Practice areas: Family Law, Bankruptcy, Immigration
Licensed in Wisconsin since: 2006
Education: Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2023 - 2025 
Free Consultation Ivanovic Law Offices
322 E Michigan StSuite 300
Milwaukee, WI 53202 Phone: 414-277-9000 Email: Ksenija Kokanovic Visit website
Family, Bankruptcy & Immigration Attorney licensed in Wisconsin and Illinois
322 E. Michigan St., Suite 300
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Website: https://www.ivanoviclaw.com/
Phone: (414) 277-9000
Fax: (414) 277-9001
Email: [email protected]
Licensed in Wisconsin since 2006
Licensed in Illinois since 2021
Education: Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law
Areas of experience: Divorce, Legal Separation, Custody, Paternity, Post-Judgment Motions, Consumer Bankruptcy and Chapter 128, Criminal, Personal Injury Cases, Traffic/OWI, Business, Family Immigration, Asylum and Deportations
Languages: English, Croatian, Bosnian, Serbian
ATTORNEY PROFILE
Attorney Ksenija Kokanovic is a family, bankruptcy, and immigration attorney practicing primarily in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area, and she is also licensed to practice in the state of Illinois.
Ksenija Kokanovic was born in Belgrade, Serbia, and speaks English, Croatian, Bosnian and Serbian. She also has basic knowledge of French and Latin. At 16 years old, Ksenija Kokanovic won 1st place in the former Yugoslav youth chess championship, competed in multiple world chess championships, and won several US Open Chess Tournaments. After moving to the United States, she completed her undergraduate education at Lakeland College, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in business administration and marketing, and a minor in economics, and received her Juris Doctorate from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in 2005.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Ivanovic Law Offices: May 2012 - present - Attorney: Bankruptcy and Family Law
Women's Divorce and Bankruptcy Clinic, LLC: October 2007- May 2012 - Attorney: Bankruptcy, Family (emphasis in Domestic Violence cases), Small Claims, Traffic and Immigration Law
Capital Area Immigrants' Rights Coalition: May 2004 - August 2004 - Legal Intern: Human Rights, Deportation and Criminal Law
Indiana Counterterrorism and Security Council: January 2004 - May 2004 - Law Clerk: Immigration and Deportation Law
JP Morgan & Chase Insurance (fka Bank One Corporation): April 1997 - August 2002 - Special Projects Analyst: Worked in a variety of areas, including but not limited to disability claims, bylaws, articles of merger, insurance licenses, and contracts
ASSOCIATIONS AND HONORS:
SUPER LAWYERS - 2023 & 2024
The National Trial Lawyers - Matrimonial and Family Law Top 30 - Active Member 2023 to present
The National Trial Lawyers: 2014 - 2015 - Top 100 Award: Recognized in the top 100 as a criminal defense attorney based upon superior qualifications, trial results, and leadership in the state of Wisconsin
LEANDER J. FOLEY JR. SOCIETY OF FAMILY LAWYERS (combines the Inns of Court or SOFL now) - moderated on the topics of discovery of financial assets in divorces, crossover of bankruptcy and family law, and ethics and social media for lawyers.
Executive Board Member since 2021
Executive Board Member and Vice President - 2024-2025
- Responsible for organizing events and seminars
- Providing support to the President
- Hosted and moderated a Family Court Commissioners' Panel Discussion - November 2024
- Responsible for dealing with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions concerning updating the Board of Directors and renewing the Annual Report for the organization
-Serve as a Registered Agent
Executive Board Member and Treasurer - 2023-2024 - Responsible for all invoices, financial statements, and billing for the organization. Responsible for dealing with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions concerning updating the Board of Directors and renewing the Annual Report.
Executive Board Member and Secretary - 2022-2023 - Responsible for drafting board minutes, overseeing seminar set-ups, consulting with members; reporting CLEs for attendees; locating Presenters, and Facilitating Meetings.
Inns of Court: Board Member 2012 to present
Society of Family Lawyers: Executive Board Member 2021 - present
American Bar Association: Member
Wisconsin Bar Association: Member
Milwaukee Bar Association: Member
Marquette University Law School Volunteer - presented as one of the panelists for law students in relation to Mediterranean Law Society, Fall 2024
Milwaukee Justice Center - attorney volunteer from 2014 to present
Eastern District of Wisconsin: 2016 - present - Pro Bono Recognition Award for volunteer work at bankruptcy court and Marquette University Law School
End Domestic Abuse WI: 2022-2023 - Domestic Violence Casework Funds Recipient: Received funds to provide representation to a survivor of domestic violence in need
Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in Chicago: 2017 - present: Consultant: Consults foreign nationals from Serbia, Croatia, and Bosnia on legal matters.
