JW

J. William "Bill" Codinha, Business Attorney in Boston, Massachusetts

focused on Business, Criminal Defense, and Litigation

Boston, MA

Trusted business attorney serving Boston.

2
Bar admissions

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J. William "Bill" Codinha is an attorney based in Boston, MASSACHUSETTS. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and Litigation.

Based in
Boston, MASSACHUSETTS
Experience
attorney
Known for
Business · Criminal Defense · Litigation
  • Handles Business, Criminal Defense, and Litigation matters from Boston, MASSACHUSETTS.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026).

About J. William "Bill" Codinha: J. William "Bill" Codinha is an attorney based in Boston, MASSACHUSETTS. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and Litigation.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by J. William "Bill" Codinha

J. concentrates on business, criminal defense, litigation, and white collar. Each area below outlines the kind of case J. handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Boston, Massachusetts

J. takes business matters in Boston, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before J. agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Boston, Massachusetts

J. takes criminal defense matters in Boston, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before J. agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Boston, Massachusetts

J. takes litigation matters in Boston, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before J. agrees to represent you.

White Collar cases in Boston, Massachusetts

J. takes white collar matters in Boston, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before J. agrees to represent you.

Biography

About J. William "Bill" Codinha — Attorney of Massachusetts business experience

J. William "Bill" Codinha is an attorney based in Boston, MASSACHUSETTS. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and Litigation.

Moving between the public and private sectors, Bill Codinha has led some of the highest profile governmental investigations conducted in the past 20 years and now defends corporations and individuals caught up in similar investigations. Bill brings his unique and effective experience to the defense of all of his clients.

What do you focus on?

I leverage my 30+ years of experience defending individuals and corporations who are the subject of government investigations. As a prosecutor, I tried jury trials in all of the courts in Massachusetts and ran major investigations for the federal government in Washington, DC. Currently, I focus on the defense of investigations and cases brought by myriad federal agencies and United States Attorneys’ offices as well as investigations and cases brought by the various state attorneys general offices.

Federal Investigations

I’ve successfully defended clients against False Claims Act (FCA), civil and criminal securities fraud, RICO as well as numerous other civil and criminal charges. I have defended domestic and international Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) cases, including foreign companies alleged to have committed U.S. securities fraud violations. I also recently defended a foreign citizen alleged to have committed U.S. Arms Export Control Act violations.

State Investigations

As the federal government has ramped up its investigations, the various state attorneys general offices have also become much more aggressive, routinely issuing Civil Investigative Demands requiring extensive discovery of potential wrongdoing. I recently defended a Fortune 75 company, located in Minnesota, against alleged bid rigging and false claims allegations. The risk assessment of potential damages to this multinational company could have run well into the billions of dollars had a prosecution and debarment occurred. The case was successfully resolved with no admission of liability.

Trials

Fundamentally, I remain a trial lawyer, having tried over 100 jury trials during the course of my career, from organized crime cases as a prosecutor, to civil trials obtaining multi-million dollar verdicts for my clients. I have taught trial tactics and trial strategy locally and at the national level.

How J. handles business matters

Moving between the public and private sectors, Bill Codinha has led some of the highest profile governmental investigations conducted in the past 20 years and now defends corporations and individuals caught up in similar investigations. Bill brings his unique and effective experience to the defense of all of his clients. What do you focus on? I leverage my 30+ years of experience defending…

Who J. represents

J. reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, criminal defense, and litigation matters in Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts area.

Credentials

J. William "Bill" Codinha's legal education and bar admissions

  • Ohio Wesleyan University

    BA

Jurisdictions

J.'s state bar admissions

  • District of Columbia

    ACTIVE

  • Massachusetts, Massa

    ACTIVE

J. studied at BA in Ohio Wesleyan University.

Law school and academic background

J. completed BA in Ohio Wesleyan University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice J. runs in Massachusetts is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of J. William "Bill" Codinha

J. has received 8 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Qui Tam Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Named as one of “Boston’s Top Rated Lawyers” in the 2012-2016 Editions

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Received an AV Preeminent Peer Review RatingTM from Martindale Hubbell

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Qui Tam Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026).

Locations

J. William "Bill" Codinha's office in Boston

J.'s primary office is at 53 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109-2835. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

53 State Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02109-2835

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of J. William "Bill" Codinha

J. has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire J. William "Bill" Codinha — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with J. usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

J. charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain J.'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; J. will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Boston, Massachusetts

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 J.

J. discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business 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. J. confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

J.'s office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about J. William "Bill" Codinha

  • How much does it cost to hire J. for a business case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. J. walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does J. offer a free consultation?

    J. charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain J.'s office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check J.'s current terms during booking.

  • How long do business cases in Massachusetts typically take?

    Simple business 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. J. gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can J. take my case if I'm outside Boston?

    J. is licensed in Massachusetts. Matters governed by Massachusetts law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — J. 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 J.?

    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. J. will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is J. accepting new business clients right now?

    J.'s intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Boston, Cambridge and Worcester in Massachusetts

J. handles business matters throughout Massachusetts. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

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If J.'s intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Boston handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.