Biography

William J. Rogers is a trial lawyer who has tried jury cases in federal, state and municipal courts and has written and argued appeals in the Seventh Circuit, Illinois Supreme Court and Illinois Appellate Court.

Practices

Commercial Litigation and Business Disputes
General Trial Practice
Medical Negligence and Healthcare
Pharmaceutical and Medical Device
Product Liability
Professional Liability

Memberships & Affiliations

• American College of Trial Lawyers
• American Board of Trial Advocates
  
  • Illinois Chapter President, 2020-2022
  • Illinois Chapter President-elect, 2019-2020
  • National Board Representative, Illinois Chapter, 2018-2022
• Society of Trial Lawyers
  
  • President, 2017-2018
  • Vice President, 2016-2017
  • Secretary, 2015-2016
  • Treasurer, 2013-2014
  • Board of Directors, 2008-2010
• International Society of Barristers
• American Bar Association
• Illinois State Bar Association
• Chicago Bar Association
• Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel
• Illinois Defense Counsel
• Defense Research Institute

Awards

• Named 2024 "Lawyer of the Year" by The Best Lawyers in America® for Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, Chicago
• Top 250 Illinois Lawyers selected by Leading Lawyers Magazine, September 2014
• Top 10 Medical Malpractice Defense Lawyer selected by Leading Lawyers Magazine, 2014, 2018
• Top 100 Illinois Lawyers 2007, conducted by Law & Politics, Illinois Super Lawyers and Chicago Magazine
• Selected for inclusion in Illinois Super Lawyers in 2005-2018, 2021
• Selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants, 2021-2022
  • Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants, 2023-2024
• Selected for inclusion in Leading Lawyers since 2004-present
• Leading American Lawyers, Illinois - product liability, medical malpractice and construction litigation
• Chicago Lawyer 2011 Year in Review Significant Jury Verdict
• Lifepath 2010 Family of the Year
• CBCC Civic Award, 2011
• Fairfield University Athletic Hall of Fame (Rugby Team)

Teaching

• National Institute of Trial Advocacy, Northwestern University School of Law, March 13-17, 1992
• National Institute of Trial Advocacy, Northwestern University School of Law, March 19-21, 1990
• National Institute of Trial Advocacy, Northwestern University School of Law, May 24-26, 1989
• Northwestern University School of Law Legal Clinic/Trial Advocacy Class Presentations

Presentations

• "Anatomy of a Trial: The Rosenberg Spy Case," American College of Trial Lawyers/Chicago Bar Association, November 17, 2022
• “Litigating High Sakes Cases,” Chicago Bar Association YLS Tort Litigation Committee, June 23, 2022
• “Jury Verdict Inflation,” MP Group, Webinar, June 2020
• “Masters in Trial Demonstration,” American Board of Trial Advocates, March 10, 2019
• “Preventing Medical Malpractice,” Midwestern University, June 27, 2018
• “Trials and Technology in the Courtroom,” ABA/TIPS, Philadelphia, April 29, 2015
• “Recurring Risks,” CEP/The Mutual, May 15, 2015
• “Medical Malpractice,” Midwestern University, June 27, 2012
• “Preventing Medical Misadventures,” Illinois Bone & Joint Institute, April 5, 2011
• “Preventing Medical Misadventures,” Illinois State Mutual Insurance Exchange, April 13, 2010
• “Risk Management,” Illinois State Mutual Insurance Exchange, August 19, 2010
• “Trial and Medical Risks,” Shand Morahan, August 19, 2010
• “Trials – Medical,” Society of Hand Surgeons, March 16, 2009
• “Direct Exam,” Chicago Bar Association, February 29, 2008
• “Allegations of Malpractice in Hand Surgery,” Chicago Society of Hand Surgery, March 12, 2005
• “Discovering the Anatomy of a Medical Malpractice Jury Trial,” Northwestern University School of Law Illinois State Medical Society, April 6, 2002 and June 9, 2002
• “Medical Cases-Risk Management,” Illinois State Medical Society, November 10, 1999
• “Legal Aspects of Cancer Research Protocols and Informed Consent,” University of Illinois, Chicago, November 15, 1996
• “Trial of a Dental Malpractice Case,” 130th Midwinter Meeting, Chicago Dental Society, February 24, 1995
• “Risk Prevention,” Pathology and Nuclear Associates, January 25, 1995
• “Deposition of a Witness,” Chicago Bar Association Trial Techniques Seminar, December 13, 1994
• “Defense of Medical Cases,” Mt. Sinai Hospital, April 27, 1994
• "Risk Management in Medical Cases,” Illinois State Medical Society, January 15, 1994
• "Mock Pharmaceutical Liability Trial,” 29th Annual Meeting, Drug Information Association, July 14, 1993
• "Taking the Plaintiff's Deposition,” Illinois Trial Lawyers Association Shotgun Seminar, February 15, 1993
• "Deposing the Expert,” Chicago Bar Association Trial Techniques Seminar, December 15, 1992
• "Medical Malpractice Trial,” University of Illinois School of Medicine, April 23, 1992
• "Deposing the Expert,” Chicago Bar Association Trial Techniques Seminar, December 12, 1991
• "Trial - Liability of Agents and Brokers,” Illinois Professional Insurance Agents Association, September 14, 1991
• "Factors in Settlement Evaluations,” North Suburban Clinic, April 30, 1991
• "Realities of Medicine - Trial,” University of Illinois School of Medicine, April 4, 1991
• "Deposing the Non-Medical Expert,” Chicago Bar Association Trial Techniques Seminar, December 13, 1990
• "Risk Management Strategies," Good Shepherd Hospital, July 17, 1990
• "Demonstration: Preparing an Expert for Deposition and Deposition of Expert,” IICLE, May 18, 1989
• “Addressing Plaintiff's Claims of Pain and Suffering,” Chicago Bar Association Trial Techniques Seminar, May 11, 1989
• "Dental Malpractice," Chicago Dental Society, North Michigan Avenue Dental Study Club, March 15, 1989
• "Liability of Insurance Agents & Brokers,” North Suburban Chapter of Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois, March 21, 1989
• "Deposing the Non-Medical Expert,” Chicago Bar Association Trial Techniques Seminar, September 13, 1988
• "Mock Trial - Liability of Insurance Agents & Brokers,” Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois & Wisconsin, July 16, 1988
• "Proving/Disputing Plaintiff’s Damages,” Chicago Bar Association Continuing Legal Education Seminar, February 3, 1988
• "Proof of Facts: Laying the Foundation for Expert Testimony,” Chicago Bar Association Trial Techniques Seminar, November 19, 1987
• "Deposing the Expert,” Chicago Bar Association Trial Techniques Seminar, October 27, 1987
• "Liability of Insurance Agents & Insurance Brokers,” Chicago Council of Insurance Women, October 14, 1987
• "Illinois Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverage,” Professional Education Systems, September 9, 10 and 11, 1987
• "Liability of Insurance Agents & Brokers,” Insurance Women of Suburban Chicago, March 12, 1987
• "Medical Records,” Chicago Medical Society 43rd Annual Midwest Clinical Conference, March 8, 1987
• "Deposition Strategies & Techniques – Deposing the Expert,” Chicago Bar Association Trial Techniques Seminar, October 30, 1986
• "Proving & Disputing Damages,” Chicago Bar Association Trial Techniques Seminar, May 22, 1985
• "Medical Malpractice Crisis," Spring Meeting, Chicago Medical Society North Branch, April 27, 1985
• "Dental Malpractice," 120th Midwinter Meeting, Chicago Dental Society, February 24, 1985
• "1985 Medical Malpractice Reform Act,” Chicago Bar Association Trial Techniques Seminar, October 8, 1985
• "Dental Malpractice Trial," 119th Midwinter Meeting, Chicago Dental Society, February 20, 1984
• "Jury Selection," Chicago Bar Association Trial Techniques Seminar, January 18, 1983
• "Dental Malpractice," Chicago Dental Society Annual Meeting North Branch, January 14, 1982
• "Malpractice Crisis," University of Illinois Medical & Dental School Seminar, November 12, 1980
• "Dental Malpractice," Illinois Society of Periodontists Seminar, October 22, 1979

