Bill Devine is a partner in the Litigation Section at Williams Mullen and chairman of a 12-attorney litigation team. He has a diverse practice in federal and state courts and before governmental agencies throughout Virginia and in state and federal courts around the country. Mr. Devine works closely with management and in-house counsel to attain the client's strategic objectives throughout the litigation process. Practicing in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, where cases routinely go to trial within six to eight months of filing, has taught Mr. Devine to hone in on the critical issues in cases and to focus discovery and aggressive motions practice on these areas. He recognizes the importance of early, accurate risk assessment and budgeting in litigation, and the potential benefits of alternative dispute resolution in appropriate cases.

Education
College of William & Mary, J.D., 1986
Washington & Lee University, B.A., cum laude, 1983


Professional Affiliations


Awards and Honors
Listed in "Legal Elite," Virginia Business magazine
Listed in Virginia Super Lawyers magazine
Norfolk & Portsmouth Bar Association Walter E. Hoffman Community Service Award
William & Mary Law Review
Order of the Coif

Publications
Author, "Warning! Most People Don't Read Warnings," Inside Business, Oct. 24, 2005

Author, "Application of Takings Jurisprudence to Challenges to the Denial of Use Permit Application or Request for an 'Upzoning,'" The Journal of Local Government Law (1999)

Representations

Defended national insurer in US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia against defamation and business tort claims

Defended international airline in US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in patent infringement action

Represented former 50% shareholder of real estate company in Virginia Beach Circuit Court in contract and business tort claims against company to recover profits earned on development of subdivision.

Represent 50% member of Virginia limited liability company in Norfolk Circuit Court and US Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in derivative action against other 50% member and management team for mismanagement, improper us of funds, fraud, and wasting of assets

Represent furniture manufacturer in patent licensing and royalty dispute in arbitration proceedings in New Jersey

Obtained injunction and damages award on behalf of national railroad company in US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in dispute with Egyptian National Railway over improper draws on letters of credit.

Obtained pretrial dismissal of $20 million wrongful death action brought in Portsmouth Circuit Court against mechanical equipment company based on finding that Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act did not apply to job accident.

Represent multiple apartment complexes in courts throughout Virginia in defense of mold claims brought by tenants.

Represent real estate developer in defense of claims brought in US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia by national retailer alleging business interruption and violation of lease covenants related to development of adjoining property for competing national retailer.

Represent national retailer in US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in claims against international shopping center developer for damages based upon improper calculation and charges for common area maintenance, insurance, real estate taxes and other lease pass-throughs.

Defended municipality in claims brought by 213 plaintiffs under Virginia Multiple Claimants Litigation Act for injuries allegedly caused by exposure to chemical in drinking water

Represent Fortune 100 company and national shopping center developer in defense of personal injury claims

Represent international manufacturer of home safety products in defense of intellectual property and business tort claims

Represent national retailer in defense of business tort and antitrust claims

Represented national shopping center developer in defense of antitrust claims and in insurance coverage disputes

Represent municipalities and developers in litigation concerning rezonings, special tax districts, use permits, and other land-use and development issues

Represent physicians in defense of complaints before State Board of Medicine

Represent regional restaurant franchise in employment litigation

Represent municipalities in defense of employment discrimination, civil rights and Section 1983 claims

Represent international manufacturer of housing products, glass and high performance materials in product liability litigation

Represent national distributor of construction materials in product liability litigation

Community Involvement
Naval Base Little League, Board of Directors
U.S. Lacrosse, Hampton Roads Chapter