U.S. Attorney Damian Williams to Speak at 2023 Columbia Law School Graduation
The U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York will address the Class of 2023 during Columbia Law’s Class Day ceremony on May 15.
Damian Williams, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, will deliver the keynote address to the Class of 2023 during Columbia Law School’s graduation ceremony on Monday, May 15, 2023.
Nominated by President Joe Biden and confirmed in October 2021, Williams is the chief federal law enforcement officer for the district and supervises the investigation and prosecution of federal crimes and the litigation of civil matters in which the United States has an interest. During his tenure as U.S. attorney, Williams has focused on, among other things, reducing gun violence, rooting out corruption in financial markets, and reconnecting with the community through increased engagement and enhanced civil rights enforcement. He is the first Black U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York and serves as chair of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee.
Prior to his confirmation, Williams served as chief of the Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force in the Southern District of New York. He earned an A.B. in economics from Harvard University, an M.Phil. in international relations from the University of Cambridge, and a J.D. from Yale Law School.
Joining Williams as graduation speakers are Professor Kellen R. Funk, recipient of this year’s Willis L.M. Reese Prize for Excellence in Teaching; J.D. class speaker Ali Jiménez ’23; and LL.M. class speaker Gianinna A. Romero Medici ’23.
“I am thrilled at this fantastic lineup of speakers and excited to convene such a vibrant and fitting celebration of the Class of 2023,” said Gillian Lester, Dean and Lucy G. Moses Professor of Law.