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Don Ray Sampen, Appellate Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Business, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratClausen Miller PC

Chicago, IL

Practicing appellate in Chicago since 1975.

51+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
9
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Don Ray Sampen is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and General. Don has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Clausen Miller PC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Chicago, IL
Experience
over 51 years
Known for
Appellate · Business · General
  • Handles Appellate, Business, and General matters from Chicago, IL.
  • Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Don Ray Sampen: Don Ray Sampen is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and General. Don has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Clausen Miller PC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Don takes on

Don concentrates on appellate, business, general, insurance, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Don handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Chicago, Illinois

Don 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 Don agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Chicago, Illinois

Don 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 Don agrees to represent you.

General cases in Chicago, Illinois

Don 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 Don agrees to represent you.

Insurance cases in Chicago, Illinois

Don takes insurance 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 Don agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois

Don takes litigation 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 Don agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Don Ray Sampen — appellate lawyer in Chicago

Don Ray Sampen is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and General. Don has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Clausen Miller PC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Don Ray Sampen is a lawyer practicing insurance, appellate, business/commercial litigation and 2 other areas of law. Don received a B.A. degree from Northwestern University in 1972, and has been licensed for 51 years. Don practices at Clausen Miller PC in Chicago, IL.

Don's approach to appellate cases

Don Ray Sampen is a lawyer practicing insurance, appellate, business/commercial litigation and 2 other areas of law. Don received a B.A. degree from Northwestern University in 1972, and has been licensed for 51 years. Don practices at Clausen Miller PC in Chicago, IL.

Clients Don works with

Don reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and general matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Northwestern University College of Law

    J.D. · 1975

  • Northwestern University

    B.A. Political · 1972

Jurisdictions

Don's state bar admissions

  • U.S. Courts of Appea

    2010 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Courts of Appea

    2009 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Courts of Appea

    2008 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1983 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Courts of Appea

    1982 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Supreme Court

    1981 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Courts of Appea

    1977 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Courts of Appea

    1976 · ACTIVE

  • Illinois

    1975 · ACTIVE

Don studied at J.D. in Northwestern University College of Law and B.A. Political in Northwestern University.

Law school and academic background

Don completed J.D. in Northwestern University College of Law and B.A. Political in Northwestern University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Don runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Don's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations

    membership

Locations

Don Ray Sampen's office in Chicago

Don's primary office is at 10 S. La Salle St., Chicago, IL, 60603-1002. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Clausen Miller PC

10 S. La Salle St.

Chicago, IL 60603-1002

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Don Ray Sampen — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Don Ray Sampen claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Don Ray Sampen — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Don charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Don'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; Don 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 Don

Don 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. Don confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Don'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 Don Ray Sampen

  • How much does it cost to hire Don for a appellate case?

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

  • Does Don offer a free consultation?

    Don charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Don's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Don'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. Don gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

    Don 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 — Don 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 Don?

    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. Don will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Don accepting new appellate clients right now?

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

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

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

More counsel

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