When you hire Dyan Williams to represent you, expect to get personalized service, tailored solutions, and attention to details that make or break your case.
Dyan is the founder of Dyan Williams Law PLLC. She is the principal attorney practicing in two areas: U.S. immigration law and legal ethics/professional responsibility.
Dyan’s top areas of expertise include rebutting immigration marriage fraud or INA 204(c) findings; obtaining waivers for unlawful presence, fraud/misrepresentation, immigration violations, and crime-related bars; overcoming visa refusals and inadmissibility determinations; and getting complex naturalization cases approved.
Prior to establishing her solo law practice in October 2014, Dyan had 12 years of experience in U.S. immigration law at two other firms. Starting in 2002, she worked as a full-time law clerk while attending William Mitchell College of Law (now Mitchell Hamline School of Law). After obtaining her Juris Doctor degree in 2005, she moved into the role of managing attorney.
In addition, Dyan has advised solo practitioners and small law firm lawyers on legal ethics and professional responsibility matters since 2006. She provides counsel and continuing education to lawyers on best practices related to competence, diligence, client communication, conflicts of interest, and fee agreements.
Born and raised in Jamaica, Dyan is a naturalized citizen of the United States. She has a multicultural background and a genuine understanding of one’s desire to study, work and live in the United States.
Before joining the legal profession, Dyan was a communication consultant at a global human resources consulting firm, Watson Wyatt Worldwide (now Willis Towers Watson). She worked with a wide range of clients — from international corporations to local non-profit organizations — to develop employee communication strategies and materials on organizational change management, training & development, merit-based compensation, benefit plans, and other human resources issues.
When representing clients in immigration matters, Dyan draws from her personal journey in immigrating to the United States. When counseling lawyers on professional responsibility, Dyan applies her direct experience as a practicing attorney and the founder of her own firm. She leverages her multifaceted background to deliver high-quality service and tailor-made solutions. She lives around the Twin Cities with her husband and their two young children.
Admissions:
Minnesota Supreme Court, 2005
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, 2006
U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, 2007
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, 2008
Associations & Activities:
American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Member, National Lawyer Well-Being Committee, 2020 to 2022
American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Member, National Legal Ethics Committee, 2019 to 2020
American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Co-Chair, Minnesota/Dakotas Chapter Legal Ethics & Professional Responsibility Committee, 2016 to 2020
American Immigration Lawyers Association, Member (AILA), 2006 to present
Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (Minnesota’s Lawyers’ Assistance Program), Board of Directors, 2009 to 2012
University of St. Thomas, School of Law, Adjunct Professor – Mentor Externship Program, 2012 to 2013
Immigration columnist for Mshale, an African community newspaper in the Twin Cities, 2005 – 2013
Certified life coach, yoga teacher and tai chi form instructor, who speaks, writes, and coaches individuals and groups on how to maximize their productivity and live and work purposefully.
Presenter of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses on legal ethics, law practice management, personal productivity, work/life integration, wellness, stress mastery, and other related topics.
Author of The Incrementalist: A Simple Productivity System to Create Big Results in Small Steps
Education:
Juris Doctor degree – William Mitchell College of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota. Dyan was a member of the William Mitchell Law Review, a lead member of the William Mitchell Trial Advocacy Team, and a scholarship recipient for her high academic credentials.
Master of Arts degree in Human Resources & Industrial Relations – Curtis L. Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota. Dyan was awarded a fellowship for her academic achievement.
Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism & Mass Communication and Political Science and a minor in Speech Communication – University of Minnesota. Dyan received five merit-based scholarships from the School of Journalism & Mass Communication for her academic performance and potential for a career in mass communication.
Published Cases:
Sugule v. Frazier, 639 F.3d 406 (8th Cir. 2011) (wrote legal briefs)
Ginters v. Frazier, 614 F.3d 822 (8th Cir. 2010) (wrote legal briefs and presented oral argument)
Ndonyi v. Mukasey, 541 F.3d 702 (7th Cir. 2008)(wrote legal briefs and presented oral argument)
Presentations and Speaking Engagements include:
The Art of Time Management (as Panelist), 2023 American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Annual Conference – June 19, 2023
The Neuroscience of Sleep and Why We Need it (as Co-Discussion Leader), AILA Video Roundtable, September 1, 2021
Responding to and Avoiding Ethics and Bar Complaints (as Panelist), 2021 American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Annual Conference – June 10, 2021
The Busyness Trap: How to Reduce Overload and Create Space for Things that Matter, Minnesota CLE, Family Law Institute (breakout session) – March 16, 2021
