ABOUT WILLIAM M. ABBOTT
William M. Abbott is a respected attorney with over 45 years of experience helping clients throughout Jackson County and South-Central Michigan. Known for his steady counsel and thoughtful approach, he has built a reputation for integrity, clarity, and a strong commitment to his clients.
Early Life and Education
A lifelong resident of Jackson County, William Abbott's roots in the community run deep. He graduated magna cum laude from Albion College in 1972, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree and membership in Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's oldest academic honor society.
He went on to earn his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 1975, graduating cum laude. That academic foundation laid the groundwork for a legal career guided by discipline, insight, and a practical sense of problem-solving.
Legal Career
William Abbott was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 1975. His practice includes:
Business & Corporate Law
Labor & Employment Law
Acquisitions
Employee Benefits
School Law
Real Estate Transactions
He is admitted to practice before:
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan (1978)
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit (1978)
The U.S. Tax Court (1980)
Mr. Abbott holds an AV® Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting the high regard in which he is held by peers and clients alike for his legal knowledge and ethical standards.
Professional Memberships
American Bar Association
State Bar of Michigan (Taxation, Corporations, and Labor & Employment Law Sections)
Jackson County Bar Association
He also speaks French and is conversational in Spanish, underscoring a broader interest in culture and communication.
Community Involvement
William Abbott has been an active member of the Jackson community for decades. He has served on the boards of:
John George Student Loan Fund (1970-2020)
Family Services and Children’s Aid
He also coached volleyball in the Hanover-Horton school district for 25 years, including 12 years as varsity coach and 2 State Championships. Today, he serves as President of the Jackson Area Volleyball Association and sits on the board of the Michigan Interscholastic Volleyball Coaches Association.
Personal Values and Philosophy
At the heart of William Abbott’s work is a belief in providing honest, reliable legal advice. Clients know him as a good listener, a careful thinker, and someone who takes the time to offer straightforward guidance when it matters most.
Whether advising business owners, navigating real estate transactions, or resolving employment matters, he brings legal know-how, strong judgment, and local understanding to every case.
