Perkins Coie Names Nancy Williams Seattle Office Managing Partner

SEATTLE (July 10, 2007) – Perkins Coie announced that its Executive Committee has appointed Nancy Williams to the new position of Seattle office managing partner. She will also succeed Graham Fernald as personnel partner. Fernald recently retired after 45 years of service with the firm.

Williams joined the firm in 1981 and has served in numerous leadership positions, including on the firm's Executive Committee, Partner Compensation Committee, and Personnel Committee and as head of the Seattle Labor practice. A partner in the firm's national Labor & Employment practice, she has been representing companies in labor and employment law for more than 25 years. She counsels employers and represents them in litigation on equal employment opportunity, discipline and discharge, and a wide variety of other employment issues.

"Nancy is a talented lawyer and a natural leader," said Bob Giles, firmwide managing partner. "We are confident that she will do well in managing these two new roles while maintaining an active practice. We also want to thank Graham for his many years of service. For the past 20 years, he has played an integral role in the management of the firm."

Williams is an active member in the American Bar Association and the Washington State Bar Association, especially in the labor and litigation areas. She is also just starting a term as Central District trustee for the King County Bar Association (KCBA), and she just completed a term as Chair of the KCBA Labor & Employment Law Section.

"I have always appreciated the many opportunities I have had to grow my career at Perkins Coie," said Williams. "I look forward to playing a vital role in the ongoing growth of the firm, particularly in Seattle."