Judge Williams was raised on a farm in Oregon’s farming and logging country. Upon graduating high school, he went to Southern Oregon State College where he paid his way working nights and during the summers by working in construction or as a farm hand. Judge Williams was the first member of his family to obtain a college degree. 

After graduating from college, Judge Williams taught high school U.S. history, law and justice, and geography. He taught high school for seven years while saving money to go to law school. Judge Williams studied law at the University of Oregon, where he met Jennifer. Upon graduating from law school, Wes and Jennifer married and moved to La Grande where they have raised their two children, Arthur and Annie. Annie and Arthur both graduated from La Grande High School. Arthur now works as a wildland firefighter. Annie went to the University of Oregon where she graduated in 2021 and began working for AmeriCorps. 

Judge Williams set up his law practice in La Grande in 1996 where, for 22 years, he fought to protect the constitutional rights of the citizens of Union and Wallowa Counties. He represented clients for real estate transactions, employment law, criminal defense, setting up businesses, wills, probates, and contract litigation. He represented the people of Union and Wallowa counties from all walks of life, including mill workers, police officers, small business owners, teachers, judges, nurses, and many more. He practiced law in both state and federal court and he argued for Eastern Oregonians before the Oregon Court of Appeals and before the Oregon Supreme Court.

Judge Williams was elected by the people of Union and Wallowa County as Circuit Court Judge in 2018. Since then, he has diligently pursued fairness and justice for his constituents. Judge Williams ensures that every member of the community that enters his courtroom is treated with respect and equality.