Resolve Conflicts Peacefully

KIM L. KIRN is a trusted mediator and arbitrator who empowers parties to take charge of resolving their disputes.

Kim combines deep knowledge, thorough preparation, and a wealth of experience to navigate complex matters. She possesses the temperament and credibility to manage emotionally charged situations, along with the perspective and persistence to overcome impasses.

With Kim’s guidance, parties consistently reach practical solutions to difficult conflicts and gain the clarity and closure they seek.

Why Choose Kim?

As a Mediator

Kim has conducted thousands of hours of mediation and has a very high success rate in settling cases quickly and effectively. She has mediated cases in employment, real estate, commercial, construction, personal injury, civil rights and uninsured-underinsured motorists.

Kim mediated the first successful mortgage foreclosure case in Madison County, Illinois. Her background in representing both defendants and plaintiffs makes her an ideal neutral. She is available to mediate through US Arbitration and Mediation (USA&M), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and the Southwestern Illinois Board of Realtors.

In 2015, Kim was named to the Missouri Chapter of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals (NADN).

As an Arbitrator

Kim has experience arbitrating both complicated and not-so complicated cases.

Kim is available to arbitrate through US Arbitration & Mediation (USA&M), the American Arbitration Association (AAA), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the Southwestern Illinois Board of Realtors.

Background

KIM L. KIRN is a full-time mediator and ADR neutral. She mediates through US Arbitration & Mediation (US A&M), a well-known ADR provider in the Midwest.

Her successful mediations have ranged from commercial, employment, slip and fall, civil rights, construction, real estate, and insurance coverage to personal injury disputes.

Kim’s background includes being a 1985 honors graduate of the University of Notre Dame Law School and a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia. She began her law practice with Lord, Bissell and Brook, a large defense firm based in Chicago, Illinois, before joining Illinois State Comptroller Dawn Clark Netsch as Associate General Counsel. In 1995, Kim was named University Legal Counsel at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), and in 2007, she began a legal practice focusing on mediations and arbitrations. For four years, she joined a sole practitioner in a Plaintiff’s employment practice and participated in numerous trials. She worked for over five years as a mediator with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Kim uses her experiences in a big firm, small sole practitioner and as an in-house counsel to look beyond the immediate problem and find a workable long-term solution.

On a personal side, Kim was elected twice by the voters of Glen Carbon, Illinois, to serve on the Public Library Board, and her fellow board members elected her as Secretary for both of her terms. Kim is active in the international student program in her community and the winner of the 2004 Kimmel Leadership Award, given annually to one SIUE staff member with demonstrated leadership in the community. She actively plays tennis, skis and hikes including a recent hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

My Philosophy

“My own experience as a lawyer tells me that in litigation oftentimes, everyone loses. Litigation is expensive, unbelievably slow and very public. However, alternative dispute resolution can transform the lose-lose paradigm of litigation into a win-win. The parties will be part of the final resolution, not just very interested spectators, and they are far more likely to be satisfied with the end result because they directly participated in the process. I am a specially trained mediator and have experience in employment, real estate, contractual, education, and personal injury. If you have never mediated a case, I can explain the process to you and work as a neutral to bring the others involved in your dispute to a mutually agreed upon resolution. I never give up”

– KIM L. KIRN

Recommendations

“I cannot recommend Attorney Kim Kirn more highly. She stepped in and negotiated a dignified departure from a position I loved. Kim took a challenging situation and professionally navigated through treacherous waters on my behalf, leaving both parties with dignity and respect, so that all concerned could move forward with honor.

If you are looking for fairness and justice, Kim Kirn is uniquely qualified to accomplish the task.”

Terry Lea,

Individual Client

“What impresses me most about Kim is her ability to connect with my clients, and to understand their point of view and what motivates and is important to them. She has been very helpful in crafting traditional settlement agreements, as well as exploring ‘outside the box’ creative resolutions. I also really appreciate her follow-up after a mediation, on those rare occasions when we couldn’t quite close a deal initially. I won’t hesitate to recommend or agree to Kim for future mediations.”

Bryan Brody,

Trial Attorney

“Ms. Kirn served as a hearing officer in a recent matter involving a proposed employee discharge, and was able to assist with negotiating an appropriate resolution of the matter that was agreed upon by both parties. Thus, based upon my experiences, I would recommend use of her neutral/mediation services.”

Phyleccia Cole,

General Council SIU

“Kim Kirn is a fantastic mediator. She has a unique combination of skills and abilities. She has (1) legal/technical expertise (she can understand your case) (2) personal/relational skills (she gets along with everyone and is able to figure out what motivates them) and (3) a relentless closer mentality (she won’t let you leave if a deal is anywhere in sight). She is fantastic to work with through all aspects of the mediation process and I wholeheartedly recommend her as a mediator!”

Gary Pierson,

Trial Attorney

I had an excellent experience with Kim Kirn as arbitrator. Our matter was somewhat complicated in that there were collateral litigation proceedings (a criminal process and a bankruptcy process). Kim was effective in thinking through all of the issues. She clearly know the law and can steer the lawyers and the parties toward an effective and efficient arbitration process. I would recommend Kim Kirn and use her services again.”

Hugh Eastwood,

Attorney

“Kim was my “go to” employment law attorney referral. I’m certain she will be a great asset to the Bar, clients and legal practice, in her role as mediator!”

Jeff Duke,

Attorney

“My experiences with Kim have all been positive. I agree with the previous reviewer – Kim knows the law, works well with the client (very important in my area of the law) and works until the case is settled. I recommend her highly.”

Veronica Johnson,

Employment Attorney

“Kim is an excellent mediator and does a fantastic job of resolving cases efficiently and effectively. Highly recommend.”

Quinn Murphy,

Construction Attorney

“Kim is very professional and brings a peaceful atmosphere with her.”

Neal Wallace,

Real Estate Attorney

“First time mediation with KIM KIRN and would use her services again. She was thoroughly prepared and knew the disputes and issues. I was able to relate to my client and his issues, and structured options for settlement. Very good demeanor for this work, and was able to build trust quickly. Highly recommend.”

Bruce Bonzyck,

Construction Attorney