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Williams will be the first
black student to hold the prestigious position of
editor-in-chief in the publication’s 52-year history.
"I am extremely grateful for
the opportunity that I have been afforded," Williams said.
"Becoming the first editor-in-chief with African-American
heritage is an amazing milestone, and I am beyond honored.”
The law review, which was
first published at the UToledo College of Law in 1969, is a
student-run journal written by law professors, judges and
students.
"I am delighted that Damon
was selected as editor-in-chief of The University of Toledo
Law Review," D. Benjamin Barros, dean of the College of Law,
said. "He's exceptionally bright and will be an excellent
leader. Although we wish this milestone would have happened
sooner, his selection is encouraging as it reflects
progress."
“This is but a step in, what
I hope to be, a continuing process for The University of
Toledo,” Williams said. “I am striving to help foster
subsequent diversity milestones and continued Law Review
success, and I look forward to my future collaboration with
community members.”
Law review members are
selected as editor-in-chief after a highly-competitive,
in-depth interview process. The elections committee
considers academic performance, writing ability as
demonstrated by their academic writing and editing
throughout the year, and leadership potential.
"From a technical
perspective, Damon's formal yet graceful writing style and
his superior academic performance made him a competitive
candidate among his peers," said Lindsey Self, law student
and the current editor-in-chief of The University of Toledo
Law Review. "He demonstrates conviction in his vision for
the journal but is unafraid to take calculated risks.
Damon's writing and leadership demonstrate a unique balance
between sensibility and practicality with inventiveness and
ingenuity – a balance that is difficult to find in practice,
let alone law school."
Williams, who also serves as
president of the Black Law Students Association, was born
and raised in Toledo. He earned his bachelor’s degree in
criminal justice and master’s degree in forensic science at
Bowling Green State University.
He hopes his law degree will
help him facilitate the social and political changes he
wants to see in the world. Although he is still figuring out
his next steps, Williams is considering a federal clerkship
or doctor of juridical science.
"This is much bigger than me
alone,” Williams said. “I have a fantastic executive board
in Hayley Mise, Cameron Morrissey, Kate Murray and Morgan
Isenberg. Their continued excellence and support are
essential to the success of the law review. In addition,
Lindsey Self has been a shining north star, guiding me
toward the path to success." |
