Will’s experience includes developing trial strategy; managing complex discovery; taking and defending depositions; developing expert witness testimony and reports; preparing witnesses to testify at deposition and at trial; and responding to government subpoenas and other investigatory requests. He is proficient with civil litigation in which substantial reputational and financial exposure are at risk.
Will finds helping clients solve problems, build compelling narratives that persuade and finding paths out of apparently intractable situations to be the most rewarding aspects of his practice. According to Will, litigation typically begins with one side putting out into the public domain a highly shaded, often false, and always self-serving version of what his clients allegedly did. So, in a sense, he is often starting on the back foot. He gets immense satisfaction out of helping his clients push back, telling their side and getting to an optimal resolution. It is always challenging dealing with “suboptimal” facts and providing comprehensive solutions that are as cost-effective as practicable. He most enjoys digging into the facts of a new matter, developing evidence and building (or countering) narratives. He also looks forward to working with witnesses, shepherding them through interviews, depositions or trial testimony. Will is always cordial, collaborative and professional when dealing with clients and colleagues but is not afraid to give them the cold, hard truth and push back when necessary.
Prior to law school, Will worked as a software engineer and consultant in the telecommunications industry. To date, Will has worked in 18 countries across six continents. He has a head start understanding technology issues that regularly seem to come up in legal matters and is able to leverage that knowledge to gain insights in all areas of his practice, from identifying issues with an opponent’s production of documents in discovery to eviscerating the analysis of an opponent’s expert. He is also adept at reconstructing events from documents and digging deep into the bowels of the internet to find helpful material.
Away from the office, his free time is currently usually dictated by one or more of his four kids. Video games, movies and mini-golf are current favorites. However, the two older ones are pushing him towards taking them axe throwing! Otherwise, he enjoys casual cycling when weather permits. He is also a recovering home improvement DIYer.
Representative Matters
Ford v. Acuity Specialty Products, Inc., et al., No. 2015-L-7584 (Cook County, Illinois). Counsel for Sun Chemical Corporation in action brought by print shop worker claiming $16.5 million damages arising from alleged exposure to benzene. Achieved defense verdict following jury trial.
In re Willowbrook Ethylene Oxide Litigation (Cook County, Illinois). Counsel for Sterigenics U.S., LLC and Sotera Health LLC in consolidated actions alleging injuries related to operation of an ethylene oxide sterilization facility.
In re Oil Spill by the Oil Rig “Deepwater Horizon,” on April 20, 2010, No. 2:10-md-2179 (E.D. La.). Counsel for BP in consolidated actions brought by the U.S. Department of Justice, numerous plaintiffs, codefendants, and several states concerning the Deepwater Horizon incident in the Gulf of Mexico.
United States ex rel. Pritchard v. Rockwell Collins Simulation & Training Solutions LLC, No. 5:14-cv-01452 (N.D. Ala.). Counsel for RCSTS in False Claims Act litigation.
Counsel for Volkswagen AG in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency investigation under Section 208 of the Clean Air Act.
Counsel for aerospace and defense company in responding to federal investigation.
Counsel for aviation services company in responding to federal investigatory subpoena.
Counsel for aviation solutions provider in arbitration proceedings.