Tina Wills is a Partner in the Litigation Practice of Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP. Ms. Wills was a Partner at Freeborn & Peters, which combined with SGR in 2023.
Ms. Wills focuses her practice on complex commercial lawsuits, critical motions designed to resolve cases before trial, trials, and appeals. She is known for her attention to detail, cogent legal briefs, and effective oral advocacy. She counsels clients on strategic matters at all stages of litigation, from the initiation of lawsuits through and including proceedings before state and federal appellate courts and the U.S. Supreme Court. She has briefed appeals before four different court of appeals and supreme courts.
Ms. Wills represents corporations, small businesses, and individuals in a wide range of complex commercial matters, including:
These cases frequently implicate complex issues of pleading, class and collective action certification, contract interpretation, preemption, standing, and statutory construction. Tina’s ability to manage highly complex cases draws from her extensive litigation experience. A third-party provided the following feedback to the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin about her work: “Tina is an exceptional attorney and her breadth of knowledge, her expertise and tenacity has been instrumental in achieving favorable outcomes.”
In addition, Ms. Wills regularly contributes to pro bono matters. Ms. Wills has twice served as lead pro bono counsel for detained asylum seekers, in both cases winning their freedom and protection from deportation to Cameroon and Haiti.
Ms. Wills earned her B.A. from Illinois Wesleyan University, cum laude, and her J.D. from DePaul University College of Law, magna cum laude; Top 5%. She was a member of the Order of the Coif and a recipient of the CALI Excellence Award in Evidence, Advanced Legal Writing, Trial Advocacy, Securities Fraud, Legal Drafting, Litigation Strategy and Litigation Laboratory.
Contract Experience
Commercial Torts
Professional Liability
Appellate Lawyers Association
“Salary Forfeiture: A Deterrent with Teeth” Civil Litigation Flashpoints, published by the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, August 2015.
“News Flash! Cattle Farms Have Flies, and That’s No Manure!” Civil Litigation Flashpoints, published by the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, December 2012.
“Condominium Associations Face New Challenges Collecting Unpaid ” August 2012.
“The Illinois Supreme Court Bolsters Shield Against SLAPP ” January, 2011.