I believe in helping people. Divorces seldom involve legal issues, just problems to be solved.
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.
Practice areas
Are you searching for a business or divorce lawyer in Libertyville? Have you considered hiring a mediator instead? Attorney Kessler is a professional Illinois mediator, helping clients reach a peaceful resolution.
Do you think your divorce will be complex and emotional? Don’t complicate matters further by resorting to litigation. You can divorce amicably without even setting foot inside the courtroom. Jerald A. Kessler provides assistance to families.
Languages spoken
English
Jerald A. Kessler
14047 West Petronella Drive
Suite 202 B
Libertyville, IL, 60048
Jerald A. Kessler
Northfield
Northfield, IL, 60093
Jerald A. Kessler
Chicago Loop
Chicago, IL
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
IL | Active And Authorized To Practice Law | 1973 | 12/06/2020 |
Legal answers | 0 |
Legal guides | 4 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Super Lawyer | SuperLawyers | 2017 |
Leading Lawyer | Leading Lawyers Network | 2017 |
Leading Lawyer | Leading Lawyers Network | 2016 |
Super Lawyer | SuperLawyers | 2015 |
Leading Lawyer | Leading Lawyers Network | 2015 |
Super Lawyer | SuperLawyers | 2014 |
---|---|---|
Leading Lawyer | Leading Lawyers Network | 2014 |
Leading Lawyer | Leading Lawyers Network | 2013 |
Super Lawyer | SuperLawyers | 2013 |
Leading Lawyer | Leading Lawyers Network | 2012 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Illinois Chapter | Secretary | 2013 - Present |
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Illinois | Treasurer | 2013 - Present |
Academy of Professional Family Mediators | Founder and Advanced Practitioner | 2010 - Present |
Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois | Fellow,Co- Founder, Founding Secretary | 2002 - Present |
Mediation Council of Illinois | Board Member | 1993 - Present |
Lake County Bar Association | Member | 1992 - Present |
---|---|---|
Association for Conflict Resolution | Advanced Practitioner | 1992 - Present |
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts | Member | 1992 - Present |
Chicago Bar Association | Member | 1973 - Present |
Mediation Council of Illinois | President | 1995 - 1999 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
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 | 2016 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of Chicago Law School | JD - Juris Doctor | 1972 |
University of Chicago | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1969 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
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 | 2016 |
Furthering Mediation Skills - In Court Mediations | Advanced Mediation | 2015 |
Advanced Mediation Training | Dealing with Impasse | 2015 |
---|---|---|
Family Law Conference | Confidentiality in Mediation | 2013 |
Annual Conference | Parenting Coordinators | 2013 |
Annual Conference | Mediation Ethics | 2011 |
Annual Conference | Confidentiality | 2010 |
Annual Conference | Mediation Ethics | 2010 |
Professionalism Seminar | ADR and Ethics | 2009 |
Family Law Conference | Introduction to ADR | 2009 |
Annual Conference | Mediation in the Face of Strongly Held Beliefs | 2006 |
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 | 2003 |
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 | 2002 |
University of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Association of Mediator | 2003 | N/A |
Megan McAlister, Mediation Attorney on Oct 12, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer.
Bella Rappaport, Mediation Attorney on Apr 23, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Agnes Zielinski Olechno, Family Attorney on Jan 30, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jerald is a bright, knowledgeable and compassionate attorney. He is well versed in the law and very aware of recent developments.
Stuart Reid, Mediation Attorney on Nov 11, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Patricia Kalal, Family Attorney on Mar 25, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Jerry is an excellent attorney with a high degree of professionalism.
Neal Simon, Family Attorney on Jan 27, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jerald Kessler is a wonderful attorney.
Michael Strauss, Mediation Attorney on Oct 14, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jerry is a fantastic mediator with a great reputation. I highly endorse him.
James Palmisano, Divorce and separation Attorney on Sep 16, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer.
Jason Sposeep, Divorce and separation Attorney on May 23, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
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. .
Sheryl Ghezzi, Mediation Attorney on Mar 17, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Cynthia Lazar, Divorce and separation Attorney on Mar 7, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
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