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 44 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

Send Message
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 44 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
Message Get Directions

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 11 - 15 of 23 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Christina | January 14, 2015 | Divorce & Separation

Third Time Client

Mr. Lester was my counsel through a long divorce battle which ended with having me protected for things I did not imagine would come. I recently retained Mr. Lester's services again for a child support modification against me and a custody battle for my two sons. It was a very long and stressful proc...ess. Mr. Lester has always been very responsive when I needed him or had questions and concerns. He prepared me for what tough questions were going to be asked by other counsel so I was never left to feel anxious in an already stressful situation. I always felt like he cared about me and my family wholeheartedly in trying to get me the best results possible. And he did! In being a third time client and battling with my ex-husband for a third time I really realized how many things Bill put in place through my divorce process that were critical for me to prevail in court as I currently did this year. I would highly recommend Bill Lester.

Posted by Michael | August 28, 2014 | Divorce & Separation

The wrongly accused parent. (You're not alone)

Coming home from a long stressful Monday at work, all I wanted to do was enjoy my kids and catch up on some needed sleep. My Eastern European ex-wife started an argument, picking not only on me but on my older child (her step-child). Instinctively protecting him from being flung behind the door, she ...called the police and fabricated a story that I was the aggressor. She convinced the police that I tried to kill her, and had me arrested. While I was still trying to figure out what happened, she filed a TPO and divorce. My first attorney had a great reputation, but was scheduled to be out of town during my temp hearing. Having restless nights about having younger stand-in attorneys attend the temporary hearing – I hired Bill at the last minute. We literally had 1.5 days to prepare for the hearing; and my custody of my toddler twins were at stake. It turned out that my ex was planning the divorce soon after the marriage certificate ink dried. She set up a string of alliances to paint me as an absent father, violently abusive, and recklessly dangerous to the welfare of my kids. But the most abhorrent was that she tried to paint her step-child (my son) with behavior that I still cannot repeat because it makes me sick; all to gain a custody advantage separating my son and I from my beloved younger twins. She literally tried to take away everything that was important to me. My case had insurmountable odds – because my ex had 2 years to craft dirty divorce and custody strategies. I had 1 hour in the busy courts to convince the judge that my ex lied about everything, and that I was a loving father who deserved to have equal time with my kids. It was impossible, especially given that my newly hired attorney Bill had insufficient time to prepare. But that’s where this story really begins. Bill sat down for 8 hours with me taking notes during our first meeting, asking probing questions, and revealing things that I didn’t realize. He walked into court having met me days earlier. He was prepared for every lie (lets be real: that’s what it is, the overused term misstatement is just being politically correct). As it turned out, Bill used several lies against her. Every cross examination question had my ex flustered; she couldn’t make 2 statements 1 minute apart that were consistent. Guardian ad litem and a court appointed psychologist were ordered, and I was able to see my kids immediately after the temporary hearing. Of course, the discovery dragged on needlessly as she tried to dig into every asset. Bill directed me patiently, and expertly through the whole process. He communicated effectively, professionally, and in a timely manner – not only to me, but to all the parties in the custody evaluation. He worked sensitively with the criminal attorney who helped dismiss the criminal case; both being careful not to jeopardize the others’ case. It is obvious that he not only knows his way around a court-room, but also through the confusing process of a heavily contested custody case. In the end, my ex’s lies ironically caused her own demise. I received the result I was seeking: joint legal custody and most importantly 50% of the precious physical time enjoying my kids growing up. She received a lot of money in the settlement, but that won't last. I don’t think she envisioned this result when she schemed her vicious plan with her Baltic friends. A few learning points for those unlucky enough to go through an ugly divorce: 1) Be truthful. If you’re a good parent, an expert lawyer should be able to help you. 2) Be nice to your step-children (I was nice to hers). 3) Don't play the liars game, take the high road. 4) The temporary hearing is a very important hearing. Bill is like a trusted friend, who is always there to guide the wronged parent through this ugly process called custody battle. We are all too busy to write reviews. But Bill deserves recognition for being a champion to silent and decent parents.

Posted by Mike | October 10, 2012 | Family

Superior Representation

I am a 42 year old father of two wonderful boys aged 12 and 15. I was awarded custody of my children in April of 2007 in an uncontested divorce. We had the usual cookie cutter visitation program. I.E. every other weekend and the typical holiday rotation. After a few short weeks she began to have beha...vioral issues that affected the safety of our children. Eventually these issues intensified to the point that it became imperative that our custody arrangement needed modification. I utilized a local attorney and after 9 appearances in court over a period of 3 years, we were having an incredibly hard time convincing the courts that psychological intervention was needed in order to assure that our boys were in a safe environment while in custody of their mother. I had a lengthy discussion with a trusted friend. He suggested that I set up a time to speak with his attorney Bill Lester. Two weeks later, I was in Bills office and within a couple of hours Bill had a plan of action. He understood my situation. I could tell right away that he had handled this type of situation many times before. I came away from that meeting with hope. I felt like he would help us with our dilemma. Two trips to court was all that he needed to remedy this situation. Bill was extremely prepared, professional, courteous, and his courtroom experience was evident from start to finish. He is the finest family attorney in the Atlanta area. Thank you Bill Lester!!!! -

Posted by Barry | August 10, 2012 | Divorce & Separation

AN ATTORNEY FOR THE AGES

If you always have to be right or if you are not willing to listen to logic, Mr. Lester is not your man. Unlike most attorneys I have dealt with, Mr. Lester will listen to your situation, and will then give you an honest evaluation of what you can expect. This is a tremendous advantage when setting... one’s expectations. The court system does not act like what we expect or what we have seen on television. Mr. Lester is very experienced and knowledgeable in court and he can help advise you on how to handle your case from the very beginning. Whether it is business law, divorce or a civil case, Mr. Lester has represented me and several members of my family since the 1980’s. We have all been extremely satisfied with the multiple services he has provided. I would, without any reservations, highly recommend Mr. Lester for your legal needs. Posted by: Barry, a divorce, business and business litigation client

Posted by Christina | July 25, 2011 | Divorce & Separation

Highly Recommend Mr. Lester

I worked with Bill through a very hostile divorce, a child support modification, and an issue that required child protective services to investigate my ex-husband. He was very thorough, always easy to contact and responded quickly, and most importantly I always felt he was truly concerned with helpin...g my children and I. Bill Lester is very knowledgeable in the law and can apply that knowledge as it pertains to each case and each person to obtain the best result. He has never made false promises and has been honest with what outcomes may occur as it pertained to each legal situation. I would highly recommend Bill for legal services and I personally will not use any other attorney except Bill in the future. Their has been more than one occassion in which I was so thankful Bill thought of every detail that is in my settlement agreement for my divorce. These issues would have cost me a lot of time and money fighting with my ex if he didn't have the forethought to make them part of the original agreement. Highly satisfied with Bill Lesters legal services.

See All Client Reviews

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."

View All Endorsements
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

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution
Learn More About the Avvo Rating