Karen E. Zimmermann

Associate

Direct Phone:312-334-9525

Email:KZimmermann@bcm-law.com

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Karen Zimmermann graduated from the John Marshall Law School (Chicago) in 2016. While in law school, she clerked for the Honorable Robert W. Gettleman, United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and externed at Equip for Equality and Ascend Justice (Chicago Domestic Violence Legal Clinic). After law school, Ms. Zimmermann began her legal career practicing worker’s compensation defense in the Chicago-land area, representing employers throughout the state. Ms. Zimmermann also practiced education law, mental health law, and civil litigation prior to joining BCM.

Ms. Zimmermann is passionate about civil disability rights and women’s issues. Prior to obtaining her law degree, Ms. Zimmermann obtained her K-12 Special Education Teaching License in Ohio. She is an active member of her community serving on the House of Good Shepard Women’s Board and working as a disability resource and Rainbow Time animal therapy volunteer at the Skokie Public Library. She also continues to volunteer and raise funds for various nonprofits including Riverside Foundation, Ascend Justice, and the North Suburban Special Recreation Association.

Practice Areas

• Workers' Compensation Defense

Bar Admissions

• Illinois, 2016

Education

• UIC – John Marshall Law School, Chicago
• Miami University – Oxford, Ohio

Honors and Awards

• Edward T. Lee Full Tuition Scholarship (John Marshall Law School)
• Herzog Scholar Award (John Marshall Law School)
• Dean’s List (John Marshall Law School 2013-2016, Miami University 2008-2012)
• Harvard Law School Animal Law Closing Argument Competition (2016)
• American Bar Association Arbitration Competition (Quarterfinalist 2015-2016)
• National Moot Court Competition (2015)
• St. John’s University Securities Dispute Resolution Triathlon (2015)
• American Association for Justice Trial Advocacy Competition (Semifinalist 2015)
• Robert F. Wagner National Labor & Employment Law Moot Court Competition (2015)
• Dean Fred F. Herzog Moot Court Competition (2014 Quarterfinalist, Awarded “Best Advocate”)
• Phi Alpha Delta Mock Trial (2014 First Place, Awarded “Individual Best Direct”)
• “Outstanding Academic Achievement in Special Education” Award 2012

Professional Associations and Memberships

• Worker’s Compensation Lawyer’s Association
• Illinois State Bar Association
• American Bar Association
• Chicago Bar Association
• House of Good Shepard Women’s Board
• Phi Alpha Delta Professional Law Fraternity Executive Board Member (2014-2016)
• John Marshall Law Review Staff Editor (2014-2016)