William J. Hale

Sioux City Managing Partner

Your “Secret Sauce” Protector

Trial Attorney experienced in Reptile Theory and Psychodrama for disputes in Business, Healthcare, Insurance Subrogation, and Intellectual Property Litigation

Hablo Español

William J. Hale protects your “secret sauce.” William focuses on business and intellectual property litigation when sensitive, confidential, and proprietary information, ideas, and concepts are compromised. He fights to protect businesses, CEOs, owners, and executives when things go wrong and the “secret sauce” is leaked. William’s experience protecting businesses as a trial lawyer is expanded with his pre-med undergrad and continuous interest in healthcare. As a trial lawyer, William works with reptile theory and psychodrama to help his clients persevere in disputes. William also works with several major insurance companies, fighting to protect their insureds’ interests and hold wrong-doers liable. You work hard to develop innovative ideas, business plans, researching, and training on these proprietary concepts meant to be owned by you and your company. William can protect your secret sauce. It’s what makes you unique while staying ahead of the competition, so you should protect it – worth it.

William joins the firm with 7 years of experience working in the security industry handling investigations, reporting, consumer relations and settlements. He received his Juris Doctor from Creighton University School of Law and became an attorney because he liked solving problems. “I enjoy investigating and trying to find out what really is going on. I also like taking a complex issue and trying to make it easier to understand. Originally, I had planned on becoming a doctor. But, all through my undergrad, I worked closely with the general counsel of a company investigating and responding to consumer complaints. Everyone always assumed I was getting ready for law school. So, I decided to switch gears and become a lawyer. Since then, I have never regretted my choice and have never looked back,” says William.

As a business and intellectual property litigation attorney, William enjoys the excitement of the courtroom and isn’t afraid of confrontation. Prior to law school, he worked full time investigating and responding to heated complaints. William says, “Intellectual Property Litigation is the perfect marriage. It lets me take my love of science into the courtroom.”

As a litigator and “secret sauce” protector, William is consistently on his toes dealing with unique issues every day. One of his favorite quotes is from the live-action remake of Cinderella, which says, “Just because it’s what’s done doesn’t mean it’s what should be done.”

Will’s “Why”

William is described as being determined, selfless, and funny. He enjoys spending time with his wife of 19 years and two daughters (Eva & Katie Jo). William likes telling “dad jokes” that make his wife and kids’ eyes roll. When he’s not being the family comedian, he enjoys traveling, camping, going to the gun range, cycling and “chasing sunsets” with his photographer wife looking for the perfect landscape picture. William and his family are quite the hosts as they enjoy inviting people over for dinner, and William says (word for word) “My wife is a fabulous cook!” If you plan on playing board games with William, he might have you beat as he has an entire closet dedicated to various board and card games. He is also an Eagle Scout, having received the award in the Boy Scouts of America at the age of 14. William is active in his church and enjoys singing in the church choir – if you were wondering, he sings bass! He also served a two-year proselyting mission for his church in Costa Rica, where he became fluent in Spanish.

Bar Admissions

• State: Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota
• Federal: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska & U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa

Blogs

• Trial Law Review – Multiple businesses? “You gotta keep ‘em separated.”

Employment

• Carlson & Burnett, LLP, Omaha, NE
  • Associate Attorney, 2016-2017
    • Worked under partner practicing in the areas of Family Law, Criminal Defense, and General Litigation. Assisted partners working in the areas of Personal Injury and Nursing Home Negligence. Drafted complaints, motions, orders and other documents. Researched and drafted appellate briefs.
• Carlson & Burnett, LLP, Omaha, NE
  • Law Clerk, 2014-2016
    • Researched and drafted legal memoranda evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of individual cases, and also regarding various topics including estate taxes, business litigation, divorce, juvenile law, etc. Assisted in discovery, by drafting interrogatories, requests for admission, and document production requests. Drafted estate plans. Observed staff attorneys during court proceedings. Reviewed and organized documents and information in preparation for trial.
• Protection One Security Solutions, Orem, UT
  • Compliance Manager, Feb. 2013-Aug. 2013
    • Established department; investigated complaints from consumers regarding company’s sales personnel; worked with Executive Committee and company’s attorney in developing reports and plans of action; trained new representatives; developed and provided detailed reports weekly to Executive Committee.
• Devcon Security, Orem, UT
  • Compliance Manager, 2012-2013
    • Established department; investigated and responded to consumer complaints received from The Attorney General in various states, consumer protection groups, attorneys and consumer; negotiated and assisted in drafting settlement agreements.
• Pinnacle Security, LLC, Orem, UT
  • Manager of Legal Support, 2006-2012
    • Investigated and responded to consumer complaints received from The Attorney General of various states, consumer protection groups, attorneys and consumers; negotiated and assisted in drafting settlement agreements; worked closely with General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel to respond to subpoenas, interrogatories, and document production; managed team of 6 employees; helped develop training program for new hires; interviewed potential candidates; Employee of the Year, 2008.