By R. Johnson
Ronda F. Williams is a dynamic attorney who serves as corporate counsel for SAVVIS Communications Corporation. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Ronda F. Williams grew up in North St. Louis County. Williams is the daughter of Roger Williams, a Union Pacific Railroad retiree and her late mother Cittie Williams. She also has a sister, Robyn Goins, who is an Instructional Coach with the St. Louis Public Schools. Williams was raised by her father and late grandmother Ida Dawkins, a domestic worker.
During her senior year at Hazelwood East, Williams went on a college tour of Hampton University. The beautiful and prestigious institution sits along the Chesapeake Bay and is renowned for educating the legendary graduate - Booker T. Washington. Williams met with professors in the business school, assessed the education she would receive and determined Hampton University would be the best school for her to receive a college education. While at Hampton, she was a recognized Dean’s Scholar and recipient of the Dean’s Graduate Achievement Award.
After graduating from college, Williams returned to St. Louis to be near her elderly 90-year-old grandmother and entered the business sector where she remained about five years before making the decision to attend law school.
Although her family was very supportive during her collegiate and graduate studies, her father had concerns about her return to school to pursue a law degree. With the help of her father, Williams was able to graduate from college debt free. Her father was only able to study one year of college before being drafted into the army to serve his country in the Vietnam War. Thus, he questioned her decision to return to school to become a lawyer. Along with his feelings that the world already had too many lawyers, he was apprehensive about her choice to become encumbered with school debt. He eventually came around.
Williams applied to two area law schools. One institution placed her on a waiting list for acceptance. However, she was granted immediate admission to Saint Louis University’s School of Law ("SLU"). Williams eventually was offered placement to both law schools. However combined with SLU’s early acceptance and offer of scholarship funds, her choice to attend SLU was made easy.
Williams soon discovered her admittance to law school would present numerous challenges, including juggling the enormous workload and meeting her existing financial obligations. Not working her first year in law school made meeting her financial responsibilities tough. Williams also struggled with the unfamiliar experience of not being at the top of her class, which affected her employment pursuits. Frequently law firms that made campus visits only interviewed students in the top 10% of the class. Williams, who was accustomed to receiving top grades, had to deal with and overcome the difficulties this presented.
During law school, Williams worked as a law clerk for Dorothy White Coleman (White Coleman & Associates, LLC), which led to her being hired as an associate. Williams also served as a Judicial Law Intern for the Honorable Kathianne Knaup Crane. Williams’ exceptional performance as Crane’s intern garnered her a stellar evaluation, which caught the attention of a court administrator. Her resume was forwarded for consideration to fill the Honorable Booker T. Shaw's clerkship position. Ironically, Williams who really enjoyed her time as an intern had also begun pursuing judicial clerkships. Unfortunately, after submitting several applications, Williams was not called for an interview. On the advice of a colleague, and the last day to submit an application, Williams applied to one last judge – Judge Shaw. The next day she received a call for an interview and the rest is history. Williams later learned she had been selected for an interview prior to her own resume submission.
Williams initially wanted a career that would allow her to utilize her business background and law degree, until her unanticipated interest in clerking evolved. However with her clerkship experience, the natural progression was for her to move toward trial work and litigation.
After clerking two years for Judge Shaw, Williams accepted a position at Fox Galvin, LLC. as an associate where she focused on trial preparation, motions and appellate work. Fox Galvin was a good fit. It was an intimate environment where she was afforded the opportunity to learn many things and grow as an advocate.
Although she enjoyed her time at Fox Galvin, Williams never lost the desire to incorporate her business acumen with her law degree. A chance meeting with Eugene Defelice, the General Counsel for SAVVIS Communication Corporation gave her the opportunity to achieve her ultimate goal. Williams and Defelice met at an employment seminar (hosted by the Mound City Bar Association); and Defelice encouraged her to apply for the corporate counsel opening at SAVVIS.
SAVVIS is an international internet technology company that deals with medium to large size companies/businesses. It has office locations in Singapore, Japan and the United Kingdom but is headquartered in Town & Country, Missouri (St. Louis County). Williams has found the corporate environment to be extremely satisfying. She is finally at a place where she is able to incorporate both her business background and legal knowledge in her profession, which includes: purchasing, contract drafting and negotiation. Another perk – no billable hours.
