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 S. Americus, Appellate Attorney in Chicago

Quick answer

David S. Americus is a senior partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Civil Rights. David has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gozdecki, Del Giudice, Americus Farkas & Brocato LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.

Based in: Chicago, IL
Experience: over 38 years
Known for: Appellate · Business · Civil Rights

Handles Appellate, Business, and Civil Rights matters from Chicago, IL.
Over 38 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

David's practice areas in Chicago

David concentrates on appellate, business, civil rights, employment, and entertainment. 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.

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.

Civil Rights cases in Chicago, Illinois

David takes civil rights 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.

Employment cases in Chicago, Illinois

David takes employment 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.

Entertainment cases in Chicago, Illinois

David takes entertainment 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

David S. Americus, appellate attorney serving Chicago

David S. Americus is a senior partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Civil Rights. David has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gozdecki, Del Giudice, Americus Farkas & Brocato LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 5 client reviews. David works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on appellate matters across the region.

David S. Americus joined the firm in 1988 and is an equity partner. David concentrates his practice on litigation, transactions and counseling, and has extensive experience working with, advising and representing companies engaged in a broad range of industries. David has received the highest review rating from his peers for ethical standards and professional ability, earning an AV Preeminent Rating® from Martindale-Hubbell®. David’s litigation practice includes a wide variety of matters, including but not limited to breach of contract, discrimination, harassment, shareholder and partner disputes, commercial lease disputes, fraud, tortious interference, defamation, restrictive covenants and other employment and business issues. David regularly appears in federal and state courts and before local administrative agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Illinois Department of Human Rights. David also has extensive experience drafting a broad range of contracts, including but not limited to employment, sponsorship, vendor, supplier, and licensing agreements, and provides counseling to businesses on issues such as employee discipline and discharge, workplace investigation, disability accommodation, and other employment and business issues.

David has received numerous awards. In addition to earning an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, David was named one of “Chicago’s Top Rated Lawyers” in 2018 (a recognition he has received since 2012), demonstrating that David’s peers have ranked him at the highest level of professional excellence. David was also named one of the Leading Lawyers of Illinois in 2018 (a recognition he also received in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017) in the area of closely and privately held business law and commercial litigation, based on a statewide survey of lawyers. Leading Lawyers comprise less than 5% of all lawyers in Illinois. AV Peer Review Rated.

Working with David on a appellate matter

David S. Americus joined the firm in 1988 and is an equity partner. David concentrates his practice on litigation, transactions and counseling, and has extensive experience working with, advising and representing companies engaged in a broad range of industries. David has received the highest review rating from his peers for ethical standards and professional ability, earning an AV Preeminent…

Clients David works with

David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and civil rights matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Credentials — where David studied and practices

John Marshall Law School
J.D. · 1988
Northern Illinois University
B.S. · 1984

Jurisdictions

David's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1999 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1995 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1990 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1988 · ACTIVE

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

Law school and academic background

David completed J.D. in John Marshall Law School and B.S. in Northern Illinois 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

David's legal honors and published work

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

David S. Americus's office in Chicago

David's primary office is at 222 North LaSalle Street, Suite 1900, Chicago, IL, 60601. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Gozdecki, Del Giudice, Americus Farkas & Brocato LLP

222 North LaSalle Street, Suite 1900

Chicago, IL 60601

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Client feedback

Client reviews of David S. Americus — 4.9/5 rating from 5 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 appellate attorneys in Chicago.

4.9

5 client reviews

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire David S. Americus — 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 S. Americus

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 S. Americus. 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 S. Americus, Appellate Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Quick answer