Her Story
About Barbara
Barbara Williams has built a distinguished career as a compliance paralegal over three decades in the legal field, beginning in the late 1990s. She earned her bachelor's degree in English with a writing concentration and a minor in psychology from Penn West Edinburgh, formerly known as Edinburgh University of Pennsylvania, and completed her paralegal certificate through an ABA-approved program at a university in New Jersey. Throughout her career, Williams has specialized in document review and organization while contributing to nonprofits and advocacy initiatives, including a period working with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. She has held contract and temporary positions with the federal government, including the U.S. Attorney's Office, and most recently served in a compliance paralegal role with an insurance company. Williams maintains professional affiliations such as the Los Angeles Paralegals Association and is actively seeking remote opportunities aligned with her skills and passion for advocacy.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Barbara
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to taking the next right step without extrapolating or worrying too far ahead. Since 2014 I've conquered cancer three times while continuing to work, even during radiation treatment. Being a long-term temporary worker taught me to focus only on what needs to be done today, like a list person using post-its, because one thing leads to the next and nothing happens until you do the thing you know you need to do next.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received is to just do you and be clear on who you are and what you bring to the table. Keep in mind what you have, these are the goods, always stay up to date and learning, be a big question asker, and be clear on who you are and what you bring and then bring it.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Just know yourself. When you get a new supervisor or boss, remember that they chose you because there's something valuable about you, so don't lose sight of that confidence. Bring what you bring to the table and bring it well, and let them know you belong here.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is finding remote work suited to my skill set and experience level because lengthy commutes are not possible due to medical conditions. People often assume you know what they know from their experience, but you may not be there yet. The opportunity lies in asking the right questions, learning as much as you can, and tailoring what you know to the specific situation through trial and error.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Consistency is most important, showing up with your best face even when it's hard like during long commutes in traffic. Integrity, being there, being consistent, and being who you are all the time. Know what you know and learn it well, and remember it because situations often repeat in different forms.
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