Niles Illich is a Dallas criminal appeals attorney who is board certified in criminal appellate law (by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization). He has filed more than 400 appellate briefs and represented more than 300 clients on appeal.

In 2026, he represented a client in a federal criminal case before the Supreme Court of the United States.

Niles previously served as a briefing attorney for the First Court of Appeals and serves on the committee responsible for writing the criminal appellate law board certification exam.

Criminal Appeals in State and Federal Courts

Niles 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 Supreme Court of the United States. 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 petitions for discretionary review and habeas corpus cases involving claims of ineffective assistance of trial or appellate counsel. He has also handled election disputes, sales tax contests, and mandamus proceedings.

Criminal Appeals Experience From Both Sides of the Justice System

Illich & 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 trial records, identify potential grounds for appeal, and develop strategies to challenge convictions.

If you or a loved one is looking for a Texas criminal appeals attorney to review a conviction, Niles Illich and Illich & Shin, PLLC can help you understand your legal options.