Illinois Bar Association - member 2021 to present
SCHOLARLY ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND WRITINGS
Milwaukee County COVID-19 Judge Seminar: April 2020 - Hosted a seminar with Milwaukee County judges regarding COVID19 and its impact on court procedure
Wisconsin Supreme Court Pro Bono Decision: 2020 - Worked with other volunteer attorneys on a petition that was approved to allow volunteer attorneys to volunteer without putting their state bar number on forms, incentivizing pro bono work and increasing community access to legal resources
Landmark Bankruptcy Court Decision by Judge Pamela Pepper: In re Lackowski Case No. 08-21496 (B.D. Eastern District of Wisconsin January 2008) - Won in bankruptcy litigation to protect a homestead exemption for a debtor in a decision that is relied on by bankruptcy attorneys to date
OUTSIDE INTERESTS:
In her free time, Ksenija enjoys participating in competitive chess competitions, teaching chess to youth, enjoys watching her son play hockey, playing piano, and engaging in community service.
First Admitted: 2006, Wisconsin
Professional Webpage: https://www.ivanoviclaw.com/pages/ksenija
Bar / Professional Activity
- Admitted to practice in the state of Wisconsin, 2006
- Member of the Association of Family Conciliation Courts, 2025
- Became a member of the Association of Family Conciliation Courts and attended a seminar featuring mental health professionals in Delafield, Wisconsin., 2024
- Milwaukee Bar Association active member - attended numerous seminars and monthly Judges' MBA meetings and discussions to obtain updates regarding the Milwaukee County procedures, updates, and practices. , 2025
- Current President - Society of Family Lawyers (merged into Leander J. Foley Jr. Society of Family Lawyers), 2025
- Society of Family Lawyers (merged into Leander J. Foley Jr. Society of Family), 2024
- On Bark profile: "Ivanovic Law Offices was the best decision I made when I chose a lawyer for my divorce. I have Attorney Kokanovic and she was amazing. She made me feel supported in all aspects of the divorce proceedings and was well versed in family law. Ksenija was extremely personable and sensitive to the emotional aspects of my case. She took the time to listen to my concerns and what I wanted and helped guide me in the right directions. She was just AMAZING. I would recommend Attorney Kokanovic or Ivanovic Law Offices to anyone going through divorce.", 2019
- American Bar Association, 2006
- Eastern District of Wisconsin, 2006
- Milwaukee Bar Association, 2006
- Society of Family Lawyers (merged into Leander J. Foley Jr. Society of Family Lawyers); Executive Board - Secretary., 2012
- Leander J. Foley Jr. Society of Family Lawyers - Board Director, 2021
- Admitted to practice in the state of Illinois, 2021
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- Leander J. Joley Jr. Society of Family Lawyers - Executive Board Member - Secretary Position - responsible for drafting the Board minutes, organizing seminars and events, and reporting CLE credits. for attendees Moderated seminars with a bankruptcy expert on how bankruptcy law interplays with family law matters in divorce proceedings. , 2023
- Won the Court of Appeals Matter - Krause-Kapalczynski v. Kapalczynski Krause-Kapalczynski v. Kapalczynski | 2024 WI 33 | Wis. https://law.justia.com/cases/wisconsin/court-of-appeals/2025/2024ap000289.html Won the matter on the Court of Appeals in a highly contentious matter, representing husband Anthony Kapalczynski, Appeal No. 2024AP289Cir. Ct. No. 2022FA1005 STATE OF WISCONSIN COURT OF APPEALSDECISIONDATED AND FILED May 7, 2025 APPEAL from ordersof the circuit court for WaukeshaCounty: RALPH M.RAMIREZ,Judge. Affirmed., 2025
- Excellent review on AVVO Posted by Dayna | October 30, 2024 | Hired Attorney Bankruptcy Ksenija was so patient and understanding in my difficult situation. She took the time to explain to me what I needed to do for filing bankruptcy. I was so nervous. I can’t thank her enough for helping me!! She is the sweetest and best lawyer someone could ask for!! I highly recommend her as a lawyer!!!!, 2024
- In the Fall of 2024, Attorney Kokanovic was invited to the Marquette University Law School to be one of the panelists and speak on the topic of the Mediterranean Law. The event was well attended and turned out to be informative and a success. In the Fall of 2024, Attorney Kokanovic hosted and moderated a Family Court Commissioners' Panel at the Wisconsin Club, which turned out to be a successful event and seminar for family lawyers, Judges, and Commissioners., 2024
- Leander J. Foley Jr. Society of Family Lawyers - Executive Board Director - Secretary, 2022
- Active Member of Milwaukee Bar Association , 2022
- Prevailed in almost all contested family law cases in the past 2 years., 2023
Videos
- Selected to the Power List of Family Lawyers in Wisconsin; featured with other family lawyers with a distinguishing record., Wisconsin Law Journal Power List Family and Mediation, Wisconsin Law Magazine, 2024
Representative Clients
