Women in Law 2024

2024

CAILEE ALDERMAN PARTNER Kogut & Wilson LLC

A s a partner at Kogut & Wilson, Cailee J. Alderman represents clients in all aspects of family and matrimonial law, with a focus on divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, guardianship and special immigrant juvenile status. From the outset of joining the firm in 2021, she has taken on the challenge to expand the firm’s services to adoption, guardianship and special immigrant juvenile practices and, in the process, has influenced the way the rest of the team handles cases through her adept technical understanding and compassionate approach. Cailee’s commitment to her clients stems from her own life experience—having navigated her parents’ divorce as a child, she knows firsthand the importance of advocating for children’s well- being. That personal connection aids her work, uniquely positioning her to connect with clients going through similar struggles and provide guidance on options for children leaving protective services in Illinois. Her ability to advocate effectively for children and families is well recognized in the legal community, as she has been appointed the Guardian ad Litem for adoption cases by the Circuit Court of Cook County since 2021. One of Cailee’s most exemplary qualities is her dedication to lifelong learning. She earned her J.D. from DePaul University College of Law with a focus on Family Law and received the Benjamin Hooks Distinguished Service Award. She went on to be certified in mediation from Northwestern University, refining her ability to excel in complex cases.

What distinguishes Cailee is her passion for fostering meaningful relationships with others. Beyond her work at the firm, Cailee was involved in the Exclusive Professional Women’s Networking Group (EPWNG) in which she built valuable networks and shared her insights with influential women across various industries before it closed its doors in late 2023. She has earned great respect in the legal community. She served as Vice-Chair and then Chair of the Chicago Bar Association’s Adoption Law Committee from 2017 to 2019 and stepped into the role of Co- Chair of the Committee’s Legislation subcommittee this year. Cailee continues to make an impact by hosting and speaking at the Chicago Bar Association’s Adoption Law Seminars, and her reputation and skill set have been recognized by peers as she has been named to the Best Lawyers list and featured on the Illinois Rising Stars list by Super Lawyers since 2021. In addition to her work with the CBA, Cailee frequently speaks at DePaul University College of Law and the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), sharing insights with students regarding SIJS and adoption law. Since 2015, she has been a member of the DCFS Statewide Adoption and Guardianship Attorney panel and speaks at child welfare agencies with foster parents about adoption and guardianship. She has also contributed to the 2020 and 2024 Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (IICLE) Adoption Law Handbooks.

WOMEN IN LAW 2024