William T. Barker, Appellate Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Civil Rights, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratDentons US LLP
Chicago, IL
Practicing appellate in Chicago since 1975.
- 51+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you William T. Barker?
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Quick answer
William T. Barker is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and General. William has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dentons US LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 51 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Civil Rights · General
- Handles Appellate, Civil Rights, and General matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About William T. Barker: William T. Barker is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and General. William has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dentons US LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters William takes on
William concentrates on appellate, civil rights, general, insurance, and litigation. 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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Civil Rights
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General
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Appellate cases in Chicago, Illinois
William takes appellate 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.
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.
General cases in Chicago, Illinois
William takes general 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.
Insurance cases in Chicago, Illinois
William takes insurance 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.
Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois
William takes litigation 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 T. Barker — appellate lawyer in Chicago
William T. Barker is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and General. William has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dentons US LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
William T. Barker is a lawyer practicing general litigation, insurance, constitutional and 2 other areas of law. William received a B.A. degree from Michigan State University in 1969, and has been licensed for 51 years. William practices at Dentons US LLP in Chicago, IL.
William's approach to appellate cases
William T. Barker is a lawyer practicing general litigation, insurance, constitutional and 2 other areas of law. William received a B.A. degree from Michigan State University in 1969, and has been licensed for 51 years. William practices at Dentons US LLP in Chicago, IL.
The kind of cases William takes
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, civil rights, and general matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California
J.D. · 1974
Michigan State University
B.A. Michigan · 1969
Jurisdictions
William's state bar admissions
Illinois
1976 · ACTIVE
California
1975 · ACTIVE
William studied at J.D. in Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California and B.A. Michigan in Michigan State University.
Law school and academic background
William completed J.D. in Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California and B.A. Michigan in Michigan State 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
American Bar Foundation
bar_fellowship
Locations
William T. Barker's office in Chicago
William's primary office is at Sears Tower, Suite 7800, 233 S. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, 60606-6459. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Dentons US LLP
Sears Tower, Suite 7800, 233 S. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606-6459
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of William T. Barker — 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 appellate 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 T. Barker claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire William T. Barker — 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 Chicago, 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 T. Barker
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 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 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 Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook 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
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If William's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





