2020 Trusted Advisers Attorney: William Beadle

With 22 years as a litigator, William Beadle knows what works – and what doesn’t work – in the courtroom.

That’s needed peace of mind for clients who are injured, whether through an auto accident or while at work.

“When a client needs answers on what steps they should take and what the likely outcome will be in their situation, I am able to give them sound advice, which is based on knowledge and not guesswork,” he says. “Clients want and need as much certainty as possible in the uncertain arena of litigation.”

Now a partner, Beadle joined what became Tolbert & Beadle LLC in 2000. That was after his first job practicing at the Law Offices of Gary Green after college. He attended Bradley University in Illinois for his undergraduate education and went on to earn his Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University in 1998.

Over the years, he’s tried over 25 jury cases across the state. But with two decades under his belt, Beadle says no two cases or clients are alike. It’s easy to rush to conclusions about what a client wants or needs, he says, but a trusted attorney takes time to help clients make the best informed choice for themselves.

“I have been able to help my clients resolve their cases with as little risk as possible,” he says. “Patience and listening are vital to truly understanding the issues facing the client and how to best serve that particular client.”

He says providing that level of service for a client means consulting with experts and countless hours of research. A few years ago, Beadle says he took a case involving an alleged defect in road markings. In order to effectively represent the client, his team spent hundreds of hours working with industry experts to learn about the standard of care needed in designing and placing road markings. He says the case ended with a successful resolution for the client.

“Given the unique situations of certain aspects of my clients’ cases, it is always imperative to think outside the box,” he says.

Business partner Terry Tolbert says he has witnessed Beadle’s commitment to clients firsthand for the past 20 years.

“Litigation is an uncertain sea of turbidity and he offers the client a safe harbor with sound advice and reasoned logic based on his experience as a litigator,” Tolbert says.

Outside of his practice work, Beadle is involved in numerous industry organizations. He serves on the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys’ Board of Governors and as a copy editor for the group’s quarterly magazine. He also is a member of the American Association for Justice and the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association.

In the community, Beadle is a volunteer and financial supporter of Isabel’s House and serves as an assistant scoutmaster and committee member with Nixa Boy Scout Troop 200.

“Working as a positive influence for young men to learn leadership and problem solving skills as they grow is a very rewarding experience,” he says.