Maryam A. Afshar-Stewart's rapid rise through the legal field is the result of a deeply rooted work ethic, singleness of purpose, and the lifelong pursuit of one goal…to win. Even as a child, Maryam always knew she was going to be an attorney. The first-generation daughter of immigrant parents from Iran and Pakistan, Maryam learned early in life that success comes to those willing to put in the work.
While completing her bachelor's degree at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, Maryam's persistence, and academic achievements secured her a position at the prestigious Chicago law firm of Kirkland and Ellis, LLP where she assisted attorneys in preparing major cases for complex litigation as well as other sophisticated transactional matters.
After gaining valuable experience in private practice and obtaining her bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology, Maryam attended Valparaiso University Law School, in Valparaiso, Indiana where she received her Juris Doctor degree in 2016. During her time in law school, Maryam gained valuable insight as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Judge E. Kenneth Wright, Jr., presiding judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois as well as the Honorable Judge Samuel L. Cappas in the Lake Superior Court Criminal Division, Indiana. Maryam also gained practical experience as a part of Valparaiso University Law School’s Criminal Clinic where she defended indigent clients charged with a range of misdemeanors and felonies.
Additionally, Maryam was a member of the Valparaiso University Law Review Executive Board where she authored and published the article Wrongfully Incarcerated Never Fully Compensated: An Examination of Indiana’s Failure to Indemnify Exonerated Inmates, a discussion of the pervasive problem of wrongful incarceration and the lack of just compensation for those later found to be innocent. Maryam was President of the Women Law Student’s Association and Vice-President of the Muslim Students Association.
In 2016, Maryam accepted a position as a deputy prosecuting attorney with the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office. As a newly sworn prosecuting attorney, Maryam was immediately selected to assist in the prosecution of a death penalty case.
Maryam has prosecuted hundreds of misdemeanor and felony offenses, conducted dozens of jury trials, and has secured convictions in complex murders, domestic violence, kidnapping, and sexual assault cases.
Maryam's reputation as a tough, aggressive trial attorney earned her an appointment by elected Lake County Prosecutor, Bernard Carter, to the newly-formed Lake County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit, which specializes in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving sexual assault and domestic violence. Maryam has extensive experience and has received training from experts throughout the country on the particular and unique issues involved in the prosecution of sex crimes and domestic violence. Maryam has also served as keynote speaker at forums discussing the prosecution and defense of sex crimes and cases involving domestic violence.
As a prosecuting attorney and member of the Lake County Sexual Assault Response Team, Maryam conducted training for law enforcement officers and nurses on topics that included the investigation and prosecution of sex crimes and domestic violence, as well as effective courtroom testimony.
Maryam was also selected as an Adjunct Professor of Law at her alma mater, Valparaiso University Law School, educating the next generation of attorneys in trial practice.
In 2020 Maryam took her skills to the private sector and joined Stracci Law Group as an associate attorney. Despite having left the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office, Maryam continued her public service at the Lake County Public Defender’s Office where she served as a felony public defender representing indigent clients charged with various felony offenses.
In 2021, Maryam secured an appointment to the Criminal Justice Act Panel for the Northern District of Indiana where she represents individuals charged with serious Federal offenses.
Maryam is frequently appointed to serve as judge pro-tempore for judicial officers in felony and county courts in Lake County, Indiana.
During her time at Stracci Law Group, Maryam has come to be recognized for her relentless advocacy in defense of her clients and has received awards from numerous organizations including:
At Stracci Law Group, Maryam brings with her that same belief that success comes to those willing to put in the work and continues the pursuit of what has always been her goal... and ours...to win!
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