Williams also teaches a Legal Issues in Business Organizations, a business law course, at Saint Louis University’s School for Professional Studies. Williams began class instruction while clerking to supplement her income and discovered she really enjoyed the interaction with students. Williams teaches her first online class this semester and has found the online discussions equally rewarding. Williams generally teaches working adults and even though her class is a required course, the students are extremely motivated to do well. Williams occasionally receives student feedback and appreciates their comments especially when they convey how their studies have been applied to their daily lives.
Williams maintains a very full life. Finding balance is a test. However, she tries to include her family and friends in all of the various memberships and activities in which she is involved. Williams' memberships and activities include inter alias: Young Lawyers for Obama, Co-Chair; Regional Director, National Bar Association; Bravo Performing Arts Center, Board Member; Kids in the Middle, Inc., Board Member; Association of Corporate Counsel, Member; League of Black Women, Member; Read Across America, Volunteer; and St. Louis Aids Foundation, Volunteer.
In 2008, Williams was elected President Elect of the Mound City Bar Association ("MCBA"). She will serve as MCBA President in 2009. As President, her objectives will include bridging the gap between recent graduates and seasoned attorneys to create more opportunities for its membership.
When asked what advice she would offer other attorneys, it was simply put: never be afraid to ask questions. If you don’t feel comfortable with the folks around, there is always somebody who will be able to give you an answer. No matter the question - don’t assume you are the only one that does not know the answer. There is always someone who is willing to provide you with guidance.
Williams reflected on one memorable moment in her legal career. An early experience as a litigation attorney required Williams to travel to a small remote Missouri county to argue a complex motion. Opposing counsel was very surprised at her thorough preparation and grasp of the issues and complemented her handling of the matter after the hearing. The Judge granted her motion before she made it back to the office.
In her career, Williams occasionally has encountered situations where she has been underestimated but has come out victorious. Williams is skilled in her trade and strives for excellence so her success is no surprise. With her dedication and tenacity, Ronda Williams’ career will continue to blossom. She is definitely someone with a bright future on the horizons.
Ronda F. Williams is a dynamic attorney who serves as corporate counsel for SAVVIS Communications Corporation. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Ronda F. Williams grew up in North St. Louis County. Williams is the daughter of Roger Williams, a Union Pacific Railroad retiree and her late mother Cittie Williams. She also has a sister, Robyn Goins, who is an Instructional Coach with the St. Louis Public Schools. Williams was raised by her father and late grandmother Ida Dawkins, a domestic worker.
During her senior year at Hazelwood East, Williams went on a college tour of Hampton University. The beautiful and prestigious institution sits along the Chesapeake Bay and is renowned for educating the legendary graduate - Booker T. Washington. Williams met with professors in the business school, assessed the education she would receive and determined Hampton University would be the best school for her to receive a college education. While at Hampton, she was a recognized Dean’s Scholar and recipient of the Dean’s Graduate Achievement Award.
After graduating from college, Williams returned to St. Louis to be near her elderly 90-year-old grandmother and entered the business sector where she remained about five years before making the decision to attend law school.
Although her family was very supportive during her collegiate and graduate studies, her father had concerns about her return to school to pursue a law degree. With the help of her father, Williams was able to graduate from college debt free. Her father was only able to study one year of college before being drafted into the army to serve his country in the Vietnam War. Thus, he questioned her decision to return to school to become a lawyer. Along with his feelings that the world already had too many lawyers, he was apprehensive about her choice to become encumbered with school debt. He eventually came around.
Williams applied to two area law schools. One institution placed her on a waiting list for acceptance. However, she was granted immediate admission to Saint Louis University’s School of Law ("SLU"). Williams eventually was offered placement to both law schools. However combined with SLU’s early acceptance and offer of scholarship funds, her choice to attend SLU was made easy.
Williams soon discovered her admittance to law school would present numerous challenges, including juggling the enormous workload and meeting her existing financial obligations. Not working her first year in law school made meeting her financial responsibilities tough. Williams also struggled with the unfamiliar experience of not being at the top of her class, which affected her employment pursuits. Frequently law firms that made campus visits only interviewed students in the top 10% of the class. Williams, who was accustomed to receiving top grades, had to deal with and overcome the difficulties this presented.
