The Attorney

About Daniel Kay

Over 30 years of legal experience serving Southern Illinois. Former prosecutor, public defender, and JAG officer.

Daniel Kay, Attorney at Law

Daniel Kay

Attorney at Law · Carbondale, Illinois

About Daniel Kay

Dedicated Advocacy.
Personal Attention.

Daniel earned his law degree from Southern Illinois University School of Law in 1996 and began practicing law soon after. His impressive resume includes service as an Assistant Public Defender, an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Illinois, and a JAG officer in the U.S. Army Reserve — giving him rare insight into all sides of the courtroom.

During his military experience, Daniel spent 18 months at Fort Riley, Kansas, serving as a military criminal prosecutor and Trial Counsel, deepening his case-building experience. In 2008, he volunteered as a Senior Defense Attorney in Iraq — managing a staff of three attorneys and two paralegals in the Trial Defense Services, representing soldiers facing administrative separation actions or court-martial.

When Daniel began his solo practice in 2012, he set out to give clients excellent representation at a reasonable price. With lower overhead costs than other law firms and a dedication to helping people, he can do exactly that.

Career Timeline

1996J.D., Southern Illinois University School of Law
1997–1999Assistant Public Defender, Jackson County Public Defender's Office
1999–2013Assistant Attorney General, Illinois Attorney General's Office
2005–2012Trial Defense Services, U.S. Army Reserve, J.A.G.
2008Senior Defense Attorney, Iraq — Trial Defense Services
2012–PresentSolo Practice Attorney, Carbondale, Illinois

"Daniel became a lawyer to help everyday people navigate the legal system — not to pursue prestige or high-profile cases. He handles each matter personally, from intake through resolution."

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30+

Years of Experience

1996

SIU Law Degree

J.A.G.

U.S. Army Reserve

5★

Google Rating

Training & Certifications

Advanced Legal Training

Death Penalty Certification Training — Appellate Prosecutors Office

Advanced Cross-Examination Course — National Advocacy Center

Prosecuting Homicide Cases Seminar — National District Attorneys' Association

Child Death Investigation Training — Southern Illinois Child Death Investigation Task Force

Why Clients Trust Daniel Kay

Experienced. Affordable.

Both Sides of the Law

Understands all sides of the law — prosecutor, defender, and advocate. This unique perspective means he anticipates the opposition's strategy before they make their move.

Proven Track Record

Long-standing reputation of representing clients in family law, criminal defense, and personal injury — consistently delivering results.

Affordable Representation

Your hard-earned money is put to good use on effective strategies and advice. Lower overhead means Daniel can offer exceptional representation at a reasonable price.

Personal Attention

Personal attention and care from intake through resolution. You work directly with Daniel — not a paralegal or junior associate — on every aspect of your case.

The Office

Where Clients Come First

Daniel Kay Law Office interior
Daniel Kay Attorney at Law sign

Located in Carbondale, Illinois, Daniel Kay's office serves clients throughout Southern Illinois. Every client receives Daniel's personal attention — you will never be passed off to a paralegal or associate.

Free Consultation

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