Grace Shin joins Niles Illich in new Dallas appeals firm

Veteran appellate prosecutor Grace E. Shin has partnered with board-certified appeals attorney Niles Illich to launch Illich & Shin, PLLC, a Dallas firm focused on criminal appeals, habeas work and post-conviction defense. The move pairs 20 years of state-level appellate experience with defense-side strategy in cases ranging from misdemeanors to capital murder appeals.

Why it matters: - The new partnership combines prosecution-side appellate experience with defense advocacy in criminal appeals and post-conviction matters. - Illich & Shin, PLLC is positioned to handle state and federal appeals, habeas corpus litigation and other motion practice. - Shin's background on the State's side gives the firm an insider view of how appellate arguments are built and challenged.

What happened: - Attorney Niles Illich announced a partnership with veteran appellate attorney Grace E. Shin, effective Aug. 1, 2026. - The new firm is named Illich & Shin, PLLC. - The firm is based in Dallas. - Shin is joining private practice after a 20-year career with the Appellate Division of the Dallas County District Attorney's office.

The details: - Shin represented the State in more than 200 appeals and post-conviction habeas proceedings. - Her work covered cases from routine misdemeanors to capital murder cases involving the death penalty. - Shin handled briefing and oral argument for the State of Texas in criminal appeals. - She reviewed pretrial motions and motions to suppress to test whether evidence met constitutional standards. - She helped trial prosecutors prepare arguments and objections before possible appellate challenges. - She reviewed jury charges to help protect convictions from later attacks. - Shin can communicate with clients in Korean. - Shin earned her Juris Doctor from SMU Dedman School of Law. - Shin is a member of the State Bar of Texas, admitted in 2001, and the State Bar of New York. - Illich & Shin says the practice will focus on technical precision in the law. - The firm will provide services in criminal appeals, writs of habeas corpus and motion work. - The habeas work will include claims such as ineffective assistance of counsel and newly discovered evidence.

Between the lines: - The partnership signals a strategy to use appellate-prosecutor experience as a defense advantage in spotting reversible error. - The firm is targeting clients who need post-conviction review, where small legal mistakes can determine whether a conviction stands. - Shin's bilingual ability may broaden access for Korean-speaking clients.

What's next: - Illich & Shin, PLLC is open for criminal defense, appeal and post-conviction matters. - The firm listed contact information at the firm's announcement and by phone at 469.886.1564. - Niles Illich can also be reached at 469-828-9017.