Equal Justice Works Adds Five New Board Members: Michael Fricklas, John Hueston, Jennifer Kaplan Schott, David Levine, and Camille Nelson

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 4, 2023—Equal Justice Works, the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law, today announced that Michael Fricklas, John Hueston, Jennifer Kaplan Schott, David Levine, and Camille Nelson have been named to the organization’s board of directors.

“We are thrilled to welcome Michael, John, Jennifer, David, and Camille to the Board of Directors,” said Verna Williams, CEO of Equal Justice Works. “Their insight, commitment to equal access to justice, and deep legal expertise will be invaluable to the organization as we advance our work to further the access to justice movement and support passionate public interest lawyers and leaders across the country.”

Michael Fricklas is the Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary of Advance, and he has served in this role since 2018. Prior to joining Advance, Mr. Fricklas was one of the top executives at Viacom, for 19 years as EVP, General Counsel and Secretary, where he reported to the CEO. Mr. Fricklas’s practice started in Silicon Valley, representing technology companies in a variety of financing transactions and in technology licensing. Since then, his career has focused on the intersection of copyright and technology, corporate governance, mergers & acquisitions, and large law department management. Mr. Fricklas is currently a member of the American Bar Association’s Task Force on Artificial Intelligence and the Law. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of Boston University, a member of the board of Jazz at Lincoln Center, and co-chair of the UJA entertainment and media group. He also serves as a member of New York’s Permanent Commission on Access to Justice and has served as a member of the Equal Justice Works Board of Counselors. He is past president of the Association of General Counsel.

“For decades, I have been involved with Equal Justice Works and have supported its mission through engagement with the organization and its Fellows and their work as well as financially,” said Michael Fricklas. “I am very proud to see so many of the Fellows we have supported go on to do great work on important social projects. I am particularly passionate about the way that Equal Justice Works and its Fellows engage law departments and law firms, providing opportunities for us to work together toward social justice for all. I’m honored to have the ability to support this work as a member of the board.”

John Hueston is a founding partner of Hueston Hennigan, where he represents Fortune 500 companies and governments as lead counsel in their most challenging and high-profile cases and investigations. Mr. Hueston’s work ranges from winning and defeating multibillion-dollar actions to terminating some of the nation’s most significant regulatory and criminal investigations and cases. Mr.Hueston has been recognized by many organizations, publications, and law reviews for his work. He is an active contributor to the legal field and is the President of the Board of Directors for the Social Justice Legal Foundation. He is also a member of other notable Boards, committees, and commissions in the legal field and in academia. Mr. Hueston has lectured nationally at law and business schools on topics of trial advocacy and corporate governance.

“There is no greater service I can provide than mentoring and providing resources for professionals aspiring to make an impact in public interest legal work,” said John Hueston. “I look forward to working with Equal Justice Works to bring some of our best national legal talent into the public interest sector.”

Jennifer Kaplan Schott is Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Illinois Tool Works Inc. Jennifer joined Illinois Tool Works in 2021 and previously served as Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary of Caterpillar Inc. Prior to Caterpillar, Jennifer spent 16 years at Discover Financial Services holding legal positions of increasing responsibility culminating in the role of Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary. Prior to her corporate legal career, Jennifer practiced law at two large international law firms.

“I am thrilled to continue supporting Equal Justice Works, its Fellows, and its programs as I join its Board,” said Jennifer Kaplan Schott. “The work of Equal Justice Works and its Fellows are imperative to increasing access to justice in communities across the country.”

David Levine is the Chief Legal Officer of Bloomberg L.P., where he oversees the Company’s global legal, compliance, and risk functions. As a member of the Management Committee at Bloomberg, David also has oversight responsibilities for Bloomberg Industry Group. Since joining Bloomberg as General Counsel in 2012, David has overseen a complete build out of global legal and compliance functions, matching Bloomberg’s business growth by adding broad and deep capabilities across every relevant legal and compliance specialty while realizing significant cost savings. David is actively engaged in the pro bono program at Bloomberg, having advised low-income micro-entrepreneurs on starting small businesses, assisted green card holders with naturalization applications, judged Legal Outreach’s Debater of the Year Competition, counseled LGBTQ+ immigrants on eligibility for seeking asylum, and volunteered for the non-partisan Election Protection project. David is also an active leader in the legal profession through his involvement in a wide range of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and civic activities.

