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Richard Thomas Sikes, Jr., Appellate Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 46 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Civil Rights, and IP · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Practicing appellate in Chicago since 1980.

46+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review

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Quick answer

Richard Thomas Sikes, Jr. is an of counsel based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and IP. Richard has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen Professional Corporation. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Chicago, IL
Experience
over 46 years
Known for
Appellate · Civil Rights · IP
  • Handles Appellate, Civil Rights, and IP matters from Chicago, IL.
  • Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Richard Thomas Sikes, Jr.: Richard Thomas Sikes, Jr. is an of counsel based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and IP. Richard has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen Professional Corporation. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Richard takes on

Richard concentrates on appellate, civil rights, ip, litigation, and product liability. Each area below outlines the kind of case Richard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Chicago, Illinois

Richard 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 Richard agrees to represent you.

Civil Rights cases in Chicago, Illinois

Richard 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 Richard agrees to represent you.

IP cases in Chicago, Illinois

Richard takes ip 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 Richard agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois

Richard 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 Richard agrees to represent you.

Product Liability cases in Chicago, Illinois

Richard takes product liability 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 Richard agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Richard Thomas Sikes, Jr. — appellate lawyer in Chicago

Richard Thomas Sikes, Jr. is an of counsel based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and IP. Richard has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen Professional Corporation. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Richard Thomas Sikes, Jr. is a lawyer practicing appellate advocacy, civil rights litigation/section 1983, railroad litigation and 4 other areas of law. Richard received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Marquette University in 1976, and has been licensed for 46 years. Richard practices at Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen Professional Corporation in Chicago, IL.

How Richard handles appellate matters

Richard Thomas Sikes, Jr. is a lawyer practicing appellate advocacy, civil rights litigation/section 1983, railroad litigation and 4 other areas of law. Richard received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Marquette University in 1976, and has been licensed for 46 years. Richard practices at Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen Professional Corporation in Chicago, IL.

Who Richard represents

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

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • DePaul University College of Law

    Juris Doctor · 1980

  • Marquette University

    Bachelor · 1976

Richard studied at Juris Doctor in DePaul University College of Law and Bachelor in Marquette University.

Law school and academic background

Richard completed Juris Doctor in DePaul University College of Law and Bachelor in Marquette University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Richard runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Richard's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Professional Associations •National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel

    membership

Locations

Richard Thomas Sikes, Jr.'s office in Chicago

Richard's primary office is at 33 N Dearborn Street, 7th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60602. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen Professional Corporation

33 N Dearborn Street, 7th Floor

Chicago, IL 60602

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Richard Thomas Sikes, Jr. — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Richard. 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 Richard Thomas Sikes, Jr. claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Richard Thomas Sikes, 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 Richard usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Richard'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 Richard Thomas Sikes, Jr.

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

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

  • Does Richard offer a free consultation?

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

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

    Richard 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 — Richard 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 Richard?

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

  • Is Richard accepting new appellate clients right now?

    Richard'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

Richard 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 Richard'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.