Winston & Strawn Names Bill O’Neil Chicago Office Managing Partner

Chicago—June 24, 2024 — Winston & Strawn LLP has appointed trial lawyer and securities litigation partner Bill O’Neil to Chicago Office Managing Partner. He succeeds Cardelle Spangler in this role, who has assumed a new role in the firm’s Office of the Chair as Managing Partner – Internal Affairs.

Prior to his new role, Bill served as Chair of Winston’s Hiring Committee for the last nine years, where he oversaw associate hiring firmwide. During his tenure, Bill not only significantly increased the diversity of Winston’s incoming classes, but also spearheaded a successful, first-of-its-kind pipeline program that helps prepare first-year law students for success. He also is a member of Winston’s Diversity Committee and is Chair of the Board of Trustees of the NALP Foundation for Law Career Research and Education, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the quality and delivery of legal services.

“I am deeply honored to have been selected to lead Winston & Strawn’s Chicago office and excited to continue the great work Cardelle has done,” said Bill. “We have been practicing law in Chicago for more than 170 years, but I believe the next decade will be our most exciting—we are incredibly well positioned for strategic growth and excellence.” 

Bill concentrates his practice on high-stakes trial work and serves as a strategic advisor to some of nation’s largest corporations and private equity funds. He has tried business disputes to verdict in jurisdictions throughout the country, including dozens of M&A disputes in the Delaware Court of Chancery.

“Bill has been an integral part of our Chicago office for more than two decades and has helped build the next generation of Winston attorneys through his leadership of our Hiring Committee,” said Winston Chairman Steve D’Amore. “Bill is uniquely situated to drive the next stage of Winston’s growth in Chicago.”