What does it take to turn executive actions into practical policy? During our recent webinar, Jennifer Dillon Williams, alumna of Seattle University School of Law’s Online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) in Compliance and Risk Management, shared her journey from private legal practice to her current leadership role in Washington State government and how the MLS program equipped her to thrive in the complex world of compliance and regulation.
From Litigation to Compliance Leadership
Jennifer began her career as a practicing attorney in Texas, focusing on civil litigation, family law, and real estate. A pivotal moment during Hurricane Harvey, when she assisted with disaster claims, revealed the broader landscape of risk and inspired her transition into public service. Relocating to the Pacific Northwest, Jennifer sought a way to bridge her legal background with the policy and regulatory demands of government roles. She found the perfect fit in the MLS program.
“I wanted to do this job better,” she said, explaining how the program helped her shift to regulatory roles in Washington state agencies. Today, she oversees policy and rules for the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, where she helps shape the regulations that directly affect child care providers, foster care, and kinship placements.
Understanding Executive Orders in Practice
One key theme of the discussion was how executive orders influence real-world decisions, especially during transitions between presidential or gubernatorial administrations. It’s important to respond rationally, with perspective, to executive orders.
While they may be introduced with dramatic flair, the actual impact unfolds over time and often faces legal or procedural hurdles. “Executive orders aren’t always legal on their face,” she noted. “They need to be analyzed carefully before action is taken.” Her advice? Slow down, evaluate the legal framework, and consider the broader context before implementing changes.
Regulatory Research and Real-World Skills
Jennifer shared her approach to researching new laws and policies, crediting the MLS program for sharpening her ability to identify core issues and navigate regulatory frameworks efficiently.
Seattle University’s “regulatory research course helped,” she recalled. “I didn’t have a background in environmental law, but being pushed to research EPA regulations taught me how to find the heart of an issue and build from there.”
She also highlighted how the program’s hands-on approach, like breaking down laws into matrices or spreadsheets, differs from traditional JD training. “This program made the law operational. I again found my love of the law, not just as theory but as a tool for real impact.”
Compliance with a Conscience
Jennifer additionally reflected on the program’s philosophy of “compliance with a conscience,” a phrase that has shaped her leadership style. Instead of enforcing compliance as a rigid, punitive framework, she advocates using it to support and empower those navigating complex systems.
“We work with people,” she said. “So we try to shift away from compliance as a ‘gotcha’ exercise and instead focus on guidance, support, and upstream solutions that actually help families.”
Compliance, Risk, and Diverse Career Paths
Jennifer and moderator Kelli Rodriguez also touched on the evolving definitions of compliance and enterprise risk management, especially across sectors like healthcare, cybersecurity, and public administration. The webinar reinforced that compliance is not one-size-fits-all, but rather a transferable mindset and skill set.
From drafting legislation to building cross-sector strategies, Jennifer’s career reflects the program’s ability to develop multi-dimensional professionals who can adapt legal knowledge to rapidly changing environments.
Missed the webinar?
Contact Assistant Dean Kelli Rodriguez for more information or learn more about the Online MLS in Compliance and Risk Management at Seattle U Law.
Scholarship Deadline: June 30
Classes Begin: September 2
