J. William Roberts

Partner

He/Him

"I bring my clients the same insight, judgment, and empathy that allowed me to successfully serve leaders at the highest levels of state and national government."

312-704-3918

Email YnJvYmVydHNAaGluc2hhd2xhdy5jb20=

J. William Roberts

Partner

He/Him

"I bring my clients the same insight, judgment, and empathy that allowed me to successfully serve leaders at the highest levels of state and national government."

312-704-3918

Email YnJvYmVydHNAaGluc2hhd2xhdy5jb20=

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About Bill

As special counsel to management of the firm, Bill maintains an active legal practice concentrated on complex civil and criminal litigation, government relations, and gaming law.

Throughout his career, Bill has remained committed to public service, holding several prominent positions across various levels of government. He was elected State’s Attorney of Sangamon County; appointed Chief Legal Counsel to Illinois Governor Jim Edgar; and later named US Attorney for the Central District of Illinois, where he also led the Banca Nazionale del Lavoro (BNL) Task Force and chaired the US Attorney General’s Advisory Committee of US Attorneys.

Bill also completed intensive mediation training through the faculty of Pepperdine University School of Law's top-ranked Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution.

In addition to his federal and state leadership roles, Bill served as counsel to the Minority Caucus of the Illinois House Special Investigative Committee, which returned an Article of Impeachment against then-Governor Rod Blagojevich.

Areas of Focus

Industries:

- Government

Services:

- Litigation & Trial;
- White Collar Defense, Investigations & Enforcement

Recognition

US Department of Justice, Edmund J. Randolph Award for Outstanding Service, the Department's highest honor
The Best Lawyers in America®, Criminal Defense: White Collar, 2006 – 2026; Gaming Law, 2006 – 2024; Lawyer of the Year, Chicago, Gaming Law, 2016, 2019, 2021
Leading Lawyers, Top 100 Business Lawyers, Illinois, 2006 – present; Number 1 Business Lawyer in Downstate Illinois, 2007 – present; Top 100 Leading Lawyers in Illinois in all areas of law, 2007 – present; Business Edition, Profile, "Don't Underestimate This 'Country' Lawyer," September 2007
Illinois Super Lawyers, Super Lawyer, 2005 – 2014
Illinois State Bar Association, Board of Governors, Award for Significant Service to the Legal Profession and the Public, June 2006
Holds the AV® Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, its highest rating for ethics and legal ability
Illinois Wesleyan University, Distinguished Alumni Award, 2003

Credentials

Education

Washington University School of Law, JD
Illinois Wesleyan University, BA

Bar Admissions

Illinois

Court Admissions

US Supreme Court
US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
US District Court for the Central District of Illinois
US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
US District Court for the Southern District of Illinois

Thought Leadership

Hinshaw Newsletter

Medical Litigation Newsletter - April 2015 Edition, Apr 7, 2015

In The News

Media Coverage of Hinshaw Legal Team Representing Former LaSalle County State Attorney Brian Towne, Jul 20, 2017
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin Profiles Hinshaw Chair, Donald Mrozek, Jan 12, 2012

Press Releases

View all of Bill's Insights

Interests

Did you know...

Bill closely follows government, politics, and sports—especially high school and college football and basketball, and the Cardinals. He also maintains a certified wildlife habitat and cooks chili on the side, just to keep things interesting.

Community/Civic Activities