2021 YOUNG LAWYER Q&A

Simone T. Williams

Harman, Claytor, Corrigan & Wellman, Glen Allen

Title: Senior associate (civil litigation)

Legal specialties: Local government, automotive warranty litigation

Birthplace: Hampton

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Virginia Commonwealth University; law degree,
William & Mary School of Law

Children: Proud pet parent of Marley and Mason

First job as a lawyer: Legal advocate, Virginia Department of Corrections

Fan of: Traveling, family, the Dallas Cowboys

Recently read books: “American Dirt,” by Jeanine Cummins, and “The Perfect Librarian,” by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

Hobbies: Listening to podcasts and audiobooks, indoor cycling, shopping and relaxing

Favorite vacation spot: Santorini, Greece

Career mentors: U.S. Rep. Donald McEachin; Donald Gee and the partners at Harman, Claytor, Corrigan & Wellman (I literally can go to any one of the partners
for good career advice.)

How did your experience with the Virginia Department of Corrections assist you in your practice? VADOC was a perfect segue into my career as an attorney. While I did not have to follow the rules of evidence during administrative hearings, I learned how to prepare and question witnesses, give opening and closing arguments and apply the law.

How did you become interested in civil litigation? In law school, I worked at the Puller Veterans Benefits Clinic and obtained a passion for helping those in need. This led me to my first job as a civil litigation attorney.

Where do you see your career headed? I hope to continue to learn and grow to become one of the go-to civil litigation attorneys.