The ILI-South African Centre for Excellence is pleased to announce that on the evening of October 17, 2024 the Centre will celebrate the remarkable contributions of Hon. Ann Claire Williams (Ret.) to the rule of law in Africa and beyond. Judge Williams will be presented with ILI-SACE’s first Lifetime Impact Award. Please save the date. The evening will be another major milestone for Judge Williams, honoring her extraordinary career as a jurist and her dedicated work to promote the rule of law across Africa.
Judge Williams, who is the first person of color to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, has been a trailblazer throughout her career. She is recognized not only for her accomplishments in the United States, but also for her tireless efforts to advance justice in Africa. Her work has made a significant and enduring impact on the continent. This work has included involvement in various legal and judicial reform initiatives as well as mentoring the next generation of African legal professionals. These achievements are a cornerstone of her legacy.
Judge Williams has previously been the recipient of the American Lawyer Lifetime Achievement Award and the American Bar Association Presidential Citation, further solidifying her status as an icon in both domestic and international law.
We are also honored that Loretta E. Lynch, former Attorney General of the United States, will speak at the event. Ms. Lynch is known for her powerful leadership in law and government and her advocacy for civil rights. She will join many other distinguished guests who will celebrate Judge Williams' achievements on the October 17 evening.
The mission of the ILI-South African Centre for Excellence is to foster legal and judicial reform throughout Africa.The Centre plays a pivotal role in providing training and capacity building for leaders in law, business, and government across the continent. More broadly, the Centre has an ongoing commitment to the promotion of the rule of law and good governance in Africa.
This evening promises to be a momentous occasion, celebrating the life and contributions of a trailblazer whose work has reshaped legal landscapes both in the U.S. and abroad. The ILI-SACE Lifetime Impact Award reflects the enduring legacy Judge Williams has built, inspiring future generations of jurists and lawyers in Africa and beyond.