- Leander J. Joley Jr. Society of Family Lawyers - Executive Board Member - Secretary Position - responsible for drafting the Board minutes, organizing seminars and events, and reporting CLE credits. for attendees Moderated an ethics seminar with Mr. Timothy Pierce in relation to what attorneys' duties and responsibilities are when it comes to Social Media., 2023
- Leander J. Foley Jr. Society of Family Lawyers - Executive Board Member - President 2025-2026, 2025
- Society of Family Lawyers (merged into Leander J. Foley Jr. Society of Family Lawyers) - serving on the Executive Board as Vice President, 2025
- Posted by Alyssa | March 13, 2023 | Hired Attorney Ksenija Kokanovic Would highly recommend Attorney Kokanovic. She was great at guiding me through my difficult divorce. Always prompt with returning calls and emails and very professional and prepared for every step., 2023
- Posted by Angel | April 8, 2023 | Hired Attorney Pure Excellence Ksenija is a principal attorney of excellence. Highly professional, inciteful, and compassionate. She helped me navigate one of my life's most challenging times, and I'm forever grateful for her brilliant courtroom knowledge. She is conscious of the emotional distress involved for her clients and handles it with empathy while still being straightforward. You know all your options upfront which helped me navigate a stressful divorce. I would recommend her a million times over., 2023
- Posted by anonymous | April 9, 2023 | Hired Attorney Outstanding, Brilliant, Quick Attorney Kokanovic Is a power house …. She has a quick intellect , strategic but above all she is kind and empathetic…. She is a gift to her profession ! She has negotiation skills, knows how to listen , strategize , understands the law and brings RESULTS ., 2015
- Posted by Nicole | April 11, 2023 | Hired Attorney Experience matters, she cares and will fight for you!! My life was in ruin. Circumstances grave, kids involved, needed a divorce attorney that would fight for us. Someone very clever and sharp, and had a heart. I needed someone I could trust and someone who really cared. Ksenija was that attorney. She did exactly what I asked for and helped me through some very dark days. She will communicate and be there for you, too!, 2023
- Leander J. Foley Jr. Society of Family Lawyers - Executive Board Director and Treasurer, 2024
- Leander J. Joley Jr. Society of Family Lawyers - Executive Board Member - Treasurer., 2024
- Trustanalytica: "I hired attorney Kokanovic and she was wonderful. She was easy to talk to , understanding, sympathetic to my case. She was very prepared and remembered details. She showed that she cared and worked very hard for my case. I’m my opinion she is top notch and a jewel!", 2022
- On Trustanalytica.com - "Working with Ksenija has been a great experience. She listened, was understanding, and respectful of what I wanted for myself and my daughter during these hard times. She cared about us as if we have known her forever. I appreciate her work and recommend her to anyone look for a caring and loyal attorney. Thanks Ksenjia and team!" , 2022
- Active member of Milwaukee Bar Association, 2023
- Due to privacy and confidentiality issues, I can only provide generally the types of clients represented by myself in family law and bankruptcy law.. Client satisfaction is my number one priority, and I offer the best possible representation to all my clients., 2022
- At my first appointment in Ivanovic Law Offices, Attorney Ksenija Kokanovic truly understood the circumstances associated to my specific divorce case. She was compassionate and kind. She related to my situation and recognized my concerns and needs from the start. Her experience clearly shows her professionalism. She made me feel that we would work closely together in order to achieve a favorable outcome. Ksenija worked with my busy work schedule in order to coordinate meetings and conference calls. She provided me with updates on my case and listened to me. She was available to take my calls personally and advised me of her calendar. She kept me promptly informed on deadlines and the progress of my case. She was proactive in reviewing even the smallest details. She provided on my behalf triumphant legal action and achievements. Her expertise in this field is exceptional. She was always effective with the opposing counsel, even when they were uncooperative. Ksenija’s ability to successfully negotiate shows utmost competence. Such skills are extremely invaluable, especially in divorce cases. If I didn’t completely understand a certain part of the legal process, Ksenija politely and patiently explained the procedure. In fact, she reviewed with me on several occasions, particular aspects repeatedly, until she knew I felt comfortable with the answers to my questions. She worked relentlessly on my file, not only well after normal business hours, but also on the the weekend as well. I felt my case was just as important to her as it was to me. Ksenija was very encouraging throughout the process especially in challenging times. She frequently calmed my nerves and re-assured me that everything would be OK. She made me believe that a new beginning and fresh start after divorce was in fact possible. I am sincerely appreciative of Ivanovic Law Offices. They allowed a flexible payment plan for their legal services. This financial option was imperative in my case. Now that the completion of my divorce is over, I am 100% satisfied that the outcome was reasonable and just. Ksenija went to great lengths to ensure a fair settlement for me. I highly recommend Attorney Ksenija Kokanovic and Ivanovic Law Offices to anyone in need of an excellent attorney and outstanding legal representation., 2017