“Public interest lawyers play an essential role in achieving equal justice for all,” said David Levine. “I am honored to join the Board of Directors of Equal Justice Works and be part of an organization that creates opportunities for lawyers to help close the justice gap.”

Camille Nelson is Dean of the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa, where she is also a Professor of Law. Dean Nelson has long been an outstanding member of the legal community. Prior to her current role, she served as Dean of American University Washington College of Law, and as Dean of Suffolk University Law School in Boston. She was a Professor of Law at the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University and at the Saint Louis University School of Law; and was a Dean’s Scholar in Residence and Visiting Professor of Law at Washington University in St. Louis School of Law. She has taught Contracts, Torts, Criminal Law, Comparative Criminal Law, Transnational Law, Critical Race Theory, Criminal Procedure, and Professional Responsibility at many law schools. Dean Nelson’s scholarship focuses on health law, criminal law and procedure, comparative law, and leadership through the lens of cultural studies and critical race theory. Her scholarship and leadership in higher education have been recognized through a variety of awards and honors. She has contributed many impactful articles, essays, and chapters to scholarship towards her area of expertise. She also has engaged with professional service at many organizations focused on legal education.

“I am honored to join the Board of Directors of Equal Justice Works, an organization devoted to public service and equal justice,” said Dean Nelson. “I look forward to being of service to support the efforts and initiatives of Equal Justice Works to ensure that the transformation impact of this vital organization continues. This work continues to be critical to the pursuit of justice”

To learn more about the Equal Justice Works Board of Directors, click here.

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 public service and inspire a lifelong commitment to equal justice.

Contact:
Sarah Lackritz
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Email: [email protected]

WASHINGTON, D.C., August 1, 2023 – Verna Williams, CEO of Equal Justice Works (EJW), has been named to the third annual Forbes 50 Over 50 Impact list. The list highlights women stepping into their power and accelerating their careers to reach the highest echelons of their field, especially those who have overcome significant odds. 

“Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to closing the justice gap in this country as a lawyer, educator, and academic. My work with Equal Justice Works allows me to continue pursuing this passion, while simultaneously advancing diversity and representation within the legal profession,” said Verna Williams, CEO of Equal Justice Works. “I am honored to be included on this year’s Forbes 50 Over 50 Impact list along with so many incredible women who have made it their life’s work to change the world for the better.”

As CEO of EJW, Verna has been dedicated to advancing the organization’s mission to create opportunities for leaders to transform their passion for equal justice into a lifelong commitment to public service. After joining the organization in September 2022, Verna shared her vision for the organization to expand its network of law firms, legal affairs and civil rights organizations, and law schools while also diversifying the public interest law sector by making a career in public service more accessible to those interested in entering the profession.

For over 35 years, EJW has worked to build a talented pipeline of aspiring public service leaders, connecting entry-level lawyers with legal service organizations serving local communities on issues related to housing justice, disaster relief, immigration reform, racial justice, and more. EJW’s model is a proven method for increasing access to careers in public service: more than 85 percent of Fellows remain in public service after their Fellowships, making EJW a leader in the access to justice movement.

Verna has an extensive background of experience teaching and practicing law, as well as researching civil and women’s rights. Verna previously served as the dean of the University of Cincinnati College of Law, where she was a professor before being appointed dean. She taught courses on family law, gender discrimination, and constitutional law and researched the role of race and gender in public policy. Additionally, she co-founded and co-directed the Judge Nathaniel Jones Center for Race, Gender, and Social Justice at the University of Cincinnati.

Before her work at the University of Cincinnati, Verna was the Vice President and Director of Educational Opportunities at the National Women’s Law Center, where she focused on gender equity in education. In this role, she was the lead counsel and successfully argued before the United States Supreme Court Davis v. Monroe County Board of Education, which established that educational institutions have a duty to respond to and address complaints of student-to-student sexual harassment. Additionally, Verna clerked for the Honorable David S. Nelson, U.S. District Judge for the District of Massachusetts and practiced law at both Sidley Austin LLP and the U.S. Department of Justice.

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, advocates, legal services organizations, and supporters to build a community committed to fulfilling our nation’s promise of equal justice for all.

Visit www.equaljusticeworks.org for more information.

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The grant from the American Red Cross supports the organization’s work to mobilize lawyers through its Disaster Resilience Program to help communities recover from the December 2021 tornadoes that destroyed communities in Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee.

