Maryam A. Afshar-Stewart

Maryam A. Afshar-Stewart is a dedicated attorney at Stracci Law Group, located in Crown Point, Indiana. Her legal practice encompasses a range of responsibilities across Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties in Northwest Indiana. Representing individuals who have been charged with criminal offenses, she strives to help them get the justice they deserve and a chance to reclaim their future.

Ms. Afshar-Stewart’s legal journey began at DePaul University in Chicago, where she pursued a bachelor's degree in political science and psychology. Following that, she attended Valparaiso University Law School, where she earned her Juris Doctor degree in 2016. Her law school career was marked by practical experience, including roles as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Judges E. Kenneth Wright Jr., of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, and Samuel L. Cappas at the Lake County Superior Court Criminal Division, Indiana.

Having served as a deputy prosecuting attorney at the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office in 2016, Ms. Afshar-Stewart’s capabilities in the courtroom were quickly recognized, leading to her involvement in prosecuting a death penalty case shortly after her appointment. She has since handled numerous cases, securing convictions in serious crimes, including murder, domestic violence, kidnapping and sexual assault.

Ms. Afshar-Stewart’s skills and dedication led to her role in the Lake County Prosecutor's Office Special Victims Unit, focusing on sexual assault and domestic violence cases. Additionally, she has contributed to legal education as an adjunct professor of law at Valparaiso University Law School, teaching trial practice. In 2020, she transitioned to the private sector with Stracci Law Group, continuing to defend clients vigorously, earning her recognition and awards from various organizations, including the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40.

Continuing to serve the community in Indiana, Ms. Afshar-Stewart serves appointments such as the Criminal Justice Act panel for the Northern District of Indiana and as a judge pro-tempore in Lake County courts. She has been recognized with a “Very Good” rating on Avvo and has been included in the lists of the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys’ Top 10 Under 40 and The Times of Northwest Indiana’s Top 20 Under 40.