ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: SHANE WILLIAMS

By: Elizabeth D.

As Shane Williams plays many sports at Alexandria Senior High, he notices that famous athletes have contracts with major entities such as Nike and Gatorade. He digs a little deeper on these contracts and discovers that athletes like Michael Jordan aren’t negotiating for themselves; rather, these athletes hire sports agents, in many cases, attorneys, to negotiate on their behalf.

This realization that sports agents are attorneys sparks the beginning of Williams’ career aspirations of becoming an attorney himself.

“Playing sports was what caused me to realize that being an attorney is more than just criminal and civil cases,” Williams stated.

While Williams attended ASH, he played basketball and baseball and also was in powerlifting and on the Student Council. As he progressed through high school, Williams’ Civics and English classes propelled his penchant for writing and government.

After graduating from ASH in 1997, he planned on attending Louisiana State University until his mom introduced him to an Urban Forestry program at Southern University. Williams knew he wanted to go to law school, but he was unsure of an undergraduate major. Therefore, he decided to go to Southern University, earned a scholarship, and was able to walk onto the baseball team.

Williams earned his bachelors and master's degree in Urban Forestry. Following his master’s degree, he attended law school. Upon graduating, Williams moved to Dallas, Tx. to work with the U.S. Small Business Administration in the Disaster Assistance Unity to provide hurricane relief following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Following a desire to serve his hometown and community, he moved back home to Alexandria, La., where he worked in several different positions for the city.

The job he was striving for once he moved home was unfortunately only appointed by the mayor. Therefore, he joined the City of Alexandria Legal Department as Assistant City Attorney. This position allowed him to prove what he could do for Alexandria, saving the city over $1 million in legal expenses in two years.

His work as an assistant paved the wave for him to eventually become the City Attorney--his dream job. In Williams’ free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, attending sporting events, and playing golf. His love for sports and law is still strong long after his days at ASH.

Williams is certified as a sports agent by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA).

“Pursue your dreams by working your hardest and doing what you love” Williams states. He adds, “It’s not where you start, but where you end.”

WILLIAMS ENJOYS SPEDNING TIME WITH HIS FAMILY. HIS WIFE, MYRA, IS A LOCAL TEACHER AT PEABODY MONTESSORI.

Image courtesy Shane Williams.