Our Professionals
Bill Schrank
I consider myself a “Minne-Zonan”, having strong ties to both Minnesota and Arizona, and being a fan of all sports teams from both states. Luverne, Minnesota, a small town in southwest rural Minnesota, is where I enjoyed the first 18 years of my life before attending Concordia College ( Go Cobbers!) in Moorhead, MN for four years. Then began my southward migration, with a fun 3 year layover in Lincoln, Nebraska to obtain my law degree ( Go Cornhuskers!). Since then, I’ve spent my entire legal career in Phoenix, AZ. After more than three decades with the same law firm, I’m excited to join O’Connor & Dyet and reconnect with my long time friend, Dan O’ Connor.
My wife, Tami, and I are empty-nesters. Our daughter and her family live in Denver, and our son and his family live in Chandler, AZ. My distractions away from work include almost every team sport, exercising, photography, and adventure travel - biking in Europe; biking, hiking and water sports in Costa Rica; driving and hiking in Ireland, and snowmobiling in the Rockies.
Areas of Practice
My legal practice is characterized by the five “E” words – experienced , ethical, effective, efficient, and energized – and includes defense of commercial vehicle accidents involving serious injuries and fatalities. I have been a member of the Trucking Industry Defense Association for more than 20 years, and served as a Board Member and General Counsel for nine years. My practice also includes defending dram shop matters, premise liability accidents, , general tort cases, claims evaluation and negotiations, mediations, arbitrations, trials, and risk management review of company safety manuals and website content.
Memberships & Associations
Arizona Association of Defense Counsel (AADC)
Arizona State Bar Association
Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA)
Licenses & Admissions
State of Arizona, 1984
U.S. Federal District Court, 1984
Law
University of Nebraska College of Law, J.D., with Distinction, 1984
Order of the Coif Order of the Barrister Allen Moot Court Board
Phi Delta Phi Nebraska Law Review
Undergraduate
Concordia College, B.A., Biology, summa cum laude, 1979
Publications
“Proposed Business Guidelines From Defense Counsel” (2018)
“Getting to the Sobering Truth of a Dram Shop Case” ( 2017)
“Discovery Tips for Determining Value of Wrongful Death Claims (2010)
Distinctions
The Best Lawyers in America®, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, 2020
AV Preeminent Rated 5.0 by Martindale Hubbell
Arizona Finest Lawyers
Top Attorney in Insurance Law (2014)