the shark
z. Sirius Zelotes Esq.
Founder - Firm Director
You don’t need a counselor.
You need a closer.
Maybe you’ve already seen it. Most divorce lawyers want to keep the peace — even when it means sacrificing your best interests. They avoid the courtroom. They push you to compromise. And when the pressure builds, they take the safe route: urging you to settle, even when it costs you your children, your security, or your future. That’s why clients turn to me. I’m not here to pressure you into peace at any price. I prepare every case for trial — so you’re protected whether it settles or goes the distance. In fact, nearly half of my clients bring me in at the last minute, often on the eve of trial, when their lawyer is cracking under pressure. That’s where I thrive. I create momentum, take control of chaos, and expose weakness. I make the other side wish they settled sooner — and if they don’t, I turn the pressure back on them until they break. If your future, your children, or your financial security are on the line, don’t wait for your current lawyer to “get it together.” Fire them. Shift the momentum. Bring on a closer.
The peacemaker
the marine
z. sirius zelotes
built for the fight
How I got here
No Connections. No Shortcuts. Just Results.
001
When everything is stacked against you — no safety net, no backup plan — you need someone who knows how to fight with nothing but preparation and resolve. That’s how I built my career. I didn’t inherit connections or rely on privilege. I learned early that the only way forward was to outwork and outfight the other side. That’s why, when you’re facing overwhelming odds, you want an advocate who has been there before — someone who knows how to take control of chaos, expose weakness, and carry your case all the way to trial if that’s what it takes. Those David-and-Goliath battles shaped the way I practice law — relentless, disciplined, and prepared for whatever the other side throws at you.
The Marine Mindset
Unshakable. Unstoppable. On Your Side.
002
When your future is on the line, you need an advocate who won’t be intimidated — no matter how aggressive the other side gets. That’s what the Marine Corps taught me: to outlast, outthink, and stay disciplined under pressure. In the courtroom, the same rules apply. Success comes from precision, strategy, and relentless attention to details others miss. That’s how cases are won — and how your rights, your children, and your financial security are protected.
The Hard Truth
No Coddling. Just Protection.
003
When emotions run high, it’s easy to make choices that hurt your case. That’s why you don’t need soft talk — you need straight talk. If a decision puts your future at risk, I’ll tell you. Because protecting your children, your security, and your reputation sometimes means hearing hard truths in the moment — so you don’t pay the price later.
What most clients get wrong
the mediation trap and other myths
004
Mediation sounds attractive when emotions are high and everyone just wants it to be “over.” But in high-conflict or high-net-worth cases, it can be a dangerous trap — especially for the spouse with less financial power. I’ve seen lives ruined when people signed bad agreements they couldn’t undo. Mediation isn’t always bad, but it’s rarely smart when the stakes are this high. In these cases, strategy matters more than good intentions — and having the right advocate matters most of all.
what most lawyers get wrong
Tough advice. Stronger Outcomes.
005
Plenty of lawyers coddle their clients because they’re afraid of losing business. They nod along, even when they know a decision will wreck the case. That’s not how I work. My job is to cut through the emotions and give you the hard truth — even when it’s uncomfortable — because it protects your future. I’d rather risk your frustration in the moment than let you walk into permanent damage.
The courtroom switch
Game Face On. Opponent In Sight.
006
When trial begins, I’m not distracted by nerves or noise. I’ve already outworked the other side. That preparation helps me dominate the courtroom — not for show, but to protect what matters most: your future, your family, your security.
master of trial
Real Trial Lawyers Master the Rules of Evidence
007
Your case deserves more than surface-level preparation. I master the rules of evidence, because in trial the smallest detail can decide your future. Even elite firms turn to me to sharpen their trial skills — and I bring that discipline to protect you.
No Excuses. No Shortuts.
Discipline Doesn’t Clock Out.
008
I wake up early and train every day — not for vanity, but because discipline is a habit. How you do anything is how you do everything. If a lawyer cuts corners in life, they’ll cut corners in your case. I don’t.
negotiating from strength
Quiet Confidence Wins
009
Opposing attorneys assume I bark. I don’t. I smile. I stay calm. And remind them, if they don’t want the deal, we can step into the ring. No problem. That quiet confidence, and a reputation to back it up - that’s what makes the other side fold.
strength today. security tomorrow.
