Kate Kirwan Searls

KATE KIRWAN SEARLS is an associate attorney at GWC.

After Kate received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with a major in Political Science and a minor in English Literature, she earned a Juris Doctorate from University of Illinois Chicago School of Law (formerly known as John Marshall Law School).

While completing her degree, Kate served as an Associate Barrister of the Trial Advocacy and Dispute Resolution Honors Board. Her focus on the client-centered approach in negotiation earned her the Alternative Dispute Resolution Certificate to accompany her law degree. Kate continues to follow this approach while advocating for her clients and their interests.

Kate chose to practice law because of a long-term interest in being an advocate for people who have been wronged or injured. She particularly enjoys being a resource and building professional relationships with clients who need guidance, so that they can make educated decisions on how they want to pursue their options for justice. It is her strong belief that, now more than ever in an era of uncertainty, the legal profession benefits society by helping people to utilize their rights in the legal system, rather than simply being a victim.

Bar Admissions

State Bar of Illinois

Associations & Memberships

Chicago Bar Association
Chicago Chapter of the Association for Conflict Resolution

Education History

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Illinois Chicago School of Law (formerly known as John Marshall Law School)

Practice Areas

Recognition

Kate Kirwan Searls Emerging Lawyers 2025 badge

Kate’s organization, diligence, and effective communication all bring great strength to her practice. She takes pride in providing every one of her clients with her thorough attention to detail on their files from day one. These skills have allowed Kate to obtain a number of large settlements, including:

$610,000 settlement for a minor attacked by a dog at his friend’s house.
$250,000 combined settlement of liability and underinsured policies, for a single mother involved in a motor vehicle collision.
$250,000 settlement for father/husband struck by another driver and forced into a ditch.
$225,000.00 for a union member struck by another vehicle in a nearly head-on collision.
$165,000.00 for a woman injured in a crash with a drunk driver.
$150,000.00 for a female union worker who was bitten by a dog.
$138,000.00 for a man attacked by a dog during a landscaping consultation.
$130,000.00 for a minor pedestrian who was hit by a negligent driver.
$125,000.00 for a man injured in a rear-end collision.
$108,000.00 for a cab driver who was T-boned by another motorist.
$106,000 policy limits plus medical payments settlement for motorcycle crash.
$105,000.00 for a teacher who sustained injuries in a car crash.
$105,000.00 for a union engineer who was rear-ended while driving.
$100,000.00 policy limits plus medical payments for a man who was struck on his side of the vehicle during a collision.
$100,000.00 policy limits for an injured passenger who had fired her previous firm for lack of communication before retaining GWC.
$100,000.00 for a female driver who was rear-ended while stopped at a traffic light.

Kate is licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois. She is a member of the Chicago Bar Association and the Chicago Chapter of the Association for Conflict Resolution. She has also served as a John Marshall Trial Advocacy Coach. In recognition of her various career achievements, The National Trial Lawyers named Kate to its “Top 40 Under 40” Directory for Civil Plaintiff Lawyers in 2020 and 2021.

Outside of work, Kate enjoys spending time with her husband and their family, traveling, and live music.

Our Offices

Chicago

111 E Wacker Dr Suite 600
Chicago, IL 60601

(312) 999-9999

Burr Ridge

1000 Burr Ridge Pkwy #203
Burr Ridge, IL 60527

(630) 300-3026

Libertyville

31290 U.S 45
Libertyville, IL 60048

(847) 984-3830

Rockford

6820 Mill Road
Rockford, IL 61108

(815) 315-4698

What Our Clients Are Saying

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Working with Mr. Elliott was a Breeze. not only was he concise and honest, he was also very knowledgeable and explained everything Very easy.

Also i might add, his supporting staff Amy and Crystal make sending and receiving documents so good and hassle free. I have worked with GWC in the past and will called them first every time too. One last thing, i have Had success referring GWC to my Coworker's and friends and also Family too.and I always will !Thank You GWC .

Reymond Herrera 5 star rating

Harris Elliott of GWC Represented me in a Workman's compensation case. Not only was he very diligent, he was also very patient.

And took the time to make sure I understood everything that was going on and every procedure. Harris answered all emails, calls, and texts quickly and professionally. His assistant, Daisy was also very professional and when Harris was away from the office she did just as well as he did. She's the best!! If I every get hurt again, He will be the first person I call!!

Matt Fisher 5 star rating

Lou Cairo and GWC were the best to me and got me the maximum amount of compensation for my accident. Kate Kirwan Searls was my attorney and I could not have asked for better representation.

Kate killed it and got me what I deserved and then some. She was prompt, detailed, and excellent at communicating with me throughout the whole process. I will only be using GWC for any future cases, as well as only recommending them to any friends and family. If you want your case handled right, contact GWC!

Brandon Lucas 5 star rating

Mr. Harris Elliott is an amazing attorney! He helped me with my WC case and kept me updated throughout the process until everything was taken care of.

He is very reliable and responded to my emails or phone calls within 24 hours. Upfront and helpful, Mr. Elliott explained everything in detail and made the process a better learning experience for me. I am really grateful for his services, and I would recommend him to anyone who needs a great friendly lawyer!

Farzana Yousuf 5 star rating

The whole team at GWC was amazing. Harris took on my case and answered all emails, calls, and texts quickly and professionally.

Everyone who I came into contact at the firm was also great. If I ever get injured again they will be the first people that I call.

Luke Bucko 5 star rating

GWC went above and beyond to help resolve an almost 5 year case. The financial and emotional frustration we endured after my husband's car accident was met with empathy and urgency for resolution.

Lou was professional and kept in constant communication throughout the entire process. He treated us like family and never gave up on fighting for a fair and prompt resolution. Our lives may be forever changed but Lou and his team made the utmost commitment to make sure we were taken care of. GWC has the best staff and I am positive if we had used another firm our financial compensation would not have been even close to what Lou & his team secured for us. We are forever grateful and would recommend GWC to anyone in a similar situation. Thank you again for changing our lives for the better.

Michelle Schmidt 5 star rating