William Connelly has practiced for more than two decades in the areas of creditors’ rights, bankruptcy, corporate and commercial litigation. Since joining Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP in 1987, he has focused on creditors’ rights, bankruptcy, and litigation, prosecuting claims on behalf of, and defending claims against, corporations, banks, credit unions and other financial institutions.
He has represented creditors' committees and Bankruptcy Trustees in the investigation and prosecution of actions involving director and officer liability, fraud and impermissible transfers of assets. Together with his colleagues at Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, Mr. Connelly participated in a representation resulting in a favorable ruling concerning the interplay between the United States Bankruptcy Code and state, county and municipal tax and revenue statutes within the state of
Illinois.
Mr. Connelly has represented utilities and energy development corporations in the defense of bankruptcy adversary proceedings. His representation of a financial institution resulted in a favorable interpretation of Internal Revenue Code distinctions between "accounts receivables" and "contract rights" for determination of priorities among and between secured creditors, and a favorable determination of the interplay between the Internal Revenue Code and the United States Bankruptcy Code. He has participated in the prosecution and defense of litigation involving commercial loan defaults, Urban Development Action Grants, and RICO.
Mr. Connelly is an adjunct professor at Loyola University of Chicago School of Law, where he teaches Bankruptcy Law. His professional affiliations include the American Bar Association and the National Association of Bond Lawyers.
Mr. Connelly is a member of the Leading Lawyers Network, where he was selected by his peers as a Leading Lawyer in Bankruptcy & Workout Law: Commercial, and Creditor’s Rights/Commercial Collections Law.
Mr. Connelly is a past co-leader of Hinshaw’s Bankruptcy Practice Group.
Mr. Connelly’s presentations include:
- “The Trustee’s Viewpoint,” National Business Institute seminar “Personal Bankruptcy: The Basics of Filing an Individual Case,” live webcast, October 2009.
- “Introduction to the Bankruptcy Code,” and “Bankruptcy Litigation and Procedure,” parts two and six, respectively, in an 11-part live teleconference series, National Business Institute, June and July 2009.