Short-Term Pain or Long-Term Regret
010
When the pressure feels overwhelming, it’s natural to want out. But the choices you make today will shape your life in 20 years. This isn’t just about easing today’s stress — it’s about your children, your financial security, and your dignity. I’ll carry the weight of the fight, but you have to keep walking beside me. Together, we’ll get you through it.
We Swim … where others sink
basic training
Doctor of Jurisprudence
University of Iowa
1997 - 2000
Distinguished Honor Graduate
United States Marine Corps
Active Duty
1992 - 1997
Endurance in Battle. Protection in Court.
no resume padding
just results
2000 - Present
You won’t find a list of committees I’ve served on, articles I’ve written, or conferences I’ve spoken at. That’s not my world. Most of those things impress other lawyers — but they don’t protect your kids, your finances, or your reputation. I’ve been self-employed my entire career, and my focus has always been the same: win tough cases for real clients. My reputation, my trial record, and the results I deliver — that’s my résumé. When your future is on the line, you don’t need a lawyer who’s chasing recognition from other lawyers. You need one who’s in the trenches, street smart and fully committed to your case. That’s me.
The peacemaker
the marine
z. sirius zelotes
Results. Reputation.
Testimonials
Relentless Advocacy.
Proof is in the Results.
Clients don’t just hire The Shark—they win with him, and their stories speak for themselves.
After two highly recommended attorneys botched my case, Attorney Zelotes came in and turned my case around. He is an exceptionally strong litigator whose expertise in the courtroom made a significant difference in the outcome. If you’re dealing with a narcissist and are exhausted, trust me – he’s your guy. There are few attorneys, especially in family law, that are true trial lawyers. I cannot say enough about Attorney Zelotes, as a person and as an lawyer. In a high conflict case in Connecticut, you aren’t going to find better.
Jessica Zampedri
Trumbull
You’ve gone toe-to-toe with one of Connecticut’s most aggressive attorneys and completely outshined them. You’re fair, responsive, and respectful, yet unflinchingly tough in all the right ways. You prepared me so thoroughly for my testimony that when I took the stand, it felt like second nature—exactly what we practiced. Watching my abusive spouse’s usual courtroom performance fall apart was the first time I felt justice was on my side. After eight years of trauma and legal setbacks, finding you feels like winning the lottery.
Alexandra Fletcher
West Hartford
Attorney Zelotes was an extraordinary advocate. He prepared like no other and performed brilliantly, showcasing unconventional trail strategies that wowed the judges and even the “Barracuda” representing my ex-husband. While waiting outside the courtroom, I was approached on more than one occasion with observations about my attorney and his remarkable courtroom manner. Everyone who observed him was in awe.
Kimberly Keinz
Old Saybrook
the shark
z. Sirius Zelotes Esq.
Founder - Firm Director
You don’t need a counselor.
You need a closer.
Maybe you’ve already seen it. Most divorce lawyers want to keep the peace — even when it means sacrificing your best interests. They avoid the courtroom. They push you to compromise. And when the pressure builds, they take the safe route: urging you to settle, even when it costs you your children, your security, or your future. That’s why clients turn to me. I’m not here to pressure you into peace at any price. I prepare every case for trial — so you’re protected whether it settles or goes the distance. In fact, nearly half of my clients bring me in at the last minute, often on the eve of trial, when their lawyer is cracking under pressure. That’s where I thrive. I create momentum, take control of chaos, and expose weakness. I make the other side wish they settled sooner — and if they don’t, I turn the pressure back on them until they break. If your future, your children, or your financial security are on the line, don’t wait for your current lawyer to “get it together.” Fire them. Shift the momentum. Bring on a closer.
The peacemaker
the marine
z. sirius zelotes
built for the fight
How I got here
No Connections. No Shortcuts. Just Results.
001
When everything is stacked against you — no safety net, no backup plan — you need someone who knows how to fight with nothing but preparation and resolve. That’s how I built my career. I didn’t inherit connections or rely on privilege. I learned early that the only way forward was to outwork and outfight the other side. That’s why, when you’re facing overwhelming odds, you want an advocate who has been there before — someone who knows how to take control of chaos, expose weakness, and carry your case all the way to trial if that’s what it takes. Those David-and-Goliath battles shaped the way I practice law — relentless, disciplined, and prepared for whatever the other side throws at you.
