Experienced Resolution

Justice Bill Taylor (retired) will bring over twenty years of experience as a Cook County Circuit Court trial judge as well as an Illinois Appellate Court justice to your cases.

Judge David Donnersberger (retired) brings more than 40 years of legal and judicial experience to his mediation/arbitration practice. He is greatly respected

In memory of our friend, Judge Maddux 1935 - 2025 The Honorable William (Bill) D. Maddux, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 18, 2025, surrounded by his devoted wife, family, and friends. He was 90 years old. Judge Maddux is survived by his loving wife, Debra “Debbie” Maddux, his son Joe Maddux, his daughters Anne and Meg, and cherished grandchildren. His legacy of love, leadership, and service will endure through them and the many lives he touched. Early Life and Boys Town Bill’s remarkable journey began in Omaha, Nebraska, where he entered Boys Town in 1948. He quickly distinguished himself as a natural leader and athlete. He lettered in three major sports, served as Commissioner all four years, was elected class president three years running, and in 1953 was chosen Mayor of Boys Town. He led on the football field as quarterback of the Boys Town Cowboys, earning praise as “the classy quarterback who ran the smooth-working T-formation.” His lifelong connection to Boys Town included service on its Board of Trustees, induction into the Boys Town Alumni Sports Hall of Fame (2007), and receiving the Father Flanagan Distinguished Alumnus Award (2017), the highest honor bestowed by the Alumni Association Education and Legal Career After Boys Town, Bill earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Notre Dame in 1957 and his Juris Doctor, with honors, from Georgetown University Law Center in 1959. He began his legal career at Kirkland & Ellis in Chicago, where he became partner. He later founded his own firms William D. Maddux and Associates, LTD from 1975 to 1979 (now Johnson & Bell) and William D. Maddux and Associates, LTD from 1979-1991 (now Schwartz | Jambois). Throughout his legal career, he tried over 200 jury trials, creating a reputation as a fierce advocate who always treated his opponents with respect and dignity. He earned entry as a fellow into the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers, an invite only organization reserved for exceptional trial lawyers who uphold the highest standards of advocacy and ethics. In 1991, Bill was appointed as a Judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County. A decade later, he became Presiding Judge of the Law Division, overseeing more than 70 judges. Known for his integrity, wisdom, and dedication, he championed reforms, including successfully challenging Illinois’ mandatory retirement law for judges, ensuring that future generations of judges could continue serving without forced retirement. Service, Teaching, and Legacy Beyond the bench, Judge Maddux served as Chairman of the Illinois Supreme Court Committees on Character and Fitness and Alternative Dispute Resolution, and from 2009–2014 he taught evidence as an Adjunct Professor at Kent College of Law. He prided himself on leading a purposeful work-life, which began as a newspaper delivery boy at age 8 and continued until after his 90th birthday serving as a Trustee in federal bankruptcy proceedings until the final month of his life — a fitting testament to his lifelong belief that one’s ability to serve should never be cut short by arbitrary limits. To all those who worked for him, be it as a lawyer or a judge, he was known with affection as “The Boss”, he earned the title because he commanded respect without ever raising his voice or lecturing. His never-ending support and “hands off” leadership style allowed those who served him to flourish, often emulating his quiet yet powerful management skills. A Life Well Lived To know Judge Maddux was to laugh, to learn, and to feel his deep generosity. He would want his life celebrated — not with tears, but with a toast and a smile. Judge Maddux’s life embodied the principles of Boys Town and Father Flanagan: service above self, courage in the face of challenge, and compassion for others. He leaves behind a legacy not only in the legal world but also as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend.