Summary
Bill has more than 25 years’ experience as both an accomplished litigator and restructuring lawyer. On the litigation side, Bill is a trial-tested litigator who understands that solving matters outside the courtroom is usually preferred. Though he works with clients to avoid the courtroom whenever possible, he is also prepared to litigate and take a case to trial when necessary. He has represented parties in some of the largest class action cases in the country, yet also represents companies of all sizes on a daily basis in court. His advocacy, including his writing, sets him apart.
On the restructuring side, Bill represents all parties – debtors, creditors, committees, individuals, trustees, and shareholders – in bankruptcy cases throughout the country and out-of-court workouts. His clients range from banks and hedge funds to corporations, as well as individuals and family groups. He has also represented assignees, handled assignments for the benefit of creditors, and prosecuted and defended hundreds of “preference” cases in bankruptcy court.
Graduating first in his class from the University of Illinois’ accounting program, Bill has a solid financial background. After graduating from Harvard Law School, Bill launched his career by clerking for two judges, one state and one federal.
Bill has been recognized for his outstanding pro bono work. In 2012, the Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois personally recognized him, bestowing the court’s highest honor, the Award for Excellence in Pro Bono Service. Bill received the award for his decade-long work in the landmark case Ligas v. Maram, a class-action civil rights case that both protected and expanded living options for individuals with developmental disabilities in Illinois. In that case, Bill took on, and improbably defeated, the United States Department of Justice, the state of Illinois, the ACLU, and Equip for Equality.
Outside of the firm, Bill has served for two decades on the Misericordia advisory board, a cause near and dear to him. He also served multiple terms on the Local School Council (LSC) at his children’s public schools in Chicago. Before that, Bill served a decade as a board member for his neighborhood community association, RANCH Triangle. Bill is a firm believer in the power of speech, and in that respect, he has published dozens of columns and letters to the editor in both local and national publications.
Awards
Honoree, Illinois Super Lawyers (2009 – present)
Federal Bar Association/Northern District of Illinois Excellence in Pro Bono and Public Interest Service Award
AV Peer Review Rated, LexisNexis/Martindale-Hubbell
Honoree, Leading Lawyers Network, Business Bankruptcy
All Service Areas
All Practices
Education
- Harvard Law School (1994)
- University of Illinois (1990)
summa cum laude
B.S. – Accounting
Admissions
- State - Illinois
- Federal - Illinois Northern District Court
- Federal - Michigan Eastern District Court
- Federal - U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
Community Involvement
- Misericordia
Board Member