Bill Forcade, Environmental Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 50 years of legal practice · focused on Environmental, General, and Trade Secrets · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Chicago, IL
Practicing environmental in Chicago since 1976.
- 50+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 4
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Bill Forcade?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Bill Forcade is an attorney based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Environmental, General, and Trade Secrets. Bill has over 50 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 50 years
- Known for
- Environmental · General · Trade Secrets
- Handles Environmental, General, and Trade Secrets matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Bill Forcade: Bill Forcade is an attorney based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Environmental, General, and Trade Secrets. Bill has over 50 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Bill takes on
Bill concentrates on environmental, general, trade secrets, and internet. Each area below outlines the kind of case Bill handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Environmental
View other Environmental attorneys
General
View other General attorneys
Trade Secrets
View other Trade Secrets attorneys
Internet
View other Internet attorneys
Environmental cases in Chicago, Illinois
Bill takes environmental matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Bill agrees to represent you.
General cases in Chicago, Illinois
Bill takes general matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Bill agrees to represent you.
Trade Secrets cases in Chicago, Illinois
Bill takes trade secrets matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Bill agrees to represent you.
Internet cases in Chicago, Illinois
Bill takes internet matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Bill agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Bill Forcade — environmental lawyer in Chicago
Bill Forcade is an attorney based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Environmental, General, and Trade Secrets. Bill has over 50 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Bill Forcade is a lawyer practicing environmental, trade association, trade secrets and unfair competition and 1 other area of law. Bill received a B.S. degree from University of Illinois in 1971, and has been licensed for 50 years. Bill practices in Chicago, IL.
Bill's approach to environmental cases
Bill Forcade is a lawyer practicing environmental, trade association, trade secrets and unfair competition and 1 other area of law. Bill received a B.S. degree from University of Illinois in 1971, and has been licensed for 50 years. Bill practices in Chicago, IL.
The kind of cases Bill takes
Bill reviews new inquiries case-by-case for environmental, general, and trade secrets matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
John Marshall Law School
J.D. · 1976
University of Illinois
B.S. · 1971
Jurisdictions
Bill's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
1982 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1977 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1976 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1976 · ACTIVE
Bill studied at J.D. in John Marshall Law School and B.S. in University of Illinois.
Law school and academic background
Bill completed J.D. in John Marshall Law School and B.S. in University of Illinois. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Bill runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Bill has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Bill Forcade's office in Chicago
Bill's primary office is at 2 E Erie St Apt 1811, Chicago, IL, 60611-3663. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Bill Forcade — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Bill. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing environmental attorneys in Chicago.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Bill Forcade claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Bill Forcade — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new environmental attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Bill usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Bill charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Bill's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Bill will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a environmental attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many environmental matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Bill
Bill discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in environmental practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every environmental matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Bill confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Bill's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many environmental practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Bill Forcade
How much does it cost to hire Bill for a environmental case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Bill walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Bill offer a free consultation?
Bill charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Bill's office. Some environmental attorneys offer free consults — check Bill's current terms during booking.
How long do environmental cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple environmental matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Bill gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Bill take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Bill is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Bill will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Bill?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Bill will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Bill accepting new environmental clients right now?
Bill's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Environmental attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Bill handles environmental matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified environmental attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated environmental attorneys in Illinois
If Bill's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these environmental attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





