SEATTLE, Wash. – October 6, 2026 – Williams Kastner is pleased to announce that Jennifer Frances has joined the firm as Chief Operating Officer. Based in the firm’s Seattle office, Frances will oversee firm operations and work closely with firm leadership and staff to advance the firm’s strategic priorities and support its continued growth.
Frances brings more than 25 years of law firm management and operations experience to Williams Kastner. Throughout her career, she has partnered with firm leadership to build high-performing teams that strengthen client service and enable sustainable growth. Most recently, she led practice operations at an Am Law 100 firm headquartered in Seattle, overseeing a department spanning litigation, transactional, and intellectual property practices.
“Finding the right person for this role was about much more than filling a position,” said Rod Umberger, Managing Partner of Williams Kastner. “We wanted someone who understands that what makes Williams Kastner special is our people, our culture and the values that have guided the firm for generations. Jennifer distinguished herself through her leadership experience, sound judgment and collaborative approach, and we are confident she will be an outstanding addition to our leadership team.”
Frances earned a master’s degree in Law Firm Management from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Her formal training is paired with hands-on experience in financial management, technology adoption, and business development. She is known for leveraging business intelligence and financial insights to inform strategy and resource allocation.
“I’m excited to join Williams Kastner and work alongside its attorneys and professional staff,” said Frances. “The firm has a strong history and culture, and I look forward to helping its people achieve their goals while supporting the firm’s continued success.
About Williams Kastner
Williams Kastner is a Pacific Northwest law firm founded in 1929, with 70 attorneys in Seattle, Portland, and Spokane. The firm is known for its trial and litigation experience and its work across a wide range of industries and practice areas, with particular strength in Construction, Insurance Coverage, Labor and Employment, Product Liability, Retail and Hospitality, and Transportation and Logistics. Williams Kastner represents clients in matters throughout the region and beyond, combining practical advice with a strong focus on results and long-standing client relationships.