Sir William Rawlinson (1640–1703) was an English serjeant-at-law and Commissioner for the Great Seal of the Realm between 1688 and 1693.
[1] His father had captained in a troop of parliamentary volunteers during the civil war, serving at Marston Moor and Ribble Bridge.
[8] In November 1690 he gave evidence before the House of Lords against the bill to reform the abuses of the court of chancery, and was allowed a chair in view of his infirmities.
[9][10] Rawlinson acted as commissioner of the seal for three years, but in March 1693 Sir John Somers became sole keeper.
Somers also opposed the king's proposal to appoint Rawlinson chief Baron of the Exchequer to replace Sir Robert Atkyns, arguing that he was ignorant of common law.