Find a Lawyer Georgia Atlanta Divorce
William R. Lester

PRO

William R. Lester

also known as Bill Lester

4.9
74 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 9.9

Licensed for 45 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Atlanta, GA
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Family, Child Custody ... +3 more

1050 Crown Pointe Parkway, Suite 410, Atlanta, GA

Virtual Consultation Available

Call for a consultation (770) 824-3584

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William R. Lester's Website
Overview Reviews Experience Activity
Overview Reviews Experience Activity
Call for a consultation (770) 824-3584

About William

Biography

Finding an attorney to educate & assist you through the divorce process is the critical first step.

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 40%

Concentrating in complex, disputed divorce issues including asset tracing and hidden asset matters.

45 years | 1,500 cases

40%
Child Custody 15%

45 years | 390 cases

15%
Family 15%

Expert counseling and litigation in the entire arena of Family law including divorce, custody, modifications, enforcment, contempt and adoption.

45 years | 2,000 cases

15%
Alimony 10%

45 years | 350 cases

10%
Domestic Violence 10%

45 years | 175 cases

10%
Litigation 10%

Business litigation and arbitration of contract disputes, employment disputes and general litigation.

45 years | 2,100 cases

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always

Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2016 2014 2010

Avvo Client's Choice Awards

Client's Choice

The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

Client's Choice
Client's Choice 2016
Client's Choice
Client's Choice 2014
Client's Choice
Client's Choice 2010

Licenses

Licensed in Georgia for 45 years

State: Georgia

Acquired: 1981

Active Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Fryer, Shuster, Lester & Pollack P.C.

(770) 670-7764

Fax

1050 Crown Pointe Parkway, Suite 410, Atlanta, GA, 30338

galegal.com
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William R. Lester's Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (52) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Star rating
5 stars 49 4 stars 2
3 stars 0
2 stars 0
1 star 1
Practice Areas
Divorce & Separation (38) Child Custody (17) Family (9) Lawsuits & Disputes (9) Child Support (6) Business (5) Litigation (4) Mediation (3) Arbitration (2) Alimony (1) Contracts & Agreements (1) Corporate & Incorporation (1) Criminal Defense (1) Probate (1) Real Estate (1)
What Clients Mention
Case Results (35) Advocacy (34) Recommendation (27) Professionalism (26) Practice Area Knowledge (23) Communication Style (22) General Knowledge (19) Responsiveness (15) Character & Conduct (14) Compassion (14) Cost of Services (12) Trustworthiness (11) Staff & Support (8)

Showing 6 - 10 of 17 reviews | Child Custody

Posted by Ryan | August 18, 2018 | Hired Attorney

Best Decision I Made Was Hiring Bill Lester

I hired Bill to help me with a very contentious divorce as well a child custody issues. There were some pretty serious issues and I didn't really know what to do. Bill was there for me every step of the way. This was an extremely difficult process and I don't know what I would have done without Bill ...and his team's help. Early in the divorce I had a TPO filed against me in retaliation for filing for divorce and Bill helped me get the TPO dismissed and made it so I could see my child again. We had to employ a Guardian Ad Litem and have a custodial psych eval during the course of the divorce and Bill helped me be sure we had the best possible people for the job and navigate the 6+ month process. I would recommend him to anyone who is in need of a family law attorney or going through a divorce. I really don't know what I would have done without his counsel and support. I have primary custody of my daughter now thanks to his efforts and for that I am eternally grateful.

Posted by Chris | January 10, 2018 | Hired Attorney

The BEST of the BEST.

I met Bill (he asked me to call him that) through a friend who new my situation. He suggested I speak with Bill since he had success with him. It has been over a year and a half since I engaged Bill. The position I was in was insurmountable. Bill has done things that my 4 previous attorneys could... not do. If I did not have Bill, I would be without my children now. Being a man in Georgia, the odds are against you. Bill levels the playing field. There were issues with the opposing attorney and the judge in my case. He held them accountable like I have not seen previously. The judge respected him and what he had to say. His arguments are always on solid ground. The most important thing I can say about Bill is his preparation. Regardless of what was going on (trial, deposition, negotiation) Bill was always better prepared then opposing counsel. I not only highly recommend him, but I implore you to have him on your team. Do not hesitate to hire Bill. Remember, he is not only your advocate, but an advocate for your children. One other thing about him, he loves chocolate.

Posted by Clare | March 15, 2017 | Hired Attorney

His professionalism and integrity won my case

When my ex-husband filed for a modification in child custody and child support I was rattled, but a good friend referred me to Bill, being her former attorney, she had nothing but good things to say about him. He not only made me feel at ease through his competence and honesty but through his genuine... concern for me and most of all my children. I feel that he was always upfront and honest with me and always maintained professionalism. I never felt as though he was just telling me what I wanted to hear, he pointed out my faults where it was relevant to the best interests of my children. He was timely in all manners and kept me in the loop of everything pertinent. He was cognizant of the fact that I am a single mother, going back to school and having to borrow money from family to get through this. He gave me options, such as suggesting a guardian ad litem, but never forced me to do something I was uncomfortable with. Our case was taken to a final hearing and took 7 months, throughout those 7 months I never doubted Bill's competence. My ex-husband did not prevail against me in both the custody and child support, and Bill also fought for me to have all my attorney's fees paid by my ex and won. Bill knows how to read between the lines and as he likes to say "hold people's feet to the fire". He not only kept my ex-husband on his toes during cross-examination, he held his attorney to the utmost standards where her professionalism failed. I can't say enough about my wonderful experience with Bill through a very taxing time.

