Kathryn Lee Ciesla

Kathryn Lee Ciesla

also known as Kathryn L. Ciesla, Kathryn Kucienski Ciesla

4.2
Rating: 9.8

Licensed for 28 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Northfield, IL
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Family, Corporate & Incorporation, Litigation

Two Northfield Plaza, Ste. 255, Northfield, IL

About Kathryn

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 40%

29 years | 300 cases

40%
Family 40%

29 years | 300 cases

40%
Corporate and Incorporation 10%

29 years | 135 cases

10%
Litigation 10%

29 years | 350 cases

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 28 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1997

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

CIESLA | BEELER, LLC

Two Northfield Plaza, Ste. 255, Northfield, IL, 60093

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Kathryn Lee Ciesla's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.2 /5.0

22 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (22) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

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...on rather than making assumptions about me, my family, or my children. Kathryn and her team were responsive, thorough, and clearly dedicated to ensuring all voices and facts came to light. I felt heard and treated fairly, which is not something you always experience in legal situations, especially in the family court system. It was clear that not only the judges, clerks, and court staff respected Kathryn, but they valued her insight. It was also evident that she was well liked and respected among the other attorneys in the field. I’m very thankful for her professionalism and care, and I highly recommend her and the rest of her team at Ciesla Beeler.

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 ...that she is well respected by the judge, which gave me tremendous confidence during an incredibly stressful time. Kathryn was both strategic and compassionate, and I truly felt advocated for from start to finish. I am deeply grateful for her professionalism, dedication, and results.

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.

Kathryn Ciesla

Replied last January 14, 2026

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 ...to clean up the mess Kathryn made.

Kathryn Ciesla

Replied last January 14, 2026

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... care for my son since he was born. He IS my life,my heart and my compass. To legally fight for this as a father can be a challenge,especially when you don’t look the typical part of Dad. Kathryn her team and her partner Jessica Weiner fought fearlessly. They coupled that with knowledge and had the ability to convey that to me so I understood what was going on every step of the way! In a custody battle there’s really no winners and in fact the child is the one that loses. I feel like my son I are now the exception to that! Because of the grace,strength and passion of someone like Kathryn. My family thanks you! Adam

See All Client Reviews

Kathryn Lee Ciesla's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Kathryn
Annette M. Fernholz headshot
Annette Fernholz

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jul 25

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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."

Zachary W. Williams headshot
Zachary Williams

Divorce and separation lawyer | Apr 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Kathryn is smart, professional and a great attorney to have in your corner."

Morgan Elizabeth Given headshot
Morgan Given

Family lawyer | Nov 08

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Kathryn as a child's representative and was impressed by her passion and commen sense."

Amy Callahan Kurson headshot
Amy Kurson

Family lawyer | Sep 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Susan Marla Lampert headshot
Susan Lampert

Divorce and separation lawyer | Apr 16

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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."

View All Endorsements
Jennifer Lynn Rexroat Lavin headshot
Jennifer Lavin

Divorce and separation lawyer

Susan Marla Lampert headshot
Susan Lampert

Divorce and separation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.8 (Superb)

Honors

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

Work Experience

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

Associations

2017 - Present

The Lilac Tree

Board Committee Member: Development and Marketing

2015 - Present

Forensic Forum

Member

2011 - Present

Lake County Bar Association

Member

2010 - Present

North Suburban Bar Association

Member

2010 - Present

Association of Family and Conciliation Courts

Member

1996 - Present

Illinois State Bar Association

Member

Education

2012

Northwestern University

Certificate

2007

Harvard University

Certificate

1996

John Marshall Law School, Chicago

JD - Juris Doctor

1993

College of Saint Benedict

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution