William Acker Ratliff, ADR Attorney in Birmingham, Alabama
Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Bankruptcy, and Commercial RE · 4.9/5 rating from 7 verified client reviews
MemberatWallace Jordan Ratliff Brandt Llc
Birmingham, AL
Practicing adr in Birmingham since 1981.
- 45+
- Years practicing
- 4.9 ★
- 7 client reviews
- 4
- Bar admissions
Are you William Acker Ratliff?
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Quick answer
William Acker Ratliff is a member based in Birmingham, AL. The practice focuses on ADR, Bankruptcy, and Commercial RE. William has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wallace Jordan Ratliff Brandt Llc. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 7 client reviews.
- Based in
- Birmingham, AL
- Experience
- over 45 years
- Known for
- ADR · Bankruptcy · Commercial RE
- Handles ADR, Bankruptcy, and Commercial RE matters from Birmingham, AL.
- Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About William Acker Ratliff: William Acker Ratliff is a member based in Birmingham, AL. The practice focuses on ADR, Bankruptcy, and Commercial RE. William has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wallace Jordan Ratliff Brandt Llc. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 7 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by William Acker Ratliff
William concentrates on adr, bankruptcy, commercial re, insurance, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
ADR
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Bankruptcy
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Commercial RE
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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ADR cases in Birmingham, Alabama
William takes adr matters in Birmingham, Alabama. 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.
Bankruptcy cases in Birmingham, Alabama
William takes bankruptcy matters in Birmingham, Alabama. 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.
Commercial RE cases in Birmingham, Alabama
William takes commercial re matters in Birmingham, Alabama. 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.
Insurance cases in Birmingham, Alabama
William takes insurance matters in Birmingham, Alabama. 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.
Litigation cases in Birmingham, Alabama
William takes litigation matters in Birmingham, Alabama. 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
About William Acker Ratliff — Over 45 years of Alabama adr experience
William Acker Ratliff is a member based in Birmingham, AL. The practice focuses on ADR, Bankruptcy, and Commercial RE. William has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wallace Jordan Ratliff Brandt Llc. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 7 client reviews.
Bill Ratliff’s law practice has been principally in the area of commercial litigation and insurance defense. He now focuses exclusively on alternative dispute resolution, both as a mediator and an arbitrator. Bill was one of the first attorneys in the state of Alabama to be approved for appellate mediation appointments. Bill is a certified mediator with the American Arbitration Association, and he is on the roster for the Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution.
A wide variety of trial experience serves Bill well as a mediator and arbitrator. He has represented individuals, financial institutions, automobile dealerships, manufacturers, construction companies, insurance companies, and other types of corporate clients, as both plaintiffs and defendants, in both state and federal court. He also has extensive experience representing creditors in workouts and in bankruptcy proceedings under Chapters 7 and 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.
Bill was born in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1956. He attended the University of Alabama, and in 1978, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in corporate finance. Bill attended Cumberland School of Law at Samford University and graduated in 1981. He worked with the Birmingham firm of Cabaniss, Johnston, Gardner, Dumas & O’Neal until 1988. At that time, he joined Dale Wallace and Bert Jordan to practice law. They have been partners or members of the same firm for over 30 years.
Bill is admitted to practice law before all Alabama federal district courts and all Alabama state courts. He is a member of the Alabama State Bar, the Birmingham Bar Association, and the American Bar Association.
How William handles adr matters
Bill Ratliff’s law practice has been principally in the area of commercial litigation and insurance defense. He now focuses exclusively on alternative dispute resolution, both as a mediator and an arbitrator. Bill was one of the first attorneys in the state of Alabama to be approved for appellate mediation appointments. Bill is a certified mediator with the American Arbitration Association, and…
Who William represents
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, bankruptcy, and commercial re matters in Birmingham and the surrounding Alabama area.
Credentials
William Acker Ratliff's legal education and bar admissions
Cumberland School of Law of Samford University
J.D. · 1981
University of Alabama
B.S. Corporate · 1978
Jurisdictions
William's state bar admissions
Alabama
1981 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1981 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1981 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1981 · ACTIVE
William studied at J.D. in Cumberland School of Law of Samford University and B.S. Corporate in University of Alabama.
Law school and academic background
William completed J.D. in Cumberland School of Law of Samford University and B.S. Corporate in University of Alabama. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in Alabama is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of William Acker Ratliff
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
Birmingham and American Bar Associations Alabama State Bar
membership
Locations
William Acker Ratliff's office in Birmingham
William's primary office is at Synovus Center, 800 Shades Creek Parkway, Suite 400, Birmingham, AL, 35209. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Wallace Jordan Ratliff Brandt Llc
Synovus Center, 800 Shades Creek Parkway, Suite 400
Birmingham, AL 35209
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of William Acker Ratliff — 4.9/5 rating from 7 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 adr attorneys in Birmingham.
4.9
7 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once William Acker Ratliff claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire William Acker Ratliff — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adr 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 adr attorney in Birmingham, Alabama
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 adr practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adr 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 adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about William Acker Ratliff
How much does it cost to hire William for a adr 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 adr attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in Alabama typically take?
Simple adr 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 Birmingham?
William is licensed in Alabama. Matters governed by Alabama 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 adr 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
ADR attorneys serving Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile in Alabama
William handles adr matters throughout Alabama. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.
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