Women in Law 2022

KATHRYN MICKELSON EQUITY PARTNER Beerman LLP

TOP WOMEN IN LAW HONOREE

W hen Katy Mickelson joined Beermann LLP as a law clerk in 2004 and then an attorney in 2005, she knew she had found a home. Beermann, the largest family law firm in Illinois that has zealously represented clients for over 60 years, already subscribed to the idea of caring for its clients, an attribute that Katy has continued to stress to every individual she represents. Now, 17 years later, as the only partner who has risen from law clerk to equity partner, Katy channels that same drive, dedication, and tenacity into each case she handles, representing her clients and their complex financial estates and sensitive family matters with the utmost discretion and confidentiality. From business owners and professional athletes to some of Chicago’s most influential rain makers, Katy’s clients come to her not only for her reputation among colleagues and judges as being prepared, responsive, and attentive to the smallest of details, but for her no- nonsense, practical approach to the family law practice. Looking at divorce and family law issues pragmatically, Katy crafts strategies that result in a resolution that is efficient, expeditious, and drama-free. She understands and appreciates that no client is the same and that long after family law matters are resolved, the individual remains. This understanding has driven Katy to ensure that her clients are treated with respect, their needs are met, and they emerge from family law conflict feeling empowered and whole. Katy’s ability to listen and “hear” her clients, and then convert these goals into real results, makes her one of Chicago’s most influential family law attorneys. She was recognized early on as a leader in her field, being named one of the Law Bulletin Publishing Company’s 40 Under 40 Illinois Attorneys to Watch in 2012. Katy was named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine for the years 2010 and 2012 to 2015, a Super Lawyer since 2021, a Leading Lawyer since 2015, a Best Lawyer since 2019, and one of Crain’s Media’s Most Notable Women Attorneys in 2018. Given the ever pressing need to resolve cases creatively, Katy became a certified mediator through the Center for Conflict Resolution and participated in the Litigation & Alternative Dispute Resolution program in law school at Chicago-Kent College of Law. Given that not all cases can be resolved in an ADR setting, however, Katy quickly learned to adapt her skills in the courtroom when litigation is the only alternative. A University of Michigan graduate, Katy is dedicated to educating others on family related matters, having been a featured guest on multiple podcasts, participated as a panel speaker for the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education, the Illinois State Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association, and authored articles and blogs for prominent non-legal and legal publications, such as the American Bar Association Journal. She was recently inducted as a Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. When she is not counseling clients, Katy makes sure to mentor newer attorneys, recognizing the importance of leading by example. Katy has held leadership positions in several non-profit organizations including the Women’s Bar Association, CARPLS Legal Aid, and Make-A-Wish Illinois. Currently, she is serving as President of the Chicago Council of the American Writers’ Museum, where she hopes to make an impact in the ever- changing world of fundraising.

WOMEN IN LAW 2022