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 1 - 5 of 9 reviews | Family

Posted by Paul | June 18, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Family

Excellent Family lawyer and Team - Highly recommended

I have had the pleasure of working with Bill over the past year supporting my child custody dispute. Bill is a highly seasoned, professional and courteous attorney who approaches matters methodically and with a thorough knowledge of the law. Bill is highly regarded in the Atlanta area by the profess...ion. He is able to cut through the legal posturing which is very common in today’s litigious world and focus directly on the issues at hand and move matters forward. Bill is also a realist. He constantly plays “devils advocate” in order to protect his clients against mounting legal costs and the risks associated with litigation. I feel this is a particularly good quality as it allows you to re-evaluate your position as the case progresses. Bill and his team are extremely efficient. They keep their finger on the pulse as it relates to upcoming status reviews, deadlines, etc. Bill is thorough in his communication and always quick to respond to emails and phone calls. Bill has a good sense of humor too, which can be helpful during a stressful process. I would strongly recommend Bill and his Team.

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 Tom | October 20, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Family

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 Elena | October 06, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Family

Awesome Divorce Attorney!

I was referred to William (Bill) Lester by a friend. I made an initial call to he and two other highly recommended divorce attorneys. Based on my phone conversations with all three, I chose Bill. His personality and manner immediately put me at ease -- and unlike the other two, he spoke to me at l...ength even before I hired him for a consult. If you are seeking a divorce attorney who will stand up and fight aggressively for your legal rights, talk to Bill. He did an outstanding job in handling my divorce proceedings -- and also in managing the anxiety and worry I experienced in the process of dealing with my bullying, unreasonable spouse. There were times when I wanted to throw the towel in, so to speak, just to have everything over with. Thank goodness, Bill wouldn't let me do that, or let me cave in to any B.S. thrown my way! He was always a positive, confident voice of reason that the law was on my side, and always assauged whatever doubts or fears I experienced. By following his advice, I ultimately got the settlement I wanted and needed. Bill also is is super smart, organized and thorough. Even our mediator said that his professionalism and preparedness made him a joy to work with. In all of our dealings, I felt Bill truly had my back, and was truly concerned about my welfare. He's also a straight shooter and tells it like it is -- something I admire in any person who's working on your behalf. I can't say enough about how great he is.

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!!!! -

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