2026 ILLINOIS ATTORNEYS TO WATCH
Kathryn has always made time to guide clients through complex estate planning and other private wealth issues with clarity and care. ” “
KATHRYN KALER
AGE: 38 FIRM : Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP LAW SCHOOL : DePaul University College of Law
AREA(S) OF PRACTICE: Private wealth
A relentless commitment to serving her clients. That's what has helped Kathryn Kaler excel in the private wealth arena. Kaler specializes in guiding her high-net-worth clients through complex estate planning and administration matters. Her work involves sensitive situations in which the stakes are high. Trust is important. And Kaler has earned this trust by helping her clients not only preserve but grow their wealth. Kaler focuses her practice on complex tax, trust and estate planning, administration and dispute resolution for high-net- worth clients, families and owners of closely-held businesses. She has developed custom estate plans and leverages her es- tate-planning techniques to preserve and transfer wealth to younger generations. Michael Koenigsberger, a principal at Chicago's Dussias Wit- tenberg Koenigsberger, frequently collaborates with Kaler on complicated private wealth matters. He says that Kaler takes the time to listen and learn about their clients' needs. She draws on what she learns to draft thoughtful and legally sound strategies for these clients. “My clients have remarked on how they enjoy having Kath- ryn as a part of their legal team,” Koenigsberger said. “Kathryn has always made time to guide clients through complex estate planning and other private wealth issues with clarity and care.”
Kimberly Boike, a principal with Chicago's Chuhak & Tecson, worked with Kaler when the young attorney practiced at the same firm. Boike says that it didn't take her long to recognize that Kaler ranks among the most talented and dedicated attor- neys in the Chicago area. “What sets Kathryn apart is not simply her technical knowl- edge of the law, but her ability to translate that expertise into clear, actionable guidance for clients navigating high-stakes situations,” Boike said. “Her dedication to client service is truly remarkable.” Kaler is also committed to her community. This includes serv- ing on the board of trustees for the Winnetka Public School Nursery, a non-profit preschool in Winnetka. Anna Henerey, di- rector of the nursery, said that the organization has benefited not only from Kaler's volunteerism but also from her legal exper- tise. Kaler has reviewed key documents and contracts for the or- ganization, which Henerey says has been valuable for the nursery. “Her legal insight has proven especially valuable when navi- gating complex or sensitive situations,” Henerey said. “Kathryn approaches these challenges with thoughtful analysis, asking insightful questions and carefully weighing available options. I appreciate her ability to craft solutions that both protect the school's interests and reflect empathy for all involved.”
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40 Under Forty 2026
CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN
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