Loyola University Chicago’s School of Law has named nationally renowned legal scholar Neil Williams as its inaugural Nathaniel R. Jones Professor of Law. The professorship was established to honor the distinguished legal career of the Honorable Nathaniel R. Jones, who has served as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and as general counsel of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

“This prestigious professorship will honor the Honorable Jones’s tireless work and abiding commitment to the pursuit of justice and equality for all,” said Michael J. Kaufman, dean of the School of Law. “His extraordinary work as a public servant and as an advocate for civil and human rights will serve as an inspiration for our law school community for years to come.”

Williams is a member of Loyola University Chicago’s full-time law faculty where he teaches Contracts, International Sales Law, Sales, and Secured Transactions and Creditors Rights.  He received his undergraduate degree from Duke University summa cum laude and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Following his graduation from law school at the University of Chicago, he served as law clerk to the Hon. George N. Leighton of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. After his clerkship, he joined the Chicago law firm of Sidley Austin LLP, where he handled general corporate finance and securities law matters. Professor Williams joined the full-time School of Law faculty in 1989. He has served as president of the Midwestern People of Color Legal Scholarship Conference. He is the inaugural recipient of Loyola University Chicago School of Law’s Norman C. Amaker Award of Excellence.

“I am honored and inspired to serve as the inaugural Nathaniel R. Jones Professor of Law,” said Neil Williams. “I look forward to furthering his lifelong commitment as a teacher, public servant, and advocate for justice in my research and scholarship here at Loyola.”