Biography Photo of William P Shield

William P. Shield, Jr.

Member

William P. Shield Jr, a Member based in Dickinson Wright’s Detroit office, focuses his practice in banking and finance law. He has served as counsel to agent banks and bank groups in numerous other commercial lending transactions, including restructurings and other refinancing's, secured and unsecured credits, acquisition and spin-off financings, start-up and joint venture financings and construction lending, and beyond. William has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America® and has been awarded “Lawyer of the Year” in 2017 & 2021.

Education & Credentials

Education

University of Michigan

B.S.E.E., 1981
  • magna cum laude

University of Michigan Law School

J.D., 1984

Bar Admission

  • Michigan1984

Acknowledgements

  • Chambers USA, America's Leading Lawyers for Business
    • Leading Individual, Banking and Finance, 2024
  • Best Lawyers in America®
    • Banking and Finance Law, 2023-2025
    • "Lawyer of the Year," Banking and Finance Law, 2021
    • "Lawyer of the Year," Banking and Finance Law, 2017
  • Michigan Super Lawyers®
    • Banking, 2023-2024
  • DBusiness Magazine
    • "Top Lawyers," Banking & Financial Services Law, 2023, 2025

Representative Clients

  • JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.
  • Bank of America, N.A.
  • PNC Bank, N.A.
  • The Huntington National Bank
  • Fifth Third Bank
  • Citizens Bank, N.A.

Prominent Assignments

Lead counsel to agent bank in numerous multibank, syndicated credit facilities and cross-border financings.

Counsel to senior lenders, subordinated lenders and borrowers in public and private subordinated debt financings.

Extensive experience in asset based and other secured lending, including general asset based lending and oil and gas, aircraft and other specialized collateral transactions.

Counsel to agent bank and bank groups in numerous other commercial lending transactions, including restructurings and other refinancings, secured and unsecured credits, acquisition and spin off financings, international multiple borrower financings, general working capital facilities, start up and joint venture financings and construction lending.

Local counsel to numerous out of state lenders, corporations and borrowers with respect to Michigan transactions.

Professional Involvement

  • State Bar of Michigan
  • Metropolitan Detroit Bar Association

Community Involvement

  • University YES Academy, Director
  • Grosse Pointe Hockey Association, Director

Publications/Presentations

  • Institute of Continuing Legal Education, contributing author, "Lender vs. Creditors in a Difficult Economic Environment"
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