Senior Counsel

Engeln, William M.

Profile & Practice Areas

William M. Engeln brings more than forty years of experience in general corporate and business law, including formation of corporations and limited liability companies, transactional real estate and estate planning for the benefit of his clients. Bill began his career in Chicago in 1980, practicing there until 1986 when he and his family moved to St. Joseph, Michigan and he joined a highly-respected firm. While he did not grow up in Southwest Michigan, after practicing law in the area for thirty-five years, Bill is deeply embedded in St. Joseph and knows the business community very well. He has represented many in the community over the years and has often represented multiple generations of business owners in the same family.

In the course of Bill’s career, his clients have consisted of financial institutions, closely-held businesses and individuals. He often negotiates and drafts various types of business contracts, including asset and stock acquisitions, and advises clients on business management, corporate governance and transition planning. Bill is proactive in assisting his clients to take the best course of action and to obtain results that are best suited for each client’s unique situation and goals.

Practice Areas

Professional Associations

  • State Bar of Michigan
  • Berrien County Bar Association
  • American Bar Association

Community Involvement

  • Krasl Art Center; Board of Directors; Vice President 1998-2000, President 2000-2002
  • Heritage Museum and Cultural Center; Board of Directors; Secretary 1996-1998, Vice President 1998-2000, President 2000-2002
  • Old St. Joseph Neighborhood Preservation Association; Board of Directors; Secretary 1994-1996, Vice President 1996-1998, President 1998-2002
  • Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library; Board of Trustees; 2014-2019; Treasurer 2017-2019, Member, 2020-2021