William E. Bazarek

William E. Bazarek is an experienced and accomplished trial lawyer with extensive trial experience in federal and state courts. He excels in handling complex legal challenges and crisis management strategies.

Prior to entering private practice, William spent nearly 30 years in the public sector, notably serving as a leading trial attorney in the Federal Civil Rights Litigation Division of the City of Chicago Law Department and later as the First Assistant General Counsel for the Chicago Police Department. In these roles, he defended the City, the police department and its members against civil rights claims, prosecuted cases for the Mayor’s License Commission, and provided legal counsel on high-profile matters.

In private practice, William has defended governmental employees and municipalities in high-exposure litigation involving allegations of false arrest, wrongful conviction, coerced confession, fabrication of evidence, malicious prosecution, excessive force and wrongful death. His experience includes advising and counseling the Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department and command staff, as well as coordinating legal activities for the Chicago Police Department. William has also assisted large governmental agencies in developing internal policy utilized by their employees. William has participated in contract negotiations with various governmental bargaining units regarding terms and conditions of employment. William also participated in drafting local ordinances and other legislation during his years in government service. He also has extensive experience with internal investigations conducted by governmental agencies. In addition to handling jury and bench trials, William has taken and defended hundreds of depositions of parties, witnesses, and experts. He has significant experience handling high-profile civil rights cases against governmental agencies and their employees.

William brings in-depth knowledge of governmental policies and practices, providing valuable insight into the legal challenges facing governmental entities.

• Federal Bar Association

• Lead defense counsel in coordinated pretrial proceedings in federal lawsuits involving over 180 plaintiffs alleging that a tactical team led by a former police sergeant fabricated drug and gun charges, resulting in wrongful convictions.
• Effectively defended a case concerning a police-involved shooting, where two off-duty officers confronted an armed assailant in a busy commercial area. The officers were later cleared of any wrongdoing in their use of force.
• Achieved a successful defense outcome on behalf of the City and its officers in a case involving a plaintiff who spent nearly 30 years in prison and alleged he was wrongfully convicted due to police and prosecutorial misconduct in a fatal arson case.

Outside of work, William enjoys hiking, biking, and traveling.