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Karen Linda Shishem

Family Attorney at Chicago, IL

5.0   32 reviews
  • Licensed for 38 years
    State IL
    Acquired 1985
    Status
    Active and Authorized to Practice Law No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Karen

Learn Karen’s areas of practice.

HIGHLY EFFECTIVE, EXPERIENCED, COMPASSIONATE AND SKILLED

Compassionate, Experienced, Knowledgeable and Effective.

Awards

Client's Choice 2019,2018,2017,2014
Client's Choice
2019 2018 2017 + 1 ...

Contact Karen

The Law Offices of Karen L. Shishem
Karen L. Shishem (By Appointment Only)
1700 N. Milwaukee Avenue
Suite 205
Glenview, IL, 60025
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Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  32 customer reviews
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Client's Choice 2019
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by Oscar | March 22, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I WISH KAREN SHISHEM HAD REPRESENTED ME DURING MY DIVORCE
I was asking the court to amend monthly maintenance. Something I thought should be easy. It wasn’t. My ex-wife’s attorney would be the same one that had put me through an emotional and financial shredder while running circles around the attorney that represented me during my divorce. Lucky for me, I found Karen Shishem. This time it was Karen running the circles. While doing that, she kept me apprised of the process and took all of the time needed to fully explain what I had to understand. I am VERY SATISFIED with the results. All of the “hype” I read about Karen is true!
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Posted by Camilla | May 6, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Wonderful, Supportive, Compassionate
Ms. Shishem helped me finalize a divorce that had been 10+ years in the making. By the time I met her I was pretty depressed about ever getting closure with my challenging ex. Ms. Shishem encouraged me, supported my claims, was totally transparent so I knew what was going on (I live in another state, so we never met in person), and was completely professional while doing all of the above. Her warm, compassionate nature was evident even over the phone. I wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Shisem and her office as top notch legal professionals.
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Posted by Yuridia | July 27, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Competent, Thorough,Passionate
Attorney Shishem will fight for what is fair! She negotiates very well with the other party and takes her time to explain everything thoroughly!! Thank you Attorney Shishem because after 5 years of the other party not paying child support. I was able to exercise my right of an Order of Withholding.
Posted by Craig | September 28, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Compassionate, clear and highly competent.
Karen was a wonderful resource during my divorce. I had no idea what I was doing, and she made everything clear and plain and -- so far as is possible in a situation like this -- easy to handle. Highly recommend.
Posted by Justin | August 26, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
An attorney who cares
Karen guides me through a very difficult time, ensuring that I make well-informed decisions that were in the short and long term best interests of my children and myself. Karen is organized, proactive, thorough and realistic. I highly recommend her.
Posted by Jessica | July 18, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney
Karen was very professional. She had everything in order. Made me feel very comfortable about my situation. This was my first divorce, I had no clue what I was doing and Karen made everything so smooth and simple. She never made me feel like any of my questions were stupid. She always made time for me or called me right back about any questions or concerns I had. She is an amazing lawyer and an amazing person.
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Posted by Scott | February 28, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent results.
Karen was a pleasure to work with. She took time to understand my situation on both a human and legal level. Keeping my and my son’s interests in mind, she skillfully navigated the process and was always several steps ahead of the other lawyer. The other party was outmatched. I highly recommend Karen and wouldn’t hesitate to hire her again, should need arise. Worth every penny.
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Posted by Carmen | January 22, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Karen Shishem, EXCELLENT ATTORNEY!
Karen represented me with my child support case. She is compassionate and extremely knowledgeable. I was going through a stressful time in my life when I hired her. She made me feel confident and gave me the assurance that I was desperately seeking. She guided me throughout the whole process with constant updates. I highly recommend her.
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Posted by Louie | January 21, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Divorce Attorney
I approached Karen L. Shishem Law Office unfortunately, about a divorce. From the start of communication with them, was nothing short of professional, punctual, and amazing. My phone calls were always answered, and if they weren’t, they’d be returned within an hour or two. They handled my divorce judgement free, and made something life turning, like this, as comfortable as possible. And nonetheless easier for me to deal with. When having to go directly to the office of Karen L. Shishem, I was always greeted with a professional “hello” from all the staff and didn’t have to wait an exaggerated amount of time to be seen. My divorce was quick, pain free, and easy thanks to the law office of Karen L. Shishem and I recommend anyone going through this sort of event to contact them. You will not be disappointed.
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Posted by anonymous | January 17, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional, effective, concise. Will call her again if I need assistance.
I had an excellent experience working with Karen. She was able to walk me through all of the ins and outs of my needs, explaining everything in the exact amount of detail that I wanted. When I would ask clarifying questions, she clearly articulated answers. She did a good job of helping me understand my choices and offering suggestions. She knew all the questions I didn't know to ask. If I ever need services in her specialty again, I wouldn't work with anyone else.
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Posted by Ewa | October 16, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
My experience with Attorney - Karen L. Shishem
I hired Karen for my divorce case. I am so over the top appreciative, I don't even have enough words, her professional skills are amazing, her outstanding work, and her great communication with me! I was informed right away what was going on in my case. I am so grateful for having her by my side during this very difficult time for me, she treated me like a human being who was going through a hard time. I have felt protected and well represented! With Karen's help my case was solved quickly. I highly recommend her services. Karen, thank you so very much! Awesome work!
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Posted by Paul | June 24, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
There is no Better Divorce Attorney in Chicago
When I entered into my divorce, I had no idea where to start, so my brother asked his business attorney if she had a recommendation. Without hesitation, she said Karen Shishem. I’ve couldn’t be happier. Highly capable, responsive and always looking out for my interests. She also saved me lots of money. She’s the best.
Posted by Gerald | May 8, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Such a great experience!!!
I hired Karen to help me with a post divorce dispute regarding college expenses. My ex-wife wanted me to pay 100% of my daughters college expenses. Karen was able to provide the judge with convincing information that I never thought about! She was able to render 12 months of my ex-wifes lawyers paperwork as useless. It is so rare to find a professional who actually cares about the client!!! If you need an exceptional family lawyer, I highly recommend Karen.
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Posted by Gina | April 16, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent attorney
Going thru a divorce was one of the most trying times in my life. I was so grateful that someone recommended Karen Shishem to me. Since our first initial meeting she has done nothing but guide me and fight for me every step of the way. Even times I was loosing hope all it took was one phone call to Karen to reassure me everything was going to be ok. She is an excellent attorney who always puts her clients best interest first. I have and will continue to recommend Karen Shishem to anyone who needs the best representation.
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Posted by Lizbeth | April 12, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exceptional Advocate
Karen is an exceptional lawyer and human being, she helped me through my divorce in a very professional and caring way, while the whole experience is not a pleasant one, Karen was there at all times, the way she handles the process is beyond expectation.
Posted by anonymous | March 9, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Strength & compassion
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.
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Posted by Adam | December 27, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Lawyer for My Divorce
I hired Karen Shishem to handle my divorce case in 2017 and she was wonderful. She's quick to respond, incredibly easy to speak with and extremely knowledgeable. She listens to her clients and strives for the an outcome that's the best for them. The end result of what could have been a messy, drawn out situation was an amicable agreement that both parties were satisfied with. Which was something I didn't think would have been possible when beginning the process and dealing with my ex's lawyer. I cannot recommend highly enough.
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Posted by anonymous | September 12, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding service
I do not know where to start. Karen has fought every battle for me for the past 2 years and she has not only had she won every single time, she helped me cut down costs and made the other party pay for my attorney fees. Once she started working I felt comfortable because I felt like she was defending me as a friend would not a typical lawyer who just totaled the time and sent bills. She went above and beyond her services and continues to give me legal advice but also advice in life. I was in a horrible custody battle and because of her technique and experience in knowing what to go for and when, we were able to anticipate every move and by it head on to have the outcome in my favor. For anyone who reads this, always remember when you are going into battle, you HAVE to have a 5 star general at your side if you plan to win the war.
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Posted by Monica | May 31, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Divorce
Karen was very cordial, knowledgeable, and reassuring of what she can do for me. My case was in good hands. I would highly recommend her to friends and family.
Posted by Wendy | April 9, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
I Consulted But Hired Elsewhere-And She Was Wonderful. Thank You!
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 hired 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.
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Cost

