Origins: The COO of Community Legal Aid in Worcester was unsure of her career path when entering law school, but discovered her passion for legal services during her 3L year with Community Legal Aid. Overcoming: Despite facing discrimination for age and race, she successfully defended her client’s eviction case. “That case stays with me and shapes my guiding principle that no matter what, we’re in legal services to advocate for those that may not be in a place to advocate for themselves in that moment.” On the Job: Today She’s tweaking existing programs and instituting new initiatives. With CLA cases jumping 24 percent from 2019, the need for civil legal services is ever increasing. Helping clients through these difficult times is one of her biggest challenges—and opportunities.
2013
Kristen Williams
Kristen Williams was appointed COO of Community Legal Aid, a Worcester-based nonprofit. In her new executive capacity, she manages the organization’s day-to-day administrative and operational functions, which serve more than 8,000 low-income and elderly residents annually.
