Experience
Bill brings a business person's perspective to the handling and resolution of business challenges and/or litigation. In doing so, Bill preserves capital and protects business relationships. Bill’s clients look to him as their outside general counsel, often seeking his guidance on both transactional and litigation matters.
Bill has more than a decade of experience litigating various matters in both state and federal court. Since joining Wendel Rosen's litigation group in 2002, he has represented numerous local and regional clients on a variety of matters, including contractual disputes, unfair business practice claims, shareholder and/or partnership disputes, environmental contamination claims, product liability, toxic tort, personal injury, and eminent domain disputes. Bill is well versed in all aspects of civil litigation, from inception to trial and appeal.
In addition to his litigation practice, Bill leads the firm's Green Business Practice Group - an experienced group of attorneys who advise and support companies that value health, the environment, and a sustainable economy. He advises clients on various business issues related to natural foods and organic products, and participates in organizations committed to promoting the development of sustainable business practices. Bill's green business clients range from natural foods/organic products companies to internet-based companies that focus on sustainability issues.
They typically require legal services pertaining to entity formation, general business advice, contract negotiation/drafting, trademark and licensing issues, and employment counseling.
Bill is a co-host of The Wendel Forum, a weekly radio program that airs Saturday mornings at 9:30 on 960 KNEW AM Radio. The program addresses business and legal issues in the sustainable economy. In addition, Bill has been quoted on green business and sustainability matters in various periodicals, including the San Francisco Business Times, the East Bay Business Times and GreenBiz.com.
Representative Matters
Litigation
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Obtained significant settlement for governmental agency against manufacturer of defective roadway material.
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Obtained defense verdict for client in breach of personal guaranty action.
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Member of trial team that obtained defense verdict for client in employment dispute involving claims of discrimination and retaliation.
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Second-chair of trial team that secured dismissal of action arising from real estate action and alter ego claim following several days of trial.
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Obtained favorable settlement of dispute between shareholders of privately-held company pertaining to the ongoing operation and management of company.
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Obtained favorable settlement of class action lawsuit involving alleged violations of Unruh Act.
Green Business
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Served as outside general counsel to internet-based client, advising client on all matters ranging from contract negotiations/drafting, application for and enforcement of trademarks, and general employment matters.
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Helped organize media-based client as limited liability company.
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Revised contract template documents for energy efficiency contractor.
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Counseled organic ice cream company on intellectual property matters.
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Assisted homeowner in resolving dispute with neighbors over construction of solar array in conjunction with complex green building home remodeling project.
Education
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Boston College Law School, J.D. (1997)
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Rutgers College (Rutgers University); B.A., English/Political Science (1994)
