
William T. Surin, Bankruptcy Attorney in Ottawa, Illinois
Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Criminal Defense, and Family Law · 4.3/5 rating from 10 verified client reviews
Senior PartneratArmstrong & Surin
Ottawa, IL
Practicing bankruptcy in Ottawa since 1975.
- 51+
- Years practicing
- 4.3 ★
- 10 client reviews
- 4
- Bar admissions
Are you William T. Surin?
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Quick answer
William T. Surin is a senior partner based in Ottawa, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Criminal Defense, and Family Law. William has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Armstrong & Surin. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.
- Based in
- Ottawa, IL
- Experience
- over 51 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Criminal Defense · Family Law
- Handles Bankruptcy, Criminal Defense, and Family Law matters from Ottawa, IL.
- Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About William T. Surin: William T. Surin is a senior partner based in Ottawa, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Criminal Defense, and Family Law. William has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Armstrong & Surin. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by William T. Surin
William concentrates on bankruptcy, criminal defense, family law, personal injury, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Criminal Defense
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Family Law
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Personal Injury
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Real Estate
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Workers Comp
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Bankruptcy cases in Ottawa, Illinois
William takes bankruptcy matters in Ottawa, 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 Ottawa, Illinois
William takes criminal defense matters in Ottawa, 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.
Family Law cases in Ottawa, Illinois
William takes family law matters in Ottawa, 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 Ottawa, Illinois
William takes personal injury matters in Ottawa, 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.
Real Estate cases in Ottawa, Illinois
William takes real estate matters in Ottawa, 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 T. Surin — Over 51 years of Illinois bankruptcy experience
William T. Surin is a senior partner based in Ottawa, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Criminal Defense, and Family Law. William has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Armstrong & Surin. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.
William T. Surin is a lawyer practicing family law, personal injury, real estate and 4 other areas of law. William received a degree from Eastern Illinois University, and has been licensed for 51 years. William practices at Armstrong & Surin in Ottawa, IL.
How William handles bankruptcy matters
William T. Surin is a lawyer practicing family law, personal injury, real estate and 4 other areas of law. William received a degree from Eastern Illinois University, and has been licensed for 51 years. William practices at Armstrong & Surin in Ottawa, IL.
Who William represents
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, criminal defense, and family law matters in Ottawa and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
William T. Surin's legal education and bar admissions
Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago Kent College of Law
J.D. · 1975
Eastern Illinois University University of Illinois at Chicago Circle
B.A. · 1971
Jurisdictions
William's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1994 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1991 · ACTIVE
U.S. Supreme Court
1978 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1975 · ACTIVE
William studied at J.D. in Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago Kent College of Law and B.A. in Eastern Illinois University University of Illinois at Chicago Circle.
Law school and academic background
William completed J.D. in Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago Kent College of Law and B.A. in Eastern Illinois University University of Illinois at Chicago Circle. 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
Awards, publications, and recognition of William T. Surin
William has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
William's professional memberships and bar associations
La Salle County and Illinois State Bar Associations The Association of Trial Lawyers of America
membership
Locations
William T. Surin's office in Ottawa
William's primary office is at 724 Columbus Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of William T. Surin — 4.3/5 rating from 10 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 bankruptcy attorneys in Ottawa.
4.3
10 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once William T. Surin claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire William T. Surin — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorney in Ottawa, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about William T. Surin
How much does it cost to hire William for a bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple bankruptcy 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 Ottawa?
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 bankruptcy 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
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Ottawa, Chicago and Springfield in Illinois
William handles bankruptcy matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated bankruptcy attorneys in Illinois
If William's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Ottawa handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





