Juanita Perez-Williams

Born and raised in San Diego, California, Juanita Perez received her undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego, and her law degree in 1990.   

Immediately following law school, Perez Williams entered the United States Navy in the Judge Advocate General’s Program and handled high profile criminal cases. She completed her military service with the rank of Lieutenant Commander and was appointed by then Governor Mario Cuomo to the NYS Education Department.  In 2001, she accepted a legal position with Syracuse University later becoming the Associate Dean of Students.  While at Syracuse University, Perez Williams was also an adjunct professor for the School of Education focusing on legal issues in higher education. In 2008, then Attorney General, Andrew Cuomo, appointed Perez Williams to an Assistant Attorney position and in 2010, she was appointed as Corporation Counsel for the City of Syracuse. Perez Williams currently serves as the Regional Director for the Workers’ Compensation Board.  

Perez Williams serves as Board President of the Onondaga County Spanish Action League and is co-founder and Board Vice President of the Upstate Minority Economic Alliance.  In addition, she serves as the Judge Advocate for the Onondaga County American Legion. Last, Perez Williams is a proud mother of 4 adult children and Grandmother to 9-year old Wesley.