About the Firm
Webber & Thies, P.C. is a full-service law firm based in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois (the home of the University of Illinois) serving the legal needs of business and individual clients throughout the State of Illinois and beyond.
Aside from being exceptional practitioners, our lawyers have a strong and demonstrated commitment to professional and community causes. We continually work to live up to the high standards of those who have made the firm what it is today – a leader in client service, the legal profession, and our community.
5 of our lawyers serve / have served with the American Bar Association, and 2 with the House of Delegates
2 of our lawyers have served as presidents of the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA)
The firm’s offices are in the Trade Centre office building, within view of Champaign-Urbana’s Memorial Stadium and State Farm Center, just west of the University of Illinois campus.
More Than 70 Years of Exceptional Service
The collective careers of the firm’s namesakes have had an enormous impact on not just our lawyers and clients, but on the Champaign-Urbana community and the legal profession as a whole
Our Founders
Charles M. Webber
Former Champaign County Judge Charles M. Webber founded Webber & Thies, P.C. in 1946. While a judge, he was president of the Illinois County and Probate Judges Association – which ultimately became the Illinois Judges Association. In 1988, Webber was awarded its “Judge’s Judge” Award, recognizing a lifetime of “exceptional service” that “brought honor and respect, not only to himself, his family and community, but also to all judges of the State of Illinois.”
Richard L. Thies
Our other named shareholder, Richard L. Thies, joined the firm as an associate in 1955 before leaving to serve in the United States Air Force (JAGD) from 1956-1958. He returned as a firm partner in 1958, and continued to play an active role as our senior shareholder until his death in 2021.
Among other high offices within our profession, he served as president of the Illinois State Bar Association, past Chair of the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation, and past Illinois State Delegate of the American Bar Association.
Law Clerk Program
Many fine lawyers, judges, and corporate leaders started their professional lives as law students working for Webber & Thies. Our law clerk program draws upon the high caliber students at the University of Illinois College of Law and provides them with hands-on experience.
We offer full-time clerk opportunities during the summer and prefer commitments of 15-20 hours per week during the semester for students with an outstanding academic record and exceptional communication skills.
If you are interested in applying to our program, please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected].
The law clerk program at Webber Thies provided me an experience that I could have never gotten out of any classroom. It was exhilarating, and a little frightening… These 15 hours out of each week gave real meaning to many long hours of book-study.
Ruthanne Hammett
Partner, Thompson Coburn LLP
Former Webber & Thies Clerk
My time at Webber & Thies was one of the best and most memorable experiences. Aside from working with friendly, smart, and hardworking associates and partners, I gained real experience working on substantive work. Without a doubt, I became a better aspiring attorney because of my time there.
Joseph V. Anderson
Winston & Strawn, LLP
Former Webber & Thies Clerk
While in law school, I was thrilled to be offered a clerking position at the firm. I learned the law at Illinois, but at Webber & Thies I learned the practice of law from some of the best. My senior year I chose my classes based around only one criteria—my clerking schedule at the firm. It was the best education.
Hon. Mark A. Drummond
Retired Judge, Illinois Eighth Judicial Circuit
Former Webber & Thies Clerk
I consider myself fortunate to have participated in the clerkship program at Webber & Thies. It gave me my first opportunity to apply the concepts I learned in law school to real life situations. And it provided a solid foundation for me at the beginning of my legal career.
Thomas P. Sandquist
Partner, Williams McCarthy LLP
Former Webber & Thies Clerk
My clerkship with Webber & Thies was a unique part of my legal education at the University of Illinois College of Law. The knowledge and technical skills I learned from the firm’s attorneys were directly related to the extensive depth and breadth of expertise of those attorneys. For four decades, that special law clerk experience has been a career cornerstone. And, most of all, the integrity, ethical standards, and client focus that the clerks witnessed at the firm every day continue as professional guideposts for us all.
Gregory D. Willard
Doster, Ullom & Boyle, LLC
Former Webber & Thies Clerk
What Sets Us Apart
Versatility
We have handled litigation matters at virtually every level of the legal system, including jury and bench trials, as well as appeals. At the same time, we strive to help clients reach their full potential; one way is by serving as general counsel for small and medium-sized businesses.
Creativity
We are problem solvers and don’t limit our work to just traditional litigation — we are open to alternative approaches to dispute resolution such as arbitration and mediation. We work with clients to determine the most cost-effective approach to obtaining a solution, including when appropriate, using billing methods other than strict hourly fees.
Intensity
Our lawyers are recognized across the state (and beyond) for the skill, tenacity, and precision one expects from firms in larger legal markets.
Collaboration
Webber & Thies is proud to be one of only two Illinos law firms to be a member of Legus International, a global network of law firms providing ready access to over 2,500 lawyers. As a member, we place and receive referrals with other reputable Legus International firms when needed; this is a tremendous resource for our W&T clients.
Ingenuity
Trust us to solve the most difficult legal problems with resourcefulness and creativity. We have a breadth of legal experience and a deep understanding of non-legal fields which allows us to bring every resource to bear.
Cost-Effectiveness
Our rates are competitive with other firms in Central Illinois (and are far lower than comparable firms in Chicago). We are committed to delivering value in every matter.