Durham, N.C. – The Durham Board of County Commissioners announced Larissa S. Williamson as Durham County Attorney during its October 14, 2024, BOCC Regular Session. She permanently fills the position which has been vacant since January 2024.
Williamson assumed the position after being sworn in by Superior Court Judge Josephine Davis who administered the oath of office.
She shared the following observation regarding her selection, “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.”
Since 2018, Williamson has dedicated her career to Durham County Government, serving in several roles and levels; the latest being deputy county attorney. In this role, she worked closely with Durham County department heads and supervisors while representing the Human Resources Department, Sheriff’s Office, and Tax Administration Department. Among other duties, she has advised various citizen boards and leads the County’s responses to public records requests. During her six years with Durham County, she has represented the County in various forums including the Middle District of North Carolina, North Carolina state District and Superior Courts, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Employment Security Commission, and Office of Administrative Hearings.
Prior to joining Durham County Government, she began her legal career as an assistant public defender with the Fayetteville Public Defender’s Office. She then served as special deputy attorney general with the North Carolina Department of Justice (DOJ) where she acted as lead DOJ attorney in trials/hearings in North Carolina state courts and agency forums.
Williamson earned her undergraduate and professional degrees from North Carolina Central University(NCCU), where she received her Juris Doctor from NCCU School of Law. With more than 20 years of experience representing both state and local government agencies, Williamson is the first female Durham County Attorney.