Danny C. Williams, Sr. Partner at Conner Winters
Danny is part of the firm's litigation group. He has extensive experience in commercial litigation particularly in the area of Eminent Domain. Prior to joining the firm Danny served as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma from August 2012 until March 2017. During his time as U.S. Attorney, he led several large investigations one of which resulted in the largest indictment in the history of the Northern District.
Q&A What is the most rewarding aspect of your legal career? I found the most rewarding aspect of my career has been reuniting parents with their children. I represented indigent parents in deprived cases for about 10 years and to help them navigate the system and eventually be reunited with their children was very rewarding. Who or what inspired your choice to work in the legal profession? I was inspired by My Great grandfather P.A. Chappelle one the first African American Attorneys in the State of Oklahoma. I was further inspired by my and P.A.’s Grandson, Judge Carlos Chappelle to go to law school and enter into the legal profession. What advice do you share for young persons who want a legal career? The advice I give to young people the most is that being a lawyer is an honorable and noble profession. It will allow them to be problem solvers as well as ensure that people’s rights are protection. Describe the impact of race upon your career? Throughout my career I have worked in environments where there were very few or no people of color working in that environment. While my race in my opinion has not had a negative effect on my career, the lack of diversity at times has made it a lonely existence.
Law Day Fact #3 - In 1961, Congress designated May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law Day. This program continues today and has grown to many countries around the globe
Throughout your work in the law, describe any changes in racism you have noted. As stated above I have not encountered overt racism. I notice that diversity and inclusion is much more of a focus hiring and maintaining a diverse workforce. What would you recommend for firms or schools to do in order to promote diversity inclusion in the future? First, I believe they have to have someone within the organization whose main responsibility is diversity and inclusion. Secondly there has to be intentional actions by the schools and law firms to not only interview diverse candidates but to admit and/or hire people of color (this does not mean reducing the standards for admission or in the hiring process but making an intentional effort to diversify). What are some educational experiences or books you recommend to help others grow or understand? I would recommend from Slavery to Freedom by John Hope Franklin (Booker T. Washington Graduate and son of B.C. Franklin)
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