The Marine Mindset
Unshakable. Unstoppable. On Your Side.
002
When your future is on the line, you need an advocate who won’t be intimidated — no matter how aggressive the other side gets. That’s what the Marine Corps taught me: to outlast, outthink, and stay disciplined under pressure. In the courtroom, the same rules apply. Success comes from precision, strategy, and relentless attention to details others miss. That’s how cases are won — and how your rights, your children, and your financial security are protected.
The Hard Truth
No Coddling. Just Protection.
003
When emotions run high, it’s easy to make choices that hurt your case. That’s why you don’t need soft talk — you need straight talk. If a decision puts your future at risk, I’ll tell you. Because protecting your children, your security, and your reputation sometimes means hearing hard truths in the moment — so you don’t pay the price later.
What most clients get wrong
the mediation trap and other myths
004
Mediation sounds attractive when emotions are high and everyone just wants it to be “over.” But in high-conflict or high-net-worth cases, it can be a dangerous trap — especially for the spouse with less financial power. I’ve seen lives ruined when people signed bad agreements they couldn’t undo. Mediation isn’t always bad, but it’s rarely smart when the stakes are this high. In these cases, strategy matters more than good intentions — and having the right advocate matters most of all.
what most lawyers get wrong
Tough advice. Stronger Outcomes.
005
Plenty of lawyers coddle their clients because they’re afraid of losing business. They nod along, even when they know a decision will wreck the case. That’s not how I work. My job is to cut through the emotions and give you the hard truth — even when it’s uncomfortable — because it protects your future. I’d rather risk your frustration in the moment than let you walk into permanent damage.
The courtroom switch
Game Face On. Opponent In Sight.
006
When trial begins, I’m not distracted by nerves or noise. I’ve already outworked the other side. That preparation helps me dominate the courtroom — not for show, but to protect what matters most: your future, your family, your security.
master of trial
Real Trial Lawyers Master the Rules of Evidence
007
Your case deserves more than surface-level preparation. I master the rules of evidence, because in trial the smallest detail can decide your future. Even elite firms turn to me to sharpen their trial skills — and I bring that discipline to protect you.
No Excuses. No Shortuts.
Discipline Doesn’t Clock Out.
008
I wake up early and train every day — not for vanity, but because discipline is a habit. How you do anything is how you do everything. If a lawyer cuts corners in life, they’ll cut corners in your case. I don’t.
negotiating from strength
Quiet Confidence Wins
009
Opposing attorneys assume I bark. I don’t. I smile. I stay calm. And remind them, if they don’t want the deal, we can step into the ring. No problem. That quiet confidence, and a reputation to back it up - that’s what makes the other side fold.
strength today. security tomorrow.
Short-Term Pain or Long-Term Regret
010
When the pressure feels overwhelming, it’s natural to want out. But the choices you make today will shape your life in 20 years. This isn’t just about easing today’s stress — it’s about your children, your financial security, and your dignity. I’ll carry the weight of the fight, but you have to keep walking beside me. Together, we’ll get you through it.
We Swim … where others sink
basic training
Doctor of Jurisprudence
University of Iowa
1997 - 2000
Distinguished Honor Graduate
United States Marine Corps
Active Duty
1992 - 1997
Endurance in Battle. Protection in Court.
no resume padding
just results
2000 - Present
You won’t find a list of committees I’ve served on, articles I’ve written, or conferences I’ve spoken at. That’s not my world. Most of those things impress other lawyers — but they don’t protect your kids, your finances, or your reputation. I’ve been self-employed my entire career, and my focus has always been the same: win tough cases for real clients. My reputation, my trial record, and the results I deliver — that’s my résumé. When your future is on the line, you don’t need a lawyer who’s chasing recognition from other lawyers. You need one who’s in the trenches, street smart and fully committed to your case. That’s me.
The peacemaker
the marine
z. sirius zelotes
Results. Reputation.
Testimonials
Relentless Advocacy.
Proof is in the Results.