WASHINGTON, D.C., JULY 20, 2023—Equal Justice Works, the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law, has been awarded a $626 thousand grant by the American Red Cross to provide legal aid to communities impacted by the devastating tornadoes of December 2021 through the organization’s Disaster Resilience Program, which mobilizes lawyers in areas that have been affected by disasters.

“We are grateful to the American Red Cross for their generous support of our program,” said Linda Anderson Stanley, Associate Director of Disaster Programming. “This funding helps us respond to the lingering aftermath of the tornadoes and ensure that the affected communities will be sufficiently equipped to be resilient towards future disasters.”

Equal Justice Works has developed targeted programs to mobilize lawyers to support disaster-affected communities since 2005. The organization launched its award-winning Disaster Resilience Program in 2020, placing six Fellows (lawyers) and six Student Fellows (law students) at legal services organizations in Texas and Florida to address the critical legal needs that communities face before, during, and after a disaster. Since then, the program has hosted 14 additional attorney Fellows who have advocated for communities that were affected by incidents such as wildfires, hurricanes, COVID-19, humanitarian crises, and other disasters across the states of California, Louisiana, and New Mexico.

The grant from the American Red Cross supports the Disaster Resilience Program’s current cohort, which includes six Fellows and six Student Fellows who are providing free legal assistance to low-income individuals, households, and communities impacted by the devastating tornadoes of December 2021. The types of legal needs that arise in the aftermath of a disaster are vast and these Fellows are assisting tornado survivors with legal issues such as avoiding consumer scams, FEMA appeals, clearing title to property, avoiding illegal evictions. Fellows also provide their communities with the training and support they need to help build resiliency for future disasters.

Fellows in the cohort began their work in December 2022, and are now serving until the fall of 2023. Student Fellows joined the attorney Fellows for a summer of service earlier this year. Fellows supported by this grant include:

• Nick Gau, hosted by the Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services
• Adrieanna Hutson, hosted by the Legal Aid of Arkansas
• Remi Gavlick, hosted by the Migrant and Immigrant Community Action Project
• Matthew Flood, hosted by West Tennessee Legal Services
• David Wrinkle, hosted by Kentucky Legal Aid
• Blake Johnson, hosted by Kentucky Legal Aid

The Fellows in Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee are supported by one-year of funding from the American Red Cross. Active Fellows participate in two-year projects, and so the second year of these Fellowships will be supported by new funding opportunities. Many deadly tornadoes and storms have ravaged these areas on a recurring basis since the 2021 tornado events and the communities’ continued need for assistance is evident, with new legal issues emerging from recent disaster events in the immediate, and more yet anticipated over the next year. To aid disaster survivors in these states affected by any past or future disasters for another year, we are seeking partners to fund the second year of the Disaster Resilience Program’s implementation in the region.

If you or your organization are interested in lending support to enable a second year of these vital Fellowships serving the states of Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, or Tennessee, please contact us at [email protected].

The Disaster Resilience Program is currently funded by the American Red Cross, Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy and the California Wildfires Recovery, Danaher Foundation, Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

 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 public service and inspire a lifelong commitment to equal justice.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to survivors of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Diego Cartagena is the President and CEO of Bet Tzedek Legal Services in Los Angeles, CA.

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 14, 2023—Equal Justice Works, the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law, today announced that it will honor Diego Cartagena, President and CEO of Bet Tzedek, as the first ever recipient of the 2023 Equal Justice Works Distinguished Alumni Award at the organization’s Scales of Justice event on October 24, 2023.

“Diego is an exceptional example of the difference that one person can make in a public interest law career,” said Verna Williams, CEO of Equal Justice Works. “We are thrilled to celebrate his contributions through his career of service at the 2023 Scales of Justice event.”

The Equal Justice Works Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes an Equal Justice Works alum who has made outstanding contributions as a leader in public interest law; has distinguished themselves through creating lasting impact in the communities they serve; embodies the organizational values of passion, community, service, opportunity, and equal access to justice; and reflects the transformative power of an Equal Justice Works Fellowship.

“I am incredibly humbled and honored to be receiving the 2023 Equal Justice Works Distinguished Alumni Award,” said Diego. “More than anything, I hope it serves as a reflection of, and inspiration for, the change we can each accomplish when we come together as a community and profession under the vision of an organization like Equal Justice Works.”

“We are thrilled to recognize and celebrate Diego’s achievements as our inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient,” said Lynbea Toombs, Director of Alumni Relations at Equal Justice Works. “Diego’s accomplishments and commitment to the public interest speak to the true depth of the impact that our Fellows can have, both professionally and in their communities. With the introduction of the Distinguished Alumni Award, we have an exciting opportunity to continue recognizing the outstanding achievements of Equal Justice Works alumni on the many impactful paths they take.”

