Telia Mary U. Williams

Dr. Telia Mary U. Williams is shaping the future of legal education and scholarship as an Assistant Professor of Law at Northern Illinois University. Since joining the faculty in 2022, she has brought a wealth of practical experience and academic rigor to her teaching and research. Dr. Williams is deeply committed to exploring the complex interplay between law, religion, and race, areas that are increasingly significant in today's diverse and multifaceted society. Before her academic career, Dr. Williams honed her legal expertise in the bustling legal hubs of New York City, Washington, D.C., and Las Vegas. Her practice focused on high-stakes litigation, including securities litigation, antitrust, intellectual property, and consumer rights. This extensive experience in the litigation departments of prominent law firms has equipped her with a nuanced understanding of the legal challenges and opportunities in these fields. Dr. Williams's academic journey is as impressive as her professional one. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Yale University, followed by a Master of Arts from Brown University. Her legal education culminated at Harvard Law School, where she distinguished herself by graduating at the top of her class. This strong academic foundation underpins her teaching philosophy, which emphasizes critical thinking and the practical application of legal principles. In her research, Dr. Williams is particularly interested in how legal frameworks intersect with issues of race and religion, seeking to contribute to a more equitable and just legal system. Her work aims to challenge and expand traditional legal narratives, fostering a more inclusive understanding of law's role in society. Through her scholarship and teaching, Dr. Williams is dedicated to preparing the next generation of legal professionals to navigate and shape the evolving legal landscape.