
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
Are you David Clyde Ainley?
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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
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Child Custody
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Child Support
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Divorce
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DV Defense
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Family Law
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General
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Litigation
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Prenup
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Tax
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Trusts
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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.
Katz & Stefani, LLC
222 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2150
Chicago, IL 60601
Open in Google MapsClient 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 reviewsHiring 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
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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.