- I was extremely satisfied with the help I got. I would recommend Ksenija Kokanovic as an attorney to any family or friend. She is knowledgeable, quick, and professional. She got me what I expected and even more. Ivanovic Law Offices, in general, was a comfortable environment to be in, and the attorneys were reliable., 2015
Transactions
- Active member of Milwaukee Bar Association, 2021
- Executive Board Member and President - 2025-2026 - Responsible for organizing events and seminars - Hosted and moderated a Family Court Commissioners' Panel Discussion - November 2025 - Responsible for dealing with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions concerning updating the Board of Directors and renewing the Annual Report for the organization -Serve as a Registered Agent, 2025
- Selected to the Power List of Family Lawyers in Wisconsin, 2024
- Leander J. Foley Jr. Society of Family Lawyers - Executive Board Member - Vice President 2024-2025, 2024
- Leander J. Joley Jr. Society of Family Lawyers - Executive Board Member - Treasurer 2023-2024, 2023
Special Licenses / Certifications
- Training in domestic abuse survivor legal defense and advocacy , 2022
- Leander J. Foley Jr. Society of Family Lawyers - Executive Board Member - President 2025-2026, Active role as President of the Family Law organization Taking charge in organizing Executive Board Meetings. Responsible for organizing events and seminars - Hosted and moderated a Family Court Commissioners' Panel Discussion - November 2025 - Responsible for dealing with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions concerning updating the Board of Directors and renewing the Annual Report for the organization -Serving as a Registered Agent. Submitted information for CLE approval. Organized a joint Holiday Party with other local organizations for all of our members., 2025
- Selected to the Power List of Family Lawyers in Wisconsin, 2024
- Licensed in Illinois and has taken Illinois family cases with individuals living in Wisconsin., 2021
- Training and appointment as a guardian ad litem in highly contested family law matters, 2022
Pro bono / Community Service
- An active member of Milwaukee Bar Association - moderated on the topic concerning procedural changes put into place in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The attendees received 1.0 CLE credit., 2020
- Volunteered at Marquette University Law School. Partook at an event helping law students understand what areas of law they may be interested in and what it takes to practice law and get a job after law school. Invited a number of lawyers to join the Society of Family Lawyers' monthly events and have availed myself as a resource to them to understand different legal areas of practice., 2025
- Successful training in protecting victims or domestic abuse and fulfillment of requirement to serve as a Guardian ad Litem., 2021
- Training in domestic abuse survivor legal defense and advocacy and continued training as a Guardian ad Litem, 2025
- Training in domestic abuse survivor legal defense and advocacy and continued training as a Guardian ad Litem, 2024
- Received additional training in GAL cases. Milwaukee County Court has appointed me in a number of GAL this year., 2023
- Milwaukee Justice Center, 2022
- Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic, 2022
- Eastern District of Wisconsin bankruptcy help desk, 2022
Educational Background
- Indiana University School of Law Indianapolis, 2002-2005
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- Refugees are a source of strength to the United States and Canada. In the era of homeland security, it is more important than ever for these nations to stay true to the principles on which they are built and to their identity as nations of immigrants and refuge for the persecuted.”