Karyn Gimbel Youso

Karyn Gimbel Youso

also known as First Look Family Law, SC

4.1
Rating: 9.7

Licensed for 33 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Brookfield, WI
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Mediation

15850 W. Bluemound Rd, Suite 304, Brookfield, WI

About Karyn

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 50%

Special emphasis on Collaborative Divorce, and low conflict resolution. Extensive background in mental illness, domestic abuse and substance abuse.

50%
Mediation 50%

Assist couples with or without attorneys in divorce and marital mediation.

50%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Wisconsin for 32 years

State: Wisconsin

Acquired: 1993

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Illinois for 33 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1993

Voluntarily Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

First Look Family Law, SC

15850 W. Bluemound Rd, Suite 304, Brookfield, WI, 53005

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Karyn Gimbel Youso's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.1 /5.0

9 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (9) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 6 - 9 of 9 reviews

Posted by anonymous | June 04, 2015 | Divorce & Separation

The Poorest Return on Investment that I Have Ever Received

If an attorney is to be judged by results, then based on my experience, Ms. Youso should receive the lowest rating possible. The results that I received from her representation couldn't have been worse. She is so enamored by the collaborative process that she misses obvious warning signs of potenti...al problems and issues that a more skilled, psychologically attuned attorney would be able to observe and then proactively navigate. There were times when I scratched my head and wondered to myself -- who is she really advocating for here? We all have our blind spots and Ms. Youso is no exception. In my opinion, she has an inflated opinion of her ability to read people, understand complicated psychological dynamics, manage clients, and negotiate effectively. A little more humility and integrity and a little less hubris and narrow-mindedness on her part would be a step in the right direction. Hiring an attorney is a tough decision to make -- especially because it is very difficult and costly to pivot away from a wrong decision. That being said, I would advise anyone who asks that it would most likely be in their best interest to seek counsel other than Ms. Youso. As a final note -- the decision to enter the collaborative process is also one that shouldn't be made lightly. In theory it works because it is based on the assumption that both parties have the desire to collaborate and the maturity to follow through on that commitment to collaborate. If that assumption has the potential to be violated then it is probably wise to utilize the more enforceable resources that the court system can provide through litigation.

Karyn Youso

Replied last June 04, 2015

It is true that the decision to proceed in Collaborative Process is one that shouldn't be made lightly, which is why I spend a lot of time educating my clients about the process and its pros and cons. Lawyers have to rely on their clients to provide facts about the marriage, their spouse, and the level of trust present between parties -- all of these are very important to know before entering into the Collaborative Process. Ultimately, it is the clients who choose how they want to proceed, whether to fight in court or try to settle their case outside of court. As an attorney, I try hard to respect my clients' wishes and honor their process choices. I am always disappointed to hear that a client feels dissatisfied. I appreciate the feedback and will continue to learn and grow as an attorney. KGY

Posted by Steve | July 15, 2014 | Divorce & Separation

Life is Good!!

Excellent attorney. Her ability to read personalities, (including mine), allowed for smooth and drama free negotiations. Her firm, straight forward approach keeps the process moving forward. She's no nonsense with a sense of humor...a key attribute for a divorce attorney. Her integrity and hon...esty allowed for a fair outcome. Her calmness was a blessing when having to deal with high emotions. Highly recommended!

Posted by Brian | July 03, 2014 | Divorce & Separation

Valued Partner During a Difficult Time

Karyn is a direct no nonsense attorney who speaks her mind and gives it to you straight. This is a very good thing, but sometimes hard to take. I learned to truly appreciate her communication style and candid feedback. Karyn was exceptionally responsive with returning calls and emails. She provided s...ound legal advice as well as some emotional guidance through a difficult time. While the outcome was not what either of us sought, it was due to circumstances beyond both of our control. For anyone seeking a collaborative divorce, I would recommend talking with Karyn.

Posted by anonymous | April 20, 2009

excellent lawyer

always kept me informed and gave me good advice, even when it conflicted with what I originally thought were best moves for me. always honest and willing to work with me on the bill in tough times.

See All Client Reviews

Karyn Gimbel Youso's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Karyn
Cheryl A. Gemignani headshot
Cheryl Gemignani

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jul 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Karyn is a knowledgeable, experienced and compassionate attorney who will help her clients through the often emotionally charged divorce process. She will work tirelessly to understand the issues and to offer solutions that allow her clients to maintain control of their life and to choose outcomes that best suit their family. You will be in good hands."

