Jurist’s speech highlights Community Justice Week

Federal Judge Ann Claire Williams will discuss lawyers’ commitment to public service and equal access to justice in a Feb. 23 speech at the Law School as students and faculty mark Community Justice Week.

Williams, who has served on the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago since 1999, was the first African American ever appointed to the circuit and the third African-American woman to sit on any federal appeals court.

The Lectures Committee and the Appellate Practice Section of the State Bar of Wisconsin sponsor her address, in Room 2260 of the Law School at 3 p.m.

Community Justice Week, Feb. 23-28, emphasizes the importance of public service law, and how lawyers and law students can serve their communities.

“Public service law provides avenues for lawyers and students to reach out and use their skills to make their communities better places, and Community Justice Week helps highlight the available opportunities,” says Law School Dean Kenneth B. Davis. “It’s an extension of the Wisconsin Idea, one in which law students play a key role.”

On Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 5:45 p.m., a dean’s mixer will be held in the Law School atrium. An information fair for law students will detail opportunities for involvement in legal service projects. It is Wednesday, Feb. 25, noon-2 p.m. in the atrium

On Friday, Feb. 27, a brown bag lunch and panel discussion will focus on how public interest law and public service can be incorporated into a legal career. It will be held at 12:15 p.m. in Room 2260 of the Law School.