[1] The Convention and the Protocol are the modern legal embodiment of the ancient and universal tradition of providing sanctuary to those at risk and in danger. Both instruments reflect a fundamental human value on which global consensus exists and are the first and only instruments at the global level which specifically regulate the treatment of those who are compelled to leave their homes because of a rupture with their country of origin. In some situations, it has been noticeable that the post-September 11 context has been used to broaden the scope of provisions of the Convention allowing refugees to be excluded from refugee status and/or to be expelled. The degree of collaboration between immigration and asylum authorities and the intelligence and criminal law enforcement branches has also been stepped up. However, international refugee protection is as necessary today as it was when the Convention was adopted over fifty years ago. Both Canada and the United States have developed asylum law, but neither county has a perfect system. Legislation in both countries has made it more difficult to gain asylum status and made it easier to deport asylum seekers. This has resulted in fewer and fewer deserving applicants being granted asylum. Although Canada’s official policy should be considered a model, neither the United States nor Canada actually fulfill this policy. , Comparison of United States and Canadian Asylum Law As Part of International Law
- Was invited by Marquette Law School to speak with law students about their prospective careers. Invited law students to attend one of our SOFL seminars., Invited to attend and speak with law students about their career plans, Meeting Law Students at Marquette Law, Marquette Law Students, 2025
- In person panelist and speaker., Panelist and Speaker, Mediterranean Law Society, Marquette University Law School, Law Students, 2024
- Traditionally, insurance companies are regulated by states. There have been proposals in the past, supported by sound policy rationales, for increased, pre-emptive, or opt-in regulation of the insurance industry by the federal government. Yet little progress was made on this front. It was not until September 11th that it became painfully apparent that both state and federal regulation of financial institutions was insufficient. In light of this, the Patriot Act contains provisions requiring all financial institutions, including insurance companies, to adopt anti-laundering programs that are reasonably designed to prevent laundering and terrorist financing. , Anti-Money Laundering Programs and Regulation of Insurance Companies: Federal or State?
- During the civil war in the Balkans, numerous Yugoslavs applied for asylum[1] in the United States.[2] The United States media placed blame on the Serbs for the conflict and for the ensuing “ethnic cleansing.”[3] Yet asylum policies did not seem to follow this popular understanding of the war.[4] Although the mainstream media presented the conflict in the Balkans as a war of Serbian aggression against Croats, Bosnians, Slovenians, and Kosovars, many people from those ethnic groups were actually denied asylum.[5] An analysis of the war and asylum trends indicates that there was indeed little consistency in these policies.[6] Asylum cases are determined on a case by case basis, yet given the similarity of the underlying situation, one would expect more uniformity.[1] The reason for this not happening can probably be attributed to subjective opinions of immigration asylum officials, their incomplete comprehension of the situation in the Balkans, and language barriers.[2] The purpose of this Note is to explore what factors may have led to the granting and denying of asylum to Yugoslavs in the 1990s. , Inconsistencies in the Granting and Denying of Asylum to the Former Yugoslav Asylum Seekers in the United States
Other Outstanding Achievements
- Eastern District of Wisconsin - Help Desk Volunteer Award; received multiple awards in relation to my bankruptcy volunteering., 2020
- Became President of the Society of Family Lawyers (SOFL) for the current year of 2025-2026. SOFL is a professional group of family attorneys whose mission is to discuss and share information about the latest in family law. We are open to all attorneys who are interested. Our meetings typically feature a high-quality presentation by a guest speaker on a topic of interest to family lawyers, followed by a meal and social time with colleagues. CLE credit is granted for nearly all presentations. I have set up a number of speakers; besides that, I hosted and moderated the Family Court Commissioners' Panel for our members in November of 2025. I have submitted materials for seminars, speakers' bios, and roster sheets to the Board of Bar Examiners to get our credits successfully approved. I have hosted board meetings and will host an Annual Board Meeting for our Executive Board in June (at the end of our season). We have had great success so far, and this role has provided me with leadership skills and networking opportunities with our vast number of members., 2025
- Five Star Rating on Avvo; excellent reviews by clients., 2024
- Selected as a Power List Family Lawyer, featured in WI Law Journal March 2024Powerlist – Ksenija Kokanovic – Ivanovic Law Offices, 2024
- Attorney for Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia. Provided advice since 2019 to present., 2024
Honors
- Selected as a Power List Family Lawyer, featured in WI Law Journal March 2024, Power List Family Lawyer, WI Law Journal March 2024, 2024
Industry Groups
- Banking
- Education
- Goverment
- Insurance
Office location for Ksenija Kokanovic
322 E Michigan St
Suite 300
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2023 - 2025