On Monday, the Durham Board of County Commissioners named Larissa S. Williamson as the new County Attorney for Durham, a role that had been unoccupied since the start of the year. Williamson’s new position was officially confirmed during the Board's regular session on Monday, according to the Durham County.
Williamson's transition into her new office was marked by a swearing-in ceremony led by Superior Court Judge Josephine Davis. She is moving up from her role as deputy county attorney, where she has served Durham County since 2018. Over the years, she has become a key figure in Durham’s legal system, adapting to various roles within the county government to advocate for progress and moderation in North Carolina.
After being sworn in, Williamson shared her perspective on her selection, saying, "Durham County is not only known as a vibrant city, but also a wonderful place to live, work, and play. I am so excited to be in a position to ensure that Durham County continues to be a model for progress in North Carolina. It is truly an honor that the Board trusts me with this enormous responsibility," as stated by the Durham County.
Williamson has supported key county departments like Human Resources, the Sheriff’s Office, and Tax Administration. She has proven her legal skills in state and federal courts, including the Middle District of North Carolina and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Before joining Durham County, she worked as an assistant public defender and then as a special deputy attorney general, leading several trials. She earned her law degree from North Carolina Central University. Her appointment as the first female Durham County Attorney is an important step for representation and legal leadership.
