David C. Ainley

David Ainley begins every relationship with his matrimonial law clients by helping them identify the desired end result and then maintaining their focus on that goal throughout the process. As an experienced trial attorney, Mr. Ainley draws on his considerable knowledge and experience in accounting, business valuation and tax issues to excel in complex high asset, business and real estate cases. Mr. Ainley’s extensive understanding and training in child custody matters allows him to amicably settle most of these issues, while resorting to litigation only when absolutely necessary.

Mr. Ainley is a fellow of the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and a former member of the board of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He has a top AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, a status bestowed on fewer than 5 percent of attorneys. He is also recognized by his peers as a member of the Leading Lawyers Network and Illinois Super Lawyers. Mr. Ainley is a member of the Chicago Bar Association and the Illinois State Bar Association and a former appointed member of the ISBA Family Law Section Council and Committee on Professional Conduct.

Mr. Ainley is a frequent lecturer on family law issues, including tax, trusts, evidence, trial advocacy and business and real estate valuation. He’s been a featured speaker at events held by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, The Chicago Bar Association and the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education. He is also on the faculty of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy and American Bar Association’s Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute. Mr. Ainley is a co-author of the “Attorneys’ Fees” chapter in the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education Family Law Series, 2008-2013.

Mr. Ainley began his legal career as a criminal law attorney and has handled several hundred bench and jury trials in areas such as domestic violence, child protection and felony trial. He moved to the private sector in 2000 as an associate and then as partner at two highly respected Chicago firms concentrating in family law. Mr. Ainley joined Katz & Stefani, LLC as a partner at its 2008 inception.