team-member

Kathryn Ciesla

N/A

N/A

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Divorce and separation

Language

English

About

Kathryn Ciesla has a broad depth of experience in child advocacy, family law, litigation, corporate law, licensing, estate planning and administration. Her clients include children, parents, business executives, entrepreneurs and companies from a variety of industries. Kathryn’s clients have common goals - to protect their interests, assets and families.Kathryn’s career began at a general practice firm in Evanston, where she was thrown into the trenches, focusing her work on litigation, divorce, custody, and other family related matters. She then moved to the largest law firm in the nation concentrating her practice exclusively on matrimonial law. Kathryn handled cases for clients with multi-million-dollar holdings. Work on these cases required sophisticated financial expertise in matters of business valuation, personal tax consequences, discovery of assets, property settlement, support and trust and estate planning, as well as a deep knowledge base in business operations.  Kathryn then took her aptitude for business operations and finance, and served as General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer for a regionally accredited college with campuses in Chicago and the surrounding metropolitan area. Kathryn managed finance, information technology and human resources operations for an organization with revenues exceeding $20 million annually.  In 2007, Kathryn returned to private practice, again representing families, businesses, and developing a niche practice in the area of liquor licensing.Close to Kathryn’s heart is child advocacy and in 2012, she was approved by the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois to represent children in contested divorces as a Guardian ad litem and Child Representative. In 2014, Kathryn earned the same distinction in Lake County, Illinois. To date, Kathryn has represented more than 75 children before courts in Cook and Lake Counties. In 2012, Ms. Ciesla earned a Certificate in Divorce Mediation Skills Training from the School of Continuing Studies of Northwestern University. Kathryn is often retained by private clients and appointed as a mediator by Judges in Cook County. She also serves many families as a judicially appointed Parenting Coordinator.In April, 2017, Kathryn was elected to her third term as a Trustee for the Village of Northbrook.  he is Chair of the Administration/Finance and Ad Hoc Labor Relations Committees.  In the fall of 2016, Kathryn was appointed to serve on the Legislative Committee of the Northwest Municipal Conference, which is an organization representing 44 municipalities and 1.3 million citizens in the north and northwest suburbs of Chicago.Kathryn often writes and speaks on issues involving families and children. She enjoys bike riding, gardening and up-cycling and currently lives in Northbrook with her two daughters and three rescue dogs, Thunder, Tinker and Violet.

Practices Areas

Litigation

Divorce and separation

Family

Language

English

Contact

CIESLA | BEELER, LLC191 Waukegan Rd.Ste. 315Northfield, IL, 60093

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

Adam
July 27, 2018

I play music for a living as a singer/songwriter. I’m on stage every night and have performed to the upwards of 30,000 people while opening for The President . But for some reason I can’t find the words to express what Kathryn and her associates did for my son and I . Ya see I’ve been the most direct care for my son since he was born. He IS my life,my heart and my compass. To legally fight for this as a father can be a challenge,especially when you don’t look the typical part of Dad. Kathryn her team and her partner Jessica Weiner fought fearlessly. They coupled that with knowledge and had the ability to convey that to me so I understood what was going on every step of the way! In a custody battle there’s really no winners and in fact the child is the one that loses. I feel like my son I are now the exception to that! Because of the grace,strength and passion of someone like Kathryn. My family thanks you! Adam

anonymous
July 13, 2018

Child custody cases are the worst thing that can happen to any family. Kathryn and her team at Ciesla Beeler have gone above and beyond to protect and advocate for my children. I’ve always felt listened to, given solid advice and had a clear plan. Very professional / timely with emails, phone calls and countless court appearances. She’s a strong woman who you want on your side of the courtroom.

anonymous
May 18, 2018

I had to hire Kathryn after I was commanded to appear in court for a child custody case that was not mine. With a few days to work with, Kathryn was able to quickly get my 2 days appearance reduced to only 1 day. Kathryn listened to my concerns and was very attentive and extremely aware of my rights. Her response time to my calls and emails were always the same day. I felt very confident with Kathryn's ability to counsel for my rights and to be there in court with me. Luckily, the case was settled before I had to testify. I highly recommend Kathyrn for not only her knowledge in family law, but for her calm demeanor and swift approach to handling the law and working for her client rights.

anonymous
May 4, 2018

I used Kathryn for my divorce and I found her to be excellent. She really went the extra mile for me and was very well prepared for court.

anonymous
May 4, 2018

Kathryn has been the utmost professional when it comes to private matters. She has been great and understanding the entire time and was always accessible. Even on the weekend when I needed someone to talk to. Her availability and caringness are greatly appreciated.

anonymous
October 7, 2017

Hired with emergency court hearing coming in two weeks. She was super attentive and prepared me thoroughly. She responded to any question I had the same day. I felt as if I were her only client. I would recommend her for any matter. She also reviewed a concurrent real estate contract for a bid before the court date. Her negotiations with a resitant opponent and uncompromising criminal attorney reached the desired outcome.