During law school, Williams worked as a law clerk for Dorothy White Coleman (White Coleman & Associates, LLC), which led to her being hired as an associate. Williams also served as a Judicial Law Intern for the Honorable Kathianne Knaup Crane. Williams’ exceptional performance as Crane’s intern garnered her a stellar evaluation, which caught the attention of a court administrator. Her resume was forwarded for consideration to fill the Honorable Booker T. Shaw's clerkship position. Ironically, Williams who really enjoyed her time as an intern had also begun pursuing judicial clerkships. Unfortunately, after submitting several applications, Williams was not called for an interview. On the advice of a colleague, and the last day to submit an application, Williams applied to one last judge – Judge Shaw. The next day she received a call for an interview and the rest is history. Williams later learned she had been selected for an interview prior to her own resume submission.
Williams initially wanted a career that would allow her to utilize her business background and law degree, until her unanticipated interest in clerking evolved. However with her clerkship experience, the natural progression was for her to move toward trial work and litigation.
After clerking two years for Judge Shaw, Williams accepted a position at Fox Galvin, LLC. as an associate where she focused on trial preparation, motions and appellate work. Fox Galvin was a good fit. It was an intimate environment where she was afforded the opportunity to learn many things and grow as an advocate.
Although she enjoyed her time at Fox Galvin, Williams never lost the desire to incorporate her business acumen with her law degree. A chance meeting with Eugene Defelice, the General Counsel for SAVVIS Communication Corporation gave her the opportunity to achieve her ultimate goal. Williams and Defelice met at an employment seminar (hosted by the Mound City Bar Association); and Defelice encouraged her to apply for the corporate counsel opening at SAVVIS.
SAVVIS is an international internet technology company that deals with medium to large size companies/businesses. It has office locations in Singapore, Japan and the United Kingdom but is headquartered in Town & Country, Missouri (St. Louis County). Williams has found the corporate environment to be extremely satisfying. She is finally at a place where she is able to incorporate both her business background and legal knowledge in her profession, which includes: purchasing, contract drafting and negotiation. Another perk – no billable hours.
Williams also teaches a Legal Issues in Business Organizations, a business law course, at Saint Louis University’s School for Professional Studies. Williams began class instruction while clerking to supplement her income and discovered she really enjoyed the interaction with students. Williams teaches her first online class this semester and has found the online discussions equally rewarding. Williams generally teaches working adults and even though her class is a required course, the students are extremely motivated to do well. Williams occasionally receives student feedback and appreciates their comments especially when they convey how their studies have been applied to their daily lives.
Williams maintains a very full life. Finding balance is a test. However, she tries to include her family and friends in all of the various memberships and activities in which she is involved. Williams' memberships and activities include inter alias: Young Lawyers for Obama, Co-Chair; Regional Director, National Bar Association; Bravo Performing Arts Center, Board Member; Kids in the Middle, Inc., Board Member; Association of Corporate Counsel, Member; League of Black Women, Member; Read Across America, Volunteer; and St. Louis Aids Foundation, Volunteer.
In 2008, Williams was elected President Elect of the Mound City Bar Association ("MCBA"). She will serve as MCBA President in 2009. As President, her objectives will include bridging the gap between recent graduates and seasoned attorneys to create more opportunities for its membership.
When asked what advice she would offer other attorneys, it was simply put: never be afraid to ask questions. If you don’t feel comfortable with the folks around, there is always somebody who will be able to give you an answer. No matter the question - don’t assume you are the only one that does not know the answer. There is always someone who is willing to provide you with guidance.
Williams reflected on one memorable moment in her legal career. An early experience as a litigation attorney required Williams to travel to a small remote Missouri county to argue a complex motion. Opposing counsel was very surprised at her thorough preparation and grasp of the issues and complemented her handling of the matter after the hearing. The Judge granted her motion before she made it back to the office.
In her career, Williams occasionally has encountered situations where she has been underestimated but has come out victorious. Williams is skilled in her trade and strives for excellence so her success is no surprise. With her dedication and tenacity, Ronda Williams’ career will continue to blossom. She is definitely someone with a bright future on the horizons.
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