Tari Williams

San Diego native Tari Williams is a member of the Municipal Law practice of Best Best & Krieger LLP (BBK) where she currently serves as Assistant City Attorney to the City of Santee. As Of Counsel, Tari leverages her extensive experience and pragmatic approach to deliver comprehensive, practical, and cost-effective solutions for a broad range of local and county government initiatives.

Tari joined BBK after a decade with the Garfield County, Colorado County Attorney’s Office, where she served seven years as County Attorney. In this role, she advised on the lawful exercise of Garfield County’s powers and obligations, drafted county ordinances, resolutions, intergovernmental agreements, and legal memoranda, and managed all litigation strategies, budgets, and outside counsel. She also led a legal staff of nine, working closely with elected county officials, including the sheriff, assessor, clerk and recorder, treasurer, coroner, and surveyor, as well as 14 department heads. Tari's ability to offer sound legal guidance in a pragmatic, straightforward manner in a fast-paced and often politically sensitive environment was refined during this period. 

In addition, Tari served as General Counsel to a regional transportation authority managed by elected officials from eight local governmental entities. She adeptly handled all legal matters and developed expertise in the areas of open government, public procurement and contracting, federal grant management, claims and risk management, and employment investigations. 

Before transitioning to the public sector, Tari was a commercial litigator and partner with an international law firm in Dallas, Texas. She later managed a national docket of franchise and warranty litigation for a high-end American tool designer, manufacturer and marketer. Tari has tried cases in both state and federal courts and participated in several arbitrations. This litigation foundation continues to inform her risk analysis and organized approach to meeting client needs.

Tari holds licenses to practice law in California, Texas and Colorado. She is also a trained mediator, having honed her skills by volunteering with the County Court in the 5th Judicial District in Eagle, Colorado. 

Tari is thrilled to be back home in San Diego and enjoys exploring all the city and county have to offer, both old and new.