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Jerald Kessler

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Jerald Kessler
Jerald Kessler
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About Jerald

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

FamilyMediation
  1. Mediation: 95%

    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.

  2. Family: 5%

    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

Contact

14047 West Petronella Drive
address map

Jerald A. Kessler

14047 West Petronella Drive
Suite 202 B
Libertyville, IL, 60048

Office (847) 367-4500

Website

http://kesslermediation.com/

Jerald A. Kessler

Northfield
Northfield, IL, 60093

Office (847) 367-4500

Jerald A. Kessler

Chicago Loop
Chicago, IL

Office (847) 367-4500

See all office locations

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
ILActive And Authorized To Practice Law197307/06/2019
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers0
Legal guides4
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Super LawyerSuperLawyers2017
Leading LawyerLeading Lawyers Network2017
Leading LawyerLeading Lawyers Network2016
Super LawyerSuperLawyers2015
Leading LawyerLeading Lawyers Network2015
Super LawyerSuperLawyers2014
Leading LawyerLeading Lawyers Network2014
Leading LawyerLeading Lawyers Network2013
Super LawyerSuperLawyers2013
Leading LawyerLeading Lawyers Network2012
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Illinois ChapterSecretary2013 - Present
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts IllinoisTreasurer2013 - Present
Academy of Professional Family MediatorsFounder and Advanced Practitioner2010 - Present
Collaborative Law Institute of IllinoisFellow,Co- Founder, Founding Secretary2002 - Present
Mediation Council of IllinoisBoard Member1993 - Present
Lake County Bar AssociationMember1992 - Present
Association for Conflict ResolutionAdvanced Practitioner1992 - Present
Association of Family and Conciliation CourtsMember1992 - Present
Chicago Bar AssociationMember1973 - Present
Mediation Council of IllinoisPresident1995 - 1999
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Jerry Kessler BlogWhy Mediate Your Divorce? 5 Key Benefits Compared to Litigation2016
Jerry Kessler BlogDivorce Without Breaking the Bank: How Mediation Keeps Costs Down2016
Jerry Kessler Blog4 Ways Mediation Can Help Resolve Business Disputes2016
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
University of Chicago Law SchoolJD - Juris Doctor1972
University of ChicagoBA - Bachelor of Arts1969
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
WebinarImpact of Changes in Divorce Law on Mediation2016
Illinois State Bar AssociationThe Impact on Mediation of Changes in Illinois Divorce Law2016
Dispute Resolution InstituteAdvanced Mediation Training2016
Advanced Mediation TrainingMediating With Parties in Ongoing Relationships2016
Furthering Mediation Skills - In Court MediationsAdvanced Mediation2015
Advanced Mediation TrainingDealing with Impasse2015
Family Law ConferenceConfidentiality in Mediation2013
Annual ConferenceParenting Coordinators2013
Annual ConferenceMediation Ethics2011
Annual ConferenceConfidentiality2010
Annual ConferenceMediation Ethics2010
Professionalism SeminarADR and Ethics2009
Family Law ConferenceIntroduction to ADR2009
Annual ConferenceMediation in the Face of Strongly Held Beliefs2006
19th Judicial Circuit Family Mediation Program,Screening for Impairments to Mediation2003
niversity of Wisconsin, MilwaukeePower, Power Imbalances and Caucus2003
The Lilac Tree, Evanston, Illinois,Divorce Mediation -- The Civilized Alternative2003
Family Law SeminarWhat Lawyers Can Do to Facilitate Mediation2003
niversity of Wisconsin, MilwaukeePower, Power Imbalances and Caucus2002
niversity of Wisconsin, MilwaukeePower, Power Imbalances and Caucus2002
Association for Conflict Resolution SeminaWorking with Attorneys in Mediation2002
Family Law SeminarPower Imbalances and Anger in Mediation - No Problem2002
University of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Association of Mediator2003N/A

Reviews

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Attorney endorsements

(11)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Megan McAlister, Divorce and separation Attorney on Oct 12, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer.

Bella Rappaport, Child custody 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, Divorce and separation 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, Uncontested divorce 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, Family 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 17, 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, Divorce and separation 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.

Cost

RATES
  • Hourly Rates$300-$300/hour
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card