Hon. Richard J. Billik, Jr., (Ret.)
IllinoisNeutral AvailabilityHon. Richard J. Billik, Jr., (Ret.) has comprehensive skills in the resolution of complex commercial and business litigation. As an attorney, his law practice included litigation and transactional work in antitrust, real estate, business and family disputes and contractual matters. Known for his fairness, diligence and efficiency in managing his court call, Judge Billik brings energy, common sense and credibility to his dispute resolution practice. His perseverance and effective post-mediation follow-up are well-known throughout the legal community. In arbitrations, Judge Billik hears cases with the same care and commitment he exhibited on the bench.
Types of Cases Resolved
- Accounting Malpractice
- Antitrust
- Auto Liability
- Business Dissolution
- Class Action
- Condominium Board Dispute
- Construction
- Construction Accidents
- Construction Defect
- Contract
- Directors & Officers (D&O)
- Employment
- Environmental
- Errors & Omissions (E&O)
- Estates
- Family Law
- Fiduciary Duty
- Government
- Insurance Coverage
- Landlord-Tenant
- Legal Malpractice
- Medical Malpractice
- Partnership Dispute
- Personal Injury
- Probate
- Professional Malpractice
- Property Damage
- Real Estate
- Restrictive Covenants
- Sexual Harassment
- Shareholder Dispute
- Subrogation
- Trade Secrets
- Trusts
- Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist (UM&UIM)
ADR Experience and Qualifications
- Since joining ADR Systems in 2013, Judge Billik has served as a full-time mediator and arbitrator
- 20-year judicial career including Chancery Division, 2001-2012; Law Division, Commercial Calendar Section and Jury Call Trial Section, 1997-2000; First Municipal District, 1992-1997
- 15-year legal career including principal at Billik and Billik Ltd.; Of Counsel with Storino, Ramello & Durkin, 1992; Associate and Resident Counsel with Grove, Jaskiewicz, Gilliam & Cobert, Washington DC, Chicago, 1981-83, 1987
- Government practice experience including trial attorney with the US Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, Washington DC, with a brief period in the District Attorney’s office of the District of Columbia, 1977-81
- Approved Mediator, Circuit Court of Cook County
Representative Cases
- Auto Liability: multiple vehicles and insurer’s interpleader action
- Business Dissolution: matter involving a management agreement, restrictive covenants, employment and shareholder issues arising out of the sale of a business; extensive multi-party mediation with complicated issues; case settled with post-mediation follow-up
- Business Dissolution: receivership and real estate issues
- Business Dissolution: dispute in closely held company with emotional and family issues; case settled with post-mediation follow-up
- Class Action: assisted in settlement of consumer claims under federal statutes
- Class Action: tenants brought claims against landlord
- Construction: dispute involving complex issues in municipal law
- Contract: business dispute and corporate duties involved in international sales
- Contract: complicated law firm separation with multiple issues
- Contract: dispute involving asbestos coverage claims, complex issues and multiple insurance carriers; case settled with rigorous post-mediation follow-up
- Employment: claims of sexual harassment; post-mediation follow-up assisted parties in overcoming impasse
- Fiduciary Duty: complicated insurance coverage issues involving several parties
- Insurance Coverage: dispute between primary insurer and excess insurer
- Personal Injury: dispute involving workers’ compensation lien and coverage issues; case settled with post-mediation efforts
- Personal Injury: matter involving a dental malpractice claim, settled with post-mediation efforts
- Shareholder Dispute: issues included oppression, breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty
- Trade Secrets: unusual case which necessitated a creative mediated settlement to continue parties’ business relationship
Professional Activities and Awards
- Member, Chicago Bar Association (CBA)
- Member, Illinois Judges Association
- Member, Former Futures and Commodity Membership
Presentations and Publications
- Presenter, “Mediation in the Chancery Division: The Year in Review,” Illinois State Bar Association, Alternative Dispute Resolution Section
- Presenter, “Declaratory Judgment Relief on Insurance Coverage Disputes,” CBA, Tort Committee
- Presenter, “Developments in Class Action Law,” CBA, Consumer Law and Class Action Committee
- Presenter, “Remedies Available in the Chancery Division,” CBA, Solo and Small Practice Committee
- Presenter, “Remedies Available in the Chancery Division,” CBA, Commercial Litigation Section
- Presenter, “Equitable Remedies,” CBA, Class Action Committee
- Presenter, “Class Action Settlements,” CBA, Consumer Law and Class Action Committee
- Presenter, “Shareholder Remedies Under the Illinois Business Corporation Act,” CBA, Corporation and Business Law Committee
- Presenter, “Developments in Class Action Law,” CBA, Class Action Committee
- Presenter, “Chancery Judges’ Roundtable on Procedures and Remedies in the Chancery Division,” CBA, Commercial Litigation Committee
- Presenter, “Accounting Actions,” CBA, Civil Practice Committee
- Presenter, numerous Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs for ADR Systems on various topics
Education
- JD, Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law
- BBA, Southern Methodist University
Admissions
- Illinois State Bar
Disclosure
I served as a Cook County Circuit Court Judge for about 20 years and subsequently, I have been a mediator and arbitrator since 2013. Many attorneys and their law firms with clients, witnesses, representatives and participants have appeared before me. In addition, I am listed as a neutral with ADR Systems, and there may be attorneys who are also listed as neutrals with ADR Systems. Prior to serving as a judge, I was an attorney practicing law.
The disclosures listed above will not affect my neutrality in this matter.