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

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

Does Mark offer a free consultation?

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

Can Mark take my case if I'm outside Waukegan?

Mark 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 — Mark 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 Mark?

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

Is Mark accepting new appellate clients right now?

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

Mark C. Curran, Jr., Appellate Attorney in Waukegan

Quick answer

Mark C. Curran, Jr. is a member based in Waukegan, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Child Custody, and Child Support. Mark has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mark C. Curran Jr. Attorney At Law. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 28 client reviews.

Based in: Waukegan, IL
Experience: over 36 years
Known for: Appellate · Child Custody · Child Support

Handles Appellate, Child Custody, and Child Support matters from Waukegan, IL.
Over 36 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Mark takes on

Mark concentrates on appellate, child custody, child support, civil rights, and criminal defense. Each area below outlines the kind of case Mark handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Waukegan, Illinois

Mark takes appellate matters in Waukegan, 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 Mark agrees to represent you.

Child Custody cases in Waukegan, Illinois

Mark takes child custody matters in Waukegan, 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 Mark agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Waukegan, Illinois

Mark takes child support matters in Waukegan, 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 Mark agrees to represent you.

Civil Rights cases in Waukegan, Illinois

Mark takes civil rights matters in Waukegan, 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 Mark agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Waukegan, Illinois

Mark takes criminal defense matters in Waukegan, 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 Mark agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Mark C. Curran, Jr. — appellate lawyer in Waukegan

Mark C. Curran, Jr. is a member based in Waukegan, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Child Custody, and Child Support. Mark has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mark C. Curran Jr. Attorney At Law. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 28 client reviews.

Mark Curran

Work Address markcurranlaw@gmail.com Permanent Address

235 N. West St. 224-452-5389 1114 Dawes St.

Waukegan, IL 60085 Attorney Libertyville, IL 60048

Expertise

I have been recognized as one of the top trial lawyers in Illinois and I possess skills and expertise in many other areas including: public speaking, organizational management, project management and development, leadership, employee relations, human resources, marketing, budgeting, fundraising, writing, criminal investigations, and security management.

Experience

Lake County, Illinois Sheriff 2006-2018

· Elected Sheriff for three terms

· Achieved all Major National Accreditations

· Under Budget for all 12 years as Sheriff

· Managed over 500 employees and a $70 million budget.

· Sheriff’s Office was transformed into one of the finest Sheriffs Office’s in the country

Lake County, Illinois Interim Coroner 2011

· Transformed Coroners Office into a more professional Office

Private Practice

Law Office of Mark C. Curran Jr . 2002-2006

· Specialized in civil and criminal litigation

· Selected by the Lake County Judiciary to serve as a Conflict Public Defender

o Tried numerous murders and other high-profile cases

· Served as a special counsel to Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)

· Received highest rating in ethics and competency from Martindale Hubbell

· Selected in 2007 by Super Lawyers as one of the top criminal defense lawyers in Illinois

Assistant Illinois Attorney General 1998-2002

· Sexually Violent Person Bureau

o Started new bureau titled Sexually Violent Person Bureau (SVP)

o Helped draft the SVP Act

o Tried the first two juries in Illinois under the SVP Act

· Supervisor of Gang Crimes and Trials

o Supervised fellow Assistant Attorney General’s throughout Illinois

o Conducted statewide training for law enforcement throughout Illinois

o Tried complex criminal cases throughout Illinois at the request of local States Attorney

· General Law Bureau

o Represented all state agencies in civil courts and administrative agencies

Special Assistant United States Attorney 1999-2002

· Worked with federal law enforcement investigating and prosecuting criminal street gangs

Assistant Lake County States Attorney 1990-1998

· Worked in traffic, misdemeanor, felony review, juvenile, narcotics, and felony trial divisions

· Tried over 100 jury trials and hundreds of bench trials

Adjunct Professor 1996-2006

COLUMBIA COLLEGE, Chicago, Illinois

· Taught over 120 hours of college level classes in: criminal justice, political science, labor relations, business, and history

Education

Spring Hill College, Mobile, Alabama May 1985

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

o Member of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity

o Member of Rugby and Golf teams

Chicago Kent-College of Law, Chicago, Illinois May 1990

Juris doctor

Toast Masters International, Libertyville, Illinois 1990-1998

Competent Toast Master Status

University of Houston, Houston Texas 1996

National College of District Attorney Career Prosecutor Academy

Second City School of Improvisation, Chicago, Illinois 1994-1996

College of DuPage, Wheaton, Illinois2008

Suburban Law Enforcement Police Academy

Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, Springfield, Illinois 2008

New Chiefs Conference

National Sheriffs Institute, Longmont, Colorado 2009

95th Session New Sheriffs Conference

Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts2015

60th Session Senior Management Institute for Police

Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 2016

390th Session School of Police Staff and Command, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

FBI Academy, Quantico, Virginia 2017

76th Session Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar

Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Waukegan Illinois 2006-2018

Trained in all major functions of the Lake Sheriff’s office including corrections and highway patrol

Community Activity (Past and Present)

· Carmel Catholic High School Faith and Development Committee

· Knights of Columbus; Former Grand Knight

· Libertyville little league baseball, basketball, and football coach

· National Immigration forum

· Illinois Sheriff’s Association

· National Sheriff’s Association

· Archdioceses of Chicago Vice Chairmen Committee of Immigration Affairs

· Various Law Enforcement Boards

· Radio Host WSFI Catholic Radio

Mark's approach to appellate cases

Mark Curran Work Address markcurranlaw@gmail.com Permanent Address 235 N. West St. 224-452-5389 1114 Dawes St. Waukegan, IL 60085 Attorney Libertyville, IL 60048 Expertise I have been recognized as one of the top trial lawyers in Illinois and I possess skills and expertise in many other areas including: public speaking, organizational management, project management and development, leadership,…

The kind of cases Mark takes

Mark reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, child custody, and child support matters in Waukegan and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago-Kent College of Law
J.D. · 1990
Spring Hill College
B.S. Business · 1985

Jurisdictions

Mark's state bar admissions

Illinois
1990 · ACTIVE

Mark studied at J.D. in Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago-Kent College of Law and B.S. Business in Spring Hill College.

Law school and academic background

Mark completed J.D. in Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago-Kent College of Law and B.S. Business in Spring Hill College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Mark runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Mark C. Curran, Jr.'s office in Waukegan

Mark's primary office is at 235 N. West Street, Waukegan, IL, 60085. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Mark C. Curran Jr. Attorney At Law

235 N. West Street

Waukegan, IL 60085

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Mark C. Curran, Jr. — 4.7/5 rating from 28 verified client reviews

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

4.7

28 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Mark C. Curran, Jr. claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Mark C. Curran, Jr. — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Mark charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mark'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; Mark will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Waukegan, 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 Mark

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Mark'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 Mark C. Curran, Jr.

How much does it cost to hire Mark for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Mark walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Mark offer a free consultation?
Mark charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mark's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Mark'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. Mark gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Mark take my case if I'm outside Waukegan?
Mark 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 — Mark 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 Mark?
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. Mark will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Mark accepting new appellate clients right now?
Mark'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 Mark C. Curran, Jr.. 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 Waukegan, Chicago and Springfield in Illinois

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

Mark C. Curran, Jr., Appellate Attorney in Waukegan, Illinois

Quick answer