The Attorney
Over 30 years of legal experience serving Southern Illinois. Former prosecutor, public defender, and JAG officer.
Daniel Kay
Attorney at Law · Carbondale, Illinois
About Daniel Kay
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
1996
J.D., Southern Illinois University School of Law
1997–1999
Assistant Public Defender, Jackson County Public Defender’s Office
1999–2013
Assistant Attorney General, Illinois Attorney General’s Office
2005–2012
Trial Defense Services, U.S. Army Reserve, J.A.G.
2008
Senior Defense Attorney, Iraq — Trial Defense Services
2012–Present
Solo 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."
About Daniel Kay
Why Clients Trust Daniel Kay
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.
Long-standing reputation of representing clients in family law, criminal defense, and personal injury — consistently delivering results.
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 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
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.
The Team
Every client is supported by a dedicated team that cares about your outcome as much as Daniel does.
Free Consultation
