Lake County attorney was best at law, laughter

Coming to the Lake County Courthouse won't be as much fun as it used to be.

In a place where fun can be hard to come by for most folks, Robert Will Jr. brought enough for everybody.

Will, 69, died Saturday after a brief illness.

He was one of the best at the business of criminal defense work, a passionate advocate and tireless worker for the underdog.

Will put the same energy into every misdemeanor case he took on that he did the highest-profile sex crime or murder charge he fought.

"He was truly an icon and a tremendous litigator," Chief Judge Christopher Starck said. "Juries respected him and listened to his every word."

A Waukegan native, Will received his law degree in 1962 and opened his own office a year later.

He served as chief public defender during the late 1960s when the position was still a part-time job, and formed a partnership with Thomas Briscoe in 1984.

"Our contract was a handshake and a hug," Briscoe said. "He was a slave to detail and when he went into court on a case, he was as prepared as anyone I have ever seen."

Will's love of the law was equaled only by his love of life and he was never too busy to share a joke, never too serious to smile.

The Green Bay Packers, Los Angles Dodgers, University of Illinois and the Republican Party were among his devotions, and Will was a delegate to the 1968 Republican National Convention.

"Everything about him was super-sized," Briscoe said. "He was a joy to be around, and a tremendous teacher."

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. Monday at the Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Road in Zion.

Funeral services will be Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. at Congdon, with interment to follow at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park in Zion.

Memorial donations to Kids Korner at the Lake County Courthouse have been suggested.

Nicasa rep named:ŒBill Hetland has been named Nicasa's representative in DUI courts at the Lake County Courthouse.

Hetland, who joined the Nicasa staff in 1990 after 21 years as a newspaper editor, replaces the recently retired George O'Connor.

"George was an exceptional and beloved ambassador of Nicasa's services to the court," said Nicasa chief Bruce Johnson. "Bill's enthusiasm, knowledge, years of experience and communication skills will prove to be valuable assets."

Nicasa is a community behavioral health and substance abuse prevention and treatment agency with offices in Round Lake, Waukegan, Buffalo Grove and North Chicago.

Hetland can be reached at (847) 244-4434.

Heard in the hallway:ŒLast month's rummage sale held to benefit the Lake County Council Against Sexual Assault raised more than $14,000 for the Gurnee-based organization.