As a 2004 Equal Justice Works Fellow, Diego supported low-income teen mothers and fathers in court by providing them with legal advocacy and outreach in the areas of family and immigration law.

Diego’s career has been dedicated to improving access to justice. Following his Fellowship, Diego went on to serve as pro bono director for The Alliance for Children’s Rights, while simultaneously serving as program director for the agency’s Probate Legal Guardianship program. Diego is now the President and CEO of Bet Tzedek. In his role, Diego manages Bet Tzedek’s 110-person staff and guides the work of the organization’s 1,600 volunteers and pro bono attorneys, who contribute 40,000 hours each year to help tens of thousands of Bet Tzedek clients. He also serves as a member of the Justice in Aging Board of Directors.

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.

Contact
Miranda Sullivan
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Email: [email protected]

45 law students will spend their summer helping improve access to justice for people living in rural communities.

WASHINGTON, D.C., JUNE 1 2023— Equal Justice Works, the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law, and the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), the nation’s single largest funder of civil legal aid for low-income Americans, today announced the selection of 40 law students for the Rural Summer Legal Corps (RSLC).

“I am inspired by each of these law students who have chosen to spend their summer increasing access to justice for rural communities,” said Verna Williams, CEO of Equal Justice Works. “Rural communities often struggle to access legal resources and civil legal aid, and making these things accessible to rural clients is an imperative step towards helping close the justice gap.”

RSLC is a partnership between Equal Justice Works and LSC that supports law students serving rural communities each summer. Program participants, called Student Fellows, spend eight to ten weeks hosted by LSC-funded civil legal aid organizations, where they help address challenges facing rural communities.

The 2023 class of Rural Summer Legal Corps Fellows includes 45 students from 38 law schools who will work at 41 LSC-funded civil legal aid organizations across the United States and its territories, providing critical legal assistance to people in rural areas. Through the program, Student Fellows have the opportunity to provide direct legal services, engage in community outreach and education, and build capacity at the organizations where they are hosted.

“The Rural Summer Legal Corps offers law students an exceptional opportunity to support civil legal aid organizations in rural areas around the country that are working tirelessly to expand the availability of legal services in their communities,” said LSC President, Ron Flagg. “In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for civil legal services has increased significantly, making the service provided by the Fellows this summer all the more critical. By actively participating in the Rural Summer Legal Corps, Fellows contribute to narrowing the justice gap and play a vital role in empowering individuals in need across rural America.”

This year’s class of RSLC Student Fellows will take on projects that address a range of access-to-justice issues, including:

• Dorothee Adams will work to help a rural community in Alabama combat medical debt resulting from wage garnishments from a local community hospital. She will create resources, such as a Medical Debt Toolkit, that bolster the community’s ability to tackle issues related to consumer rights and medical debt. Dorothee, a student at the University of Tennessee College of Law, will be hosted at Legal Services Alabama.
• Maria Catalano will work with rural Navajo and Hopi communities to provide tailored outreach, education, and legal assistance that address issues commonly faced by Navajo and Hopi clients. Maria, a student at the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law, will be hosted at DNA-Peoples Legal Services.
• Benjamin Rhind will work with the Farmworker Law Project at the Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York to provide civil legal aid for agricultural workers across New York who are facing issues such as trafficking, wage theft, workplace health and safety, discrimination, and civil rights. Benjamin is a student at the New York University School of Law.

In 2022, RSLC Student Fellows collectively contributed 11,888 hours to help rural communities, with 4,510 hours spent on direct legal services. These Student Fellows also participated in 177 outreach events, created or expanded more than 129 collaborations with community partners, and provided legal information to more than 3,000 individuals.

To learn more about the Rural Summer Legal Corps, visit here.

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 public service and inspire a lifelong commitment to equal justice.

About Legal Services Corporation

Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is an independent nonprofit established by Congress in 1974 to provide financial support for civil legal aid to low-income Americans. The Corporation currently provides funding to 132 independent nonprofit legal aid organizations in every state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Visit www.lsc.gov for more information.

Contact:
Sarah Lackritz
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Email: [email protected]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — April 27, 2023 — Equal Justice Works (EJW), the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law, today recognized global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP for sponsoring more than 200 EJW Fellows since 1999, when the firm began supporting EJW.

