William Bernard Weidenaar, Business Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 64 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Commercial RE, and Estate Planning
MemberatRuff, Weidenaar & Reidy, Ltd.
Chicago, IL
Practicing business in Chicago since 1962.
- 64+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
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Quick answer
William Bernard Weidenaar is a member based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Commercial RE, and Estate Planning. William has over 64 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ruff, Weidenaar & Reidy, Ltd..
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 64 years
- Known for
- Business · Commercial RE · Estate Planning
- Handles Business, Commercial RE, and Estate Planning matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 64 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About William Bernard Weidenaar: William Bernard Weidenaar is a member based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Commercial RE, and Estate Planning. William has over 64 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ruff, Weidenaar & Reidy, Ltd..
Areas of practice
Legal matters William takes on
William concentrates on business, commercial re, estate planning, litigation, and probate. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Commercial RE
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Estate Planning
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Litigation
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Probate
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Real Estate
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Trusts
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Business cases in Chicago, Illinois
William takes business matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Commercial RE cases in Chicago, Illinois
William takes commercial re matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Chicago, Illinois
William takes estate planning matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois
William takes litigation matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Chicago, Illinois
William takes probate matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet William Bernard Weidenaar — business lawyer in Chicago
William Bernard Weidenaar is a member based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Commercial RE, and Estate Planning. William has over 64 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ruff, Weidenaar & Reidy, Ltd..
William Bernard Weidenaar is a lawyer practicing commercial real estate, business transactions, litigation and 3 other areas of law. William received a A.B. degree from Calvin College in 1959, and has been licensed for 64 years. William practices at Ruff, Weidenaar & Reidy, Ltd. in Chicago, IL.
Working with William on a business matter
William Bernard Weidenaar is a lawyer practicing commercial real estate, business transactions, litigation and 3 other areas of law. William received a A.B. degree from Calvin College in 1959, and has been licensed for 64 years. William practices at Ruff, Weidenaar & Reidy, Ltd. in Chicago, IL.
Clients William works with
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, commercial re, and estate planning matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Chicago
J.D. · 1962
Calvin College
A.B. · 1959
Jurisdictions
William's state bar admissions
Illinois
1962 · ACTIVE
William studied at J.D. in University of Chicago and A.B. in Calvin College.
Law school and academic background
William completed J.D. in University of Chicago and A.B. in Calvin College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
William's professional memberships and bar associations
Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations
membership
Locations
William Bernard Weidenaar's office in Chicago
William's primary office is at 222 N. La Salle St., Ste. 700, Chicago, IL, 60601. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Ruff, Weidenaar & Reidy, Ltd.
222 N. La Salle St., Ste. 700
Chicago, IL 60601
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Client reviews of William Bernard Weidenaar
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire William Bernard Weidenaar — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with William usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
William charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; William will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for William
William discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. William confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
William's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about William Bernard Weidenaar
How much does it cost to hire William for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. William walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does William offer a free consultation?
William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can William take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
William is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — William will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with William?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. William will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is William accepting new business clients right now?
William's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
William handles business matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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