William H. Roberts

William H. Roberts
Retired Partner and General Counsel

Biography

IN MEMORIAM:

September 3, 2024

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of our dear friend and colleague Bill Roberts.

Bill joined Blank Rome 1972 in our litigation department, following his graduation from Penn Law School and a judicial clerkship. For 49 years, Bill guided our clients and our firm through challenges and opportunities alike. From associate, to partner, to serving as our firm’s General Counsel from 2009 until his retirement in 2021, Bill exemplified our Blank Rome culture in everything he did.

As Bill was transitioning to his well-deserved retirement, we compiled a book of personal notes from colleagues across the firm and some of the words that were used to describe Bill included wise, Renaissance man, distinguished, calm, patient, friend, brilliant, mentor, inspirational, sage, ethical, pragmatic, supportive, kind, funny, honest, and reliable.

Blank Rome would not be where it is today without Bill’s unmatched contributions, sound advice, and steadfast commitment to the success of his colleagues and the firm. The same is true for many of us who were fortunate enough to call him our colleague and friend.

Bill’s Biography:

William Roberts concentrates his practice in the field of antitrust litigation and counseling, and complex commercial litigation, including class actions, trials and appeals in federal and state courts principally in the following areas:

  • Antitrust litigation and counseling
  • International cartel litigation
  • Defamation and First Amendment issues
  • Professional responsibility and legal malpractice

Bill previously served as General Counsel of Blank Rome LLP.

Experience

  • Represented, in many cases, corporations and individuals in civil and criminal antitrust litigation, including international cartel cases and defense of private class actions alleging price-fixing.
  • A steel corporation before the Supreme Court of the United States, in a stockholders' derivative action involving First Amendment protection of corporate advertisements under federal election campaign finance laws and implied private rights of action. 
  • A major oil company as amicus curiae, in landmark First Amendment cases in the Supreme Court of the United States.
  • Residential builders, in labor/antitrust/RICO treble-damage action against local unions involving union actions at residential development sites.
  • A regional transit authority, in litigation related to standards for paid non-commercial advertising concerning an alleged public health issue, and enforceability of rules regulating time, place and manner of constitutionally protected activities throughout its rail, subway, bus and elevated rail stations paid areas, and platforms.
  • A port authority, in public forum doctrine litigation with unions over access to major interstate bridge for march and demonstration.
  • An electric utility, in appellate tax matters.

News & Views

See all News and Views

Recognitions

2021–2024, Antitrust Law in Philadelphia, listed in The Best Lawyers in America©

Affiliations

Memberships

  • American Bar Association
  • Philadelphia Bar Association
Professional Activities

Bill is trustee of the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society and Marlboro Music School and Festival. He also serves on the board of directors for the Tempesta di Mare Baroque Chamber Orchestra. Bill is chairman of the board of trustees for the Harvard Review of Philosophy.

Credentials

Education

  • Harvard University, AB, cum laude
  • University of Pennsylvania Law School, JD
Languages
  • French
  • Greek
  • Latin

A description of the standard or methodology on which the accolades are based can be found here.