Rogers has represented a variety of clients, trying cases dealing with the auto, auction, aviation, commercial, dental, construction, legal and medical industries. He’s taken on cases involving the Structural Work Act, Chicago Transit Authority and rental car matters. But what led Rogers to this career in which he’s been so successful? He said that he began noticing that lawyers were not only in courtrooms but also working in boardrooms, banks and education. “A law degree seemed like something that could lead you to a lot of different areas,” Rogers said. “It looked like a worthwhile degree to obtain.” Though he recognized the value of a law degree, Rogers said that he had no burn- ing passion to work in law while a young man. He didn’t watch Perry Mason while growing up. The first lawyer he ever spoke with was the one who called on him in his first-year property law class. It was in his second year of law school that Rogers discovered just how interesting trial work could be. It was then that he decided that this was the career for him. One of his professors recommended that Rogers apply for an internship at well-known law firm Wildman Harrold Allen & Dixon. Rogers landed that intern - ship, working for the firm in the summer between his second and third year in law school.
Bill Rogers and Bruce Pfaff at the 2024 TLE Awards.
“ I was lucky enough to meet Bill within a day or two of my start at the Wildman firm in 1981. At that time I would receive assignments that typically asked me to find the answer to a specific legal ques - tion. Very quickly I came to realize that I could spend several hours in the library trying to find the answer, or I could walk down to Bill’s office and just ask him. He always seemed to know the answer and could direct me to where I could find it. Thus began a pattern that continued for several years. There were days when I would seek Bill’s counsel four or five times. Never once did he make me feel that I was imposing on him or his time. And there was an added bonus. Bill was an incredibly good lawyer. He shared deposition outlines and research he kept
in a trial binder so I had the benefit of his wisdom and experience. I was fortunate to have some success as a trial lawyer during my forty year career, but I am certain that much of it would not have blessed me were it not for Bill’s guidance and friendship. He is the best lawyer I have ever known. Having said that, I would be remiss if I did not share one anecdote that sums up Bill. When I was 27, my 24 year old girlfriend of several years was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Nine months later, she died. Her family was originally from Hyde Park New York, so I traveled out there with her mom for the burial ser- vice. As I stood in the churchyard with
a small group of family members and bowed my head as prayers were being recited, I looked up, and across from me in the circle stood Bill. He stayed for the post burial reception and then drove the two of us to Albany to fly back to Chi - cago. As we sat in the bar waiting for our flight, I asked him, for the first time, why he was there. He said, simply, “I thought you could use some company.” Bill is the best lawyer I have ever known, but he is a better person.
David “Chip” R. Barry Jr., Of Counsel, Corboy & Demetrio PC LLC
JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2024 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 71
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