$ 350-350 per hour
About Jerald
Biography
I offer mediation by ZOOM. Convenient and effective. In addition to normal business hours, I offer early evening and Saturday morning appointments.
Mediating in Libertyville, Northfield and Chicago Loop, I have over 30 years experience in helping families going through divorce. Most divorces do not involve legal issues - just a series of problem solving challenges. Unfortunately, people going through divorce are often at a low point - not exactly a time when they want to deal with problem-solving.
Mediation and Collaborative Law are processes that allow couples to make their own decisions. Nationally, only about 2% of all divorces go to trial. Instead, couples settle after going through a long, hurtful and expensive struggle, only to sign settlements that they usually don't like - just to finally end the case.
So if 98 out of a 100 times there isn't going to be a trial, why go through all of the litigation preparation? Instead, use a process designed to reach agreements.
Mediate your financial and custody issues. Save time, money and litigation. You and the other party retain control over your finances and the raising of your children, not the court. I believe in helping people. Divorces seldom involve legal issues, just problems to be solved.
Litigation is destructive, expensive, and unpredictable. I negotiate for my clients.
Mediation - the civilized alternative.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Mediation
90%
35 years | 2,500 cases
Family
10%
48 years | 400 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in Illinois for 52 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 1973
No misconduct found
Location
Jerald A. Kessler
14047 West Petronella Drive, Suite 202 B, Libertyville, IL, 60048
kesslermediation.com/Jerald Kessler's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
Not Yet Reviewed
Jerald Kessler's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Jerald is a bright, knowledgeable and compassionate attorney. He is well versed in the law and very aware of recent developments."
"Jerry is an exceptional mediator and is widely regarding as among the top mediators in Lake County. His expertise is recognized statewide and he has a track record of resolving difficult and complex matters. He is a credit to the profession."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jerry is an excellent attorney with a high degree of professionalism."
"Jerald Kessler is a wonderful attorney."
"Jerry is a fantastic mediator with a great reputation. I highly endorse him."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Jerald is a top-notch mediator and does a wonderful job representing children in divorce matters. It is always a pleasure to work with Jerald. I highly recommend this lawyer. ."
"Jerry is a talented mediator who brings extensive knowledge and experience to the negotiating table and utilizes his skill to impartially help his clients achieve the best possible result. Jerald Kessler resolves conflict appropriately. In my experience, he valuable and a financial value to his clients in the long run."
"For more than 10 years, I have referred cases to Mr. Kessler for divorce mediation. Mr. Kessler listens to clients’ concerns, is fair and responsive. Mr. Kessler is very experienced and extremely effective in helping clients to reach a mediated agreement. Mr. Kessler holds himself to the highest ethical and professional standards. He is highly respected in the legal community. I will continue to send my clients to Mr. Kessler knowing they are receiving superior professional service."
Michael Strauss
Family lawyer
Neal Simon
Family lawyer
Jerrold Lazar
Divorce and separation lawyer
Cynthia Lazar
Divorce and separation lawyer
David Kerpel
Divorce and separation lawyer
Sheryl Ghezzi
Divorce and separation lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Leading Lawyers, Leading Lawyers Network
2021
SuperLawyers, SuperLawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Leading Lawyers, Leading Lawyers Network
2020
SuperLawyers, SuperLawyers
2019
SuperLawyers, SuperLawyers
2019
Leading Lawyers, Leading Lawyers Network
2019
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2018
Leading Lawyers, Illinois Leading Lawyer Network
2017
Leading Lawyer, Leading Lawyers Network
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Leading Lawyer, Leading Lawyers Network
2015
Leading Lawyer, Leading Lawyers Network
2015
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2014
Leading Lawyer, Leading Lawyers Network
2014
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2013
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2013
Leading Lawyer, Leading Lawyers Network
2012
Leading Lawyer, Leading Lawyers Network
Associations
2020 - Present
Mediation Council of IllinoisPresident
2020 - Present
Illinois State Bar AssocationMember, Alternative Dispute Resolution Section Council
2013 - Present
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Illinois ChapterSecretary
2013 - Present
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts IllinoisTreasurer
2010 - Present
Academy of Professional Family MediatorsFounder and Advanced Practitioner
2002 - Present
Collaborative Law Institute of IllinoisFellow,Co- Founder, Founding Secretary
1993 - Present
Mediation Council of IllinoisBoard Member
1992 - Present
Lake County Bar AssociationMember
1992 - Present
Association for Conflict ResolutionAdvanced Practitioner
1992 - Present
Association of Family and Conciliation CourtsMember
1973 - Present
Chicago Bar AssociationMember
1995 - 1999
Mediation Council of IllinoisPresident
Sample of Legal Cases
Over 2,500 cases mediated.
Education
1972
University of Chicago Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1969
University of Chicago
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2016
Webinar
Impact of Changes in Divorce Law on Mediation
2016
Illinois State Bar Association
The Impact on Mediation of Changes in Illinois Divorce Law
2016
Dispute Resolution Institute
Advanced Mediation Training
2016
Advanced Mediation Training
Mediating With Parties in Ongoing Relationships
2015
Furthering Mediation Skills - In Court Mediations
Advanced Mediation
2015
Advanced Mediation Training
Dealing with Impasse
2013
Family Law Conference
Confidentiality in Mediation
2013
Annual Conference
Parenting Coordinators
2011
Annual Conference
Mediation Ethics
2010
Annual Conference
Confidentiality
2010
Annual Conference
Mediation Ethics
2009
Professionalism Seminar
ADR and Ethics
2009
Family Law Conference
Introduction to ADR
2006
Annual Conference
Mediation in the Face of Strongly Held Beliefs
2003
19th Judicial Circuit Family Mediation Program,
Screening for Impairments to Mediation
2003
niversity of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
Power, Power Imbalances and Caucus
2003
The Lilac Tree, Evanston, Illinois,
Divorce Mediation -- The Civilized Alternative
2003
Family Law Seminar
What Lawyers Can Do to Facilitate Mediation
2002
niversity of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
Power, Power Imbalances and Caucus
2002
niversity of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
Power, Power Imbalances and Caucus
2002
Association for Conflict Resolution Semina
Working with Attorneys in Mediation
2002
Family Law Seminar
Power Imbalances and Anger in Mediation - No Problem
N/A
University of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Association of Mediator
2003
Publications
2021
The Docket - A Publication of the Lake County Bar
Preparing Clients For Family Law Mediation
2016
Jerry Kessler Blog
Why Mediate Your Divorce? 5 Key Benefits Compared to Litigation
2016
Jerry Kessler Blog
Divorce Without Breaking the Bank: How Mediation Keeps Costs Down
2016
Jerry Kessler Blog
4 Ways Mediation Can Help Resolve Business Disputes
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Guides
Legal Guides
Video Legal Guide
How does mediation differ from collaborative law?
27 Sep 2016
Video Legal Guide
Can any legal dispute utilize mediation? Are there any situations where it is not appropriate?
26 Aug 2016
Video Legal Guide
What is mediation and how exactly does the process work?
26 Aug 2016