Ya'Sheaka C. Williams
Partner
Tampa Office
1410 N. Westshore Blvd., Suite 200
Tampa, Florida 33607
Ya'Sheaka C. Williams is a partner in the Tampa office of Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. Ms. Williams' practice involves the representation of employers, self-insured employers and insurance carriers in all aspects of workers' compensation claims in Florida and appears before Judges of Compensation Claims throughout Florida. Ms. Williams became recognized as an expert in workers' compensation law by the Florida Bar when she became Board Certified by the Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education. She is also a Certified Workers Compensation Law instructor by the Florida Department of Financial Services and has presented numerous classes and seminars to employers and claims adjusters throughout Florida. Ms. Williams has extensive experience in settlement negotiations, claims resolution, contract negotiations, mediation, and litigation. She has attained an AV Preeminent® designation rating from Martindale Hubbell Law Directory, which is the highest possible rating for legal ability and ethical standards.
Prior to joining QPWB, Ms. Williams was managing attorney of a Tampa law office specializing in workers' compensation defense where for over 15 years she represented employers, PEOs, carriers, and third-party administrators regarding all workers' compensation matters.
Ms. Williams received her Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law, Gulfport, Florida in 2003 and a Bachelor of Arts from Brenau University Women's College, Gainesville, Georgia in 2000, graduating with majors in conflict resolution and pre-law.
Ms. Williams is licensed to practice law in Florida. She is a member of the Hillsborough County Bar Association as co-chair of the Workers' Compensation Section; and the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (CLM).
Awards and Recognitions
- Martindale-Hubbell Preeminent AV® Rated
- Dean, WorkCompCollege.com School of Legal, Workers' Compensation Educational Services, LLC 2022
- Exceptional Defense Attorney Award by the Bloom Awards, 2022
- Women Leading the Way in Workers' Compensation Award by the Bloom 2022
- Florida Trend's LEGAL ELITE 2016
- Super Lawyer, Florida Rising Stars Workers' Compensation: Employers and Insurance (2012-2017)
- Young Alumni Award, Brenau University Women's College 2014
- Young Lawyer Community Leadership Award-Barney Masterson Inn of Court 2004
- Raphael Steinhardt Award - awarded for character and integrity 2003
- Victor O'Wehle Award - awarded for excellence in trial advocacy skills 2003
- Spirit of Moot Court Board Award -chosen by Moot Court Board Faculty and Advisor 2003
Memberships
- Board of Trustees-WorkComp College
- CompLaude Awards Gala-Nominating Committee Member
Seminars and Presentations
Ms. Williams lectures extensively on topics regarding workers' compensation, litigation, discovery, and ethics. Her lectures are attended by industry professionals, employers, insurers, and labor groups. She also provides continuing education courses to her clients and other industry professionals.
- Co-Panelist, WCI, Workers' Compensation Institute, "A Holistic Approach to Claims & Return to Work - Why it Works," Orlando, August 23, 2022
- Co-Moderator, WCI, Workers' Compensation Institute, "DEIB in the Pandemic (and Post-Pandemic) World;" "DEIB in Action," Orlando, August 22, 2022
- Moderator, Why Workers' Compensation Needs to Embrace Diversity and Inclusion, WCI, 2022
- Panelist, ABA-Workers' Compensation and Employers' Liability Mid-Winter Conference, Humanizing Workers' Compensation, 2022
- Panelist, CLM Workers' Compensation and Retail, Restaurant, and Hospitality Conference, Back to Basics, The Human Element, 2022
- Speaker/Presenter, 29th Annual WCCP Claims Management & Leadership Conference, Tips for Employers Strategic Cost Mitigation and More!! 2021
- Speaker/Panelist, Return to Work Breakout Inclusion: The Framework for Return-to-Work Success, WCI, 2021
- Speaker, Failed Back Surgery; alongside Dr. Nucci, August 2020
- Panelist, Workcomp Central, "The COVID-19 Effect;" Florida Update, 2020
- Panelist, CompLaude, Real Conversations about Workers Comp., 2020
- National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) Workers' Compensation Session, 2020
- Panelist, Physicians Health Partners Emerging Trends Webinar Series as we discuss COVID-19 Vaccinations Medical and Legal Employer Update
- Speaker/Presenter, WCCP Winter Conference, 5 Hour Law & Ethics 2016
Publications
- Hillsborough County Bar Association, HCBA Lawyer Magazine, "Statute of Limitations Clarified," Workers Compensation Section, Vol. 32, No. 5, May/June 2022