Bob
July 23, 2017

Kathryn listens well and helped to well define the best interests of the affected parties in the negotiations. She communicates clearly and advocated for language that effectively protected my rights.

Allen
December 29, 2016

I was entering a new phase in my life and was full of questions about divorce, ending one phase and starting over. Kathryn was direct, honest, thoughtful and encouraging. She explained what her experience had been in various situations and gave me the advice I needed to know I wasn't alone. Kathryn is unique in her field.

Maura
November 7, 2016

My sister hired Kathryn as she went through a very difficult divorce process. I cannot state enough how over-the-top amazing Kathryn and her team was in supporting my sister in every way. Kathryn is highly intelligent, experienced, strategic, determined, persevering, strong, quick with curve balls, and successful. Kathryn is also empathetic, understanding, and nurturing. She earns the trust of her client, forming a winning alliance throughout the process. I’ve watched my sister undergo tremendous personal growth as a direct result of her close working relationship with Kathryn. My sister successfully finished her divorce process with favorable results. In addition to that, Kathryn also has empowered, inspired, and supported my sister to take on her next steps in life. Kathryn has been instrumental in turning a negative divorce process into a transformational experience that has set my sister on a new, positive trajectory in life. I’m am beyond grateful and impressed.

Madeline
October 28, 2016

I made an appointment to meet with Kathryn because I was looking for an excellent lawyer to file for divorce from my marriage. When I met with Kathryn, she listened to me and responded to all my questions. As her client, I felt I could trust Kathryn. She has excellent representation in court with positive energy. She understood me and I felt comfortable working with her. I would highly recommend Kathryn Ciesla to anyone looking to file for divorce because you are guaranteed great service.

Adam
July 27, 2018

I play music for a living as a singer/songwriter. I’m on stage every night and have performed to the upwards of 30,000 people while opening for The President . But for some reason I can’t find the words to express what Kathryn and her associates did for my son and I . Ya see I’ve been the most direct care for my son since he was born. He IS my life,my heart and my compass. To legally fight for this as a father can be a challenge,especially when you don’t look the typical part of Dad. Kathryn her team and her partner Jessica Weiner fought fearlessly. They coupled that with knowledge and had the ability to convey that to me so I understood what was going on every step of the way! In a custody battle there’s really no winners and in fact the child is the one that loses. I feel like my son I are now the exception to that! Because of the grace,strength and passion of someone like Kathryn. My family thanks you! Adam

anonymous
July 13, 2018

Child custody cases are the worst thing that can happen to any family. Kathryn and her team at Ciesla Beeler have gone above and beyond to protect and advocate for my children. I’ve always felt listened to, given solid advice and had a clear plan. Very professional / timely with emails, phone calls and countless court appearances. She’s a strong woman who you want on your side of the courtroom.

anonymous
May 18, 2018

I had to hire Kathryn after I was commanded to appear in court for a child custody case that was not mine. With a few days to work with, Kathryn was able to quickly get my 2 days appearance reduced to only 1 day. Kathryn listened to my concerns and was very attentive and extremely aware of my rights. Her response time to my calls and emails were always the same day. I felt very confident with Kathryn's ability to counsel for my rights and to be there in court with me. Luckily, the case was settled before I had to testify. I highly recommend Kathyrn for not only her knowledge in family law, but for her calm demeanor and swift approach to handling the law and working for her client rights.

anonymous
May 4, 2018

I used Kathryn for my divorce and I found her to be excellent. She really went the extra mile for me and was very well prepared for court.

anonymous
May 4, 2018

Kathryn has been the utmost professional when it comes to private matters. She has been great and understanding the entire time and was always accessible. Even on the weekend when I needed someone to talk to. Her availability and caringness are greatly appreciated.

anonymous
October 7, 2017

Hired with emergency court hearing coming in two weeks. She was super attentive and prepared me thoroughly. She responded to any question I had the same day. I felt as if I were her only client. I would recommend her for any matter. She also reviewed a concurrent real estate contract for a bid before the court date. Her negotiations with a resitant opponent and uncompromising criminal attorney reached the desired outcome.

Bob
July 23, 2017

Kathryn listens well and helped to well define the best interests of the affected parties in the negotiations. She communicates clearly and advocated for language that effectively protected my rights.

Allen
December 29, 2016

I was entering a new phase in my life and was full of questions about divorce, ending one phase and starting over. Kathryn was direct, honest, thoughtful and encouraging. She explained what her experience had been in various situations and gave me the advice I needed to know I wasn't alone. Kathryn is unique in her field.

