William (Bill) Donovan Jr., chair of Dechert’s class action practice, is a litigator with a broad practice encompassing trial and appellate work. He represents a diverse range of clients, from Fortune 200 corporations to entrepreneurs, in high-stakes legal challenges. His work focuses on areas including accounting, consumer class actions, and complex commercial cases.
Extensive Litigation Experience
Mr. Donovan has handled numerous “bet-the-company” litigations and has personally led multiple trials and arbitrations. He is skilled in navigating class action lawsuits based on both common law and statutory claims, including specific California codes like Sections 17200 and 17500 of the Business and Professions Code, as well as the Consumers Legal Remedies Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Unruh Act.
His experience extends to complex civil litigation involving breach of contract, business torts, healthcare, real estate, and professional liability disputes. He has successfully argued and won appeals in federal and state courts, including cases involving multimillion-dollar lawsuits, and has reversed decisions that initially blocked arbitration.
Compliance and Regulatory Counsel
Beyond litigation, Mr. Donovan advises clients on compliance, enforcement, and regulatory matters. He drafts crucial policies and procedures, such as website terms of use, arbitration clauses, and privacy policies. He also provides defense against investigations initiated by federal and state agencies, as well as the National Association of Attorneys General.
Mr. Donovan also maintains a robust pro bono practice, recently achieving a precedent-setting win in partnership with the American Civil Liberties Union. This victory required the State of California to provide an opportunity for voters to correct perceived signature mismatches on absentee ballots.
Prior to his work in private practice, Mr. Donovan served as senior counsel at a Fortune 50 telecommunications company and as a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice, where he gained experience arguing cases in both trial and appellate courts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of clients does Mr. Donovan represent?
Mr. Donovan represents Fortune 200 corporations, emerging companies, sharing economy clients, and entrepreneurs.
What is the scope of his litigation experience?
Mr. Donovan has handled “bet-the-company” litigations, multiple trials and arbitrations, and has argued and won several dozen appeals in federal and state courts.
Does Mr. Donovan engage in pro bono work?
Yes, Mr. Donovan maintains an active pro bono practice, including a recent precedent-setting victory with the American Civil Liberties Union regarding absentee ballots in California.
As legal landscapes continue to evolve, how might a broad skillset encompassing litigation, compliance, and pro bono work benefit both clients and the wider community?
Related reading