William Herbert Wise, Civil Rights Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 61 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and Drug Crimes · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatLaw Offices of William H. Wise & Associates
Chicago, IL
Practicing civil rights in Chicago since 1965.
- 61+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you William Herbert Wise?
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Quick answer
William Herbert Wise is a member based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and Drug Crimes. William has over 61 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of William H. Wise & Associates. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 61 years
- Known for
- Civil Rights · Criminal Defense · Drug Crimes
- Handles Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and Drug Crimes matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 61 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About William Herbert Wise: William Herbert Wise is a member based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and Drug Crimes. William has over 61 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of William H. Wise & Associates. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters William takes on
William concentrates on civil rights, criminal defense, drug crimes, dui/dwi, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Civil Rights
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Criminal Defense
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Drug Crimes
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DUI/DWI
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Personal Injury
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Civil Rights cases in Chicago, Illinois
William takes civil rights 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 William agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Chicago, Illinois
William takes criminal defense 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 William agrees to represent you.
Drug Crimes cases in Chicago, Illinois
William takes drug crimes 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 William agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in Chicago, Illinois
William takes dui/dwi 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 William agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Chicago, Illinois
William takes personal injury 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 William agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet William Herbert Wise — civil rights lawyer in Chicago
William Herbert Wise is a member based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and Drug Crimes. William has over 61 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of William H. Wise & Associates. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
William Herbert Wise is a lawyer practicing criminal law, dui, drug crimes and 2 other areas of law. William received a A.B. degree from Roosevelt University in 1963, and has been licensed for 61 years. William practices at Law Offices of William H. Wise & Associates in Chicago, IL and 1 other location.
William's approach to civil rights cases
William Herbert Wise is a lawyer practicing criminal law, dui, drug crimes and 2 other areas of law. William received a A.B. degree from Roosevelt University in 1963, and has been licensed for 61 years. William practices at Law Offices of William H. Wise & Associates in Chicago, IL and 1 other location.
Clients William works with
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, criminal defense, and drug crimes matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
John Marshall Law School
J.D. · 1965
Roosevelt University
A.B. · 1963
Jurisdictions
William's state bar admissions
Colorado
1976 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1965 · ACTIVE
William studied at J.D. in John Marshall Law School and A.B. in Roosevelt University.
Law school and academic background
William completed J.D. in John Marshall Law School and A.B. in Roosevelt University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
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
Chicago, Northwest Suburban, North Suburban and Illinois State Bar Associations American Academy of Trial Lawyers National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers American Judicature Society Decalogue Society of Lawyers
membership
Locations
William Herbert Wise's office in Chicago
William's primary office is at 134 North LaSalle Street, Suite 1515, Chicago, IL, 60602. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Law Offices of William H. Wise & Associates
134 North LaSalle Street, Suite 1515
Chicago, IL 60602
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of William Herbert Wise — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
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 civil rights 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 William Herbert Wise claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire William Herbert Wise — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new civil rights 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 civil rights attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights 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 civil rights practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every civil rights 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 civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about William Herbert Wise
How much does it cost to hire William for a civil rights 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 civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple civil rights 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 Chicago?
William 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 — 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 civil rights 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
Civil Rights attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
William handles civil rights matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated civil rights attorneys in Illinois
If William's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