Maura
November 7, 2016

My sister hired Kathryn as she went through a very difficult divorce process. I cannot state enough how over-the-top amazing Kathryn and her team was in supporting my sister in every way. Kathryn is highly intelligent, experienced, strategic, determined, persevering, strong, quick with curve balls, and successful. Kathryn is also empathetic, understanding, and nurturing. She earns the trust of her client, forming a winning alliance throughout the process. I’ve watched my sister undergo tremendous personal growth as a direct result of her close working relationship with Kathryn. My sister successfully finished her divorce process with favorable results. In addition to that, Kathryn also has empowered, inspired, and supported my sister to take on her next steps in life. Kathryn has been instrumental in turning a negative divorce process into a transformational experience that has set my sister on a new, positive trajectory in life. I’m am beyond grateful and impressed.

Madeline
October 28, 2016

I made an appointment to meet with Kathryn because I was looking for an excellent lawyer to file for divorce from my marriage. When I met with Kathryn, she listened to me and responded to all my questions. As her client, I felt I could trust Kathryn. She has excellent representation in court with positive energy. She understood me and I felt comfortable working with her. I would highly recommend Kathryn Ciesla to anyone looking to file for divorce because you are guaranteed great service.

Adam
July 27, 2018

I play music for a living as a singer/songwriter. I’m on stage every night and have performed to the upwards of 30,000 people while opening for The President . But for some reason I can’t find the words to express what Kathryn and her associates did for my son and I . Ya see I’ve been the most direct care for my son since he was born. He IS my life,my heart and my compass. To legally fight for this as a father can be a challenge,especially when you don’t look the typical part of Dad. Kathryn her team and her partner Jessica Weiner fought fearlessly. They coupled that with knowledge and had the ability to convey that to me so I understood what was going on every step of the way! In a custody battle there’s really no winners and in fact the child is the one that loses. I feel like my son I are now the exception to that! Because of the grace,strength and passion of someone like Kathryn. My family thanks you! Adam

anonymous
July 13, 2018

Child custody cases are the worst thing that can happen to any family. Kathryn and her team at Ciesla Beeler have gone above and beyond to protect and advocate for my children. I’ve always felt listened to, given solid advice and had a clear plan. Very professional / timely with emails, phone calls and countless court appearances. She’s a strong woman who you want on your side of the courtroom.

anonymous
May 18, 2018

I had to hire Kathryn after I was commanded to appear in court for a child custody case that was not mine. With a few days to work with, Kathryn was able to quickly get my 2 days appearance reduced to only 1 day. Kathryn listened to my concerns and was very attentive and extremely aware of my rights. Her response time to my calls and emails were always the same day. I felt very confident with Kathryn's ability to counsel for my rights and to be there in court with me. Luckily, the case was settled before I had to testify. I highly recommend Kathyrn for not only her knowledge in family law, but for her calm demeanor and swift approach to handling the law and working for her client rights.

anonymous
May 4, 2018

I used Kathryn for my divorce and I found her to be excellent. She really went the extra mile for me and was very well prepared for court.

anonymous
May 4, 2018

Kathryn has been the utmost professional when it comes to private matters. She has been great and understanding the entire time and was always accessible. Even on the weekend when I needed someone to talk to. Her availability and caringness are greatly appreciated.

anonymous
October 7, 2017

Hired with emergency court hearing coming in two weeks. She was super attentive and prepared me thoroughly. She responded to any question I had the same day. I felt as if I were her only client. I would recommend her for any matter. She also reviewed a concurrent real estate contract for a bid before the court date. Her negotiations with a resitant opponent and uncompromising criminal attorney reached the desired outcome.

Bob
July 23, 2017

Kathryn listens well and helped to well define the best interests of the affected parties in the negotiations. She communicates clearly and advocated for language that effectively protected my rights.

Allen
December 29, 2016

I was entering a new phase in my life and was full of questions about divorce, ending one phase and starting over. Kathryn was direct, honest, thoughtful and encouraging. She explained what her experience had been in various situations and gave me the advice I needed to know I wasn't alone. Kathryn is unique in her field.

Maura
November 7, 2016

My sister hired Kathryn as she went through a very difficult divorce process. I cannot state enough how over-the-top amazing Kathryn and her team was in supporting my sister in every way. Kathryn is highly intelligent, experienced, strategic, determined, persevering, strong, quick with curve balls, and successful. Kathryn is also empathetic, understanding, and nurturing. She earns the trust of her client, forming a winning alliance throughout the process. I’ve watched my sister undergo tremendous personal growth as a direct result of her close working relationship with Kathryn. My sister successfully finished her divorce process with favorable results. In addition to that, Kathryn also has empowered, inspired, and supported my sister to take on her next steps in life. Kathryn has been instrumental in turning a negative divorce process into a transformational experience that has set my sister on a new, positive trajectory in life. I’m am beyond grateful and impressed.

Madeline
October 28, 2016

I made an appointment to meet with Kathryn because I was looking for an excellent lawyer to file for divorce from my marriage. When I met with Kathryn, she listened to me and responded to all my questions. As her client, I felt I could trust Kathryn. She has excellent representation in court with positive energy. She understood me and I felt comfortable working with her. I would highly recommend Kathryn Ciesla to anyone looking to file for divorce because you are guaranteed great service.