Care that Comes from Being There

A Personal Commitment to Advocacy and Care.

I’m Kate Curler, and I founded the Law Office of Kate Curler LLC after experiencing firsthand the challenges of being a caregiver for my own parents. Through that journey, I realized how crucial it is to have the right support, resources, and guidance in place—something I wish I had during that time.

That’s why I decided to create a law firm that goes beyond just legal services. At my practice, we take a holistic approach, focusing not just on legal matters but also on the quality of life and emotional well-being of seniors and their families. Our mission is to advocate for seniors in a way that allows them to live independently for as long as possible, with dignity and the best possible care.

We’re here to support you in navigating the complex landscape of aging, caregiving, and legal decisions—providing the resources and emotional support you need to make the best choices for your loved ones.

I’m proud that we live that mission every day.

We are located at:

The Law Offices of Kate Curler LLC
323 E. Wacker, Suite 238
Chicago, IL 60601 

Email Kate - kcurler@curlerlaw.com

Call Kate - (312) 952-1077

My Story

A Personal Journey of Advocacy and Care.

I began my legal career as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Lake County, Illinois, prosecuting criminals and advocating for victims of domestic violence. Later, I spent six years at top family law firms in Chicago, refining my skills and knowledge in complex legal matters. But as my career evolved, I found myself being drawn back, emotionally and physically, to Michigan—where I became the primary caregiver and advocate for my parents.

As an only child, I intimately experienced the challenges that come with caring for aging parents. I fought insurance companies that refused to cover my mother Deborah’s rehabilitation, navigated the heart-wrenching decision of signing a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order for my critically ill father, Ronald Curler, and advocated for my mother when she received inadequate care in a nursing home. Through my persistent advocacy, I was able to bring her back home, where she received the quality care she deserved, was rehabilitated twice, and lived independently until the end of her life.

After my mother's passing in 2012, I felt a deep calling to combine my legal expertise with my personal experience and launched my own practice focused on Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, and Guardianship. My mission is to bring the same fighting spirit to my clients that I demonstrated for my parents.

What began with a focus on legal services soon expanded to include comprehensive support for caregivers and families. I offer assistance with senior living placement, nursing home advocacy, and Caregiver Coaching—helping families create effective care plans for loved ones facing aging or disability challenges. I work with home care agencies, care managers, nurse advocates, senior move specialists, insurance experts, and other professionals in the aging field to ensure my clients have access to the best resources available.

My vision is simple: to help seniors live independently for as long as possible, and if nursing home care is necessary, to maximize their assets, access to benefits, and resources. My goal is to empower families to make informed decisions, ensuring they have a voice in securing the best care for their loved ones.

Education

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Michigan State University, which laid the foundation for my passion for storytelling and communication. After graduation, I became a volunteer family law paralegal with the Lutheran Volunteer Corps in Baltimore, where I worked in prisons and jails, advocating to keep families together during challenging times. This experience sparked my deep commitment to helping vulnerable populations navigate the legal system.

After completing the volunteer program, I moved to California, where I worked as a child support enforcement officer, prosecuting deadbeat dads to ensure that children received the support they deserved. This role reinforced my determination to use the law to protect families and uphold justice.

In 2002, I earned my Juris Doctorate from Santa Clara University School of Law. During law school, I had the privilege of studying at Oxford University in England for a semester, where I earned the highest grade possible in my legal course—a proud moment in my academic journey.

In 2003, I moved to Chicago to be closer to my mother, Deborah Curler, who was beginning to face health challenges related to her Type 1 Diabetes. Little did I know that my professional journey would soon intertwine with my personal experience, ultimately shaping the work I do today.

Community Leadership/Volunteer Work

I strongly believe in the importance of giving back to the community, especially to those who need it most. That’s why I dedicate a significant portion of my time to advocacy and service, particularly for seniors. I am a proud member of the Illinois Bar Association’s Elder Law Committee, where I work alongside other professionals to improve the legal landscape for older adults.

I am proud to be recognized as a leader in my field. I have co-authored multiple editions of Guardianship for Disabled Adults for the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education (2011, 2014, 2021, and 2025), present to community groups about seniors impacting seniors, and volunteer extensively with Chicago organizations serving older adults.

Beyond volunteering, I support and have served as a former board member for The Center for Law and Social Work and do pro bono legal work for the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services (CVLS). I was also proud to serve as a board member for Little Brothers, Friends of the Elderly, Chicago Chapter a wonderful organization that works to alleviate isolation and improve the quality of life for elderly individuals in the Chicago area.

These experiences have shaped my personal and professional mission, reinforcing my commitment to advocating for seniors and ensuring they receive the care, respect, and dignity they deserve.