Karen Linda Shishem

Karen handled my divorce. It was a very trying time in my life, I wasn't sure which direction to turn. Karen guided me through the process, keeping me informed every step of the way. She was incredibly smart, kind and compassionate through the whole procedure. She is tough! She fought hard for me.... I always felt like I was in good hands. People had warned me about lawyers taking advantage of you, but I can assure you, I felt the opposite! I trusted her to take care of my best interest at every crossroad. She made a horrible time, more tolerable. I liked and trusted her so much, I hired when I sold my home a few years later.

This lawyer is honest, ethical, and very smart. She reviewed the copious paperwork for my ongoing divorce case and advised that she felt certain things could have been handled differently or should have been done better. She said she would take my case if she were able, but my soon to be ex had hir...ed a multi-attorney firm and she was a one person shop. So, she very ethically referred me to a very excellent attorney David Pasulka (and his associates). They've done a great job so far, and I'm about to finalize my divorce after my husband and his attorney have dragged it out over a year. And I have Karen to thank for this. I wanted to let people know that this attorney genuinely cares about the law and her clients. Her understanding was stellar and she called the other firm to help with the arrangements for hiring new counsel. I'd recommend her to others wholeheartedly. She is a true professional.

It has truly been an honor having the opportunity to work with Karen and having her represent me during my case! The first time I contacted Karen via phone call, she was able to fit me in her busy schedule that same day! Karen took her time to break down the process to me in a way that I was able ...to understand everything. Karen assisted me during the Allocation of Parental Responsibilities and Child Support. I do not think I would have found anyone better to represent me than Karen. She always went above and beyond to make sure I was content with the decisions being made, and made it her priority to keep communication at its best. She responded promptly to any questions I had and I was always able to get in contact with her via phone calls or emails. Not once did Karen pressure me to make a decision that I was not comfortable with. Karen is down to earth, sincere, considerate, genuine, very professional and simply outstanding. I will forever be grateful for all the hard work and time that she took during my case! Karen truly has a passion for what she does, and it is visible through her outstanding job. Her experience without a doubt shines bright! Being a graduate student, part-time employee, and mother, I would have never thought that I could have afforded such an amazing attorney; but Karen was able to work with me, each and every step of the way. Every dollar spent throughout the process was definitely well invested. Everyone that works in Karen's office is also exceptionally amazing! Their teamwork is greatly admired! I would definitely recommend her to anyone! You will not regret hiring Karen as your attorney!

Words cannot describe how phenomenal Karen is. After relocating to another state for job purposes, she made an extremely stressful and emotional custody battle turn out with a positive ending. During the entire process with the petition for removal, Karen was able to empathize with me and provide exc...ellent feedback. Not only was she very encouraging, she constantly reassured me that she would take care of this situation and not to stress. She kept me motivated all the way through this 5 month battle. I greatly admire Karen and her dedication to her clients. I am so happy that I contacted Karen and I would definitely recommend Karen.She clearly has the education, legal skills, and experience to handle any case, she is the Bomb. Com :)

Choosing a divorce attorney is a very personal decision--but this is no time to be emotional. This is business. The separation process and divorce precedents are obscure and arcane.. Above all, you are never "in control" of your divorce, no matter what you think you know, no matter what happened to y...our friend, no matter what. This is not about control; it IS about expert, professional management of a complicated, unpredictable process. I was referred to Karen Shishem by another attorney; Ms. Shishem was one of three female attorneys I called to discuss a free consultation. The initial telephone interview also covered hourly rates, other legal fees and payment options. First, I wanted a female attorney because of my age and stage in life (and my lifelong feminism); I hoped that a woman would best be able to consider all the facets of my situation without "writing off" the kinds of issues I have observed many professional men (doctors, lawyers, accountants) wave away as if they didn't matter. Equally important, I demanded complete honesty from my attorney--not ego, not promises, not charm (though Karen certainly has charm in abundance). Ms. Shishem was my 2nd phone interview; I stopped there, knowing she was a great connection for me. I never regretted that decision in the year we worked together. To put this in context, I am now divorced, all financial and property distributions are settled and I felt such relief with the final determination by the court. I was the respondent, whose husband of 15 years suddenly and unexpectedly filed for divorce, literally the morning after he and I had had a long talk a trial separation, couples counseling and/or, at the worst, divorce mediation. I was 66; this would be my second divorce. We had no children together, but had shared grand-parenting of 3, with another on the way. I hoped for reconciliation or at least taking the time to proceed slowly and efficiently, without a legal battle and the attendant attorney's fees. Karen was always open to working toward his withdrawing his suit and moving to mediation, even though that would have prevented her from representing either party. He wouldn't agree. At every legal step, she told his lawyer that we wanted to sit down for a settlement conference. He wouldn't agree. But with her calm, careful insistence, we did indeed settle. We could have gone on, because her careful efforts had uncovered sufficient information and wonderful strategy that would have been successful. But the potential gains were negated by potential hourly charges. Karen NEVER pressed me to proceed or settle; she gave me her honest opinion, yet promised to support my own decisions. I believe our result was as good as it gets, for my ex-spouse as well as for me. Karen "checked in," helping me balance costs verses benefits; even with her reasonable--I would even say low hourly rates, time quickly adds up against a recalcitrant spouse (and his not-so-good lawyers). Karen was ever mindful of expenses and kept me on track. When I had a crisis of confidence--for example, filling out my FINANCIAL AFFIDAVIT 11.02 for Lake County, Illinois or determining Interrogatories for Divorce, Illinois Discovery Rules and/or Sanctions-- Both my spouse and I had owned our own business; I had made substantially equal contributions to the marriage, but illness had left me unable to work for the last few years. Accurate appraisal and competent fiscal analysis of our two-income household and evaluation of our business, personal, investment and retirement holdings were key to mounting our case. Karen's length and breadth of experience fit perfectly. Impressive, as well, is Karen's energy, articulateness, intelligence; she is unflappable in court, yet warm, understanding and patient in private. She's a ball of fire who quickly outthinks any stuffy guy in a suit. I have referred friends to her and will gladly work with her again.