About William R.
William R. Skinner earned his J.D. from Stanford Law School in 2005 after completing a B.A. in History at the University of California, Berkeley in 2001. His academic background combined a liberal arts undergraduate education with three years of law study in Palo Alto. Those years at Berkeley and Stanford shaped his approach to legal research and writing and gave him a grounding in historical perspective that informs his legal analysis.
After law school Skinner entered private practice. He has worked at Fenwick & West LLP, a firm known for representing companies and individuals in commercial and technology-related matters. At Fenwick he has been part of teams advising clients, drafting agreements and appearing for clients in negotiations. His work there has required careful attention to documents, a steady command of deadlines and collaborative work with colleagues across disciplines.
Colleagues describe Skinner as methodical in his preparation. He brings the habits of historical inquiry—reading primary sources closely, situating facts in context—to legal problems. That approach translates into detailed briefs, focused discovery efforts and comprehensive transactional work. He has handled both client counseling and the transactional drafting that supports business deals, relying on precise legal research and clear written explanations.
Skinner has maintained his practice in California. His courtroom appearances and client meetings have been concentrated in the state, and he remains admitted to practice there. Inside the firm he has worked with attorneys across practice areas, contributing on matters that require coordination between corporate, intellectual property and commercial teams.
Outside of client work, Skinner's earlier study of history continues to inform his perspective on legal issues. He views precedent and documentary records as tools for understanding not only what the law is, but why particular solutions make sense in a given dispute or transaction. That analytical lens underpins the practical legal advice he provides to clients.
He currently practices at Fenwick & West LLP in California, handling matters for the firm’s clients.
