Columbia University professor Patricia J. Williams will deliver the 2009 William H. Leary Lecture at the University of Utah's S.J. Quinney College of Law on Thursday at 6 p.m.

As a law professor, Williams has testified before Congress, acted as a consultant and coordinator for a variety of public interest lawsuits, and served as a member of the Center for Constitutional Rights, the Society of American Law Teachers and of the National Organization for Women's Legal Defense and Education Fund. She has published works in newspapers, magazines and scholarly journals and has received many accolades and awards.

Williams' talk, "The Paradox of Race: Reflections on the Not-so-level Playing Field" followed by a question-and-answer period, will be held in the Sutherland Moot Courtroom on campus. It will be preceded by a reception at 5:30 p.m., is offered for one hour of free Continuing Law Education credit and is free and open to the public.