About Niles
Biography
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.
Board certified criminal appellate attorney (by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization); partner with former appellate prosecutor. I have won criminal appeals at the highest levels: 1) Supreme Court of the United States (federal); 2) Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (state).
Specializes in criminal appeals in state and federal court. Former employee of the First Court of Appeals. Supreme Court win (2026). More than 400 briefs filed. Board certified in criminal appellate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Niles works with his law partner Grace Shin. Grace has 22 years of experience as an appellate prosecutor and knows how the State will respond to an opening brief.
Niles and Grace combine their abilities and experience for their clients: 1) experience working for the appellate courts (Niles); 2) experience working for the State (Grace); 3) appeared in every appellate court in Texas that hears criminal appeals; 4) success at the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
17 years
15 years | 400 cases
15 years | 400 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in Texas for 16 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Niles online.
Niles Stefan Illich's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
16 Client Reviews
Client Insights
AI-summarized from Avvo client reviews
Showing 16 - 16 of 16 reviews
Posted by Paul | March 24, 2014
Great civil procedure and appellate attorney
I hire Niles for consulting work on matters of civil procedure and to draft and argue complex motions. We also use him for our appellate work. His briefs are very well reasoned and equally well written. He is a convincing appellate advocate. I recommend him.
Niles Stefan Illich's Lawyer Endorsements
"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 endorse this lawyer."
"I enjoy reading Attorney Illich's comments on AVVO. I look forward to reading more. I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is one of the better appellate attorneys in the state."
"I endorse this lawyer. Niles is an excellent attorney with great attention to detail."
"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."
Criminal defense lawyer
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Experience
Honors
2017
Client Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
1988
Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America
Work Experience
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
Associations
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
Sample of Legal Cases
Writ of certiorari granted, judgment from the Sixth Circuit vacated, case remanded.
Affirmed
Reversed
Education
2009
JD - Juris Doctor
2007
PhD - Doctorate
2001
MA - Masters
1998
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2026
2026
State Criminal Appeals
2022
State Criminal Appeals: What to Know
2014
2014
Protective Orders for Criminal Attorneys
Publications
2026
2022
2021
2021
2021
2018
2017
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
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