The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is announcing today that Adrienne K. Walker has been appointed by UUA President Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt to become the Association’s new general counsel. She replaces Thomas Bean of Verrill Dana, who is retiring. Bean had been the UUA’s general counsel since 2011.

Adrienne Walker is a partner with Locke Lord, LLP and a member of the Firm’s Board of Directors. She has decades of experience in representing nonprofits, companies and investors in navigating challenging business disputes, often leading teams in corporate restructurings, commercial finance, and where necessary, litigation. Walker is a strategic counselor, recognized for her skillful ability to gain leverage and drive efficient results. She has been ranked by Chambers USA, named a Top Women of Law by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, and recognized for her longtime commitment to pro bono representation and the LGBTQ+ community. She works with clients in many industries, with a particular focus on health care, senior living, nonprofits, education, financial services, and manufacturing.

Adrienne Walker is a proud member of the Unitarian Universalist Area Church at First Parish Sherborn, where she has held numerous leadership roles and is active in faith formation programs.

“We are so fortunate to be working with Adrienne, who is not only providing us excellent legal strategy and advice, but also understands our shared values and the intricacies of the questions that the UUA faces,” said Carey McDonald, the UUA’s Executive Vice President. “We also want to thank Tom Bean for his outstanding service to the UUA over the past 12 years. The UUA and UUs across our faith have benefited tremendously from his professionalism and strategic counsel. We wish him well in his retirement.”