William R. Rodgers

William Rodgers is an attorney in the business and corporate practice in Shipman's Boston office. For more than four decades, Bill has served as trusted counsel to entrepreneurs, business owners, boards of directors, and investors. Clients rely on his judgment in guiding complex corporate transactions and his steady leadership in structuring and negotiating deals that balance opportunity with risk.

Bill represents businesses throughout their full life cycle, from formation and early-stage financings to growth transactions, restructurings, and exit strategies. He has led clients through high-value mergers and acquisitions, recapitalizations, and management-led buyouts, often involving cross-border elements. His work regularly includes negotiating equity and debt financings, establishing strategic alliances, and facilitating financings for start-ups and family-owned enterprises. He also routinely serves as outside general counsel, advising on day-to-day governance, commercial contracts, shareholder matters, and real estate transactions.

Known for his practical approach, Bill integrates legal strategy with business objectives. He has counseled clients across diverse industries including manufacturing, technology, healthcare, media, e-commerce, and professional services. Representative transactions range from the $80 million sale of a media company to private equity, to venture financings for healthcare innovators, to structuring complex supply arrangements in mission-critical industries. Whether representing buyers, sellers, or investors, Bill is focused on delivering clarity and efficiency in even the most sophisticated matters.

Clients value Bill’s ability to anticipate challenges, design creative solutions, and build consensus among stakeholders. His long-standing relationships reflect not only technical strength but also a commitment to responsiveness and trust.  Regardless of the matter, Bill works to deliver efficient and effective results.

Bill was a founding member of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. and served as chair of that firm’s Corporate Department prior to joining Shipman.