Overview
William (Bill) J. Butler focuses his practice on estate planning and probate administration matters. Bill counsels family groups and individuals on all aspects of wealth transfer planning, with an emphasis on formulating estate plans that maximize and protect wealth while minimizing transfer taxes. Bill formerly served as an elected member of the Firm’s Management Committee and is the immediate past global head of McDermott’s Private Client group.
Bill represents many large, multigenerational family groups, and also advises with their family office executives on family office administration and structure issues. Bill regularly counsels younger generation family members on learning to be responsible wealth managers. He also assists a number of families on all legal issues involving their privately owned business, including governance matters, succession planning and shareholder agreements.
Recognitions
- Chambers High Net Worth, Band 2 in Illinois: Private Wealth Law and USA Nationwide: Private Wealth Law, Central Region, 2021–2024
- Best Lawyers of America, Trusts and Estates, Chicago, 2013–2025
- Leading Lawyers Network, 2010 and 2015
Community
- Horizons for Youth Leadership Council
Credentials
Education
Northwestern University School of Law, JD, 1987
DePauw University, BA, Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude, 1982
Admissions
Illinois
Wisconsin
Michigan
