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

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

Does Donald offer a free consultation?

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

Can Donald take my case if I'm outside Rolling Meadows?

Donald 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 — Donald 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 Donald?

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

Is Donald accepting new appellate clients right now?

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

Donald J. Cosley, Appellate Attorney in Rolling Meadows

Quick answer

Donald J. Cosley is a member based in Rolling Meadows, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Child Custody. Donald has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cosley Law. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Rolling Meadows, IL
Experience: over 32 years
Known for: Appellate · Bankruptcy · Child Custody

Handles Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Child Custody matters from Rolling Meadows, IL.
Over 32 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Donald J. Cosley

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

Appellate cases in Rolling Meadows, Illinois

Donald takes appellate matters in Rolling Meadows, 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 Donald agrees to represent you.

Bankruptcy cases in Rolling Meadows, Illinois

Donald takes bankruptcy matters in Rolling Meadows, 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 Donald agrees to represent you.

Child Custody cases in Rolling Meadows, Illinois

Donald takes child custody matters in Rolling Meadows, 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 Donald agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Rolling Meadows, Illinois

Donald takes child support matters in Rolling Meadows, 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 Donald agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Rolling Meadows, Illinois

Donald takes criminal defense matters in Rolling Meadows, 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 Donald agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Donald J. Cosley — Over 32 years of Illinois appellate experience

Donald J. Cosley is a member based in Rolling Meadows, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Child Custody. Donald has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cosley Law. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Mr. Donald J. Cosley is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, white collar crime, child support and 12 other areas of law. Donald received a B.A. degree from DePauw University in 1991, and has been licensed for 32 years. Donald practices at Cosley Law in Rolling Meadows, IL.

How Donald handles appellate matters

Mr. Donald J. Cosley is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, white collar crime, child support and 12 other areas of law. Donald received a B.A. degree from DePauw University in 1991, and has been licensed for 32 years. Donald practices at Cosley Law in Rolling Meadows, IL.

The kind of cases Donald takes

Donald reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, bankruptcy, and child custody matters in Rolling Meadows and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Donald J. Cosley's legal education and bar admissions

John Marshall Law School
J.D. · 1994
DePauw University
B.A. · 1991

Jurisdictions

Donald's state bar admissions

U.S. Supreme Court
2001 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1994 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1994 · ACTIVE

Donald studied at J.D. in John Marshall Law School and B.A. in DePauw University.

Law school and academic background

Donald completed J.D. in John Marshall Law School and B.A. in DePauw University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Donald runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Donald J. Cosley's office in Rolling Meadows

Donald's primary office is at 1855 Rohlwing Rd., Ste. D, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008-1360. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Cosley Law

1855 Rohlwing Rd., Ste. D

Rolling Meadows, IL 60008-1360

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Donald J. Cosley — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Donald J. Cosley claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Donald J. Cosley — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Rolling Meadows, 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 Donald

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Donald'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 Donald J. Cosley

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

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