Ethics In Light of the Sineneng-Smith Case (as Panelist), 2020 Upper Midwest Immigration Law Conference (AILA, Minnesota/Dakotas Chapter and The Advocates for Human Rights) – May 29, 2020
Ethical Issues for Attorneys: How to Avoid the Pitfalls of Competency, Conflicts, and More, Minnesota CLE, A Lawyer’s Guide to Alzheimer’s and Dementia (ethics session) – February 3, 2020
Finding Your Rhythm: When to Do What
- AILA DC Chapter, Live Webinar – May 27, 2021
- Minnesota CLE, Live Webcast – December 18, 2019
It’s Your Professional Responsibility to Sleep Well, Minnesota CLE, Tired at Work? The Legal and Practical Ramifications of Sleep Deficiency (breakout session) – May 30, 2019
Keeping the Fire In Your Belly: Why You Need to Take Time Off to Avoid Attorney Burnout and Ethics Traps
- Minnesota CLE, Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute (breakout session) – May 20, 2019
- Minnesota CLE, Workers Compensation Institute (breakout session) – April 24, 2019
- Minnesota CLE, Live Webcast – December 20, 2018
Ethical Representation and Strategic Client Management in Turbulent Times (as Panel Moderator), 2019 Upper Midwest Immigration Law Conference (AILA, Minnesota/Dakotas Chapter and The Advocates for Human Rights) – March 15, 2019
Focus & Flow: Dealing With Overwhelm, Distractions & Interruptions in Your Busy Law Office, Minnesota CLE, A Solo/Small Firm Paralegal’s Guide to Success, September 21, 2018
Deadlines & Daily Habits: The Essence of Diligence, Minnesota CLE, Live Webcast – March 24, 2021; December 20, 2017
Zeal Meets Zen: How Mindfulness Promotes Competence & Diligence in Law Practice, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Minnesota/Dakotas Chapter – October 13, 2017
The Trump Factor: Tackling Ethical Pitfalls and Stress in Uncharted Immigration Territory (as Panelist), 2017 Upper Midwest Immigration Law Conference (AILA, Minnesota/Dakotas Chapter and The Advocates for Human Rights) – May 19, 2017
From Procrastination to Action: How to Stop Using Busyness as a Proxy for True Productivity, Minnesota CLE, Business Law Institute (breakout session) – May 2, 2017
Responding to Ethics Complaints: 5 Must-Dos and 5 Must-Knows, Minnesota CLE, Live Webcast – May 31, 2016 and December 22, 2016
Ethics in Practice: Exploring Ethics from Different Practice Perspectives (as Panelist), William Mitchell-Hamline Alumni Events – November 18, 2015
Managing Client Expectations (before and after representation begins) (as Panel Moderator), American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Minnesota/Dakotas Chapter – July 16, 2015
5 Ethics Mistakes that Solos and Small Law Firms Make (and the Ethical Solutions to Avoid and Overcome Them), Minnesota CLE, Live Webcast – May 26, 2015
Work/Life Balance: The Key to Being a Competent, Diligent and Trusted Lawyer (as Panelist), Upper Midwest American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Conference – April 24, 2015
5 Business Mistakes that Solos and Small Law Firms Make (and the Ethical Solutions They’re Afraid to Try), Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL) CLE – March 11, 2015
The Mindful Mediator: How to Stay Neutral in Conflict Resolution,
Mediation Center – June 25, 2014
Focus and Flow: Accomplishing More by Decluttering and Single-Tasking
Minnesota CLE, Live Webcast – May 30, 2013
Failures, Screw-Ups & Unknowns (and Why They Can Be Good For You)
William Mitchell College of law, Alumni CLE Series – December 14, 2012
Opening up to Difficulties & Disappointment: How to Get Unstuck and Recover from Setback, Hennepin County Bar Association, Live Webcast – June 12, 2012
This Time It’s About Us: Risk Management for Lawyers, Hennepin County Bar Association CLE – April 25, 2012
Embracing Change: Overcoming Resistance and Getting Unstuck,
Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL) CLE – March 28, 2012
Immigration in the Workplace, William Mitchell College of Law, Alumni CLE Series – March 23, 2012
Managing Stress and Avoiding Burnout, University of St. Thomas, School of Law CLE – February 13, 2012
The Principles of Recovery and the Practice of Law, Minnesota CLE, Live Webcast – October 28, 2011
The Engaged Lawyer: Paying Attention & Thriving in the Midst of Chaos and Uncertainty, Minnesota Legal Services Coalition, Live Webinar – October 12, 2011
Befriending Time: Breaking Free From Busyness or Stuckness,
William Mitchell College of Law, Perspectives on the Legal Profession – March 28, 2011 (Sponsored by Counseling Services)
The Practice of Being: Mastering Stress and Finding Meaning as a Lawyer
- Minnesota CLE, Live Webcast – March 9, 2011
- National Bar Related Insurance Companies (NABRICO) Annual Conference – September 15, 2010
- Board Certified Civil Trial Law Specialists, 6th Annual Member Rewards Seminar – June 22, 2010
The Practice of Being: Mastering Stress and Finding True Meaning in the Legal Profession, William Mitchell College of Law, Perspectives on the Legal Profession
- October 30, 2010 (Sponsored by Minnesota Justice Foundation)
- April 10, 2010 (Sponsored by Student Bar Association)
- March 17, 2010 (Sponsored by Counseling Services)
The New Lawyer Experience – Maintaining the Work-Life Balance: How Busy Lawyers Stay Sane (as Panelist), Minnesota State Bar Association – January 15, 2010.
Publications include:
Overwhelm: Five Productive Principles to Overcome It (Hennepin Lawyer, Minnesota State Bar Association, August 27, 2021)
Mind Mapping: A Mental Tool for Generating Ideas and Solving Problems (ABA Law Practice Today, February 12, 2021)
Befriending Time: Breaking Free From Busyness or Stuckness
(Bench & Bar of Minnesota, February 2011)
The Practice of Being: Mastering Stress and Finding Meaning as a Lawyer, (Bench & Bar of Minnesota, March 2010)
