About Malory Williams
Malory Williams is a legal professional and J.D. with experience across corporate law, commercial real estate, probate, bankruptcy, and intellectual property. Currently serving as Legal & Business Development Manager at Patent Asset Management, where she drafts and reviews agreements, coordinates litigation and licensing negotiations, manages entity formation and compliance, and oversees acquisition of patent portfolios. She is skilled in UCC research and filings, real estate due diligence, title review, and corporate records management.
Malory has a strong background in litigation support, estate planning, and probate matters, with prior experience in appellate law and bankruptcy filings. She is adept at building and maintaining client and vendor relationships, managing multiple high-level projects, and ensuring deadlines are met in fast-paced legal environments.
Blue Ocean: Could you start by telling us about your professional journey? What inspired you to pursue a career in law, and what continues to fuel your passion for the profession today?
Malory Williams: I actually began with a degree in public relations from the University of Memphis, where I learned to be a strong communicator and gained valuable advocacy skills. That experience naturally translated into the legal profession, because in both fields you’re advocating—whether for a business or for a client.
After undergrad, I worked as a legal assistant for a year while preparing for the LSAT, which ultimately earned me the Sandra Day O’Connor Full Merit Scholarship to New England Law in Boston. Moving from the South to Boston during the pandemic was challenging, but it was also transformative. I specialized in intellectual property, joined the mock trial team, and found that the courtroom setting and advocacy work were truly empowering.
Since then, I’ve gained experience across bankruptcy, probate, family law, and intellectual property. In each of these areas, what stood out to me most was helping families and individuals find closure during difficult times. Family law in particular inspired me to advocate for children who often had no one speaking up for them. Today, my focus is on guiding people through stressful transitions with empathy and clarity.
Blue Ocean: Looking back on your most recent role, what aspects of your day-to-day work did you find most rewarding or most challenging?
Malory Williams: The biggest challenges were dealing with different personalities and managing global cases. Sometimes that meant taking late-night meetings with teams overseas. Shifting priorities and balancing multiple cases at once also required strong time management.
The most rewarding part was seeing cases through from filing to resolution. Legal matters can take years, so helping clients reach closure—whether through settlement or trial—was deeply satisfying. I’ll never forget a bankruptcy client who sacrificed everything for her children’s education. It was heartbreaking, but being able to help her find some relief reminded me why I chose this profession.
Blue Ocean: Are there any emerging trends in law or business that excite you the most? How do you see them shaping the future?
Malory Williams: AI is definitely at the top of my list. It’s improving legal research, efficiency, and access to information. Clients now have easier ways to navigate public records and even get initial guidance on what type of attorney they need.
That said, it’s important to remember AI isn’t a substitute for lawyers, doctors, or therapists. It’s a tool, not a replacement. I’m excited to see how the legal field adapts to this technology and also how laws will evolve to address AI-related challenges.
Blue Ocean: Can you walk us through a particularly challenging project or matter you handled, and how you resolved it?
Malory Williams: One of the most challenging areas I’ve worked in is probate law. Families often come to you after a death, and conflicts over assets can get emotional. When siblings disagree about what to do with a home or inheritance, it becomes as much about mediation as it is about legal procedure.
I’ve also worked with clients facing mental health challenges. In one case, a client with severe bipolar disorder could be cooperative one day and hostile the next. That required patience, adaptability, and compassion. I’ve learned that most people come to attorneys on their worst days, so my role has been to support both the legal process and the client experience, bringing empathy and calm in the middle of chaos.
Blue Ocean: You’ve built a reputation through diverse roles across law and business. How do you continue to stay ahead and bring value in such a competitive industry?
Malory Williams: Laws change quickly, so staying current is essential. Beyond that, I think it’s about wearing multiple hats—balancing legal training with business development, PR skills, and client relationships.
For me, organization and communication are key. I focus on keeping projects in line, staying people-centered, and bringing empathy into every interaction. That human approach is something I’ve cultivated through experience, and I believe it sets me apart in a profession that can sometimes feel cold or impersonal.
Blue Ocean: What core values or principles do you believe every great legal professional should uphold?
Malory Williams: Integrity is non-negotiable. Clients need to be able to trust you with the full truth of their situation, even when it’s difficult. Building that trust requires honesty, empathy, and approachability.
Legal professionals should remember that clients often come to us on their hardest days. Our role isn’t just to deliver results but to help make their lives better in the process.
Blue Ocean: What are some common misconceptions about the legal profession?
Malory Williams: People often think it’s like the TV show Suits—that lawyers are in the courtroom battling it out every day. In reality, much of the work is research, negotiation, and case management.
Another misconception is that cases are resolved quickly. In truth, they often take months or years. That’s why persistence and client communication are so important. And lastly, good legal professionals don’t have to be intimidating. The best ones are approachable and trustworthy.
Blue Ocean: What distinct value do you bring to your team and clients, especially when managing complex or high-stakes cases?
Malory Williams: I bring calm under pressure and the ability to manage a heavy caseload without losing focus. I break down complex laws into plain, simple language so clients understand what’s happening at each step of the way.
I’ve also learned to adapt to different personalities—some clients want tough love, others need a gentler approach. My ability to adjust and empathize makes the process less overwhelming for clients.
Blue Ocean: How do you maintain balance and resilience when navigating high-pressure professional situations?
Malory Williams: Teaching group fitness has been both an outlet and a discipline-builder for me. It keeps me grounded while also letting me help others improve their health and confidence.
I also teach as a professor, which gives me perspective and purpose. Mentors have poured into me throughout my journey, and I’m passionate about doing the same for my students and clients. Gratitude and focus on service have made me more resilient over time.
Blue Ocean: What advice would you give to aspiring lawyers or young professionals beginning their legal careers?
Malory Williams: Don’t let the fear of failure stop you. I struggled with the LSAT at first, but instead of giving up, I tried again—and eventually succeeded. Some of the most successful people fail before they thrive.
In law school, explore different areas. You may be surprised by what you end up loving. And above all, focus on empathy and building trust with clients. At the end of the day, the legal field is about people, not just cases.
Blue Ocean: Outside of law and teaching, what hobbies or passions excite you most?
Malory Williams: Fitness is a big passion—I’ve been teaching group fitness since I was 18. I also compete in the Miss USA Organization and recently participated in Miss Tennessee USA. Pageants have given me confidence, helped me hone my interview skills, and given me the ability to thrive under pressure—skills I carry into professional settings.
Beyond that, I’m very close to my family. I have five brothers, and spending time with them and traveling together is something I deeply value.
Blue Ocean: Is there a guiding philosophy or quote that has shaped who you are today?
Malory Williams: Yes—there’s a quote from Rocky: “One step at a time, one punch at a time.” It reminds me that big goals aren’t achieved overnight. They require patience, steady effort, and persistence.
I started my journey toward law school in 2015, and nearly a decade later, I can see how far I’ve come. Celebrating that progress, while still striving for new goals, keeps me grounded and motivated.
Conclusion
Malory’s journey showcases that empathy and resilience are foundational stones to building an impressive career and loyalty at work. From the legal field to the classroom, from fitness studios to pageant stages, Malory embodies the balance of discipline, compassion, and courage.
Do you have a personal or professional story that can inspire other people into becoming the best version of themselves?
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