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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.5 (Superb)

Education

  • John Marshall Law School, Chicago
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1984
  • Loyola University of Chicago
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1981
  • Loyola University of Rome, Italy
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1980

Associations

  • Korean American Association of Chicago
  • Member
  • 2018 - Present
  • Woman to Woman Networking Group
  • Member
  • 2014 - Present
  • Arab-American Bar Association of Illinois
  • Founding Member
  • 1993 - 2019

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Korean
  • Spanish
  • Vietnamese
View all languages

Honors and Awards

  • Outstanding Achievement in Family Law
  • Marquis Who's Who in American Law
  • 2023
  • Illinois Super Lawyer
  • Illinois Super Lawyers
  • 2023
  • Outstanding Achievement in Family Law
  • Marquis Who's Who in American Law
  • 2022
  • American Institute of Family Lawyers
  • 10 Best Family Lawyers in Illinois
  • 2019
  • 10 Best Family Lawyers in Illinois
  • American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
  • 2018
  • Top 100 Matrimonial and Family Lawyers
  • The National Advocates
  • 2018
  • 10 Best Family Lawyers in Illinois
  • American Institute of Family Lawyers
  • 2017
  • 10 Best Family Lawyers in Illinois
  • American Institute of Family Lawyers
  • 2016
View all awards

Attorney endorsements

Received (6)
Given (3)
Endorse Karen
Family Attorney | Dec 07
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Karen is a great advocate for her clients and well versed in the law. She was also very responsive in the case we had together and pleasure to work with on a difficult case."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Oct 18
Relationship: Friend
"I know Karen personally and professionally. I recommend her to my friends who need a hard-working, caring, attorney to handle divorce and family matters."
Family Attorney | Apr 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Karen is compassionate, knowledgeable and caring. She is a zealous advocate and works hard for her clients."
Family Attorney | Aug 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I highly endorse Mrs. Shishem. Very experienced and caring attorney who gets great results in representing clients. Keep up a great work!"
Personal injury Attorney | Oct 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of her clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
Personal injury Attorney | Oct 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community."
View more endorsements
Divorce and separation
Divorce and separation
Criminal defense