Clients don’t just hire The Shark—they win with him, and their stories speak for themselves.
After two highly recommended attorneys botched my case, Attorney Zelotes came in and turned my case around. He is an exceptionally strong litigator whose expertise in the courtroom made a significant difference in the outcome. If you’re dealing with a narcissist and are exhausted, trust me – he’s your guy. There are few attorneys, especially in family law, that are true trial lawyers. I cannot say enough about Attorney Zelotes, as a person and as an lawyer. In a high conflict case in Connecticut, you aren’t going to find better.
Jessica Zampedri
Trumbull
You’ve gone toe-to-toe with one of Connecticut’s most aggressive attorneys and completely outshined them. You’re fair, responsive, and respectful, yet unflinchingly tough in all the right ways. You prepared me so thoroughly for my testimony that when I took the stand, it felt like second nature—exactly what we practiced. Watching my abusive spouse’s usual courtroom performance fall apart was the first time I felt justice was on my side. After eight years of trauma and legal setbacks, finding you feels like winning the lottery.
Alexandra Fletcher
West Hartford
Attorney Zelotes was an extraordinary advocate. He prepared like no other and performed brilliantly, showcasing unconventional trail strategies that wowed the judges and even the “Barracuda” representing my ex-husband. While waiting outside the courtroom, I was approached on more than one occasion with observations about my attorney and his remarkable courtroom manner. Everyone who observed him was in awe.
Kimberly Keinz
Old Saybrook
the shark
z. Sirius Zelotes Esq.
Founder - Firm Director
You don’t need a counselor.
You need a closer.
Maybe you’ve already seen it. Most divorce lawyers want to keep the peace — even when it means sacrificing your best interests. They avoid the courtroom. They push you to compromise. And when the pressure builds, they take the safe route: urging you to settle, even when it costs you your children, your security, or your future. That’s why clients turn to me. I’m not here to pressure you into peace at any price. I prepare every case for trial — so you’re protected whether it settles or goes the distance. In fact, nearly half of my clients bring me in at the last minute, often on the eve of trial, when their lawyer is cracking under pressure. That’s where I thrive. I create momentum, take control of chaos, and expose weakness. I make the other side wish they settled sooner — and if they don’t, I turn the pressure back on them until they break. If your future, your children, or your financial security are on the line, don’t wait for your current lawyer to “get it together.” Fire them. Shift the momentum. Bring on a closer.
The peacemaker
the marine
z. sirius zelotes
built for the fight
How I got here
No Connections. No Shortcuts. Just Results.
001
When everything is stacked against you — no safety net, no backup plan — you need someone who knows how to fight with nothing but preparation and resolve. That’s how I built my career. I didn’t inherit connections or rely on privilege. I learned early that the only way forward was to outwork and outfight the other side. That’s why, when you’re facing overwhelming odds, you want an advocate who has been there before — someone who knows how to take control of chaos, expose weakness, and carry your case all the way to trial if that’s what it takes. Those David-and-Goliath battles shaped the way I practice law — relentless, disciplined, and prepared for whatever the other side throws at you.
The Marine Mindset
Unshakable. Unstoppable. On Your Side.
002
When your future is on the line, you need an advocate who won’t be intimidated — no matter how aggressive the other side gets. That’s what the Marine Corps taught me: to outlast, outthink, and stay disciplined under pressure. In the courtroom, the same rules apply. Success comes from precision, strategy, and relentless attention to details others miss. That’s how cases are won — and how your rights, your children, and your financial security are protected.
The Hard Truth
No Coddling. Just Protection.
003
When emotions run high, it’s easy to make choices that hurt your case. That’s why you don’t need soft talk — you need straight talk. If a decision puts your future at risk, I’ll tell you. Because protecting your children, your security, and your reputation sometimes means hearing hard truths in the moment — so you don’t pay the price later.
What most clients get wrong
the mediation trap and other myths
004
Mediation sounds attractive when emotions are high and everyone just wants it to be “over.” But in high-conflict or high-net-worth cases, it can be a dangerous trap — especially for the spouse with less financial power. I’ve seen lives ruined when people signed bad agreements they couldn’t undo. Mediation isn’t always bad, but it’s rarely smart when the stakes are this high. In these cases, strategy matters more than good intentions — and having the right advocate matters most of all.
what most lawyers get wrong
Tough advice. Stronger Outcomes.
