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 – March 2026 Newsletter
In this issue: How to hire the right defense attorney for advertising injury claims, attorney news, and more
Hiring a Defense Attorney for Advertising Injury Claims
When you’re handling a claim that involves advertising injury—think libel, slander, right of privacy, trademark/copyright issues, or TCPA violations—the clock starts ticking fast. Bringing in experienced defense counsel early is essential.
Attorney Joel Huotari prepared this guide to help insurance adjusters, TPAs, and claims professionals retain counsel that can handle these complex cases in a cost-effective manner.
Publications
In the Spotlight – Morgan Knight
Growing up in Rochelle, Illinois, Morgan Knight always seemed to have an interest in law. After years of hard work and studying, Knight’s curiosity for law grew into a genuine passion for helping people navigate life’s most personal challenges.
She recently joined WilliamsMcCarthy LLP as a full-time associate after spending two summers with the firm as a summer associate. Learn more about Morgan, her practice, and what track and field events helped her build the discipline and teamwork skills she leans on today.
WilliamsMcCarthy LLP News
Three WilliamsMcCarthy Partners Selected to the 2026 Illinois Super Lawyers List
James Devine, Marc Gravino, and Troy Haggestad have been selected by their peers to the 2026 Illinois Super Lawyers list. The Super Lawyers selection process is multi-phased and includes independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations.
Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a rating service that recognizes outstanding attorneys from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
Wilmac in the Community
WilliamsMcCarthy was pleased to sponsor the Natural Land Institute Annual Dinner, hosted on March 19, which celebrated the achievements of NLI and its volunteers. We also served as sponsors of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce Leadership Rockford recognition lunch at which the 2026 graduates of the program – including our own Morgan Knight – were recognized.
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.