“By sponsoring a record number of Fellows, Greenberg Traurig has transformed the legal landscape, ignited the careers of scores of passionate public service leaders, and helped to fulfill our nation’s promise of equal justice for all,” EJW CEO Verna Williams said.

Greenberg Traurig is the largest sponsor of EJW Fellows. With its 2023 Fellowship class of 12, Greenberg Traurig will sponsor its 200th and 201st fellow. Through its Holly Skolnick Fellowship Foundation, the firm has contributed more than $14.5 million to the Design-Your-Own Fellowship program. These Fellows have provided more than 680,000 attorney hours on behalf of underrepresented populations in more than 50 cities and over 120 legal services organizations across the country.

“Philanthropy and making an impact in our communities are central components of Greenberg Traurig’s mission. Our attorneys dedicate tens of thousands of hours of pro bono time each year, but we simply cannot be everywhere and help everyone all at once,” Greenberg Traurig Co-President and EJW Board Member Ernest LaMont Greer said. “Our Equal Justice Works Fellows, many of whom have been co-sponsored with valued clients or community organizations over the years, expand our firm’s platform and ability to make an impact well-beyond our own footprint.”

The firm’s 2023 EJW Fellows are part of the firm’s $5 million commitment over five years to support programs that address the causes and effects of systemic racism and seek to provide impoverished communities and individuals with economic and social rights.

“Greenberg Traurig’s Equal Justice Works Fellows are critical partners to Greenberg Traurig’s pro bono program. In selecting Fellows, Greenberg Traurig looks for passionate lawyers dedicated to fighting for racial, social, and economic justice throughout the country, with whom we can partner on pro bono projects. We are thrilled to have sponsored 201 Fellows since 1999 and look forward to continuing this important work for years to come,” Greenberg Traurig Litigation Shareholder and Global Pro Bono Program Chair Caroline J. Heller said.

The Fellows serve for two years and the 2023 project issues range from criminal justice reform to immigration to racial justice and more. Greenberg Traurig’s 2023 Fellows are:

• Isabel Dufford, Colorado Legal Services
• Aru Gonzalez, Public Counsel
• Elissa Gray, Family Violence Appellate Project; co-sponsored by The Clorox Company Foundation
• Katie Martinez , School Justice Project; co-sponsored by Steptoe & Johnson LLP
• Justin McCarroll, Georgia Resource Center
• Meghan McLeroy, Alabama Appleseed Center for Law and Justice; co-sponsored by Southern Company
• Mary Merkel, The Bronx Defenders
• Heather Odell, Catholic Charities Legal Services, Archdiocese of Miami, Inc.
• Samantha Pfaff-Goldstein, Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project; co-sponsored by Western Union
• Lia Raves, Illinois Prison Project; co-sponsored by Discover Financial Services
• Chris Rogers, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid; co-sponsored by Texas Access to Justice Foundation
• Zoe Siepert, Georgia Legal Services Program; co-sponsored by UPS

EJW Fellowship programs are designed to effect change in communities and throughout the country by mobilizing lawyers and advocates to work on behalf of vulnerable populations in need of free legal services, as well as through the opportunity for a fellow to work with a legal services organization to design and implement an innovative project in response to a specific or emerging need. The programs are funded by law firms, corporations, foundations, individual supporters, and government entities, with an average of 85% of participants remaining in public service positions following their Fellowships.

“Throughout my Fellowship, Greenberg Traurig was incredibly helpful and supportive,” 2016 Fellow Samantha S. Greer said. “In the five years since, the firm has remained invested in my legal career, staying up to date on the work I am doing and helping to amplify the voices of the population I serve. I can say that my legal career would not be what it is today without the support of Greenberg Traurig.” Greer is now an assistant clinical professor and director at the Robert W. Entenmann Veterans Law Clinic at the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University.

For more information about the EJW Fellows sponsored by Greenberg Traurig, visit here.

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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, advocates, legal services organizations, and supporters to build a community committed to fulfilling our nation’s promise of equal justice for all.

About Greenberg Traurig

Greenberg Traurig, LLP has more than 2650 attorneys in 45 locations in the United States, Europe and the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. The firm is a 2022 BTI “Highly Recommended Law Firm” for superior client service and is consistently among the top firms on the Am Law Global 100 and NLJ 250. Greenberg Traurig is Mansfield Rule 5.0 Certified Plus by The Diversity Lab. The firm is recognized for powering its U.S. offices with 100% renewable energy as certified by the Center for Resource Solutions Green-e® Energy program and is a member of the U.S. EPA’s Green Power Partnership Program. The firm is known for its philanthropic giving, innovation, diversity, and pro bono. Web: www.gtlaw.com. 

