Equal Justice Works to Honor James L. Chosy at Scales of Justice Event

James L. Chosy is Senior Executive Vice President and General Counsel of U.S. Bancorp, the parent company of U.S. Bank

WASHINGTON, D.C., February 28, 2023—Equal Justice Works, the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law, today announced that it will honor James (Jim) L. Chosy, senior executive vice president and general counsel of U.S. Bancorp, the parent company of U.S. Bank, at the organization’s Scales of Justice event on October 24, 2023.

“Jim’s strong sense of responsibility to support pro bono and public interest law makes him a worthy recipient of this award,” said Verna Williams, Equal Justice Works CEO. “He is an avid champion of promoting greater access, diversity, and equity in our justice system, and we are honored to recognize and celebrate his contributions at this year’s Scales of Justice event.”

Each year, Equal Justice Works presents the Scales of Justice Award to a leader in the legal community who exemplifies a high-level of commitment to public service and a passion for equal justice; has advanced the organization’s mission and vision throughout their career; and has set a strong example for what lawyers and legal professionals can and should do to contribute to efforts in the public interest and toward greater access to justice for all.

At U.S. Bank, Chosy leads the development of a successful in-house pro bono program and cultivates a culture that inspires diversity, equity, and inclusion. He has done extensive DEI work within the U.S. Bank Law Division and the broader legal profession, and also established an equity and racial justice council focused on education and internal and external partnerships. Chosy was also instrumental in creating Spotlight on Talent, a department program that provides underrepresented law firm associates with the opportunity to showcase their talents to U.S. Bank attorneys responsible for making hiring decisions. In 2019, the U.S. Bank Law Division was recognized by Corporate Counsel as a “Best Legal Department” and by the International Legal Alliance Summit with a gold general counsel award for “Best North American Legal Department: Financial Services and Insurance.”

“Our system of justice is founded on noble ideals but with so many needs going unmet, it’s clearly not working as well as it should,” said Chosy. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to support and lift up the efforts of those working in civil legal aid and advocating for equal justice.”

Since 2018, U.S. Bank has co-sponsored three Equal Justice Works Fellows with Dorsey & Whitney LLP. Marlee Torrence  provided legal advocacy and outreach services to American Indian mothers struggling with opioid use; Brooke Beskau Warg supported children and families involved in the child protection system in Minnesota; and current Equal Justice Works Fellow Susan Fleurant is advancing economic justice for Minnesotans with disabilities.

“I’m continually moved and inspired by the stories and the work of the Fellows. They give me hope and optimism for the future and renew my confidence in our legal profession and the ability to make change. I’m enormously proud of my association with Equal Justice Works and grateful to be able to contribute to an organization that is so aligned with my personal values and those of my company,” added Chosy. In 2021, U.S. Bank launched U.S. Bank Access Commitment™, a long-term approach to help build wealth while redefining how it serves racially diverse communities and provides more opportunities for employees.

As a stalwart supporter of Equal Justice Works for nearly 8 years, Chosy has served on the organization’s Steering Committee since 2017 and been a member of its nonfiduciary Board of Counselors since 2018.

Chosy has earned numerous accolades for his leadership and advocacy work, including the Exemplar Award from the National Legal Aid & Defender Association, Lead by Example Award from the National Association of Women Lawyers, In-House Counsel Lifetime Achievement Award from Minnesota Lawyer, University of Minnesota’s Alumni Service Award, and the shortlist for outstanding contribution to diversity and inclusion from Chambers D&I Awards. He currently serves on the boards of directors of the Guthrie Theater, the Fund for Legal Aid, and the National Legal Aid & Defender Association where he chairs the corporate advisory committee. He is a Life Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and serves as a member of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, general counsel advisory committee of the Bank Policy Institute, and the corporate advisory panel of the Federal Bar Association’s special task force on diversity and inclusion.

Click here for more information about the Scales of Justice.

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About Equal Justice Works

Equal Justice Works is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for lawyers to transform their passion for equal justice into a lifelong commitment to public service. As the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law, Equal Justice Works brings together an extensive network of law students, lawyers, nonprofit legal aid organizations, and supporters to promote a lifelong commitment to public service and equal justice.

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