Donna Williams describes herself as a motivated, dedicated, and responsive attorney with a comprehensive background in counseling and representing foreign and domestic companies across varied industries, in large and complex dispute proceedings. In her 30-plus-year legal career, she has gained extensive experience in insurance defense and coverage disputes, commercial and contract disputes, international arbitration and transnational disputes, trade secrets, and internal compliance and investigation.

Her litigation work frequently involved large exposures and proceedings implicating multiple jurisdictions, and investigations of alleged corruption, including bribery and money laundering. Donna makes sure her clients understand the complexities of their cases, educating them on litigation risks and exposure. Her class action experience includes allegations of unfair trade practices, fiduciary breach, RICO and consumer fraud claims.

Donna also brings a compassionate attitude to her estate planning work, helping to protect her client’s assets. Her attention to detail and thoughtful guidance provides each client with a tailored solution to their estate planning needs.

Education

  • Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law | 1990
    J.D. Cum Laude, Order of the Coif

  • Northwestern University | 1987
    B.A. With Distinction, Phi Beta Kappa
    Major: History

Awards

  • Multi-year pro bono award recipient

Professional Associations + Memberships

  • Illinois State Bar Association – Member

Pro Bono Activities

  • Submission of US Supreme Court amicus brief and federal circuit court of appeals briefs on behalf of students with disabilities and their families

  • Wisconsin state court appeal on behalf of a nationally recognized university criminal justice project

  • Immigrant-protection work

  • Habeas corpus petition assistance

  • Removal of "indicated" finding by child protective service against parent

  • Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, Lincolnshire

    • Former Church Council Secretary

    • Co-author congregational Constitution

    • Former Church Council member and Chair of Human Needs, Stewardship, Youth Committee

    • Coordinator of numerous community outreach missions, including food pantry and PADs donation drives, blood drive, holiday community donation drives, and at-risk preschool annual outing

    • PADs volunteer

Podcasts + Webinars

  • Presenter in  webinars regarding legal developments in litigation and arbitration, data privacy, and document management.

Published Works

  • Co-author of international arbitration book chapter, and author of multiple articles regarding contract enforcement, class actions, and emerging dispute resolution issues

Speaking Engagements

  • Presenter at seminars regarding legal developments in litigation and arbitration, data privacy, and document management.