Jerald A. Kessler

Mediation is a distinct profession. While a knowledge of the law, finance, family dynamics, and child development are important, it is mastery of conflict resolution that is key. Unlike many who bold themselves out as mediators, I do not “dabble” in mediation as a sideline or as something to do in retirement after a career in law. Lawyering (and serving as a judge) do not necessarily translate into mediation skills and are sometimes a detriment to those who attempt to switch roles. In mediation, the parties - not the mediator - create the terms of their agreement.

I have been a mediator for 35 years, while maintaining a selective divorce law Practice. Mediation has been the major part of my practice (95%), and, for last several years mediation has been 100% of my practice. In addition to extensive training as a mediator and attorney, I regularly attend multi-disciplinary conferences of mental health professionals, judges, financial planners and attorneys. In addition, I stay current with research on the impact of divorce on children and effective mediation practices. To augment my conflict resolution skills (even though mediation is not therapy) I completed a private tutorial in family systems and couples counseling with University of Chicago clinical faculty.

I train new mediators for the Illinois State Bar Association, provide advance mediation trainings for mediation organizations, and conduct a mediation consultation group for other mediators.