William M. Barnes

William Barnes is a partner in the Litigation Department of Wildman Harrold. Bil’s practice is largely focused on complex and toxic tort litigation, typically involving jurisdictions throughout the country and several hundred plaintiffs. In addition, Bil’s commercial litigation practice provides contract, labor and employment counsel, and litigation on behalf of local businesses, manufacturers, and industries. Bil is adept at internalizing the manufacturing processes pertinent to his client’s operations and resultant tort issues, and has extensive experience with complex discovery requirements. He is particularly well-versed in the recent changes to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) and their explicit consideration of electronic discovery. He has designed compliance policies and procedures for clients to abide by the new FRCP rules on record retention.

Representative Experience:

Represented a leading publicly traded chemical manufacturer in the defense of property and personal injury claims brought by more than 100 plaintiffs who sought tens of millions of dollars in damages and were emboldened by a lucrative settlement with another industry player. The case, which was closely watched by the manufacturing industry as well as defendants involved in similar cases, went to trial with a single plaintiff despite the plaintiffs’ efforts to settle on a fraction of the original claims asserted by plaintiff. The jury awarded nominal compensatory damages for the plaintiff and declined to award punitive damages. The case is currently on appeal.
Successfully represented industry leaders in the chemical arena and settled a complex toxic tort case involving several plaintiffs who asserted nuisance claims for odor and property damage claims from groundwater contamination alleged to be beneath residences located near an Arkansas industrial site; plaintiffs sought tens of millions in damages, and the case was settled for a fraction thereof
Prevailed in a bench trial on behalf of a physician placement firm against breach of contract claims, recovering substantial funds from the defendant hospital
Defended a bakery against wage disputes by alleged employees before the Illinois Department of Labor, and successfully appealed decision to award wages
Obtained a defense verdict for a physician against medical malpractice claims; plaintiff asked for the insurance policy limits which was $5 million

Publications And Presentations:

Co-Author, “Interpleader,” ICLE Chancery and Special Remedies, Chap. 5, 2000, with annual supplements.

Professional Associations:

American Bar Association

Chicago Bar Association, member and former chair of Environmental and Energy Committee, investigator for Judicial Evaluation Committee

Bar Admissions:

Illinois, 1999

U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Illinois, 1999

Personal Information:

A Chicago resident, Bil is interested in sustainable resources and alternative energy. To this end, Bil is a member of the Chicago Sustainable Business Alliance, active in the Chicago Center for Green Technology, and aspires to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification. Bil supports local organic businesses, bicycles to work (weather permitting!) and avoids driving at all cost. His spare time is occupied by his family, love of all music, and volunteer work at a local animal shelter.

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