005
Plenty of lawyers coddle their clients because they’re afraid of losing business. They nod along, even when they know a decision will wreck the case. That’s not how I work. My job is to cut through the emotions and give you the hard truth — even when it’s uncomfortable — because it protects your future. I’d rather risk your frustration in the moment than let you walk into permanent damage.
The courtroom switch
Game Face On. Opponent In Sight.
006
When trial begins, I’m not distracted by nerves or noise. I’ve already outworked the other side. That preparation helps me dominate the courtroom — not for show, but to protect what matters most: your future, your family, your security.
master of trial
Real Trial Lawyers Master the Rules of Evidence
007
Your case deserves more than surface-level preparation. I master the rules of evidence, because in trial the smallest detail can decide your future. Even elite firms turn to me to sharpen their trial skills — and I bring that discipline to protect you.
No Excuses. No Shortuts.
Discipline Doesn’t Clock Out.
008
I wake up early and train every day — not for vanity, but because discipline is a habit. How you do anything is how you do everything. If a lawyer cuts corners in life, they’ll cut corners in your case. I don’t.
negotiating from strength
Quiet Confidence Wins
009
Opposing attorneys assume I bark. I don’t. I smile. I stay calm. And remind them, if they don’t want the deal, we can step into the ring. No problem. That quiet confidence, and a reputation to back it up - that’s what makes the other side fold.
strength today. security tomorrow.
Short-Term Pain or Long-Term Regret
010
When the pressure feels overwhelming, it’s natural to want out. But the choices you make today will shape your life in 20 years. This isn’t just about easing today’s stress — it’s about your children, your financial security, and your dignity. I’ll carry the weight of the fight, but you have to keep walking beside me. Together, we’ll get you through it.
We Swim … where others sink
basic training
Doctor of Jurisprudence
University of Iowa
1997 - 2000
Distinguished Honor Graduate
United States Marine Corps
Active Duty
1992 - 1997
Endurance in Battle. Protection in Court.
no resume padding
just results
2000 - Present
You won’t find a list of committees I’ve served on, articles I’ve written, or conferences I’ve spoken at. That’s not my world. Most of those things impress other lawyers — but they don’t protect your kids, your finances, or your reputation. I’ve been self-employed my entire career, and my focus has always been the same: win tough cases for real clients. My reputation, my trial record, and the results I deliver — that’s my résumé. When your future is on the line, you don’t need a lawyer who’s chasing recognition from other lawyers. You need one who’s in the trenches, street smart and fully committed to your case. That’s me.
The peacemaker
the marine
z. sirius zelotes
Testimonials
Proof
is in the Results.
Clients don’t just hire The Shark—they win with him, and their stories speak for themselves.
After two highly recommended attorneys botched my case, Attorney Zelotes came in and turned my case around. He is an exceptionally strong litigator whose expertise in the courtroom made a significant difference in the outcome. If you’re dealing with a narcissist and are exhausted, trust me – he’s your guy. There are few attorneys, especially in family law, that are true trial lawyers. I cannot say enough about Attorney Zelotes, as a person and as an lawyer. In a high conflict case in Connecticut, you aren’t going to find better.
Jessica Zampedri
Trumbull
You’ve gone toe-to-toe with one of Connecticut’s most aggressive attorneys and completely outshined them. You’re fair, responsive, and respectful, yet unflinchingly tough in all the right ways. You prepared me so thoroughly for my testimony that when I took the stand, it felt like second nature—exactly what we practiced. Watching my abusive spouse’s usual courtroom performance fall apart was the first time I felt justice was on my side. After eight years of trauma and legal setbacks, finding you feels like winning the lottery.
Alexandra Fletcher
West Hartford
Attorney Zelotes was an extraordinary advocate. He prepared like no other and performed brilliantly, showcasing unconventional trail strategies that wowed the judges and even the “Barracuda” representing my ex-husband. While waiting outside the courtroom, I was approached on more than one occasion with observations about my attorney and his remarkable courtroom manner. Everyone who observed him was in awe.
Kimberly Keinz
Old Saybrook