How much does it cost to hire David for a appellate 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 appellate attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.

How long do appellate cases in Illinois typically take?

Simple appellate 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 appellate clients right now?

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

David O'Connor, Appellate Attorney in Chicago

Quick answer

David O'Connor is an of counsel based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI. David has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cavanagh Sorich Law Group.

Based in: Chicago, IL
Experience: over 39 years
Known for: Appellate · Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI

Handles Appellate, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI matters from Chicago, IL.
Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by David O'Connor

David concentrates on appellate, criminal defense, dui/dwi, dv defense, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Chicago, Illinois

David takes appellate 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.

Criminal Defense cases in Chicago, Illinois

David takes criminal 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.

DUI/DWI cases in Chicago, Illinois

David takes dui/dwi 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.

General cases in Chicago, Illinois

David takes general 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

About David O'Connor — Over 39 years of Illinois appellate experience

David O'Connor is an of counsel based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI. David has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cavanagh Sorich Law Group.

Dave O’Connor is an attorney, author and adjunct law professor with more than 30 years of experience in the courtroom. Currently, he is “of counsel” to the Cavanagh Law Group providing legal expertise and other essential background assistance on cases. He also serves as the founder and principal attorney at O’Connor Law Offices, LLC, where he focuses on criminal and civil litigation. His experience is an invaluable resource to Cavanagh Law Group, where he provides critical trial expertise in personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death cases.

Recently, O’Connor assisted Cavanagh Law Group in the wrongful death “Code of Silence” case in which an off-duty detective drove drunk onto a freeway and struck a car with two men inside, killing both victims, and then attempted to escape. During the trial, the Cavanagh Law Group team uncovered crucial new evidence that the City had withheld and obtained a landmark $20 million settlement, split evenly between the two victims’ families.

Prior to joining private practice, O’Connor was an award-winning prosecutor with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office who was recognized for his excellence in the legal field. During his time there, he served as a supervisor in a number of positions, including Felony Trial Division Supervisor.

O’Connor is a published author and has also served as a legal expert, lecturer, and adjunct law professor at numerous institutions across the country. O’Connor has taught for The National College of District Attorneys, the Illinois State Appellate Prosecutor’s Office, Cook County Sheriff’s Training Academy, N.E.M.R.T., Chicago Police Training Academy, DePaul Law School, Loyola Law School, and Moraine Valley Community College, among others. He has given lectures and participated in symposia at more than 120 seminars throughout the United States and Puerto Rico on violent crime, trial advocacy, ethics and professionalism. He received his National Institute of Trial Advocacy instructor certification at Harvard University, and also remains active in the mentoring of undergraduate, graduate, and law students.

He has a Master’s Degree, and is a graduate of IIT/Chicago-Kent College of Law, and is an active member of the Chicago Bar Association and Illinois State Bar Association. O’Connor is married with three children and remains active in his community.

Professional Membership

• Chicago Bar Association

• Illinois State Bar Association

• Illinois Trial Lawyers Association

• Prosecutor’s Bar Association

• Will County Bar Association

• Southwest Bar Association

David's approach to appellate cases

Dave O’Connor is an attorney, author and adjunct law professor with more than 30 years of experience in the courtroom. Currently, he is “of counsel” to the Cavanagh Law Group providing legal expertise and other essential background assistance on cases. He also serves as the founder and principal attorney at O’Connor Law Offices, LLC, where he focuses on criminal and civil litigation. His…

Clients David works with

David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, criminal defense, and dui/dwi matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

David O'Connor's legal education and bar admissions

Chicago-Kent College of Law
J.D. · 1987
Arizona State University M.A. Winona State University
B.A. · 1984

Jurisdictions

David's state bar admissions

Illinois
1987 · ACTIVE

David studied at J.D. in Chicago-Kent College of Law and B.A. in Arizona State University M.A. Winona State University.

Law school and academic background

David completed J.D. in Chicago-Kent College of Law and B.A. in Arizona State University M.A. Winona State 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.

Locations

David O'Connor's office in Chicago

David's primary office is at 161 N. Clark Street, Suite 2070, Chicago, IL, 60601. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Cavanagh Sorich Law Group

161 N. Clark Street, Suite 2070

Chicago, IL 60601

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of David O'Connor

David has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

No reviews yet

Only verified clients who have consulted with David O'Connor can leave a review.

Schedule your consultation

Hiring guide

How to hire David O'Connor — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new appellate 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 appellate attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 appellate practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every appellate 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 appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about David O'Connor

How much does it cost to hire David for a appellate 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 appellate attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple appellate 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 appellate clients right now?
David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Illinois residents in the last few months, answered by appellate attorneys like David O'Connor. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Can a federal court case be appealed in Illinois state court?
I was involved in a federal lawsuit in Chicago, but I lost my case concerning a contract dispute. I’m confused about the appeal process; can I appeal in state court or do I have to
1 verified answer · Appellate · Illinois
How do I file an appeal against a payday loan judgment in Louisiana?
I lost a court case regarding a payday loan in Baton Rouge and want to know how to file an appeal. The lender used questionable practices that I want to contest. What specific step
1 verified answer · Appellate · Louisiana
What rights do I have in appealing a credit report dispute in Alaska?
I disputed an error on my credit report in Anchorage, but it was rejected. This error is affecting my ability to secure a loan, and I want to know what rights I have in appealing t
1 verified answer · Appellate · Alaska
What is the procedure for appealing a zoning decision in Michigan?
I’m fighting a zoning decision made by our local council in Detroit that restricts my property development. I want to know the exact steps for appealing this decision in Michigan.
1 verified answer · Appellate · Michigan
What is the cost to appeal a traffic ticket in New Jersey?
I received a traffic ticket in Newark for a speeding violation, but I wasn’t speeding. I’m considering appealing the ticket, but I’m worried about the costs involved. Can someone e
1 verified answer · Appellate · New Jersey
Can I appeal a denial of Medicaid benefits in Ohio?
I recently applied for Medicaid benefits in Columbus and was denied due to perceived income issues. I have documents showing my actual income is lower. I’d like to appeal the decis
1 verified answer · Appellate · Ohio

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

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

David O'Connor, Appellate Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Quick answer