Alumni Spotlight: Adrianne Williams ‘17L Adrianne Williams is an Assistant Corporate Counsel at Amazon and owner of an athletic workout brand called The Fitness Collaboration.

Adrianne Williams ’17L

Adrianne Williams was born and raised in Baltimore. In 2012, she graduated from Virginia Wesleyan, where she double majored in Communications and International Studies, with a minor in Spanish. During undergrad, she captained the Track and Field team and became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. While at W&L Law, Adrianne gained invaluable experience interning with the Department of Justice Criminal Division, where she assisted in enforcing federal criminal laws, and with the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection unveiling deceptive marketing schemes. After law school, she practiced family law in Virginia Beach. More recently, Adrianne served as an Assistant Chief Counsel at the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Principal Legal Advisor, where she worked on matters involving national security, including preventing domestic threats, terrorist activities, and human rights abuses in immigration courts. Today, Adrianne is an Assistant Corporate Counsel at Amazon. In this role, she provides legal counsel to Amazon’s U.S. retail marketing team and an offshore tech team. Outside of her legal career, she is an entrepreneur, owning an athletic workout brand called The Fitness Collaboration, and is in the process of opening a gym.

Discuss your career path and how it led you to work for Amazon. 

Like many, I pursued law school because I wanted to help people, though I wasn’t sure in what capacity. I started my legal career in family law helping families navigate difficult times. However, after the sudden passing of my father, I needed a fresh start, which led me to a position with the U.S. government. In that role, I honed my litigation skills, learned to dive deeply into the law, and grew into a more autonomous and empathetic attorney. After several years, I sought a lighter, more innovative section of the law and made the shift to corporate counsel.

At Amazon, I serve as a business line lawyer for Amazon Stores (what you see on Amazon.com). I advise on legal issues related to digital marketing, promotions, branding, copyrights, and other IP matters. I also ensure that products sold in Amazon Stores meet regulatory compliance standards and that data privacy laws are upheld. Additionally, I assess legal risks for cutting-edge projects, including those involving generative AI and other emerging technologies.

Amazon’s “Day 1” culture, which focuses on constant innovation, is one of the most exciting aspects of working there. No two days are the same, and I get to tackle new, interesting challenges regularly. I also enjoy the diversity at Amazon—working with colleagues from all over the world has been a huge benefit. Plus, the company’s dog-friendly culture is a personal favorite of mine, and Voss often comes into the office with me.

What are some practices you have in your daily life as an attorney to maintain wellness?  

Maintaining balance is important to me, so I stick to a structured morning and evening routine. I start my day walking my dog and usually end my evenings at the gym. I work hard during office hours but make it a priority to log off and enjoy my weekends (with the occasional exception for closing deals or urgent matters). To avoid burnout, I structure my time thoughtfully—whether it’s setting aside time to tackle tough problems or blocking time on my calendar for deep work without the distraction of meetings. I’ve learned that there will always be more work to do, so I make self-care a priority, always listening to what my body needs.

Which W&L classes and/or experiences do you think were most helpful in preparing you for this job?  

During my time at Washington and Lee, I took advantage of a wide range of opportunities that helped shape me into the attorney I am today. Being actively involved in affinity groups and participating in law school football league allowed me to develop a well-rounded skill set. I am a generalist attorney with a broad knowledge base. I have a unique ability to understand the complex language of the law and communicate it effectively to non-lawyers, ensuring clarity and actionable insights. My business teams often rely on me as a resource, consulting me on everything from regulatory compliance to internal policies—similar to how one might consult Google. This versatility, paired with my ability to adjust quickly and think critically under pressure, as honed through experiences like BLSA (Black Law Students Association) competitions, has been pivotal to my success.

What advice do you have for prospective law students?  

Law school is challenging, but it’s a time to fully embrace growth. Take every opportunity to learn, especially in areas where you may struggle. If writing is a weakness, push yourself to write more. If public speaking intimidates you, find platforms to strengthen your voice. Law school provides the foundation, but it’s up to you to refine and develop your personal style as a lawyer. Most importantly, enjoy the journey—it’s as much about personal growth as it is about academic success.

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