Michelle B. Fitzgerald headshot
Michelle Fitzgerald

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 10

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Karyn not only helps clients understand the issues they are facing, but works with clients to discuss their future goals. You can tell when working on a case with Karyn that she's helping the client think long-term, for themselves and their children, and how the decisions they make now will impact that. I also appreciate how she allows the other client to be heard and not shut down with antagonistic reponses. Finding mutual compromises is what it's all about to help divorcing clients move on - and Karyn is outstanding in her service to clients in that regard."

Eric Zaeske headshot
Eric Zaeske

Family lawyer | Jul 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Karyn is a gifted attorney. She is always fully prepared and has absolute command of the necessary facts and history of the case. She strongly believes that negotiated resolutions that are mutually beneficial to all sides are not only possible, but preferable. Thus she seeks out solutions rather than conflict. Karyn is highly regarded and highly recommended."

Jerome A. Konkel headshot
Jerome Konkel

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Karyn has a rare ability to get parties together to resolve even the toughest domestic issues. Honest, ethical and a relentless advocate. Highly recommended."

James CW Bock headshot
James Bock

Family lawyer | Mar 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Karyn is a bright, energetic, creative advocate. Her attention to detail and empathetic nature enable her to be an outstanding family law specialist. I would not hesitate to seek her advice and/or counsel on any family law matter. I strongly endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
James CW Bock headshot
James Bock

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.7 (Superb)

Honors

2023

Wisconsin SuperLawyer, Milwaukee Magazine

2022

Wisconsin SuperLawyer, Milwaukee Magazine

2016

Wisconsin SuperLawyer, Milwaukee Magazine

2015

WI SuperLawyer, Milwaukee Magazine

2014

Superlawyers, Milwaukee Magazine

2013

Wisconsin SuperLawyer, Milwaukee Magazine

2012

Wisconsin SuperLawyer, Milwaukee Magazine

2011

Wisconsin SuperLawyer, Milwaukee Magazine

2008

Wisconsin SuperLawyer, Law & Politics Magazine

2007

Outstanding Service to the Board, Collaborative Family Law Council of Wisconsin

2007

Wisconsin SuperLawyer, Law & Politics Magazine

2006

Wisconsin SuperLawyer Rising Star, Law & Politics Magazine

Work Experience

2018 - Present

Owner, First Look Family Law, SC

2004 - 2018

Family Law Attorney, Jacobson Legal Group

2000 - 2003

Attorney, Zimmerman & Steber Legal Group

1997 - 2000

Attorney, Mingo & Yankala

Associations

2004 - Present

International Academy of Collaborative Professionals

Member

2003 - Present

Collaborative Family Law Council of Wisconsin

Member

2013 - 2015

Collaborative Foundation of Wisconsin

President

2005 - 2007

Collaborative Family Law Council of Wisconsin

Public Education Committee Chair

1994 - 2018

Association for Women Lawyers

Member

Education

1992

Washington U

JD - Juris Doctor

1989

University of Pennsylvania

BA

Speaking Engagements

2011

Domestic Violence Litigation: Practical and Legal Consequences

Ethical Considerations for Lawyers Representing Domestic Violence Victims

2010

Volunteer Lawyers Project

“Mediation and Negotiation in the Resolution of Custody and Placement Cases”

2009

Guardian ad Litem Training

“This Doesn’t Make Sense: Interpreting and Understanding the Behavior of the DV Client”

2009

Eight Annual Guardian Ad Litem Update

“Domestic Violence and Supervised Placement Issues"

2009

Domestic Abuse Seminar

"This Doesn’t Make Sense: Interpreting and Understanding the Behavior of the Domestic Violence Client and the Abuser”

Publications

1994

World Wildlife Fund Limiting Access to Marine Fisheries

1994

World Wildlife Fund Limiting Access to Marine Fisheries

1994

World Wildlife Fund Limiting Access to Marine Fisheries

1994

World Wildlife Fund Limiting Access to Marine Fisheries

1994

World Wildlife Fund Limiting Access to Marine Fisheries

Languages

English

Activity

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