David Clyde Ainley

David Clyde Ainley, Business Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 32 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Child Custody, and Child Support · 4.4/5 rating from 22 verified client reviews

PartneratKatz & Stefani, LLC

Chicago, IL

Practicing business in Chicago since 1994.

32+
Years practicing
4.4 ★
22 client reviews
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

David Clyde Ainley is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Child Custody, and Child Support. David has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Katz & Stefani, LLC. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 22 client reviews.

Based in
Chicago, IL
Experience
over 32 years
Known for
Business · Child Custody · Child Support
  • Handles Business, Child Custody, and Child Support matters from Chicago, IL.
  • Over 32 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About David Clyde Ainley: David Clyde Ainley is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Child Custody, and Child Support. David has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Katz & Stefani, LLC. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 22 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Legal matters David takes on

David concentrates on business, child custody, child support, divorce, and dv defense. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Chicago, Illinois

David takes business matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Child Custody cases in Chicago, Illinois

David takes child custody matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Chicago, Illinois

David takes child support matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Chicago, Illinois

David takes divorce matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

DV Defense cases in Chicago, Illinois

David takes dv defense matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet David Clyde Ainley — business lawyer in Chicago

David Clyde Ainley is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Child Custody, and Child Support. David has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Katz & Stefani, LLC. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 22 client reviews.

Mr. David Clyde Ainley is a lawyer practicing family law, domestic relations, matrimonial law and 10 other areas of law. David received a B.S. degree from Purdue University in 1990, and has been licensed for 32 years. David practices at Katz & Stefani, LLC in Chicago, IL and 1 other location.

David's approach to business cases

Mr. David Clyde Ainley is a lawyer practicing family law, domestic relations, matrimonial law and 10 other areas of law. David received a B.S. degree from Purdue University in 1990, and has been licensed for 32 years. David practices at Katz & Stefani, LLC in Chicago, IL and 1 other location.

Clients David works with

David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, child custody, and child support matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • John Marshall Law School

    J.D. · 1994

  • Purdue University

    B.S. · 1990

Jurisdictions

David's state bar admissions

  • Illinois

    1994 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1994 · ACTIVE

David studied at J.D. in John Marshall Law School and B.S. in Purdue University.

Law school and academic background

David completed J.D. in John Marshall Law School and B.S. in Purdue University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

David has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

David's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Chicago (Member, Matrimonial Law Committee) and Illinois State (Member: Family Law Section Council Professional Conduct Committee) Bar Associations

    membership

  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Member, Board of Managers, Illinois Chapter)

    bar_fellowship

Locations

David Clyde Ainley's office in Chicago

David's primary office is at 222 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2150, Chicago, IL, 60601. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Katz & Stefani, LLC

222 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2150

Chicago, IL 60601

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of David Clyde Ainley — 4.4/5 rating from 22 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of David. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Chicago.

4.4

22 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once David Clyde Ainley claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire David Clyde Ainley — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for David

David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about David Clyde Ainley

  • How much does it cost to hire David for a business case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does David offer a free consultation?

    David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.

  • How long do business cases in Illinois typically take?

    Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can David take my case if I'm outside Chicago?

    David is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with David?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is David accepting new business clients right now?

    David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

David handles business matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If David's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.