About Joe
Email: jwilliams@theCDSLawFirm.com
Primary Practice Area
Joseph R. Williams practices exclusively in the field of matrimonial and family law, and represents individuals in the negotiation and litigation of separation, divorce, child custody, support, and domestic violence matters. He has extensive experience representing clients in both Supreme and Family Court throughout the Capital District.
Prior to joining Copps DiPaola Silverman, PLLC, Mr. Williams’s private practice focused exclusively upon the representation of individuals in divorce and family law matters. Mr. Williams worked at another boutique family law firm in the Capital District, under the continuing mentorship of Attorney Silverman, devoting his time to the representation of clients in a wide array of complex matrimonial and family law matters, with a special emphasis on contested custody and domestic violence cases.
Prior to private practice and during his time as a law student and recent graduate, Mr. Williams was selected to participate in the Kathryn D. Katz Fellowship Program, as a second-year law student. This experience afforded Mr. Williams the opportunity to begin honing his written and oral advocacy skills in the family law arena as a law student and recent law school graduate while assisting the poor and working poor of the Capital District.
Mr. Williams is a two-time recipient of the Albany Law School Equality & Justice Scholarship for his work in advocating for equal rights and justice, particularly for members of the LGBT community. Mr. Williams was appointed to serve as a member of the New York State Bar Association’s Committee on LGBT People and the Law. Mr. Williams is also a recipient of the Albany Law School Kate Stoneman Award for his commitment to equality and justice in the legal profession. Mr. Williams’ writing on LGBT equality in the criminal justice system is published in Volume 78 of the Albany Law Review (“I Don’t Like Gays, Okay?” Use of the ‘Gay Panic’ Murder Defense in Modern American Courtrooms: The Ultimate Miscarriage of Justice, 78 Alb. L. Rev. 101 (2015)). Mr. Williams has also provided educational trainings for the community on topics such as “LGBT Domestic Violence,” “The Ins and Outs of Child Support,” and domestic violence sensitivity trainings.
Mr. Williams resides in Troy, New York with his partner and their dogs.
Mr. Williams received his J.D. degree from Albany Law School, where he graduated summa cum laude and was recognized for outstanding performance in a clinical setting. While in law school, Mr. Williams served as Executive Editor for Notes & Comments for the Albany Law Review, and was a member of the Pro Bono Society’s family law and LGBT rights projects. Mr. Williams received his B.S. degree summa cum laude from Manhattan College, where he studied Business Administration and Marketing.