If you’ve been accused of saying or publishing something harmful about another person or business – or if someone has damaged your reputation with a false statement – you’re probably hearing legal terms like defamation, libel, and slander. Illinois defamation law can feel complicated, but understanding the basics can help protect you, your business, and your good name.
Comments from Counsel – April 2025 Newsletter
In this issue: A client spotlight, attorney recognitions and more in this edition!
Featured Publications
Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond
For businesses navigating complex legal landscapes, working with a law firm should feel like more than just a transaction—it should be a partnership. For Niigata, Inc., a century-old leader in precision machining equipment, the long-term relationship with WilliamsMcCarthy LLP has been built on trust, transparency, and a shared vision for growth. Hans Retra, former CEO and current board chair for Niigata, Inc., believes the connection to WilliamsMcCarthy has been instrumental to the organization’s success.
Attorney Spotlight – Carol Hartline
For Carol Hartline, being direct is a reflection of her deep commitment to quickly finding the right answers to client challenges. Her calm and clear communication style helps clients gain clarity, perspective, and confidence navigating situations which, for many, may be among the most challenging in their lives.
In this feature spotlight, get to know more about Carol’s background, philosophy on practicing law, and interests that fill her cup outside of the office.
WilliamsMcCarthy LLP News
Four Partners Selected to the 2025 Illinois Super Lawyers List
James P. Devine, John J. Holevas, Marc C. Gravino, and Troy E. Haggestad, partners with WilliamsMcCarthy, have been selected by their peers to the 2025 Illinois Super Lawyers list. The Super Lawyers selection process is rigorous and rates attorneys who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
Wilmac in the Community
Wilmac Attorney Graduates from Leadership Rockford’s 70th Class
We’re pleased to share that Aisha Moe-Lindvall completed the 8-month-long Rockford Leadership program through the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce. The mission of Leadership Rockford is to build leadership skills and enhance awareness of business, government, and civic issues through interaction and direct involvement with business and community leaders.
Congratulations, Aisha and all of the 2024/25 graduates!
Stay Informed
We regularly share insight in publications and our quarterly e-newsletter, Comments from Counsel.
Meet Our 2026 Summer Associates
Each summer, WilliamsMcCarthy welcomes law students into the firm to work alongside our attorneys, take on real assignments, and get a feel for what practicing
When a Typosquatter or Cybersquatter Targets Your Brand
Every established brand eventually faces the same problem. Someone notices that your customers occasionally mistype your domain name, registers the misspelled version, and waits. It’s called typosquatting, and here’s what you can do to protect your brand.
Choosing Rockford: Tim Rollins Attorney Spotlight
Learn more about partner Tim Rollins’ journey to Rockford in this attorney spotlight.
Defamation, Libel, and Slander in Illinois and Wisconsin: A Plain-English Guide
If you’ve been accused of saying or publishing something harmful about another person or business – or if someone has damaged your reputation with a false statement – you’re probably hearing legal terms like defamation, libel, and slander. Illinois defamation law can feel complicated, but understanding the basics can help protect you, your business, and your good name.