Portrait of Jaylan D. Williams

Jaylan D. Williams

Associate

Jaylan focuses his practice on commercial real estate law, representing clients in complex transactions involving acquisitions, dispositions, development, financing, leasing, zoning, land use, and entitlement matters. He regularly drafts and negotiates a wide range of real estate agreements and has experience advising buyers, sellers, investors, owners, landlords, and tenants across various asset classes.

Prior to joining UB Greensfelder, Jaylan represented clients in all stages of commercial real estate projects, from initial due diligence and deal structuring to closing and post-closing matters. His work often intersects with municipal approvals and regulatory compliance, allowing him to provide practical, business-oriented counsel that bridges legal precision and real-world execution.

During law school, Jaylan served as Vice President of the Black Law Student Association and received the Rickert Award for Excellence in Service, one of the highest honors at the University of Illinois College of Law, recognizing outstanding achievement and leadership.

    Education

    • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (B.A., 2016)
    • University of Illinois - Gies College of Business (M.B.A., 2020)
    • University of Illinois College of Law (J.D., 2020)
      • Rickert Award for Excellence in Service

    Bar Admissions

    • Illinois, 2020

    Professional Affiliations

    • American Bar Association
    • Chicago Bar Association
    • Cook County Bar Association

    Community Involvement

    • Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation (Associate Board Member)
    • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Chicago (Volunteer)

    Awards & Honors

    • Named to the Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Stars list, Real Estate (2026)
    • Named to Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, Real Estate Law (2023-2025)
    • Named Top 25 Scholar, Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation (2025)

    Publications & Presentations

    • “The Case for a Formal Illinois Hardest Hit Appeals Process,” Illinois State Bar Association Administrative Law Journal (December 2016)