Kat Delgado joined Stern Mendez as a partner in June of 2025. She has practiced multiple forms of law for nearly 15 years and brings a fresh, unique insight with degrees in law, taxation, and marriage and family counseling.

Kat blends her extensive knowledge with authenticity and empathy to help clients focus on the big picture. Grounded in a strong sense of community and social responsibility, Kat applies her passion for education and empowering others to every case.

We’re thrilled to welcome Kat to Stern Mendez! Learn more about her in the interview below.

Question: In which areas of law do you specialize?

Kat: I’m in a unique position as I specialize in estate planning, trust and probate litigation, and divorce and family law. It may be hard to see the parallels between these distinct areas, but they actually share many connections that require the same approach. They both involve complex family dynamics, navigating conflict or grief, preserving legacy and, often, prioritizing the well-being of children.

I bring my authentic self to each interaction with my clients. There should be no gatekeeping in family law. While I don’t have magic beans, I will always fully educate my clients, ask the questions they may not be thinking about, and ensure they understand everything that’s going on so we can collaboratively make the best decisions for their future. I am also incredibly passionate about cases involving kids and ensuring kids have a voice.

Question: What inspired you to become a divorce and family law attorney?

Kat: My mother is a divorce and family law attorney. I grew up in her office watching people go through really difficult times. It was after I majored in history at the University of Iowa that I decided to become a lawyer. I then had the opportunity to pursue a dual degree in marriage and family counseling. This cultivated my obsession with the non-legal consequences of litigation. A person may be entitled to something, but they don’t always think about how that will impact their life in the long term. I encourage conversations where my clients think about the consequences of each of their decisions, which can be hard to do in the moment.

No matter the nature of my cases, I believe the attorney-client relationship should be collaborative. I help my clients make decisions based on my professional guidance and insight, versus me outright saying what’s best for them. I also feel strongly about normalizing divorce and litigation, which are experiences I have lived and share. I draw on my personal background to relate to clients and show up for them as a partner.

When it comes down to it, family law has been my whole life—and I want to practice it in a way that makes people feel good.

Question: Are there any experiences from your education or career that helped shape your path and who you are today?

Kat: I believe our communities give us an education, and we have an obligation to give back and be productive and helpful members of society. When I was in grad school, I did an internship in Liberty City with young women in certain circumstances who were given an opportunity to either go to a juvenile detention center after school or to a program where they could experience therapy and therapeutic activities. This was one of my first mentoring experiences with teenage girls. It provided us a chance to talk about their dreams, their goals, what resources were available to them, and ideas to motivate their next chapter. You have to meet people where they are.

This has played a large role in my taking on cases that involve children. Children have their own needs and interests. If we try to silence their voice or stifle their dreams, then it changes their path as they grow.

I have lived a fortunate life because of the family I have and because they made sure I knew what resources were available to me. This has fueled my commitment to community connectedness and social responsibility. By getting involved in public education and service, I can play a role in ensuring our kids—and the next generation of young women—have the opportunities they deserve.

Question: What are you most excited to bring to the Stern Mendez team?

Kat: I’m excited to bring my diverse education and my perspective on non-legal consequences to the team. The latter often comes up in divorce cases with kids.

When kids are involved, their feelings and well-being should be prioritized. Kids don’t have context for what’s happening in a divorce, and it’s the parents’ responsibility to provide this context. A client may think a certain schedule for their kids is best. My goal as a legal advisor and partner to my clients is to objectively ask questions they may not be thinking of, and to help them consider the long-term impact.

I understand first-hand how hard divorce is—and it can be even harder to slow down the decision making. No matter the situation, I want my clients to know I’m always coming from a non-judgmental place that’s intended to help them have the best, healthiest future for themselves and their family.

Question: What do you look forward to most with the Stern Mendez team?

Kat: I’m excited to be part of a collaborative team. I’m incredibly lucky to work with people I know and trust.

Question: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?

Kat: I have two kids and we love exploring public libraries, local parks, and other places that make our vibrant community stand apart.

Kat is accepting new clients for estate planning, probate litigation and family law. If you’d like to work with Kat, please request a free consultation online or call (847) 868-9584. Kat can meet you at our offices in Evanston, Chicago, Lake Forest or Oak Brook, or a location that’s convenient for you.

Work With Kat