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

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

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.

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

galegal.com

William R. Lester's Reviews

Showing 16 - 20 of 52 reviews

Posted by Lucy & Dan | April 10, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Family

A steady hand through the intimidating and unfamiliar -

I am happy to give our review of this fine attorney. Our grandson's life and well-being were at stake and all that my husband and I were sure of was that we needed legal help. We turned to Bill following the referral of a dear friend. We felt so much better even after our initial meeting, but our fai...th in him was proven again and again as the weeks and months progressed. There was no sugar-coating the issues. But even as Bill kept us in the real world with his patience, knowledge and experience, he advised, advocated and represented our interests with heart and true concern for our family and our challenge. He enabled us to reach the conclusion we had prayed for, and became a trusted friend in the process. We would not think of using anyone other than Bill Lester should future legal issues arise. He is an excellent attorney and we would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone unsure of their rights and seeking honest, superlative legal counsel and representation.

Posted by Tracy | March 23, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Standard Divorce

I was referred to Bill Lester from a co worker that had used his services in the past for a divorce and I was so thankful. From our initial conversation to our first meeting throughout the whole process Bill and his staff were courteous, knowledgeable and always extremely timely in getting back to m...e regarding any questions/issues I had. Divorce was definitely uncharted territory for me and Bill completely explained the process and what needed to be done in a way that I understood. Bill is easy to talk to about any issue and he will be straightforward with you in all his answers. Thankfully my divorce was very cut and dry but I would have never been able to get through it without him. I would highly recommend Bill and his staff to anyone and I continue to give anyone who asks his information to contact his firm.

Posted by Clare | March 15, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

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 Tom | October 20, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Highly recommend!!

I research several attorneys in the Atlanta area during my divorce and was referred to William Lester. I can't tell you enough about the way he handled my case in the positive outcome it had through all the ups and downs from the opposing counsel. I was glad I had someone on my side he went to work f...or me and my boys. If you're looking for an average attorney you can call anyone but if you want the best Call Bill. His entire staff was very helpful!! I would recommend him to anyone who would ask!! In my opinion he is a velvet hammer, hits you hard, with a soft touch!!

Posted by Ron | October 13, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

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.

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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."

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

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