Mark S. Williams

Nationally recognized for his outstanding education law knowledge and client service delivery, Mark Williams represents K-12 school districts, community colleges and Joint Powers Authorities. Mark drafts, reviews and negotiates complex technology, construction and architect contracts and is known across the country as the author of a groundbreaking technology form agreement. Mark also has decades of experience litigation, both in the courtroom and around the negotiation table, which has served him well as he fully understands the issues to look for when drafting contracts.

Drawing on both his deep knowledge of the law and ability to conceive and implement cutting-edge ideas, Mark created the California Student Data Privacy Agreement and then led the efforts to draft the Nationwide Student Data Privacy Agreement. The sophisticated yet easy-to-read documents are used by thousands of school districts throughout California and in 37 states. These “public service contributions,” as Mark calls them, and his day-to-day client service have earned him a reputation as a highly regarded authority on technology procurement and student data privacy.

Because his contract and litigation skill sets and knowledge intersect, Mark drafts air-tight agreements that prevent litigation problems from arising. Additionally, his contract experience informs his litigation strategies and narratives that help him prevail in the courtroom.

Clients benefit from three of Mark’s other strengths. First, his capacity to quickly bottom-line the financial details and identify the salient issues in a matter or a case greatly helps clients prepare budgets and make informed strategic decisions. Second, his willingness and ability to “step in the shoes” of opposing counsel provide insight into their perspectives and positions, which help him resolve disputes. Third, Mark makes it a priority to lift the burden off his clients’ shoulders and place it on himself, greatly reducing their worries or dispensing with them entirely. As he puts it: “I’m an anxiety-shifter.”