Attorney Zaki Ali

About Attorney Zaki Ali, Esq.

Zaki Ali’s story is one of resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Born the youngest of five children and raised by a single mother in Peoria, Illinois, Zaki grew up in Taft Homes, a government housing project where resources were scarce and opportunities limited. His mother, often relying on welfare to support the family, instilled in her children a deep sense of pride, gratitude, and the importance of never wasting what little they had. Those lessons became the foundation of Zaki’s character and the driving force behind his career.

From an early age, Zaki discovered a passion for football. He excelled on the field, becoming captain of his high school team, earning Most Valuable Player honors, and receiving All-Conference and All-State recognition. Despite his athletic success, Zaki struggled academically due to undiagnosed dyslexia, graduating with a 1.6 GPA. It wasn’t until after high school that he learned the reason behind his challenges. Rather than allowing this setback to define him, Zaki used it as motivation to prove himself.

He attended junior college in Price, Utah, where he raised his grades significantly and earned All-American honors. His performance led him to Southeast Missouri State University, where he continued to shine as a football player, earning MVP and All-Conference awards. After graduation, Zaki pursued his dream of playing professional football, trying out with the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins. Though he was cut from both camps, he never lost his drive. Instead, he turned his focus to education, earning a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, where he also taught public speaking.

Zaki’s corporate career began at Eli Lilly & Company, where he managed a $10 million sales territory and consistently ranked among the top performers nationwide. But his life took a dramatic turn when his mother was indicted, convicted, and sentenced to federal prison. Witnessing her experience with the justice system ignited a fire in Zaki. He realized that while he could not undo what happened to her, he could dedicate his life to ensuring others received the justice they deserved. He enrolled in Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University, attending classes at night while working full-time. Despite the challenges of balancing law school, dyslexia, and a demanding career, Zaki graduated and began his journey as an attorney.

His legal career started at the Indiana Attorney General’s Office, followed by the Madison County Prosecutor’s Office. In 2002, Zaki founded his own law practice, and he has never looked back. Over the past two decades, he has tried cases in small city courts, state courts, and federal courts throughout Indiana. His practice spans the full spectrum of criminal defense—from murder and major felonies to misdemeanors like DUI and possession—as well as personal injury cases, including car crashes, semi-truck accidents, and wrongful death claims. Zaki prides himself on being results-driven, leaving no stone unturned, no “i” undotted, and no “t” uncrossed.

What sets Zaki apart is not only his courtroom experience but also his mentorship under Gerry Spence, widely regarded as one of the greatest trial lawyers in American history. Spence, who never lost a criminal case, personally trained and befriended Zaki. Zaki went on to teach other lawyers at the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College, passing on the same powerful advocacy techniques that Spence instilled in him. Today, Zaki continues to use those methods in his own practice, combining skill, compassion, and relentless determination.

Zaki’s reputation speaks for itself. He has nearly 500 five-star reviews on Google and over 100 positive reviews on AVVO. Clients consistently praise his dedication, honesty, and ability to achieve results in even the toughest cases. For Zaki, the work is personal. His mother’s experience with the justice system shaped his mission, and every client he represents benefits from that passion. He is not just a lawyer—he is an advocate, a fighter, and a voice for those who need one most.

A Results-Driven Advocate

Zaki Ali’s journey from the projects of Peoria to the courtrooms of Indiana is proof that perseverance and purpose can overcome any obstacle. His clients know that when they hire him, they are getting more than legal representation—they are gaining a warrior who cares deeply, fights fiercely, and delivers results.

Practice Areas

• Crimes of Violence
• Crimes Involving the Possession
• Use of Illegal Drugs
• Driving While Impaired
• Sex Crimes
• Theft
• Personal Injury
• Immigration

Bar Admissions

• Indiana
• U.S. District Court Northern District of Indiana
• U.S. District Court Southern District of Indiana

Education

• Northern Kentucky University, Salmon P. Chase College of Law, Highland Heights, Kentucky
  • J.D. – 1998
  • Honors: Black Law Students Association, Vice President, 1995–1996
  • Honors: Student Bar Association, Class Representative, 1994–1996
• University of Wisconsin
  • M.A. – 1990
  • Major: Human Resources Training and Development
• Southeast Missouri State University
  • B.A. – 1987
  • Major: Public Relations and Marketing

Current Employment Position

• Principal

Languages

• English

Published Works

• Growth Through the Lens,” The Warrior, a quarterly publication of the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College, 2012

Past Positions

• Office of the Madison County Prosecutor, Deputy Prosecutor, 2001 to 2002
• Consumer Protection Department, Office of the Attorney General of Indiana, Deputy Attorney General, 2000
• Consumer Protection Department, Office of the Attorney General of Indiana, Senior Law Clerk, 1997 to 2000
• Pharmaceutical Sales Representative, Eli Lilly and Company

Honors

• 10 Best Attorneys 2016 – American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
• Avvo Rating 10.0 Superb – Top Attorney Criminal Defense
• Top 100 Trial Lawyers – The National Trial Lawyers
• Avvo Clients’ Choice Award 2015

Professional Associations

• Indiana Trial Lawyers Association
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Indiana Public Defender Council
• Trial Lawyers College

Classes & Seminars

• Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College, Faculty Member, 2010 to 2020
• Indiana Public Defender Council, Faculty Member, 2010 to 2020
• DWI/OWI Field Sobriety Training Seminar, Indiana Public Defender Council Trial Practice Institute, Faculty, 2013
• Death Penalty Seminar, Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College, Faculty, 2012
• University of Wisconsin, Speaking Instructor and Advisor, 1988 to 1990