Publications

• "Supplement to Discovery in Medical Cases," Co-Author with Geoffrey Gifford and Michael Lauzon, IICLE, 1992
• "Discovery in Medical Malpractice Cases," Co-Author with Geoffrey Gifford and Michael Lauzon, Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education, 1989
• Analysis of Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage, Contributing Author, Professional Systems Manual, September 1987, pp. 1-35
• Prepared script with John Stalmack for AOPA Video on Professional Liability, 1989
• "Perjury: The Forgotten Offense," 65 J. Crim. L. & C. 361, 1974
• “Border Searches: Almedia Sanchez v. United States, 64J Crim L & C424, 1973

News

January 31, 2024
Rogers and Fallon Secure Defense Verdict in High-Stakes Medical Malpractice Case
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys William J. Rogers and Ian P. Fallon secured a defense verdict at trial on behalf of their client, an orthopedic surgeon and his medical group, in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois.

December 21, 2023
William J. Rogers and Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Support The Special Olympics Annual Champions Ball
Partner William J. Rogers, his wife Mary, and Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP were proud to support the 2023 Special Olympics Champions Ball.

Chicago, August 30, 2023
William J. Rogers to Speak at 7th Annual Chicago Sports Summit 2023
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP partner William J. Rogers will speak at the 2023 Chicago Sports Summit on October 17 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

Chicago, Lisle, Libertyville, St. Louis, Madison County, August 17, 2023
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named to 2024 Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch Lists
Fifty-five Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys were named to the 2024 Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ lists.

Chicago, March 03, 2023
Rogers Participates in ACTL/CBA Trial Academy Boot Camp Series
William J Rogers participates as a presenter in "Anatomy of a Trial: The Rosenberg Spy Case," a full-day CLE program hosted by the American College of Trial Lawyers and the Chicago Bar Association.

November 08, 2022
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Receives Not Guilty Verdict in Medical Malpractice Defense Case
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys William J. Rogers and Sarah A. Ferrill obtained a defense verdict in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois at trial on behalf of their clients, a cardiologist and the cardiologist’s group.

November 02, 2022
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Supports Special Olympics Illinois' 2022 Champions Ball
Partner William J. Rogers, his wife Mary, and Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP are proud sponsors of the Special Olympics Illinois' Annual Champions Ball on November 5.

August 18, 2022
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named to 2023 Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch Lists
Thirty-nine Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys were named to the 2023 Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ lists.