2020 Scales of Justice Highlights

More than 1,500 friends and supporters from all corners of the legal community tuned in on October 13, 2020 for The Scales of Justice virtual event to celebrate Equal Justice Works Fellows and honor Laura Stein, executive vice president and general counsel—Corporate Affairs at The Clorox Company, with the Scales of Justice Award. Michel Martin, Weekend Host of NPR’s All Things Considered, served as emcee for the event.

Thanks to generous donors, we raised $2.9 million to support our efforts to mobilize a community of lawyers committed to public service and equal justice.

Throughout the program, we shared powerful stories of Fellows who are answering the needs of their communities. Fellows Joseph Longley, Crystal Pardue, and Daniel Pham spoke about how they are helping clients disproportionately affected by the health and economic repercussions of the pandemic; and Fellows Emma Shakeshaft, Mitchell Brown, and Molly Griffard shared how they are challenging systemic injustice and building a better future for everyone. These stories highlight how Equal Justice Works Fellows are bringing lasting change to our communities, our justice system, and our country.

A memorable moment in the program occurred when Fellow Clarence Okoh spoke about his work to address how artificial intelligence is being used to shape and govern lives, and how this technology is specifically harmful to Black people and people of color.

During our event, we had the opportunity to watch 2020 Scales of Justice honoree Laura Stein in conversation with her father, Robert Stein. Laura reflected on her family values, commitment to pro bono work, and hopes for our justice system.

“I know the power of an Equal Justice Works Fellow. Fellows challenge systems of injustice to make meaningful and lasting change in their community and help us realize our nation’s promise of equal justice for all,” said Laura.

The program was rounded out with special appearances from longtime friend and CNN political analyst, David Gregory who encouraged attendees to support the public interest law community; and from our former Board member Sherrilyn Ifill, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, who echoed David’s sentiments and shared her organization’s experience hosting Fellows.

Thank you to our Champion of Justice sponsor Greenberg Traurig, LLP, our other incredible event sponsors, the 2020 Steering Committee, and all who attended and supported us in making The Scales of Justice a momentous success. The generosity and dedication of our community is helping to bring us closer to fulfilling our nation’s promise of equal justice for all.

Check out the video highlights here.