Atty. William J. Barrett
Bill has almost 40 years of experience in bankruptcy litigation. Bill is a calming and relaxed force while being a committed advocate for his clients.
Profile Summary
About William J. Barrett at a glance
William J. Barrett is a bankruptcy attorney based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Barack Ferrazzano. Admitted to practice in Illinois, State of Illinois and Michigan, State of Michigan. Educated at University of Southern California (J.D., 1985) and Michigan State University (B.A., 1980). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2026) and Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy (2026). Serands clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Bill has almost 40 years of experience in bankruptcy litigation
- Bill is a calming and relaxed force while being a committed advocate for his clients
- Bill is the senior member of Barack Ferrazzano’s Bankruptcy & Creditor Rights Group
- In recent years Bill has focused his practice on representing secured debt holders and landlords in Chapter 11 cases and other insolvency proceedings
- Bill has litigated a broad variety of cases in the bankruptcy courts, including stay relief, adequate protection, cash collateral, plan confirmation and DIP financing motions brought by or involving secured creditors
- In recent years, Bill’s secured creditor practice has included a number of cases involving real estate properties such as multi-family housing, shopping centers, leased industrial facilities, and farmland
- He also consults with borrowers and creditors in strategies for resolving debtor/creditor problems
Practice Areas Explained
William J. Barrett's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases William J. Barrett handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
A bankruptcy attorney can help you eliminate debt, stop creditor harassment, and protect your home through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.
William J. Barrett is one of 105,321 bankruptcy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse bankruptcy attorneys in Illinois →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Illinois
Practicing law in Illinois. Legal matters in Illinois are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Chicago are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Illinois state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Illinois brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Illinois courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional Illinois attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Chicago or all attorneys in Illinois.
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