Hon. Robert G. Kleeman, (Ret.)
IllinoisNeutral AvailabilityHon. Robert G. Kleeman, (Ret.) has served the legal community for more than 30 years. He served 14 years on the bench in DuPage County, most recently as Presiding Judge in the Law Division. Attorneys who have appeared before Judge Kleeman describe him as personable, deliberate and a judge that pays close attention to detail. As a mediator and arbitrator, Judge Kleeman thoroughly prepares for each session and is praised for his excellent communication skills and approachable manner. A seasoned trial attorney, he began his career with the Office of the DuPage County State’s Attorney, rising to become the supervisor of the Domestic Violence/Child Abuse Unit. He later joined the Attorney General’s Office, being named a Division Chief. His experience also includes private practice both in personal injury litigation, as well as criminal defense.
Types of Cases Resolved
- Auto Liability
- Construction Accidents
- Contract
- Defamation
- Eminent Domain
- Family Business
- Fraud
- Insurance Coverage
- Landlord-Tenant
- Legal Malpractice
- Medical Malpractice
- Nursing Home
- Personal Injury
- Premises Liability
- Professional Malpractice
- Property Damage
- Real Estate
- Sexual Abuse
- Uninsured & Underinsured Motor Claims (UM&UIM)
- Wrongful Death
ADR Experience and Qualifications
- Since joining ADR Systems in 2022, Judge Kleeman has served as a full-time mediator and arbitrator
- 14-year judicial career in the 18th Judicial Circuit Court including serving as Presiding Judge of the Law Division, 2019-2021; Law Division Judge, 2015-2019; Felony, Misdemeanor and Traffic Division Judge, serving as Presiding Judge of Misdemeanor Division, 2008-2015
- 20-year legal career including Fleming & Kleeman, 2001-2008; Illinois Attorney General’s Office, Chief of the Criminal Division, 1997-2001; Kralovec, Jambois & Schwartz, 1994-1997; DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office 1988-1994
Representative Cases
- Construction Accident: plaintiff fell from scaffolding resulting in injury requiring cervical spinal fusion
- Medical Malpractice: physician alleged to have failed to properly diagnose pneumonia resulting in patient’s death
- Medical Malpractice: plaintiff allegedly given wrong prescription medication by pharmacy, resulting disorientation causing a fall and a torn rotator cuff
- Nursing Home: resident alleged to have been left unattended resulting in exposure to cold and death
- Personal Injury: auto accident allegedly injured 51-year-old who had prior hip and back surgery; plaintiff subsequently underwent spinal fusion surgery
- Personal Injury: 71-year-old alleging injury when she tripped over loose concrete outside a fast-food restaurant resulting in injuries to plaintiff’s ribs, wrist and knee
- Personal Injury: child alleged to have been attacked by homeowner’s dog resulting in facial injuries and reconstructive surgery
- Personal Injury: pedestrian struck by an automobile outside a retail establishment resulting in multiple fractures; plaintiff alleged parking lot and traffic control were negligently constructed
- Property Damage: sprinkler company alleged to have improperly installed a sprinkler system in a commercial building resulting in sprinkler system rupturing causing extensive flood damage
- Sexual Abuse: Church Pastor alleged to have sexually abused minor parishioner
- Wrongful Death: Hospital patient alleged to have fallen while being ambulated without a gait belt as order resulting in a cranial fracture and death
Professional Activities and Awards
- Former Adjunct Professor of Law, Loyola University Chicago School of Law
- Former Trial Advocacy Instructor, State’s attorneys Association
- Member, DuPage County Bar Association (DCBA)
- Former Member, Illinois Judges Association
Presentations and Publications
- Panelist, “Law Division Practice Tips,” DCBA
- Presenter, “The Physical Evidence Dilemma,” DCBA
Education
• JD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Law
• BS, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Admissions
- Illinois State Bar
- US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Disclosure
I was a sitting judge for over 14 years, have practiced law and have been a mediator and arbitrator since 2022. Many attorneys have tried cases in my courtrooms or mediated or arbitrated a case with me.
The disclosures listed above will not affect my neutrality in this dispute.
