From the start of his legal career, Bill Barrett has led by example in pro bono, community service, and improving the legal profession profession and justice system. A senior member of the Bankruptcy & Creditor Rights Group at Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg LLP, Bill is regarded by his colleagues as a pleasure to work with (and against) for his professionalism, extensive knowledge of bankruptcy law, and reputation for always being a staunch advocate for his clients and the ideals of our justice system.
Bill has long made pro bono work an integral part of his practice. In 2008, he began working with Judge Benjamin Goldgar to organize the “Pro Bono Panel” in the Bankruptcy Court, a program created to provide unrepresented parties in contested bankruptcy matters with pro bono counsel. In the fifteen years since the panel was created, Bill himself has taken on numerous pro bono cases assigned by the panel. He also has played a lead role in the formation and continued support of the Bankruptcy Pro Se Help Desk in the Court.
In addition to his pro bono cases and work with the court, Bill volunteers and has taken on a leadership role with the non-profit organization Credit Abuse Resistance Education (CARE) where he dedicates his time to teaching young people about financial literacy. Not only has Bill given more presentations than any other person on top of his busy schedule, but he has also found time to create educational materials for CARE that are now used throughout the whole country.
As one of Bill’s colleagues in the bankruptcy bar aptly stated, “it is hard for me to imagine that any attorney in this City has done more than Bill to ensure that debtors receive high-quality legal representation in bankruptcy court in Chicago.” His commitment to helping others, his unwavering professional integrity, and his remarkable drive for fairness have made a significant difference for his clients, the legal profession, and the scores of people in the Chicago community who have benefitted from his good works.