William R. "Bill" Hineline, Employment Attorney in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids, MI
Trusted employment attorney serving Grand Rapids.
Practices in
Are you William R. "Bill" Hineline?
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Quick answer
William R. "Bill" Hineline is an attorney based in Grand Rapids, MICHIGAN. The practice focuses on Employment.
- Based in
- Grand Rapids, MICHIGAN
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Employment
- Handles Employment matters from Grand Rapids, MICHIGAN.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (Grand Rapids) (2014).
About William R. "Bill" Hineline: William R. "Bill" Hineline is an attorney based in Grand Rapids, MICHIGAN. The practice focuses on Employment.
Areas of practice
William's practice areas in Grand Rapids
William concentrates on employment. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Employment cases in Grand Rapids, Michigan
William takes employment matters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 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
William R. "Bill" Hineline, employment attorney serving Grand Rapids
William R. "Bill" Hineline is an attorney based in Grand Rapids, MICHIGAN. The practice focuses on Employment. William works from Grand Rapids, Michigan and takes on employment matters across the region.
William R. Hineline is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law.
William R., who practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been recognized since 1991. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
How William handles employment matters
William R. Hineline is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. William R., who practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been recognized since 1991. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
The kind of cases William takes
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment matters in Grand Rapids and the surrounding Michigan area.
Credentials
Credentials — where William studied and practices
The University of Michigan Law School
J.D. · 1967
William studied at J.D. in The University of Michigan Law School.
Law school and academic background
William completed J.D. in The University of Michigan Law School. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
William's legal honors and published work
William has received 5 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (Grand Rapids)
2014
Best Lawyers in America — Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — ERISA
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Pension, Health and Welfare
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (Grand Rapids) (2014). Best Lawyers in America — Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — ERISA (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Pension, Health and Welfare (2026).
Locations
William R. "Bill" Hineline's office in Grand Rapids
William's primary office is at 333 Bridge Street, NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49504. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of William R. "Bill" Hineline
William has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire William R. "Bill" Hineline — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new employment 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 employment attorney in Grand Rapids, Michigan
A short list to run through before you commit: How many employment 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 employment practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every employment 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 employment practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about William R. "Bill" Hineline
How much does it cost to hire William for a employment 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 employment attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.
How long do employment cases in Michigan typically take?
Simple employment 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 Grand Rapids?
William is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan 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 employment 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
Employment attorneys serving Grand Rapids, Detroit and Southfield in Michigan
William handles employment matters throughout Michigan. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified employment attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated employment attorneys in Michigan
If William's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these employment attorneys in Grand Rapids handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





