Karen Linda Shishem

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 Shishem helped me out a great deal to get compensated for my injury. I was referred to her by a coworker and I'm so glad she could help me. Karen is very professional, thorough, considerate, and most of all easy to comunicate with. She responded well to any question I have and really knows what... she's doing. Her whole team is fantastic I would recommend her to anyone I know.

My son was in a bad car accident and I was at a loss in terms of what to do. A friend recommended Karen, and I am so happy that I contacted her. Karen handled absolutely everything in an extremely professional manner. She continuously informed us of what was happening with the case and made sure my ...son received the compensation he was entitled to. I would recommend Karen completely to anyone in need of an attorney!

I have already referred friends and colleagues to Karen, including members of the FBI. She effectively and efficiently created a strategy with diligence and insight, maneuvering my case through its complexities, and skillfully executed the plan in court. We won judgment for all damages sought. Ms.... Shishem managed to secure justice where three previous attorneys had merely advocated for themselves. I recommend her fully and whole heartedly. Chris

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.