Former BigLaw Practice Chair Accused of Overbilling Clients $3.5M
In a recent ethics complaint filed on February 19, 2025, William Michael Doyle Jr., a former partner at two prominent international law firms in Chicago, is facing allegations of overbilling clients by more than $3.5 million over a span of 20 years. The Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission lodged the complaint against Doyle, citing falsified billing records as the root cause of the substantial overcharges.
Doyle, a seasoned tax and estate-planning expert with over four decades of experience, held the position of trusts and estates practice chair at Winston & Strawn before transitioning to Greenberg Traurig as a shareholder in August 2022. Despite his esteemed reputation in representing affluent families globally, the recent allegations have cast a shadow over his career.
Allegations of Overbilling
The ethics complaint asserts that during his tenure at both firms, Doyle was responsible for overseeing the billing process, directing legal professionals and support staff, and reviewing time-keeping records. However, instead of upholding ethical billing practices, Doyle stands accused of orchestrating a scheme that resulted in clients being overbilled through various deceptive tactics.
According to the complaint, clients at Winston & Strawn were allegedly overcharged by $2,529,378 over an 18-year period. Similarly, clients at Greenberg Traurig were purportedly overbilled by $973,910 in less than two years. The overbilling was attributed to Doyle’s actions, which included recording time for services not rendered, inflating hours worked, billing for unrelated client matters, and documenting time that should have been waived.
Upon discovering these discrepancies, both firms conducted internal reviews of client invoices and offered refunds to affected clients based on the false billing information. While some clients accepted the refunds, not all were willing to do so, adding further complexity to the situation.
Responses from the Firms
When contacted for a statement, Doyle declined to comment without consulting his legal counsel. However, spokespeople from both firms—Greenberg Traurig and Winston & Strawn—addressed the matter with transparency and a commitment to ethical conduct.
A spokesperson from Greenberg Traurig emphasized the swift response to the questionable billing practices upon discovery, highlighting the firm’s cooperation with the Illinois bar and the offer of full refunds to impacted clients. Doyle’s association with the firm was terminated following the investigation, demonstrating a zero-tolerance approach towards unethical behavior.
Similarly, a representative from Winston & Strawn reiterated the firm’s dedication to upholding the highest ethical standards and emphasized their zero-tolerance policy towards actions that compromise integrity or client trust. While distancing the firm from any alleged misconduct, the spokesperson confirmed that Doyle’s departure in August 2022 preceded the filing of the ethics complaint.
In light of these developments, both firms have taken proactive measures to address the situation, ensuring that the interests of their clients remain paramount. As the investigation unfolds, the legal community awaits further insights into the allegations against the former practice chair and the potential implications for legal ethics and client trust.
As the dust settles on this unfolding saga, the legal profession grapples with the repercussions of alleged misconduct at the highest levels. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical adherence in legal practice, reinforcing the need for ongoing vigilance in upholding professional standards.
