Adriana Zeljkovic is an experienced litigator at Emswiller, Williams, Noland & Clarke, LLC, where she focuses her practice on family law, including juvenile and CHINS actions, and professional license defense. Adriana’s drive comes from her desire to help real people and families who are experiencing a time of transition or crisis. With litigation experience on both sides of criminal cases and a passion for community outreach, Adriana’s clients benefit from her relatable and compassionate guidance as an Indianapolis divorce lawyer, professional license defense attorney, and criminal defense litigator.

Adriana began her studies at Indiana University in Bloomington.  Her proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Serbian/Croatian made her majors, international studies and political science, a natural fit. During her tenure at Indiana University, she served as a mentor for international graduate students and studied abroad in Australia. Following her undergraduate studies, Adriana attended IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law where she was a CLE Scholarship recipient and McKinney Law School Student Ambassador.

Eager to gain experience, Adriana sought out multiple internships and clerkships while in law school, working in the Office of the Indiana Attorney General, Office of the Indiana Public Access Counselor, Marion County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO), Indiana University Health, and as a law clerk in a firm setting. During her time at the MCPO, she became a certified legal intern, allowing her to participate in witness interviews, depositions, and court proceedings before formal admission to the bar.

Community outreach, service, and involvement have always been of outmost importance to Adriana.  During her time at the MCPO she volunteered at Gleaner’s Food Bank, worked in outreach at Indiana Black Expo, and volunteered at community clean-up events. Adriana has been involved in volunteer opportunities with Exodus Refugee Immigration in Indianapolis, supporting refugee resettlement in Indiana.

Adriana’s passion for the practice of law stems from real world experience and desire to provide exceptional advocacy, representation, and solutions for her clients. She takes a holistic approach in family law cases and works to find a resolution to allow parties to move forward in the best way possible. While zealously representing her family law clients, she works with opposing counsel toward solutions that put the client first and also address the needs of the family.  Her creative problem-solving helps the parties involved in legal cases feel that they have input and autonomy, allowing for a smoother transition after a divorce.

When divorce includes elements of domestic violence, Adriana’s experience as a Hancock County Crimes Against Women prosecutor provides her the knowledge required to advise clients of the best legal strategy depending on the facts of the case.

Adriana’s dedicated and creative approach extends to her professional license defense clients.  Her prior experience as a Deputy Attorney General has provided her with a thorough understanding of Indiana professional license requirements for various professions and the complaint process that can affect your right to work. She understands the variations in each profession and is mindful of the unique challenges each client faces. She represents professional license defense clients with a fresh outlook and personalized handling for optimum results in each case.

Adriana’s commitment to advocacy and helping others is evident in her representation of clients facing criminal investigations and proceedings. Understanding how much is at stake for her clients, she helps each criminal defense client navigate and understand the court system, protecting each client’s rights and interests in Indianapolis and across the State.

When not practicing law, Adriana enjoys spending time with her family, exploring Indianapolis and its many offerings and events, and traveling. She enjoys attending various cultural and social events and supporting the growing local food scene.

Bar Admissions

Indiana, 2017

District Court Northern District of Indiana, 2017

District Court Southern District of Indiana, 2017

Education

Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, Indianapolis, Indiana, J.D.

Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, B.A.

Majors: International Studies, Political Science

Professional Associations and Memberships

Indianapolis Bar Association

Indiana State Bar Association

Hamilton County Bar Association

Allen County Bar Association