Posted by Ron | October 13, 2016 | Hired Attorney

Comforting Experience

I was referred to Bill by a close friend who also retained him for his divorce. I was very pleased with how caring and professional Bill was during my initial consultation and in every interaction throughout the process. It was a very stressful time in my life and he made me feel comfortable and secu...re in the fact that everything would be ok. Bill always gave me his honest opinion and walked me through the process with my and my children’s best interests in mind. He made the entire process as smooth as possible under such difficult circumstances. He helped me setup the best situation for my children in regards to their time spent with me and their mother. He spoke on my behalf to my ex-wife’s attorney to get all the details of my settlement worked out. Three years later, there are no regrets as to how my settlement turned out. My kids are healthy and our relationships couldn’t be better.

Posted by Dan | September 29, 2016 | Hired Attorney

Custody case

Bill Lester has handled some business disputes for me over the years. Most recently he's been hired to aid in my divorce and custody battle. Bills professionalism, honesty and compassion for me and my son exceeded my expectations. He truly focused on what was in the best interest of my son and has pr...oven to be a champion for my son's future. It goes without saying that Bill's focus is on what is best for his clients. He has the experience and the integrity to tell his clients what to expect as to the possible outcomes in a case. I was most impressed by Bill's toughness with opposing council when at times they were out of line or used poor judgement. Bill and his staff were very helpful and understanding throughout the most difficult time in my life and I'm so glad had Bill and his team in my corner. I would, without a doubt, recommend Bill Lester and his firm to anyone. -Dan

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William R. Lester's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse William
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington headshot
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Timothy James Bilecki headshot
Timothy Bilecki

Litigation lawyer | Oct 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"William has an outstanding reputation for zealously advocating for his clients and obtaining great results."

Joseph Torri headshot
Joseph Torri

Unknown lawyer | Aug 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Patrick D Angel headshot
Patrick Angel

Litigation lawyer | Nov 29

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Justin R. Key headshot
Justin Key

Family lawyer | Nov 20

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | Oct 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse William. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Thomas L. Holder headshot
Thomas Holder

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 22

Relationship: Friend

"It is my pleasure to endorse Bill Lester. I was a law school classmate of Bill's and we have been friends for over 30 years. Bill has built his practice around the outstanding service and intelligence that he brings to all of his cases. I have no hesitancey in referring potential clients to him for either divorces or business dissolutions."

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Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Military law lawyer

Thomas L. Holder headshot
Thomas Holder

Workers compensation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.9 (Superb)

Honors

2017

AV Rated, Martindale Hubbell

2016

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

1991

State Bar Of Georgia Bar Association Newsletter Award, State Bar Of Georgia

1990

AV Peer Review Rating 25+ years, Martindale Hubbell

Work Experience

1997 - Present

Partner, Fryer, Shuster & Lester P.C.

1991 - 1997

Partner, Freed, Lester & Berman P.C.

1986 - 1991

Partner, Gershon, Olim, Katz, Loeb & Lester P.C.

1984 - 1986

General Counsel, Friends of Children, Inc

1981 - 1984

Associate, Zachary & Segraves

1980 - 1981

Intern, Honorable Joel J. Fryer, Superior Court of Fulton County

Associations

2013 - Present

Visions Anew

Speaker Qualifications Committee - Chair

Atlanta Bar Association

Member

Federal Bar Association

Member

State Bar of Georgia

Member

Georgia Trial Lawyers Association

Member

1990 - 1991

DeKalb Bar Association

President

1989 - 1990

DeKalb Bar Association

Vice President - President Elect

1988 - 1989

DeKalb Bar Association

Treasurer

Sample of Legal Cases

Perkins v. Haines, 661 F.3d 623, 2011

Trustee was denied.

Darroch v. Willis, 286 Ga. 566,690 S.E.2d 410, 2010

Case settled for client after appeal.

Alternative Health Care systems, Inc. v. McCown, 237 Ga.App. 355, 514 S.E.2d 691, 1999

Appeal denied

Lane v. Spragg, 244 Ga.App 606,481 S.E.2d 592, 1997

Atlantic Steel Credit Union v. Shephard 204 Ga. App 297, 419 S.E.2d 132, 1992

Appeal denied

Kelly Energy Systems, Inc. v. Board of Com'rs of Clarke County, 196 Ga.App. 519, 396 S.E.2d 498, 1990

Established case law in Georgia that a failure to include a claim of payment in a Pre-trial Order will allow the exclusion of evidence of payment at trial. Verdict upheld on appeal.

Privitera v. Addison, 190 Ga.App. 102, 378 S.E.2d 312, 1989

Sheftelman v. Jones, 667 F.Supp. 859, Fed. Sec. L. Rep. P 93,341, N.D.Ga.

Case settled after over 5 years of extensive litigation, including over 35 depositions and numerous motions and appeals.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1981

Emory University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1978

Tulane University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2016

Visions Anew Institute Boot Camp

How To Start The Divorce Process

2015

Visions Anew Institute Divorce Workshop 101

What Happens If You Want To Divorce?

2014

Visions Anew Institute Conference

Get Out Of that Abusive Relationship Now!

1992

Child Custody Seminar for Family Law Attorneys

Child Custody and Visitation in Georgia

1989

Northern District of Georgia Bancruptcy Section

Family Law for the Bankruptcy Court

Publications

2015

Visions Anew Workshop What to Expect in Your Divorce.

Languages

English

Activity

3

Legal Answers

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