Hon. Richard J. Billik, Jr., (Ret.)

Hon. 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.

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