In 2001, Marjorie Carey Jacobs founded Alternative Strategies, Inc., a boutique practice that specializes in all aspects of divorce mediation. As a former healthcare attorney whose work focused on developing alternative dispute resolution programs for hospitals and health care organizations, she’s now focused on providing alternative divorce options. She has conducted over 2,500 mediation sessions and is a respected mediator, combining her interpersonal skills with a deep knowledge of family law and financial acumen to prompt parties to achieve lasting resolutions. Her greatest strengths are her patience and attention to detail, which allow her to meet the needs of her clients. “I get the best results by being an active listener and understanding the needs of clients and facilitating creative solutions,” Jacobs says. Jacobs was in the 5th Grade when she decided she wanted to be a lawyer, and after working at two large firms and as an in-house corporate counsel, she realized mediation provides better and more efficient results for clients. Her practice includes all aspects of divorce mediation, from pre-decree to post-decree divorce, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, child support and parenting time and responsibilities, alimony, division of assets, college contributions, and relocation. “My proudest professional achievement has been being able to establish one of the first, independent practices more than 20 years ago when very few people practiced or believed in the mediation process,” she says. Jacobs is a graduate of the Washington University School of Law and a member of the Mediation Council of Illinois and the American Bar Association, the Lake County Bar Association, and the Illinois State Bar Association.