I make it clear to my clients that I am committed to providing honest and transparent counsel, even if it is not always what they want to hear. Every decision made in their case is a collaborative effort between me and the client. Ultimately, my primary objective is to achieve the best possible outcome for my clients, tailored to the specific circumstances of each situation. I firmly believe that every case and client is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach is inadequate. I adapt to become whatever type of advocate they require.
In essence, my practice is built on a foundation of personalized representation, where I prioritize open communication, integrity and a relentless pursuit of optimal results. By offering this unique approach, I strive to set myself apart in the legal profession and provide a level of service that exceeds expectations.
AALM: Tell us about a case that shifted your perspective on the practice of law.
VG: Throughout my career, I have encountered numerous cases that have dramatically shifted my perspective on the practice of law. These instances revealed a disconcerting reality – the government often selects whom they wish to indict and subsequently searches for applicable charges or sentencing enhancements.
This realization solidified my belief that our criminal justice system is inherently adversarial, prioritizing the pursuit of victory over the genuine pursuit of truth. It emphasized to me the paramount importance of individuals having a dedicated and zealous advocate in their corner. Every client deserves an attorney who will go to great lengths, within legal boundaries, to fiercely defend their rights.
