William J. "Bill" Fairbanks
About William J. Fairbanks
William J. Fairbanks is a lawyer based in Chicago, IL and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2013. William J. Fairbanks is recognized in the following practice area:
- Chicago, Illinois
- Trusts and Estates
Current Firm: Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres LLC
Education: University of Illinois College of Law, J.D., graduated 1978
Location: Chicago, IL
Nearby Lawyers
Asheesh Goel is a one of the leaders of Kirkland’s government & internal investigations practice and serves on the Firm’s Executive Committee. Asheesh advises clients on securities enforcement matters, including internal investigations, government investigations and enforcement actions. Asheesh has developed substantial depth on enforcement matters and transactional issues involving the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other related laws, financial statement and disclosu...
Timothy R. Ocasek is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Timothy R., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Timothy R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Peter J. McAndrews is a Shareholder at McAndrews and practices in all areas of intellectual property and complex technology law. He has been involved in all aspects of patent litigation, acquisition and counseling, involving a broad spectrum of electrical, biomedical and mechanical technologies. Peter is a US Patent and Trademark Office-to-Appeals Court patent attorney and litigator who helps his clients secure intellectual property rights, make smart decisions with those rights and litigate,...
Michael D. Mulvihill is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Michael D., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Scott Mendeloff combines an 11-year tenure as a former federal prosecutor with more than 19 years of experience in private practice. He focuses his practice on commercial trials and white collar criminal litigation. Scott has been consistently recognized by Chambers USA in the area of commercial litigation and by Leading Lawyers in the areas of commercial and white collar litigation. Scott has tried to conclusion more than 50 cases in a wide array of areas in both the civil and criminal arena...
Laurie S. Randolph is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Construction. Laurie S., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Laurie S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
L. Timothy Halleron focuses his practice on high-net-worth tax and estate planning matters. Tim advises individuals and family offices in planning for the preservation and transfer of wealth within families without the imposition of gift, estate or generation-skipping transfer tax. Read full biography: https://www.mwe.com/people/halleron-l-timothy/
Matthew Olins is chair of Gould & Ratner’s Business Reorganization and Creditors’ Rights Practice and is a member of the Corporate Practice. Matt practices in the areas of business reorganization, commercial finance, creditors’ rights, restructuring and insolvency. Matt represents lenders, special servicers and various types of other creditors in loan workouts, business bankruptcy cases, commercial finance transactions, commercial foreclosures and litigation. He also rep...
Neil H. Dishman is a principal in the Chicago, Illinois, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. His business is helping employers prevent and resolve disputes with their employees. Neil helps employers reduce risk and minimize legal costs by giving advice on difficult personnel decisions before litigation ensues. When litigation is unavoidable, he helps employers protect their assets and reputations by vigorously and efficiently defending them from employee lawsuits. Neil counsels and defends employers...
Anthony R. Licata is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Anthony R., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2001. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Anthony R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids
by Bryan Driscoll
Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?
Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies
by Bryan Driscoll
Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer