Online and In-Person
Mediation in Chicago

Online divorce mediation via video conference and in-person facilitation with David Louis—the consummate professional with years’ experience in guiding clients through the divorce process

​Further information: david@louisdivorcemediation.com or 773-633-0256.

Approach & Background

David Louis' mediation, financial and interpersonal communication skills have helped hundreds of families successfully move through the challenge of divorce.

What is David’s unique approach?

David’s approach to mediation involves a meaningful, future-focused conversation that empowers his clients to communicate with each other, make their own informed decisions and create a plan for moving forward into the next chapter of their lives. He ensures that each partner has a voice in discussions. Functioning as an intermediary, he creates a neutral, supportive and safe atmosphere conducive to exploring creative and healthy solutions to all the issues faced in divorce.
David Louis looking serious, but kind in a plaid button down shirt and blue sports jacket.
David Louis
David encourages full participation by both spouses, guiding you to address financial challenges and the particular needs of your children. With David you are empowered to make informed decisions that are acceptable to both of you.

Why choose David as our mediator?

David is filled with passion for his work. His commitment to couples experiencing the challenge of divorce is reinforced by the mediation, financial and communication skills he has acquired in his training and broad life experience. David has helped many families successfully move through the challenge of divorce, providing a calm and safe space filled with empathy and compassion. Unlike others in the field, divorce mediation is the primary focus of David’s practice.

“I want to make a positive difference” — David ​

“For each couple I work with, I bring the intention of using what I’ve learned from my training and experience to make a positive difference in their lives–by transforming fear and anger into hope and confidence that the future can bring new opportunity.”

A 30-year career in finance and community

​David worked in finance for over 30 years, completing that career as chief financial officer for an organization with a $100 million annual budget. David also served as an elected public official in his township, where he enjoyed a reputation as a consensus builder and often employed his dispute resolution skills. At age 50, thinking about next steps in his career, he wanted to do something different. 

“Mediation is future-focused” — David

“Two things attracted me: While I had worked as a decision-maker in finance, I liked the freedom of mediation, where I don’t make the decisions—my clients do. I was also attracted to the field as a future-focused planning process. I enjoy working with people, helping them to think about how to move forward from where they are now.”

Mediation career began in New York

David began his mediation career in Albany, New York, starting as a volunteer in a local community dispute resolution center. (From 2006-2016, he generously donated his time as a volunteer mediator for several Community Dispute Resolution Centers in the Capital District of New York.) In 2010 he opened Upstate Divorce Mediation, providing family and divorce mediation services.

Extensive training and recognition

​In New York, David held the highest level of accreditation for family and divorce mediators in the state. His training includes the Association for Conflict Resolution’s approved training for divorce mediation by the Mediation Center in Rochester, New York. In 2013, the Association for Conflict Resolution recognized him with the national designation of Advanced Practitioner Family Mediator, and he became an Accredited Mediator Member of the New York State Council on Divorce Mediation, serving on the board of directors. Later that year, he completed his certification as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst. After many years, his family wanted a change, so he relocated to Chicago.

“Now I am a Chicagoan!” — David

“Living and working in Chicago has been a positive transition. Chicago is a much larger, more diverse area than Upstate New York. I embrace that diversity. There are lots of opportunities for personal enrichment—vibrant neighborhoods and suburban communities with unique identities. The city is very welcoming.”


​“Choose your mediator carefully” — David

“The experience of divorce is not much different in Chicago than anywhere else—always a transition that carries uncertainty and requires thoughtful planning to move forward. With a large population, there are more professionals offering the mediation option. That is an advantage for clients. Knowing you have many choices, I encourage you to consider carefully and find a professional who is a good fit. I personally am happy to offer my services to any client who feels I can be of help.”
Professional Experience
  • 2016-  President, Mediator, Conflict Coach, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst—Louis Mediation Services-Chicago, LLC  Family and divorce mediation
    --161 N. Clark  St., Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60601 
  • 2018-  Mediator—Mediate North Shore, P.C.  Divorce mediation
    --900 Skokie Blvd, Suite 121, Northbrook, IL 60062   
  • 2010-  President, Mediator, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst—Conflict Resolution Group, Inc.  (Upstate Divorce Mediation)  Family and divorce mediation—provided via videoconferencing and phone
  • 2006-  Volunteer Family and Community Mediator
    Illinois—Center for Conflict Resolution (2018-) and New York—Mediation Matters (2006-2016) 
  • 1979-2010  Director of Finance, New York State Assembly, Albany, NY  (2001-2010); Budget Director (1989-2001); Other financial positions (1979-1989)
  • 2002-2009  Town Supervisor—New Baltimore, NY  Five-times elected Chief Financial and Administrative Officer with $1.5 million annual budget
 
Higher Education
  • 1979 Master of Public Administration, State University of New York at Albany 
  • 1977 BS in Accounting (magna cum laude), State University of New York at Albany
 
Dispute Resolution Training
Extensive training/conferences in mediation, divorce mediation, large group facilitation, conflict coaching, collaborative practice, elder mediation, family and parental planning, workplace mediation — 2006 to present in Illinois and New York 
 
Achievements
  • 2013 Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, Institute of Divorce Financial Analysts
  • 2012 Advanced Practitioner Mediator, Association for Conflict Resolution, Family Section
  • 2012 Accredited Divorce Mediator, New York State Council on Divorce Mediation
 
Directorships
  • New York State Dispute Resolution Association, 2010-2014 
  • New York State Council on Divorce Mediation, 2011-2016
  • Collaborative Divorce Association of the Capital District, 2011-2016
 
Memberships

Clients appreciate David Louis’ services​

“You are a truly neutral professional with a deep well of experience to draw from. You made me feel heard and helped us both understand the issues at play in our separation.”