With her appointment by President Ronald Reagan, at the age of 35, Judge Williams became one of the youngest judges ever appointed to an Article III federal judgeship. At that time, she was the first African American woman appointed to the district court in Illinois and in the Seventh Circuit. In August 1999, Judge Williams was nominated to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit by President William Jefferson Clinton and was confirmed on November 10, 1999. She became the first African American ever appointed to the Circuit and the third African American woman to serve on any federal appeals court.
Judge Williams’ enthusiasm and passion for many topics related to our profession are contagious. Listen to Judge Williams and be inspired to make a difference.