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

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 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
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 12 reviews | Cost of Services

Posted by Lindsey | August 01, 2024 | Hired Attorney

Highly recommended divorce attorney

Bill is an incredibly effective, level-headed and thoughtful attorney. Not only did he provide a high level of expertise and guidance throughout the divorce process, he was able to advise on what areas were worth pursuing and fighting and what was not, so that I did not incur unnecessary billable ho...urs. I was also pleased that he was always quick to respond, available for calls, and moved the case along quickly. He remained engaged and up-to-date on the status of my case, and never once passed me along to other attorneys in the firm. During the settlement process, he firmly pushed back on the other party when necessary, and guided us to an acceptable outcome. I am grateful I hired Bill to represent me in my divorce. He's tough, sharp and a delight to work with as his client.

Posted by Shane | July 13, 2022 | Hired Attorney

Best Lawyer Hands Down

I’ve had other attorneys working on different aspects of my original divorce and subsequent modification who were considered “Best in the County,” and hands down Bill Lester runs circles around them. Bill is not only a highly capable and effective attorney, but is as a very thoughtful and courteou...s of his clients billable hours and often saved us from ourselves incurring extra fees for fighting fights that weren’t productive to our end goal. He kept us focused, offered creative solutions in our settlement negotiations and pushed back on us and the other party when necessary. He’s very level headed and objective — thankfully, we didn’t have to go to trial, but I know he would have been a killer in the court room. I highly recommend Bill and his expert staff.

Posted by anonymous | September 09, 2018 | Hired Attorney

He can "out-lawyer" the best of them!

I was referred to Bill Lester from a friend who had Mr Lester represent someone against my friend in a divorce trial. When I asked "why would you recommend an attorney that represented someone against you??" He said "Bill is THAT good!" I'm a professional individual who wanted to do nothing but pr...ovide the best for my family and took the old-school approach by being the sole provider across the board. When times got rough, as they will in a marriage, my ex-wife determined that the situation required her to "put forth some effort;" this wasn't what she thought it would be and apparently, not what she signed up for. She wanted out and she wanted to take the two individuals that meant the most to me in this world out of state: my two sons. I went to court against a woman that held three advanced degrees (more than Bill and I combined,) emotional issues, aspirations of stardom and the primary care-giver for our children. I went from being served the Petition for Divorce, losing a business, undergoing two bankruptcies and being ejected from the home after being served a restraining order under false pretenses to being awarded Primary Physical Custody of my sons, awarded Child Support, the major decision maker in all of their affairs and to maintaining the ability for them to live and grow in their community without interruption or disharmony, all thanks to Bill. I was impressed by Bill and his team's professionalism throughout the process. He's an excellent judge of character and knows the law. Once he got the facts about the case, met my ex-wife and realized first-hand how truthful I was, he went to work. I appreciated the strategy meetings and was able to contribute positively. When I displayed naivete' and was being reactionary when my ex-wife attempted to throw the kitchen sink into her efforts, Bill was able to navigate through the mire to a finite finish. He was a hard-charger for me in the courtroom and I can't begin to repay him for what he did for me. I can sleep better knowing that my sons aren't in harm's way and that they will have a fighting chance to build a relationship that they deserve with their father. I interviewed several attorneys prior to hiring Bill. I also went in realizing, that as a man, hiring a divorce attorney would be an investment. If given a chance, would I do it all over again differently? Absolutely not. Was it cheap? Absolutely not. Did I get the specific result that I was seeking? Yes and more, without hesitation or resolution. He can "out-lawyer" the best of them!

Posted by Chris | March 11, 2016 | Hired Attorney

Divorce

I had a personal friend of numerous years in Atlanta that is a real estate and closing attorney. When the time came for me to seek out counsel for a divorce attorney, I asked my friend whom he would recommend. He immediately gave me Bill's name and number. The filing had to happen in Atlanta, but ... I currently live in another state. Bill made this very easy by doing our consultation over the phone and through the use of email for documents and information. I only needed to appear in Atlanta for one hearing which I knew would be expected. Bill was very tenacious in making sure that all time spent in arbitration and the court proceedings was handled succinctly and with a concern for minimizing my time and fees associated with the proceedings. Arbitration turned out to be a train wreck from opposing counsel and the arbitrator and Bill recognized that very quickly and moved for pleading our case to the judge. Probably saved hours of needless back and forth and escalating fees. I really appreciated that. The final settlement covered all my desires and wishes and I actually got a settlement that was far better than I was originally expecting when I started the procedure. I would recommend Bill Lester to anyone seeking a divorce attorney in the metro Atlanta area.

Posted by David | October 21, 2014

Returning Client

I went through my first divorce 20 years ago. Bill was recommended to me by a neighbor. Bill gave me the strength and guidance to get me through this difficult time. He drafted a final decree dotting every i and crossing every t that helped me when dealing with a difficult ex-wife involving our da...ughter. I recently had to go through another divorce and without hesitation called Bill. Once again Bill got me through a difficult time helping me to a position of strength. Before talking to Bill I had just wanted to get it over with and felt like giving my ex-wife just about anything. Bill would not allow me to do that and only give her what she deserved. During mediation Bill gave me some advice that a good mediation is one when both parties go away mad. This means that they both did not get everything they wanted and both sides gave a little to reach an agreement. I have referred to him by his first name, which is because conferring with Bill puts you at ease allowing you to feel like you are talking to a friend and not an attorney. He genially cares about you trying to get you the best deal and saving you money. I highly recommend Bill Lester if you are going through a divorce and need an attorney. In closing I once had an attorney tell me she had seen Bill make an opposing client cry. I’ve always wondered if it was her client.

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