Judge Ann Claire Williams (Ret.), a trailblazing jurist and champion of justice, has devoted her life to the pursuit of equality, fairness, and the rule of law. With a distinguished career spanning decades, she has not only broken barriers but also led efforts to promote the effective delivery of justice worldwide. 

Born to parents who instilled in her the values of hard work and perseverance, Judge Williams made history in 1985 when President Ronald Reagan nominated her to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, marking her as the first woman of color to serve on a district court in the 7th Circuit. Her ascension continued in 1999 when President Bill Clinton appointed her to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, making her the first judge of color in that role and the third Black woman to serve on any federal circuit court.

But Judge Williams’ impact extends far beyond the bench. Since 2001 as a jurist and in her current role at Jones Day, her commitment to advancing the rule of law in Africa has been extraordinary. She has partnered with judiciaries, attorneys, NGOs, business leaders, and the U.S. Departments of Justice and State to lead training programs and other initiatives in Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia, working to ensure equal justice for all on the Continent.

Her leadership in the American Bar Association (ABA) is unparalleled, having served three consecutive terms as chair of the ABA Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary—a feat unmatched in the last four decades. Her tenure was marked by a commitment to bipartisanship and a dedication to ensuring the highest standards in federal judicial appointments.

Judge Williams’ influence is also deeply felt in her contributions to legal education and mentorship. She is the founder of Just The Beginning — A Pipeline Organization, which nurtures the next generation of diverse legal talent; Minority Legal Education Resources, Inc.; the Black Women Lawyer’s Association of Chicago; and the Equal Justice Works Fellowship program, which has supported over two thousand public interest law fellowships. 

Throughout her career, Judge Williams has received numerous accolades, including the recent 2024 American Lawyer Lifetime Achievement Award and the American Bar Association Presidential Citation. These honors recognize not just her legal acumen but also her profound impact on public service, the legal profession, and the national and international communities.

Judge Williams’ legacy is one of trailblazing achievements, unyielding integrity, and a deep commitment to justice. Her life’s work serves as an enduring example of how one person can leave an indelible mark on the world, inspiring future generations to strive for excellence in all they do.