Roberts, Kelly K.

Kirsten, an accomplished appellate attorney, is in charge of GWC’s appellate department.  The example set by Kirsten’s parents instilled in her, early on in life, an understanding of and respect for the value of hard work, so when she decided to enter the practice of law, she naturally gravitated towards representing working class men and women.  Almost immediately, she found the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury and wrongful death to be a perfect fit.

Kirsten graduated from the University of Notre Dame with high honors in 1992, and received her law degree from Notre Dame Law School in 1995.  In addition to her Illinois licensure, Kirsten is licensed to practice before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court.  She is an active member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers’ Association and serves on its Amicus Curiae Committee, in which capacity she has filed “Friend of the Court” briefs in multiple landmark Illinois Supreme Court cases.  Kirsten was a recipient of the William J. Harte Amicus Volunteer Award in 2006 and 2008.  Kirsten also belongs to the Animal Legal Defense Fund and the Appellate Lawyers’ Association.

Kirsten concentrates her practice in appeals and circuit court proceedings that have the potential to give rise to an appeal – for example, motions to dismiss and post trial motions.  She handles cases involving various different aspects of tort liability, such as construction negligence, premises liability, automobile accidents, product liability and the Federal Employers’ Liability Act.  Kirsten represents clients whose injuries include brain damage, amputation of a limb, quadriplegia, paraplegia, and complex bone fractures requiring multiple surgeries.  She also represents families of individuals who have been killed as a result of someone else’s negligence.

Kirsten has always taken a special interest in writing.  While attending Notre Dame Law School, she published two articles in the Journal of Legislation, for which she was later named an Editor; and wrote regularly as an editorial columnist for the University’s newspaper, The Observer.  She has also co-authored two articles for the Illinois Trial Lawyers' Association's Trial Journal.  Activities Kirsten enjoys during her free time include spending time with her family, traveling and doing volunteer work for animals.  She is avid sports fan and especially enjoys NBA basketball, NFL football and NHL hockey.