About William
William D. "Bill" Leader, Jr.: Experienced Trial Lawyer Protecting Your Rights in Nashville
For nearly four decades, William D. "Bill" Leader, Jr. has dedicated his career to advocating for individuals and families who have suffered serious injuries and losses due to negligence and wrongdoing. As a seasoned trial lawyer with an unparalleled track record, Bill is recognized as a preeminent legal counsel specializing in complex litigation across a broad range of devastating circumstances. He relentlessly pursues justice for those who have been harmed, leveraging his extensive experience and strategic approach to achieve the best possible outcomes for his clients.
Bill’s expertise encompasses a wide array of challenging cases, including medical malpractice, catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, defective products, and trucking/motor vehicle collisions. He has successfully represented clients in countless cases involving dangerous and defective products – from industrial machinery to consumer goods – gas explosions, negligent medical treatment, reckless operation of tractor-trailer trucks, and instances of bars overserving alcohol, as well as aviation crashes.
Beyond product liability and catastrophic accidents, Bill possesses a deep understanding of personal injury law and has consistently fought for the rights of victims of crime and assault. He has successfully represented individuals who have suffered injuries in lawsuits against apartment complexes, demonstrating a commitment to holding responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Bill’s commitment to excellence is reflected in his consistent recognition by leading legal organizations. He has earned an **AV Preeminent rating with Martindale-Hubbell**, the highest distinction awarded by his peers, recognizing his legal ability and ethical standards. This prestigious rating, coupled with his consistent inclusion in **Best Attorney USA (2003-Present)**, **Super Lawyers: Top 100 – Tennessee (2012-Present)** and **Super Lawyers: Top 50 – Nashville (2012-Present)**, firmly establishes Bill as one of the premier attorneys in the Nashville region. Furthermore, he has been continuously certified as a **Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy since 1992**—a testament to his mastery of courtroom procedure and trial advocacy techniques.
Throughout his distinguished career, Bill has been honored with numerous “Lawyer of the Year” awards, including **Lawyer of the Year: Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Nashville (2026), Lawyer of the Year: Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Nashville (2024), Lawyer of the Year: Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Nashville (2022), and Lawyer of the Year: Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs, Nashville (2012)**. These accolades are a direct result of his unwavering dedication to achieving favorable outcomes for his clients and his proven ability to win complex litigation.
Bill’s journey to becoming a leading trial lawyer is rooted in a strong foundation of service and dedication. He earned his undergraduate degree from **Vanderbilt University** and subsequently served four years on active duty in the United States Navy, primarily aboard a fast frigate, where he developed invaluable leadership skills and a disciplined approach to problem-solving. After his honorable discharge, he attended **Vanderbilt Law School** and graduated with his law degree, choosing to establish his practice in Nashville and build a legacy of protecting the rights of injured individuals and families.
Practice Areas:
Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs: Bill expertly handles a wide range of personal injury claims, including those arising from car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, slip and falls, and other negligence-related incidents. He utilizes his litigation skills to obtain maximum compensation for his clients, considering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs: Bill’s expertise in medical malpractice law allows him to investigate claims involving misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication errors, birth injuries, and other negligent acts by healthcare professionals. He fights tirelessly to secure compensation for his clients who have suffered harm due to substandard medical care.
Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs: Bill represents individuals who have been injured by defective products, including consumer goods, industrial equipment, and automotive parts. He possesses a deep understanding of product design, manufacturing, and regulatory standards, enabling him to build strong cases against manufacturers and distributors.
Professional Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs: Bill defends clients who have suffered damages due to negligence or misconduct by professionals, such as lawyers, accountants, architects, and engineers.
Premises Liability: Bill handles cases involving injuries sustained on unsafe premises due to negligence on the part of property owners or managers.
Wrongful Death: Bill provides compassionate legal representation to families who have lost a loved one due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party.
Special Focus: Catastrophic Injury, Civil Litigation, Medical Malpractice, Premises Liability, Wrongful Death
Education & Credentials:
Bar Admissions: National Board of Trial Advocacy (Civil Trial Specialist – Certified Since 1992)
Awards & Recognition:
- Lawyer of the Year: Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Nashville (2026, 2024, 2022)
- Lawyer of the Year: Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs, Nashville (2012)
- AV Preeminent Rating – Martindale-Hubbell
- Recognition in Best Attorney USA (2003-Present)
- Super Lawyers: Top 100 – Tennessee (2012-Present)
- Super Lawyers: Top 50 – Nashville (2012-Present)
Affiliations: National Board of Trial Advocacy, Tennessee Bar Association, Nashville Bar Association
Contact Information:
City: Nashville
State: Tennessee
Country: United States
Education
Awards & Recognition
- Lawyer of the Year: Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Nashville (2026)
- Lawyer of the Year: Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Nashville (2024)
- Lawyer of the Year: Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Nashville (2022)
- Lawyer of the Year: Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs, Nashville (2012)
- Recognized: Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
- Recognized: Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
- Practice Area: Personal Injury Litigation
- Practice Area: Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs
- Practice Area: Professional Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
- Special Focus: Catastrophic Injury
- Special Focus: Civil Litigation
- Special Focus: Medical Malpractice
- Special Focus: Premises Liability
- Special Focus: Wrongful Death