Our Team

Anthony C. Williams is a distinguished public policy and governmental affairs professional.  He brings with him a rich tapestry of experiences and accomplishments in California public policy and governmental affairs.  Prior to joining Ballard as the Managing Partner of its critically important state government affairs practice in Sacramento, California, he served as the Director of Public Policy at Amazon, where he shaped the company’s policy strategies. Before that, he was Governor Gavin Newsom’s first Legislative Affairs Secretary, playing a pivotal role in driving the Governor’s legislative agenda and enhancing his relationships with elected leaders across the political spectrum.  He previously served in senior advisor roles to two Senate Presidents pro Tempore, including as Policy Director and Special Counsel.  Early in his more than three decades working in California politics, Anthony served as a political and strategic advisor to the Chief Justice of California and the state’s Judicial Council, as well as the Director of Government Affairs for the State Bar of California.  Anthony is an attorney and legislative expert who, for nearly a decade, taught legislative process and ethics as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.