Karen Linda Shishem

A divorce is a difficult situation, especially when there are children involved. Karen handled my divorce case with professionalism and empathy throughout the process. My biggest concern was the children and Karen also made it her priority. She communicated clearly and helped me understand all the co...mplexities of the process.I can't say enough about how she made a difficult time much easier. I would recommend her to anyone considering a divorce.

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.

Karen handled my divorce as well as post decree proceedings. She is knowledgeable and professional. Karen listened to what I had to say and gave me honest responses and advice. She always responded quickly and was easy to get a hold of when I needed to speak with her. I highly recommend hiring Ka...ren Shishem as your lawyer.

Karen handled the purchase of our first home. Since we were first time home buyers, we were not sure of the process and had so many questions. She guided and assisted us thru the whole process. I felt she was in our corner and was fair, honest and knowledgable. She is now our first call whenever we ...have a legal question.