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also known as Kathryn L. Ciesla, Kathryn Kucienski Ciesla
Kathryn Ciesla has a broad depth of experience in child advocacy, family law, litigation, corporate law, licensing, estate planning and administration. Her clients include children, parents, business executives, entrepreneurs and companies from a variety of industries. Kathryn’s clients have common goals - to protect their interests, assets and families.
Kathryn’s career began at a general practice firm in Evanston, where she was thrown into the trenches, focusing her work on litigation, divorce, custody, and other family related matters. She then moved to the largest law firm in the nation concentrating her practice exclusively on matrimonial law. Kathryn handled cases for clients with multi-million-dollar holdings. Work on these cases required sophisticated financial expertise in matters of business valuation, personal tax consequences, discovery of assets, property settlement, support and trust and estate planning, as well as a deep knowledge base in business operations. Kathryn then took her aptitude for business operations and finance, and served as General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer for a regionally accredited college with campuses in Chicago and the surrounding metropolitan area. Kathryn managed finance, information technology and human resources operations for an organization with revenues exceeding $20 million annually. In 2007, Kathryn returned to private practice, again representing families, businesses, and developing a niche practice in the area of liquor licensing.
Close to Kathryn’s heart is child advocacy and in 2012, she was approved by the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois to represent children in contested divorces as a Guardian ad litem and Child Representative. In 2014, Kathryn earned the same distinction in Lake County, Illinois. To date, Kathryn has represented more than 75 children before courts in Cook and Lake Counties. In 2012, Ms. Ciesla earned a Certificate in Divorce Mediation Skills Training from the School of Continuing Studies of Northwestern University. Kathryn is often retained by private clients and appointed as a mediator by Judges in Cook County. She also serves many families as a judicially appointed Parenting Coordinator.
In April, 2017, Kathryn was elected to her third term as a Trustee for the Village of Northbrook. he is Chair of the Administration/Finance and Ad Hoc Labor Relations Committees. In the fall of 2016, Kathryn was appointed to serve on the Legislative Committee of the Northwest Municipal Conference, which is an organization representing 44 municipalities and 1.3 million citizens in the north and northwest suburbs of Chicago.
Kathryn often writes and speaks on issues involving families and children. She enjoys bike riding, gardening and up-cycling and currently lives in Northbrook with her two daughters and three rescue dogs, Thunder, Tinker and Violet.
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Practice Areas
29 years | 300 cases
29 years | 300 cases
29 years | 135 cases
29 years | 350 cases
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
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Chat withState: Illinois
Acquired: 1997
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Two Northfield Plaza, Ste. 255, Northfield, IL, 60093
22 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 22 reviews
Posted by Mike | February 03, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Extremely Professional and Respectful
I hired Kathryn Ciesla as my attorney in my family matter to help ensure that my two kids remained in a consistent and healthy environment, and she made a meaningful difference during a very challenging time. She was thoughtful, respectful, and truly took the time to listen and understand the situati...
Posted by Kendal | January 14, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Outstanding Advocacy and Trusted Expertise
Kathryn was outstanding throughout my child custody case. She was exceptionally prepared at every step, clearly understood the details of my situation, and always knew what to anticipate next. She kept me informed and was always willing to take the time to explain what was happening. It was evident ...
Posted by anonymous | April 02, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Disappointing Experience
I hired Kathryn as my divorce attorney. Kathryn was inconsistent with communication, disorganized, abruptly aggressive, and way too expensive. It was disappointing because the first few meetings were beneficial, but after that, it was like working with a different person. I regret hiring her.
We appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. While we strive to provide a high level of service to every client, we understand that experiences can differ and we carefully consider all feedback.
Posted by anonymous | March 08, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
unprofessional
I hired Kathryn for my child custody case. She was unprepared, she created animosity throughout the case which cost me more fees. The judge was irritated with her and ultimately saw that I had to fire her before my case got messed up even more. Thank God I switched lawyers and the new lawyer started ...
We’re sorry to hear this was your impression. Our firm is committed to thorough preparation, clear communication, and respectful advocacy for every client. While we respectfully disagree with some of the statements in your review, we carefully consider all feedback.
Posted by Adam | July 27, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Single fathers savior
I play music for a living as a singer/songwriter. I’m on stage every night and have performed to the upwards of 30,000 people while opening for The President . But for some reason I can’t find the words to express what Kathryn and her associates did for my son and I . Ya see I’ve been the most direct...
"I endorse this lawyer. Kathryn is a zealous advocate for her clients. She is extremely professional and knowledgeable about the law. She is also frequently appointed to represent children by the court."
"I endorse this lawyer. Kathryn is smart, professional and a great attorney to have in your corner."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Kathryn as a child's representative and was impressed by her passion and commen sense."
"Kathryn Ciesla is smart, creative, and savvy. She's a gifted advocate (she presented arguments to a panel where I served as a commissioner - she won her case). She's an intuitive listener, terrific writer, and she knows her way around a court house. I strongly endorse Kathryn."
"Kathryn is a true professional. She fights hard for her clients, knows the law, gets results, cares about her clients, and is a person you can trust. I would recommend her highly to anyone. I endorse this lawyer."
Divorce and separation lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016 - Present
Partner, CIESLA | BEELER, LLC
2007 - 2016
Partner, Ciesla & Ciesla, PC
2001 - 2007
General Counsel, Northwestern College Chicago, Il
1999 - 2001
Associate, Schiller Du Canto & Fleck
1997 - 1999
Associate, Engelman & Smith
1996 - 1998
Associate, Law Offices of Sandra M. Rosenbloom
2017 - Present
The Lilac TreeBoard Committee Member: Development and Marketing
2015 - Present
Forensic ForumMember
2011 - Present
Lake County Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
North Suburban Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
Association of Family and Conciliation CourtsMember
1996 - Present
Illinois State Bar AssociationMember
2012
Certificate
2007
Certificate
1996
JD - Juris Doctor
1993
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2016
2017
2017
2017
English
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