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

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

Does R. offer a free consultation?

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

Can R. take my case if I'm outside Chicago?

R. 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 — R. 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 R.?

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

Is R. accepting new appellate clients right now?

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

R. Tamara de Silva, Appellate Attorney in Chicago

Quick answer

R. Tamara de Silva is a founding attorney based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Criminal Defense. R. has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at De Silva Law Offices.

Based in: Chicago, IL
Experience: over 28 years
Known for: Appellate · Business · Criminal Defense

Handles Appellate, Business, and Criminal Defense matters from Chicago, IL.
Over 28 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

R.'s practice areas in Chicago

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

Appellate cases in Chicago, Illinois

R. 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 R. agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Chicago, Illinois

R. 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 R. agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Chicago, Illinois

R. 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 R. agrees to represent you.

Drug Crimes cases in Chicago, Illinois

R. takes drug crimes 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 R. agrees to represent you.

DUI/DWI cases in Chicago, Illinois

R. 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 R. agrees to represent you.

Biography

R. Tamara de Silva, appellate attorney serving Chicago

R. Tamara de Silva is a founding attorney based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Criminal Defense. R. has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at De Silva Law Offices. R. works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on appellate matters across the region.

R. Tamara de Silva is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, dui, drug crimes and 15 other areas of law. R. received a B.A. degree from University of Chicago in 1993, and has been licensed for 28 years. R. practices at De Silva Law Offices in Chicago, IL.

Working with R. on a appellate matter

R. Tamara de Silva is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, dui, drug crimes and 15 other areas of law. R. received a B.A. degree from University of Chicago in 1993, and has been licensed for 28 years. R. practices at De Silva Law Offices in Chicago, IL.

Who R. represents

R. reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and criminal defense matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Credentials — where R. studied and practices

Loyola University
J.D. · 1997
University of Chicago
B.A. · 1993

Jurisdictions

R.'s state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
2007 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2006 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1998 · ACTIVE

R. studied at J.D. in Loyola University and B.A. in University of Chicago.

Law school and academic background

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

Locations

R. Tamara de Silva's office in Chicago

R.'s primary office is at 980 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL, 60611. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

De Silva Law Offices

980 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1400

Chicago, IL 60611

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of R. Tamara de Silva

R. 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 R. Tamara de Silva can leave a review.

Schedule your consultation

Hiring guide

How to hire R. Tamara de Silva — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

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

Payment methods and payment plans

R.'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 R. Tamara de Silva

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

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

R. Tamara de Silva, Appellate Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Quick answer