Cari

Rincker

Co-Founder & Mediator

Cari Rincker is a nationally recognized family and agriculture lawyer, mediator, and educator with deep roots in the Illinois legal community. Raised on a multigenerational cattle farm in Shelbyville, Illinois, Cari brings a grounded, practical approach to dispute resolution — one shaped by both her courtroom experience and her commitment to helping people resolve conflict with dignity and clarity.

Cari founded Rincker Law, PLLC, with offices in Illinois and New York, and brings nearly two decades of legal experience to her mediation practice. She is passionate about helping families, agricultural businesses, and professionals reach meaningful agreements outside of court — especially in emotionally charged matters involving children, farms, property, and family legacy.

Legal and Mediation Experience

Cari began her legal career in New York after graduating from Pace University, School of Law. She later returned home to Illinois to expand her practice and focus more intentionally on mediation. She is a trained mediator in both Illinois and New York and has undergone extensive specialized training, including:

40 Hours Basic Mediation Training at New York Peace Institute
Apprenticeship through New York Peace Institute
18 Hours Divorce Mediation Training at New York Peace Institute
18 Hours Child Custody Mediation Training at Community Mediation Services, Queens Court

In addition, Cari is on the court mediation roster for family law matters in the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Circuits for the allocation of parental responsibilities.

She regularly mediates disputes involving:

Divorce and parenting time
Farm and ranch succession
Business and contract disputes
Custody and child support
Rural land and agricultural leasing

Cari is also a trained Collaborative Law Professional, emphasizing resolution through structured, respectful negotiation without litigation. She is known for her calm demeanor, attention to detail, and ability to help parties move from impasse to resolution.

Licensed to practice law in Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Texas, Kentucky, and Washington, D.C., Cari also serves as a Guardian ad Litem in Illinois in matters involving parental responsibilities, guardianships, and adoptions.

Leadership, Recognition, and Education

In addition to her private practice, Cari has been an adjunct professor at Vermont Law School, New York University, and the University of Illinois, School of Law and other institutions. She is a prolific writer and speaker on mediation, agriculture law, family law, and food systems policy, and has been featured in legal publications across the country.

Cari is a past chair of the American Bar Association’s General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Division’s Agriculture Law Committee, and is active in numerous state and national bar associations. Including Illinois State Bar Association Agricultural Law section council and rival practice section council. She is also the author of multiple books, including Onward and Upward: Guide for Getting Through New York Divorce & Family Law Issues.

Personal Background

Cari was raised in Shelby County, Illinois, and still considers rural Illinois home. She co-founded Illinois Mediation Clinic, LLC with fellow attorney Liz Nohren as a way to expand access to professional, court-approved mediation services throughout Central Illinois and beyond.

Cari now resides in Shelbyville, Illinois with her two young children, Jace and Raelynn. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and giving back to the legal and agricultural communities through mentorship and public education. She has a small farm with goats, chickens, and rabbits.

Her unique background growing up in agriculture and her training as a legal scholar combined with her warmth, intellect, and tenacity make her a trusted mediator for families, businesses, and courts alike.