Jerald Kessler

Jerald Kessler

Mediation Attorney at Libertyville, IL

About
Contact
Reviews
Cost
Resume

About Jerald

Learn Jerald’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Mediation

90%

Are you searching for a divorce lawyer in Libertyville? Have you considered hiring a mediator instead? Attorney Kessler is a professional Illinois mediator, helping clients reach a peaceful resolution.
... Read more
33 years, 2,500 cases
Family

10%

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.
... Read more
46 years, 400 cases

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.

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.

Licensed for 49 years

State IL

Status Active And Authorized To Practice Law

Acquired 1973

Updated 01/06/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Jerald

Jerald A. Kessler

(847) 367-4500 Office

14047 West Petronella Drive

Suite 202 B

Libertyville, IL, 60048

kesslermediation.com/

Message Get Directions

Jerald A. Kessler

(847) 367-4500 Office

Northfield

Northfield, IL, 60093

Message Get Directions

Jerald A. Kessler

(847) 367-4500 Office

Chicago Loop

Chicago, IL

Message Get Directions

Hide locations

Reviews

Write A Review

Not yet reviewed. Review Jerald

Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Education

University of Chicago Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1972

University of Chicago
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1969

Legal Cases

Over 2,500 cases mediated.

Associations

Mediation Council of Illinois
President
2020 - Present

Illinois State Bar Assocation
Member, Alternative Dispute Resolution Section Council
2020 - Present

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

View all associations

Languages Spoken

English

Awards

Super Lawyer
SuperLawyers
2022

Leading Lawyers
Leading Lawyers Network
2021

SuperLawyers
SuperLawyers
2021

Leading Lawyers
Leading Lawyers Network
2020

SuperLawyers
SuperLawyers
2020

Leading Lawyers
Leading Lawyers Network
2019

SuperLawyers
SuperLawyers
2019

Super Lawyer
SuperLawyers
2019

Super Lawyer
SuperLawyers
2018

Leading Lawyers
Illinois Leading Lawyer Network
2018

Leading Lawyer
Leading Lawyers Network
2017

Leading Lawyer
Leading Lawyers Network
2016

Leading Lawyer
Leading Lawyers Network
2015

Super Lawyer
SuperLawyers
2015

Leading Lawyer
Leading Lawyers Network
2014

Super Lawyer
SuperLawyers
2014

Leading Lawyer
Leading Lawyers Network
2013

Super Lawyer
SuperLawyers
2013

Leading Lawyer
Leading Lawyers Network
2012

View all awards

Publications

The Docket - A Publication of the Lake County Bar
Preparing Clients For Family Law Mediation
2021

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

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

Advanced Mediation Training
Mediating With Parties in Ongoing Relationships
2016

Webinar
Impact of Changes in Divorce Law on Mediation
2016

Dispute Resolution Institute
Advanced Mediation Training
2016

Illinois State Bar Association
The Impact on Mediation of Changes in Illinois Divorce Law
2016

Furthering Mediation Skills - In Court Mediations
Advanced Mediation
2015

Advanced Mediation Training
Dealing with Impasse
2015

Annual Conference
Parenting Coordinators
2013

Family Law Conference
Confidentiality in Mediation
2013

Annual Conference
Mediation Ethics
2011

Annual Conference
Mediation Ethics
2010

Annual Conference
Confidentiality
2010

Family Law Conference
Introduction to ADR
2009

Professionalism Seminar
ADR and Ethics
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

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (11)

Given (6)

Endorse Jerald

Megan McAlister

Mediation Attorney | Oct 12
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Bella Rappaport

Mediation Attorney | Apr 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Agnes Zielinski Olechno

Family Attorney | Jan 30
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 | Nov 11
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 | Mar 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Jerry is an excellent attorney with a high degree of professionalism."

Neal Simon

Family Attorney | Jan 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jerald Kessler is a wonderful attorney."

Michael Strauss

Mediation Attorney | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jerry is a fantastic mediator with a great reputation. I highly endorse him."

James Palmisano

Divorce and separation Attorney | Sep 16
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jason Sposeep

Divorce and separation Attorney | May 23
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 | Mar 17
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 | Mar 07
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."

View more endorsements

Michael Strauss

Family

Neal Simon

Family