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At the time, I said that there were too many lawyers. Who needed another one? My brother said that there was always room for a good one. I took that to heart.”
I’ve had the pleasure to work with one of the top Illinois defense lawyers for de - cades, namely Bill Cunningham. Although our trial styles were quite different, I like to think we complimented each other while on trial together. His level of preparation always had no peer, as well as his determi - nation and trial grit. Bill helped build an ex - cellent firm and led by example with grace and conviction. I will fondly remember our legal escapes together. Bill was, and will al - ways remain, a class act.” David C. Hall, Partner, Hall Prangle LLC “ For many years, I jokingly called Bill Cun - ningham “my idol.” It really wasn’t a joke as Bill set the bar for establishing a well- respected firm and demonstrating excel - lence in the defense bar. He and his firm had no peers in the collar counties. Even - tually they moved into the city with similar success. Bill’s organizational skills and work ethic were unbeatable. His infamous “color coded” file system at trial both per - plexed and intimidated the opposition (and other defense counsel!), and inevita- bly triumphed. Most importantly, his integ - rity and straight-forward approach earned duly-deserved praise from both foes and compatriots. Bill frequently was asked to defend the most difficult cases, including bad faith and excess judgment verdicts in the few cases he lost and many others referred to him after an adverse result. I have known and admired Bill for forty-five plus years. During that time I learned many valuable lessons from him, not the least of which the importance of intense prepara - tion and trial strategy. My only surprise about Bill receiving this Lifetime Achieve - ment Award is that it took so long to recognize this truly outstanding lawyer and person.”
attorneys across the country tapped to sit on this team, which was charged with reviewing and defending the insurance carrier’s most complicated and highest-risk cases. And though that team no longer exists, Cunningham says that he has contin- ued to speak to many of its members over the years, discussing the law and brainstorming defense strategies. It’s another example of how Cunningham has turned to every resource to help defend his clients. Like many successful lawyers, Cunningham never planned on becoming an at- torney. He attended high school at Quigly Preparatory Seminary, a school in Chicago for men who thought they might want to one day enter the Catholic priesthood. After four years at the school, which Cunningham described as “wonderful,” he decided that the priesthood was not a good fit. A history teacher at the school suggested he might be a good history teacher. That wasn’t a good fit, either, as Cunningham struggled with his history exams. It was his brother who eventually inspired Cunningham to pursue a legal career. His brother told Cunningham that he was good at arguing. Why not go into law? “At the time, I said that there were too many lawyers. Who needed another one?” Cunningham said. “My brother said that there was always room for a good one. I took that to heart.”
Richard H. Donohue, Of
Counsel, Donohue Brown Smyth LLC
Mark Meyer, Kevin Vedrine and Bill Cunningham after just starting Cunningham, Meyer and Vedrine (1995).
50 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS
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