William S. Cook

Insurance Coverage
Bill helps clients identify and prevent exposures and, if they occur, capably manage reaction and recovery. He handles virtually every type of case – from a small claim to the most complex legal matter as well as the related transactional and jurisdictional issues.

Bill is called upon frequently by insurers and their third-party administrators to closely analyze policy wording and render opinions as to the nature and scope of coverage. Guided by the knowledge that a well-researched, well-reasoned opinion can help avoid future litigation, he opines on such issues as reservation of rights, duty to defend, loss allocations, and duties owed by the insurer and insured to one another. His interpretations are informed by a thorough investigation and understanding of the facts surrounding each claim, and keeping abreast of related statutes and regulations as well as various – and sometimes conflicting – judicial interpretations. 

Complex Tort & General Casualty
Bill’s tort practice generally entails defending clients involved in automobile accidents and against premises liability claims. He often defends trucking companies and their drivers in third-party, no-fault claims under Michigan law. He also has experience with toxic tort claims.

Appellate
Throughout his career, Bill has handled appeals before state appellate courts in Michigan, Illinois and California in addition to appeals before the Sixth and Seventh circuits. The appeals have covered numerous topics ranging from contract and tort issues to insurance coverage disputes, including cases involving bad faith in which Bill mounts a particularly aggressive defense.

Employment Law
Bill’s practice involves defending clients against all forms of employment-related claims, including discrimination, harassment and retaliation claims, based on both statutory and common law. He has successfully defended clients before the EEOC, state agencies in Michigan and Illinois, and in federal and state courts in Michigan and Illinois.