A Welcome Message from County Counsel James R. Williams​

The County Counsel is the chief legal advisor and representative for the County of Santa Clara, including the Board of Supervisors and all County agencies and departments. The Office also represents the Civil Grand Jury and several school and special districts and other entities. As the County Counsel, I am committed to ensuring that our Office provides exceptional, effective, and ethical advocacy and advice, focused on solving problems for the betterment of the County and the people we serve.

The Office of the County Counsel takes pride in being a preeminent law office, with more than 100 dedicated attorneys practicing in virtually every area of civil law. We are counselors in the fullest sense, providing service that is intelligent, trustworthy, and dedicated to public service. Our Office does not see our role as narrow: rather we provide service that will further the mission of the County, whether it be in the defense of matters or in affirmative litigation or in drafting legislation.

I hope that the information available on this site will help you learn more about the extraordinary work of our Office and the talented members of our legal staff.

James R. Williams
County Counsel
Biography of James R. Williams​​​​

Important Notice: During the shelter-in-place, the Office of the County Counsel reception desk at 70 W. Hedding Street is not staffed, but is available for deliveries. Phone calls to the Office’s main line are answered during business hours (8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.). The Office of the County Counsel continues to provide legal advice and support to the County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors and all County agencies and departments through staff working off-site, and a minimum number of on-site staff.