David R. Creagh
David R. Creagh
Partner
"Some disputes require taking a case to trial, while others should be resolved quickly and efficiently. Recognizing this difference and collaborating with my clients to identify and achieve the best result is critical to providing the representation they deserve."

David R. Creagh
Partner
"Some disputes require taking a case to trial, while others should be resolved quickly and efficiently. Recognizing this difference and collaborating with my clients to identify and achieve the best result is critical to providing the representation they deserve."
About David
An experienced and successful litigator and trial attorney, David represents clients in complex, high-exposure litigated matters, including products liability, commercial transportation, toxic torts, construction, premises liability, and general casualty. He is often called upon for his clients' highest-profile and largest-exposure cases.
With extensive experience managing national and regional litigation programs, David has represented many of his clients across the country for decades. He has led litigation, trials, arbitrations and mediations in various jurisdictions, both where he is admitted and through pro hac vice admissions.
A respected leader at Hinshaw, David is the co-chair of the firmwide Complex Tort & General Casualty Practice and has served on the firm’s Executive, Diversity, Hiring, and Education Committees. He regularly lectures at firm training sessions, particularly on litigation and trial advocacy.
Areas of Focus
Recognition
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, 2023 – 2026
- Martindale-Hubbell, AV® Peer Review Rating
- Leading Lawyer, Toxic Torts Defense Law; Class Action/Mass Tort Defense Law; Personal Injury Defense Law: Products Liability and General
- University of Notre Dame Law School, Edward Barrett Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy; and National Mock Trial Team, Member
Credentials
Education
- University of Notre Dame Law School, JD, cum laude, 1985
- University of Notre Dame, BA, cum laude, 1982
Bar Admissions
- Illinois
Court Admissions
- Federal Trial Bar
- US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
- US District Court for the Central District of Illinois
- US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- US District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
Thought Leadership
Presentations
A speaker on tort law and trial advocacy, David discussed product liability at the 2002 Risk & Insurance Management Symposium in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Press Releases
- 102 Hinshaw Lawyers Recognized in 2026 Editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and Ones to Watch™, Aug 21, 2025
- 105 Hinshaw Lawyers Recognized in 2025 Editions of Best Lawyers in America and Ones to Watch, Aug 15, 2024
- 101 Hinshaw Lawyers Recognized in 2024 Editions of Best Lawyers in America and Ones to Watch, Aug 17, 2023
- Eighty-Seven Hinshaw Lawyers Recognized in 2023 Editions of Best Lawyers in America and Ones to Watch, Aug 18, 2022
Interests
Did you know...
David cherishes time with his family and loves golfing and water sports.
Community/Civic Activities
David has spent extensive time contributing to his community, including:
- Coaching youth baseball and basketball
- Serving as the commissioner for a local youth baseball and softball organization
- Serving as a member of a local school board
- Participating in numerous charitable events
Thought Leadership
Presentations
A speaker on tort law and trial advocacy, David discussed product liability at the 2002 Risk & Insurance Management Symposium in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Press Releases
- 102 Hinshaw Lawyers Recognized in 2026 Editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and Ones to Watch™, Aug 21, 2025
- 105 Hinshaw Lawyers Recognized in 2025 Editions of Best Lawyers in America and Ones to Watch, Aug 15, 2024
- 101 Hinshaw Lawyers Recognized in 2024 Editions of Best Lawyers in America and Ones to Watch, Aug 17, 2023
- Eighty-Seven Hinshaw Lawyers Recognized in 2023 Editions of Best Lawyers in America and Ones to Watch, Aug 18, 2022
David's Insights

Press Release
Aug 21, 2025
102 Hinshaw Lawyers Recognized in 2026 Editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and Ones to Watch™

Press Release
Aug 15, 2024
105 Hinshaw Lawyers Recognized in 2025 Editions of Best Lawyers in America and Ones to Watch

Press Release
Aug 17, 2023
101 Hinshaw Lawyers Recognized in 2024 Editions of Best Lawyers in America and Ones to Watch