Perkins Coie Attorney James Williams Named to PSBJ "40 Under 40"

SEATTLE (October 1, 2002) – James F. Williams, a partner in the Seattle office of law firm Perkins Coie, has been named to the Puget Sound Business Journal's "40 Under 40" list for 2002. This select group is described by the publication as the Puget Sound region's next generation of business leaders. The paper describes the 40 Under 40 program as a way to celebrate the rising stars in the local business community and recognize the young leaders "who have—despite the bumpy economy—demonstrated that they have a vision for the region's business future, business savvy beyond their years and the passion to take risks and make their dreams happen."

Co-workers, friends and other contacts may submit nominations, with the final selection made by a panel of judges who are active in the region's business community. Nominees are chosen based on their business history and philosophy, community involvement, commitment, persuasiveness, and recommendations from others.

Mr. Williams credits his success to the strong work ethic and other life lessons he gained growing up on his family's farm in Rembert, South Carolina. He attended the Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, graduating with honors, and earned his law degree from the University of Virginia. He served in the Judge Advocate General Corps of the U.S. Air Force before moving to Seattle and joining Perkins Coie, where he handles complex business litigation and civil trials, including commercial and military aircraft industry litigation, corporate plaintiff representation, government subcontract disputes, bankruptcy court adversary actions and federal and state agency litigation.

Mr. Williams was chosen as a member of Leadership Tomorrow, a Seattle Chamber of Commerce program that recognizes young members of the business community with outstanding potential. At Perkins Coie he co-chairs the Community Service Committee and has served on the King County Bar Association Judicial Screening Committee. He has served as President of the Loren Miller Bar Association, which is the Washington state affiliate of the National Bar Association. Washington Law & Politics magazine selected him as one of the "Rising Stars" in Washington Law in 2000 and has since twice named him as one of "Washington's Super Lawyers."