Bill is a native of Tacoma, Washington, having attended elementary through High School and graduating from Wilson High School in 1968. 

He served in the U.S. Army and while there began his legal career. He supervised a brigade legal section supporting commanding officers in their judicial and administrative duties under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and administrative regulations.

Upon his return, he completed his undergraduate work at the University of Washington. In 1975 he received his B.A. in history and political science.

In 1978 he received his Juris Doctorate degree at the University of Puget Sound School of Law. He began as a lawyer for the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney's office and was later hired to do defense work for a local firm.  He opened his own practice thereafter and has been practicing as a solo practitioner for over thirty-five years.

He serves as Judge Pro Tempore for the Pierce County District, Tacoma Municipal and Roy Municipal Courts.