
William Michael Shay, Appellate Attorney in Peoria, Illinois
Over 48 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Business, and Employment Contracts · 4.3/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatWestervelt, Johnson, Nicoll & Keller, LLC
Peoria, IL
Practicing appellate in Peoria since 1978.
- 48+
- Years practicing
- 4.3 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you William Michael Shay?
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Quick answer
William Michael Shay is a member based in Peoria, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Employment Contracts. William has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Westervelt, Johnson, Nicoll & Keller, LLC. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Peoria, IL
- Experience
- over 48 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Business · Employment Contracts
- Handles Appellate, Business, and Employment Contracts matters from Peoria, IL.
- Over 48 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About William Michael Shay: William Michael Shay is a member based in Peoria, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Employment Contracts. William has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Westervelt, Johnson, Nicoll & Keller, LLC. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by William Michael Shay
William concentrates on appellate, business, employment contracts, energy, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Business
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Employment Contracts
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Energy
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General
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Government
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Insurance
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IP
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M&A
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Trusts
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Appellate cases in Peoria, Illinois
William takes appellate matters in Peoria, 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.
Business cases in Peoria, Illinois
William takes business matters in Peoria, 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.
Employment Contracts cases in Peoria, Illinois
William takes employment contracts matters in Peoria, 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.
Energy cases in Peoria, Illinois
William takes energy matters in Peoria, 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.
General cases in Peoria, Illinois
William takes general matters in Peoria, 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
About William Michael Shay — Over 48 years of Illinois appellate experience
William Michael Shay is a member based in Peoria, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Employment Contracts. William has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Westervelt, Johnson, Nicoll & Keller, LLC. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1 client review.
How William handles appellate matters
William Michael Shay practices at Westervelt, Johnson, Nicoll & Keller, LLC Read Full Bio
Who William represents
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and employment contracts matters in Peoria and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
William Michael Shay's legal education and bar admissions
University of Illinois
J.D. · 1978
Bradley University
B.S. · 1974
Jurisdictions
William's state bar admissions
Illinois
1978 · ACTIVE
William studied at J.D. in University of Illinois and B.S. in Bradley University.
Law school and academic background
William completed J.D. in University of Illinois and B.S. in Bradley 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.
Locations
William Michael Shay's office in Peoria
William's primary office is at 416 Main St., Suite 200, Peoria, IL, 61602. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Westervelt, Johnson, Nicoll & Keller, LLC
416 Main St., Suite 200
Peoria, IL 61602
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of William Michael Shay — 4.3/5 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 appellate attorneys in Peoria.
4.3
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once William Michael Shay claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire William Michael Shay — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate 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 appellate attorney in Peoria, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate 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 appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about William Michael Shay
How much does it cost to hire William for a appellate 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 appellate attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple appellate 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 Peoria?
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 appellate 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
Appellate attorneys serving Peoria, Chicago and Springfield in Illinois
William handles appellate matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in Illinois
If William's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Peoria handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





