Kathryn Lee Ciesla

Just a few highlights of my over two years of time and nearly $25,000 worth of invoices. Sadly, I believe she was too busy running for village president in Northbrook in 2024 to worry about my case. It just so happened that after her election in April of 2025 she became more engaged and somehow av...ailable. 1. Engagement began in June of 2024, Kathryn Ciesla and I met ONCE and then 5 months passed. She was non-responsive and simply negligent for nearly FIVE MONTHS. Throughout this time, I and my attorneys attempted several times to contact Kathryn to discuss the case. She was nowhere to be found. FINALLY, on November 1, 2024 she issued a response. 5 months passed and she was disengaged, with proof. Meanwhile I was alienated and extorted. 2. The threshold for billing in family law is 90 days. As was said, Kathryn Cielsa was engaged in June of 2024. I did not receive my first bill until July 11, 2025. Well over a year after engagement. I was then told I had to pay the amount in full for my case to continue. I was strong-armed and Kathryn had no accountability. I have the invoices with proof. Additionally, I have confirmation from my attorneys that they, too, have concerns with her billing practice. During one hearing, when discussing hosting hearings over zoom or in person, Kathryn said and I quote "I am happy to come in to court for $400 an hour but I do not think it is necessary." We are supposed to trust her billing? 3. Kathryn exhibited EXTREME bias throughout the case. Two strong examples, on 5/23/25 an attorney of mine emailed Kathryn issuing concern of her bias and consistent catering to one side after several concerning exchanges. There were valid examples of bias in this email and, of course, Kathryn never responded. She simply did not acknowledge. The second was after an in-person meeting. While having a meeting with Kathryn and my attorney, Kathryn bluntly told me to "fake it" when discussing interacting with my ex. She then proceeded to tell both my attorney and I quote verbatim "My (Kathryn's) ex-husband was a mf'er and I (she) had to fake it too." After the meeting, I text my attorney to confirm what was said, and it was acknowledged that she did say this and we had to gloss over that. I have proof of this as well. 4. There was a significant issue with the children's initial therapist. Sadly, Kathryn refused to act only costing my children time with an inadequate professional. She came to court unprepared on several occasions regarding this matter and, in one instance, attempted to stop me from reporting this therapist to the state. Kathryn made a snide comment in an email that she assumed "like divorce attorneys" who get reported nothing would happen to the therapist. At one point, at an in-person hearing, Kathryn was literally emailing the therapist from court. Kathryn's lack of initiative and engagement for months with this therapist cost my children and me a lot of money. Ultimately, the therapist was dismissed. Kathryn exhibits an emboldened attitude when challenged and lacks significant accountability as a professional.

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.

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.

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.