Carlton E. Williams

Carlton E. Williams is an Clinical Associate Professor of Law at Cornell Law School, where he leads the Movement Lawyering Clinic. His career focuses on social justice advocacy, criminal defense, and civil rights, with extensive experience in racial justice and environmental legal support. He previously served as Executive Director of the Water Protector Legal Collective, defending Indigenous environmental justice efforts, and was a Givelber Distinguished Lecturer at Northeastern University School of Law.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree from University of Rhode Island
• Juris Doctor from University of Wisconsin Law School

Research interests emphasize movement lawyering, integrating legal strategies with grassroots activism to advance Black liberation, immigrant rights, LGBTQ equity, and Palestinian solidarity. His work includes legal defense for the Occupy Boston movement and advocacy in Law for Black Lives initiatives.

Professional affiliations include the National Lawyers Guild (former MA board chair) and the Movement Lawyering Practicum program, where students support social justice organizations.