Media Contacts

Heena Patel
Marketing and Communications Director, Equal Justice Works
[email protected]

Jacob Fischler
Marketing and Communications Manager, Greenberg Traurig
[email protected]

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 30, 2023—Equal Justice Works, the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law, today announced that former member of the Virginia House of Delegates Michael Futrell has joined the organization as its chief of staff.

“We are pleased to welcome Michael to our team,” said Verna Williams, Equal Justice CEO. “Michael is a seasoned leader with public and private sector experience that will be an asset to reaching and engaging our diverse audiences. He will play a critical role in recognizing and shaping opportunities for continued growth and success in our work to ensure equal justice for all.”

Michael has dedicated much of his career to public service. A former member of the Virginia House of Delegates, Michael represented Virginia’s second district from 2014 to 2016 and was the first African American to represent Stafford County, Virginia. During his time in office, Michael introduced and co-sponsored a host of bills that were signed into law in areas including the state infrastructure fund, education, criminal justice reform, health care, and veterans’ rights. He also secured $150 million dollar funding for transportation projects in Northern Virginia after funding was cut, and he created quarterly Veteran Resource fairs that provided thousands of veterans with job opportunities, mental health screenings, and legal assistance.

Most recently, Michael was the senior advisor to the CEO of Millennium Enterprise Corporation and interim chief of staff to 41st Lieutenant Governor of Virginia Justin Fairfax. Michael is also the founder of Make the Future, a nonprofit organization that provides high-quality educational and mentoring programs to under-resourced youth in Prince William County, Virginia. He began his career as an educator, working as a middle school teacher in Dayton, Ohio.

“I am honored and proud to join Equal Justice Works—an organization with a mission close to my heart, striving to see equal justice for all and making a generational impact on lives worldwide,” said Michael Futrell, Equal Justice Works Chief of Staff. “Now is the time to develop and support more equity and justice-focused lawyers who will show up in communities and across the nation to drive change. For me, it is the perfect time to join as a team; we are coming together behind the vision of our CEO Verna Williams and growing our reach and influence to even greater heights.”

As the chief of staff, Michael will serve as a thought partner to the Equal Justice Works CEO and leadership team to drive forward organizational decisions, promote community, and encourage organization-wide team engagement. He will be responsible for advising on the organization’s strategic direction, evaluating new ideas and business opportunities, and conducting analysis and research to support key decisions.

Visit here to learn more about Michael and to see the full list of Equal Justice Works staff members.

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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.

Contact
Heena Patel
Marketing and Communications Director
Email: [email protected]

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 28, 2023—Equal Justice Works, the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law, announced today that the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Coalition has been awarded the American Bar Association (ABA) Grassroots Advocacy Award. Equal Justice Works is a founding member of the PSLF Coalition.

PSLF is the only educational debt program specifically for public service professionals. The bipartisan program, signed into law in 2007, requires 10 years in full-time public service and 120 monthly on-time loan repayments, at which point borrowers are then eligible to earn forgiveness on their remaining federal education debt.

In 2017, Equal Justice Works established the PSLF Coalition, currently comprised of 97 allied members (see full list here), who are committed to ensuring the promise of PSLF is accessible and achievable.

“Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) allows professionals like lawyers, teachers, or EMTs to serve communities full-time, which is essential to the nation’s well-being,” said Verna Williams, Equal Justice Works CEO. “For example, according to the Legal Services Corporation, 97 percent of families and individuals don’t have attorneys to help with critical matters like domestic violence or child custody. Yet, for too many law students, high tuition means exorbitant debt, putting public service out of reach. PSLF is critical to making public service careers accessible, particularly for students of color, who are most likely to graduate with substantial debt.”

Coalition members focus on increasing awareness of the program, coordinating and sharing resources on how to successfully earn loan forgiveness including free monthly webinars, and advocating to improve the administration of the program. Since its inception, the Coalition’s work has resulted in substantial administrative fixes to the program, including the Education Department implementing a limited waiver that enabled more than an estimated 550,000 borrowers to receive additional credit for loan repayments.

