Zachariah L. Manchester

Zach Manchester, MDK’s Illinois Practice Group Director, is driven by the strategic facets of practicing law. “I love the strategy of being a lawyer. I love working with my team to strategize for our cases. I also love helping my team to achieve their goals and grow as professionals,” he shares.

This dedication to strategy shapes Zach’s leadership of the Illinois practice. As Practice Group Director, he plays a dual role as a practicing attorney and a business manager. He is responsible for cultivating the growth, performance, and professionalism of the Illinois attorney team, helping them align their legal work with client expectations and the firm’s goals. Zach collaborates closely with Operations and Compliance to strengthen workflows, manage risk, and improve practice efficiency, while contributing to strategic planning and process improvements that enhance legal service delivery.

Known for his strategic mindset and problem-solving prowess, Zach's top priorities at MDK include maintaining the financial stability of our Illinois practice and fostering a collaborative team environment. As he succinctly puts it, "The focus of my work is refining our processes and the team's expertise so that we can more efficiently and effectively navigate our cases." Zach's commitment to optimizing workflows and enhancing the team's proficiency underscores his pivotal role at the firm.

Zach joined MDK in 2013 and has grown from Attorney to Managing Attorney to Practice Group Director, playing a significant role in the firm's growth and success. His legal practice focuses on efficiently navigating foreclosure cases through the Illinois court system. A member of the American Bar Association and Chicago Bar Association, Zach is recognized for his collaborative approach and his commitment to helping others understand the complexities of their work.

Outside of the legal space, Zach finds joy in spending time with his family, watching his son play hockey, baseball, and the ukulele. He coaches his son's travel baseball team and volunteers at his school—living out a commitment to both professional success and personal fulfillment. Zach connects deeply with MDK’s values, especially collaboration and finding innovative ways to help clients and colleagues achieve their goals.