William A. Duncan, Business Attorney in Cleveland, Ohio
Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Employment, and Probate · 5.0/5 rating from 16 verified client reviews
PartneratFrantz Ward LLP
Cleveland, OH
Practicing business in Cleveland since 1987.
- 39+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 16 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you William A. Duncan?
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Quick answer
William A. Duncan is a partner based in Cleveland, OH. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Probate. William has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Frantz Ward LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 16 client reviews.
- Based in
- Cleveland, OH
- Experience
- over 39 years
- Known for
- Business · Employment · Probate
- Handles Business, Employment, and Probate matters from Cleveland, OH.
- Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About William A. Duncan: William A. Duncan is a partner based in Cleveland, OH. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Probate. William has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Frantz Ward LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 16 client reviews.
Areas of practice
William's practice areas in Cleveland
William concentrates on business, employment, probate, tax, and estate planning. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Employment
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Probate
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Tax
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Estate Planning
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Business cases in Cleveland, Ohio
William takes business matters in Cleveland, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Employment cases in Cleveland, Ohio
William takes employment matters in Cleveland, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Cleveland, Ohio
William takes probate matters in Cleveland, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in Cleveland, Ohio
William takes tax matters in Cleveland, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Cleveland, Ohio
William takes estate planning matters in Cleveland, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Biography
William A. Duncan, business attorney serving Cleveland
William A. Duncan is a partner based in Cleveland, OH. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Probate. William has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Frantz Ward LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 16 client reviews. William works from Cleveland, Ohio and takes on business matters across the region.
William A. Duncan is a lawyer practicing business law, erisa, pension and profit sharing and 2 other areas of law. William A. received a B.A. degree from Walsh College in 1984, and has been licensed for 39 years. William A. practices at Frantz Ward LLP in Cleveland, OH.
Working with William on a business matter
William A. Duncan is a lawyer practicing business law, erisa, pension and profit sharing and 2 other areas of law. William A. received a B.A. degree from Walsh College in 1984, and has been licensed for 39 years. William A. practices at Frantz Ward LLP in Cleveland, OH.
Who William represents
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, employment, and probate matters in Cleveland and the surrounding Ohio area.
Credentials
Credentials — where William studied and practices
University of Akron School of Law
J.D. · 1987
Walsh College
B.A. · 1984
Jurisdictions
William's state bar admissions
Ohio U.S. District C
1987 · ACTIVE
William studied at J.D. in University of Akron School of Law and B.A. in Walsh College.
Law school and academic background
William completed J.D. in University of Akron School of Law and B.A. in Walsh College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in Ohio is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
William's legal honors and published work
William has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
William's professional memberships and bar associations
Ohio State Bar Association, Probate and Trust Law Section Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Probate and Trust Law Section Benefits Council of Cleveland ASPPA Benefits Council (ABC) of Cleveland WEB, Inc
membership
Estate Planning Council of Cleveland Tax Club of Cleveland International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
membership
Locations
William A. Duncan's office in Cleveland
William's primary office is at 200 Public Square, Ste. 3000, Cleveland, OH, 44114. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of William A. Duncan — 5.0/5 rating from 16 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of William. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Cleveland.
5.0
16 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once William A. Duncan claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire William A. Duncan — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with William usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
William charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain William'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; William will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Cleveland, Ohio
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 William
William 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. William confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
William'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 William A. Duncan
How much does it cost to hire William for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. William walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does William offer a free consultation?
William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Ohio 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. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can William take my case if I'm outside Cleveland?
William is licensed in Ohio. Matters governed by Ohio law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — William 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 William?
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. William will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is William accepting new business clients right now?
William'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 Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati in Ohio
William handles business matters throughout Ohio. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If William's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Cleveland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