“These sweeping changes to the PSLF program and the creation of a limited waiver could not have happened without the diligent efforts of the 97 Coalition members ,” said Aoife Delargy Lowe, vice president of law school engagement and advocacy at Equal Justice Works, “As a result of these changes, more eligible public service professionals can receive the educational debt forgiveness they are owed and continue to provide vital public health, public safety, or public education services in their communities.”

Each year, the ABA honors members of the legal profession for their instrumental role in successfully advocating or advancing ABA/organized bar legislative priorities each session of the U.S. Congress. Past recipients of the Grassroots Advocacy Award include The National Association of Bar Executives, Kids in Need of Defense, Military Spouse J.D. Network, and other trailblazers in the legal profession.

Visit here to learn more about the PSLF Coalition.

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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.

Contact
Heena Patel
Marketing and Communications Director
Email: [email protected]

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.

Contact
Heena Patel
Marketing and Communications Director
Email: [email protected]

Equal Justice Works, American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, American Bar Association Standing Committee on Disaster Response and Preparedness, American Red Cross, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, Legal Services Corporation, National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, Pro Bono Net and DisasterLegalAid.org lead effort to raise awareness for disaster resilience

Disaster Resilience Awareness Month will take place in March 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C., FEBRUARY 22, 2023—Equal Justice Works, the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law, announced today that it is proud to join the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division (ABA YLD), American Bar Association Standing Committee on Disaster Response and Preparedness (ABA SCDRP), American Red Cross, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP), Legal Services Corporation (LSC), National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD), Pro Bono Net, and DisasterLegalAid.org in its third annual Disaster Resilience Awareness Month in March 2023.

“In the face of unceasing climate-related and human-made disasters, it is imperative that we equip lawyers and advocates with the necessary tools and resources to support disaster-weary communities,” said Equal Justice Works CEO Verna Williams. “Hosting Disaster Resilience Awareness Month with these leading organizations will strengthen the legal community’s response to disasters and ensure that those affected have an equitable and just recovery.”

Equal Justice Works created Disaster Resilience Awareness Month—observed every March—as a collaborative effort to spread awareness about disaster-related challenges, provide resources for survivors and advocates, and highlight the important role that legal professionals play in disaster preparedness, recovery, and resilience efforts. This year, the ABA YLD, ABA SCDRP, American Red Cross, CDP, LSC, National VOAD, Pro Bono Net and DisasterLegalAid.org will join Equal Justice Works for this public education campaign.

“This Disaster Resilience Awareness Month, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy is pleased to join Equal Justice Works in bringing attention to the legal complexities that face disaster-affected communities,” said Patricia McIlreavy, president and CEO of CDP. “We’re happy to celebrate the support this initiative provides communities on their path to recovery.”

“The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is honored to continue to work with Equal Justice Works and other national partners on this effort. LSC-funded legal services organizations serve on the front lines in assisting low-income disaster survivors with their post-disaster civil legal needs. Unfortunately, the demand for their services has grown significantly over the last several years,” said Lynn Jennings, vice president for grants management at Legal Services Corporation. “As legal aid organizations’ role and expertise in the disaster arena expand and grow, it’s imperative for us to take a more holistic approach in increasing the disaster resilience of low-income individuals, families, and communities. To that end, LSC, along with other partners, has developed the Legal Aid Disaster Resource Center which provides comprehensive resources to assist legal services organizations, courts, individuals, and communities in enhancing their disaster resilience.”

During the month-long public education campaign, Fellows in the Equal Justice Works Disaster Resilience Program will share their expertise and information on legal services available to disaster survivors and best practices to advocate for individuals and families who need help recovering from the legal effects of disasters.

“National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD) is excited to join National VOAD Member Equal Justice Works in observing Disaster Resilience Awareness Month,” said Justin Wilder, manager of communications and support services at National VOAD. “The 4 Cs of Communication, Collaboration, Cooperation, and Coordination are central to what we do at National VOAD and are at the center of any effort to increase resilience amongst disaster response and recovery organizations, as well as in communities we serve.”

Pro Bono Net, through its national DisasterLegalAid.org initiative, offers free resources to survivors and legal advocates responding to the impact of climate disasters in the United States. Advocates can join a network of over 700 members by visiting www.disasterlegalaid.org/advocates and access CLE materials and trainings, listservs that facilitate peer-to-peer learning, and sample letters and forms when representing survivors seeking disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“Our communities are stronger and more resilient when we’re prepared,” said Jeanne Ortiz-Ortiz, senior program manager at Pro Bono Net. “At Pro Bono Net, we believe in the power of collaboration and networks to build resilience in the wake of climate-driven disasters. We are honored to participate in this effort.”

