Niles Illich is board certified in criminal appellate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction held by fewer than 200 attorneys among approximately 60,000 attorneys in Texas. He also serves on the committee responsible for writing the criminal appellate law board certification exam.
In 2026, Niles represented a client in a federal criminal case before the Supreme Court of the United States. A former briefing attorney for the First Court of Appeals, he has represented more than 300 clients on appeal.
Criminal Appeals in State and Federal CourtsNiles has handled criminal appeals in all 14 intermediate Texas courts of appeals and represented clients before the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, the Texas Supreme Court, and the U.S. Supreme Court. His federal appellate experience includes the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Circuit Courts of Appeals.
His practice focuses on criminal appeals and post-conviction proceedings, including habeas corpus cases involving claims of constitutionally ineffective assistance of counsel. He has also handled election disputes, sales tax contests, and mandamus proceedings.
Criminal Appeals Experience From Both Sides of the Justice SystemIllich & Shin, PLLC brings together experience from both sides of the criminal justice system. Niles brings a criminal defense background and board certification in criminal appellate law, while Grace E. Shin spent 22 years handling criminal appeals for the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office.
Together, they evaluate convictions, identify potential grounds for appeal, and pursue available options for challenging criminal convictions.
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Practice Areas
17 years
15 years | 400 cases
15 years | 400 cases
Always
State: Texas
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Other places you can find Niles online.
16 Client Reviews
AI-summarized from Avvo client reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 16 reviews
Posted by Mitra Shamsa | August 25, 2026 | Hired Attorney
Skilled and experience, also kind.
I was sued by the next door neighbor at an investment property I own. The case was an adverse possession case where I was being sued to recover a small strip of land on my side of the plat line as defined by the survey. There was an old and decrepit fence separating the two properties that lie on m...
Posted by Jordan | August 20, 2026
The BEST of the BEST
Niles is beyond smart. Without a doubt he is the best of the best. I have known Niles for years, he has successfully appealed cases across the State and Nation - preserving the rights of those accused and the rights of those in civil and family law matters. His ability to find the needle in the hayst...
Posted by Robert | August 19, 2026 | Hired Attorney
"Focused, Efficient, and He Won"
I hired Niles as my appellate attorney after a referral from a family member who works in the legal industry. We never met in person — everything was handled by phone and email. When we first spoke, I wanted to appeal on multiple issues from my trial. Niles listened, then recommended focusing on a...
Posted by Lesya | August 19, 2026 | Hired Attorney
An exceptional appellate attorney who truly cares
Niles has helped me through multiple appeals involving incredibly complex and lengthy legal matters. Throughout each case, he has been exceptionally detailed, professional, and strategic. He takes the time to understand every aspect of the record, identify the most important issues, and develop a th...
Posted by Stephanie | August 18, 2026 | Hired Attorney
Best Appellate Counsel
I have had the opportunity to work closely with Niles on complex legal matters, and he is truly an exceptional appellate attorney. As a fellow attorney, I am very particular about who I trust with appellate issues, and Niles is someone whose judgment, legal writing, and strategic insight I genuinely ...
"I endorse this lawyer. I utilize Niles' skills on appeals, research and writing, and if you are smart, you will utilize him for those needs as well."
"Niles is an excellent attorney. He's the first lawyer I call or email if I have any questions related to appeals. Niles is generous with his time and has always been able to provide satisfactory answers. I feel totally comfortable referring family and friends to Niles."
"I endorse this lawyer. Niles has successfully defended many of our firm's verdicts, and hiring Niles will give you the upper-hand if someone is trying to use the appellate process to take away a hard-earned victory at trial."
"Niles is a well-respected attorney, and his experience in post-conviction matters shines through in friendly, knowledgable and experienced advice. I am proud to call him a college and fellow member of the bar."
"I endorse this Lawyer. Niles is an outstanding attorney who is well-versed in appellate law. He knows the ins-and-outs of briefing and writing to appellate judges. Definitely recommend."
"I enjoy reading Attorney Illich's comments on AVVO. I look forward to reading more. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer for anyone needing a strong criminal appeals attorney. Given his experience as a briefing attorney in the Court of Appeals, he would be an asset for anyone trying to win an appeal."
"Niles is an excellent attorney with experience working for the court of appeals. He is thorough, smart and efficient. He handles his cases better than any other appellate attorney's I know. I strongly recommend him for any appellate matters you might have."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Illich is educated, well-spoken, and caring. I met him while in law school and highly recommend him."
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2017
Client Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
1988
Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America
2013 - Present
Attorney, The Law Office of Niles Illich, Ph.D., J.D.
2010 - 2013
Appellate Attorney, Lafitte, Abbott, Wingo, Rehfeld, and Holloway
2010 - 2010
Briefing Attorney, First Circuit Court Of Appeals Houston
2005 - 2005
Faculty Research Scholar, Nasa Johnson Space Center
2014 - Present
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2011 - Present
Dallas County Criminal Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
Dallas County Bar Association, Appellate SectionMember
2009 - Present
Texas Bar AssociationMember
Writ of certiorari granted, judgment from the Sixth Circuit vacated, case remanded.
Affirmed
Reversed
2009
JD - Juris Doctor
2007
PhD - Doctorate
2001
MA - Masters
1998
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2026
2026
State Criminal Appeals
2022
State Criminal Appeals: What to Know
2014
2014
Protective Orders for Criminal Attorneys
2026
2022
2021
2021
2021
2018
2017
English
Legal Answers
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