City Attorney Lavonda Graham-Williams
A native of Portsmouth, Virginia, I began my law career as a litigation associate with Huff, Poole, and Mahoney, PC. in the Tidewater area. My practice involved criminal & civil defense in the State and Federal court systems, including the defense of criminal and juvenile offenses, white collar crimes, landlord-tenant matters, contract disputes, and IDEA litigation. While in law school, I was also able to use my third-year practice certificate to litigate a variety of criminal cases with the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office in my hometown under the guidance of the Honorable Martin Bullock and his phenomenal team. It was a rare opportunity at the time that had an immeasurable impact on my career.
Upon my return to the D.C. area, I served as a Hearing Officer for the Washington DC Department of Motor Vehicles adjudicating traffic and licensure offenses. For the next several years, I served as a partner with Anderson, Graham & Wooditch, advocating for and defending the rights of those persons accused of crimes in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area. My work resulted in the successful resolution of matters across the criminal defense spectrum, including but not limited to domestic assault, child support enforcement, juvenile crimes, narcotics offenses, firearm violations, sex offenses, serious traffic matters, financial crimes, and misdemeanor and felony offenses in both the State and Federal court.
Armed with a passion for more specialized practice, I started my own firm, the Law Offices of Lavonda N. Graham Williams, focusing on those with special needs. This work allowed my firm to continue to share our specialized knowledge with others seeking direction and support in these areas of expertise. Over the years, my firm hired, trained, and supported over a dozen talented and successful attorneys who were mostly women and people of color.
As a Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney, I was moved by the call for active and effective criminal justice reform. Presented with a unique opportunity to serve this goal, I joined forces with the Honorable Amy Ashworth, Prince William County’s newest Commonwealth’s Attorney in five decades. The work in her administration allowed me to actively implement criminal justice reforms that support a more just and equal administration of justice on a daily basis both inside and outside of the courtroom.
Currently, I am serving as the chief legal counsel for the City of Portsmouth. This work allows me to proudly serve my hometown by bringing to it a proven track record of effective leadership and communication combined with years of litigation experience. Together with a ready team of experienced lawyers, we advise, defend, protect, enforce, and advocate on behalf of the City and our City Council.