William R. Rogers Motto to live by: ‘Win with humility and lose with dignity’
By Dan Rafter Special to Law Bulletin Media
“
He’s a fierce advocate for his clients who isn’t afraid to log the long hours necessary to win a case.
During a legal career that’s lasted nearly five decades, Bill Rogers has earned a long string of victories for his medical, aviation, dental, construction and com- mercial clients. Those victories have kept his clients coming back, which helps explain how Rogers has been able to thrive for so long in such a competitive industry. But what led to all these victories? Rogers points to his experience, competi- tive nature and commitment to providing his clients with the best possible representation. “I think my life experiences have played an important role in my success,” Rog- ers said. “I am also competitive. I have a desire to win. But I play within the rules, and I listen to people. I also don’t read my press clippings. It’ s important to realize that you are not going to win all the time. As a coach once said, ‘Win with humility and lose with dignity.’” Rogers grew up in a working-class neighborhood of Philadelphia, living in a small rowhouse with his family. During college, he worked in a steel mill. He held a job at a McDonald’s to help pay the bills. He delivered mail for the post office, and performed volunteer work in the Appalachian community. “I had exposure to a lot of different people and life experiences,” Rogers said. “That carries over to knowing how to represent people and work with them and against opponents. It helps give you the experience you need to try a case. That experience all adds up.” What else has helped Rogers succeed? He’s a fierce advocate for his clients who isn’t afraid to log the long hours necessary to win a case. He’s realistic, too, knowing how to limit the damage in a case. As he says, if you are representing the defendant, the goal is often to “keep the ball within the ballpark,” to limit the plaintiff’s side to a single or double instead of a homerun.
It’s important, too, to pick your battles, Rogers said.
“You can’t be fighting every issue with every opposing lawyer and opposing judge,” he said. “Read the room. Appreciate what is going on. And sometimes, just shut up or move on. Some lawyers must win every single argument and every single point. That is exhausting and it often doesn’t get you anywhere.” Rogers’ dignity and humility have served him well throughout his career of more than 49 years. Today, he is a partner with the Chicago office of Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP. As a trial lawyer, he has tried jury cases in federal, state and municipal courts. He has also written and argued appeals in the Seventh Cir- cuit, Illinois Supreme and Illinois Appellate courts.
70 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2024 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Powered by FlippingBook