Bill has been practicing law since 1975. He graduated from Kansas State Teachers College (now Emporia State University) in 1968. After spending four years in the Navy, he returned to law school at Washburn University, graduating with his juris doctor in 1975.

Bill is admitted to practice in all Kansas Courts, incluing the U.S. District Court of Kansas.

Bill has represented the City of Manhattan, as City Attorney, since 1978. He is a member of the Riley County (president, 1982) and Kansas Bar Associations. He is a member of the City Attorney Association of Kansas, serving on the Board of Directors since 1990.

Bill's wife, Carlene, has taught 8th grade English for 30 years. They have three adult children.