“Disaster management and humanitarian aid organizations have had to reevaluate how communities and individuals can better adapt and prepare for future disaster events. Increasing a community’s resilience level increases its ability to cope with the changes that affect it,” said Disaster Cycle Services, Red Cross. “Creating awareness of the vulnerabilities in an area, and addressing these vulnerabilities with preparedness training, disaster risk reduction and sustainable changes made over the long-term can develop a community’s adaptive capacity to be more resilient.”

As part of Disaster Resilience Awareness Month, Equal Justice Works will also bring together legal, academic, and community voices instrumental in disaster law and the resilience movement for a two-day Disaster Resilience Symposium on March 15–16 in Gulfport, Florida. Participants will have the opportunity to examine latest trends in disaster academia, systemic issues, and the future of disaster response and preparedness, highlighting tools and resources that can be used by advocates to build resiliency in the communities they serve. The ABA, ABA YLD, and Stetson University College of Law will co-host the event.

“The ABA Standing Committee on Disaster Response and Preparedness is thrilled to join Equal Justice Works in observing Disaster Resilience Awareness Month for the first time this year,” said Linda Anderson Stanley, chair of the ABA SCDRP and senior manager of disaster programs at Equal Justice Works. “Collaboration among the many entities active in disaster response and preparedness across the country is a key component to building disaster resilience. We are looking forward to working with Equal Justice Works and Stetson Law to offer our first Disaster Resilience Symposium in March as well.”

Through their Disaster Legal Services Program, the ABA YLD will engage in community outreach and education by posting information on how to get involved in national disaster legal aid efforts. ABA YLD will also share service delivery strategies and best practices for representing disaster survivors.

Since 2005, Equal Justice Works has mobilized hundreds of passionate public service lawyers to deliver legal services to disaster-affected communities. To learn more about the organization’s efforts to mobilize public service leaders who are helping individuals and communities navigate all kinds of disasters including COVID-19, hurricanes, flooding, tornados, wildfires, and winter storms, visit here.

If your organization is interested in joining Equal Justice Works for Disaster Resilience Awareness Month, please reach to [email protected].

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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.

About the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Disaster Legal Services Program

The ABA YLD, the largest national organization of young lawyers, provides leadership in serving the public and the profession, and promotes excellence and fulfillment in the practice of law. Its parent organization, the ABA, is the national voice of the legal profession and one of the largest voluntary professional membership groups in the world.

Through the Disaster Legal Services Program, the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division (ABA YLD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency provide immediate temporary legal assistance to disaster survivors at no charge. Since September 2007, the ABA YLD has responded to 178 declared disasters in 44 states and 4 U.S. territories.

About the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Disaster Response and Preparedness

The Standing Committee on Disaster Response and Preparedness is committed to educating lawyers, bar associations and the justice system to prepare for and respond to disasters; provide resources to assist lawyers and the public recover from disasters; and ensure the rule of law in times of disaster.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to survivors of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

The American Red Cross name and logo are used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of any product, service, company, opinion or political position. The American Red Cross name and logo are registered trademarks owned by the American National Red Cross.

About the Center for Disaster Philanthropy

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy mobilizes philanthropy to strengthen communities’ ability to withstand disasters and recover equitably when they occur. It provides expert advice and resources while managing domestic and international disaster funds on behalf of corporations, foundations and individuals through targeted, holistic and localized grantmaking. Find out more at disasterphilanthropy.org and on Twitter @funds4disaster.

About Legal Services Corporation

Legal Services Corporation (LSC), an independent nonprofit established by Congress in 1974, is the nation’s largest funder of civil legal aid to low-income Americans. The Corporation currently provides funding to 132 independent nonprofit legal aid programs in every state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. The Legal Aid Disaster Resource Center is a one-stop information hub to provide additional support and resources to disaster legal aid organizations and professionals, pro bono volunteers, and disaster survivors.

About National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster

National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) was founded over 50 years ago in response to the challenges many disaster organizations experienced following Hurricane Camille, a category 5 storm that hit the Gulf Coast in August 1969. National VOAD promotes cooperation, communication, coordination and collaboration, and fosters more effective delivery of services to communities affected by disaster.

About Pro Bono Net and DisasterLegalAid.org

Pro Bono Net brings the power of the law to all by building cutting-edge digital tools and fostering collaborations with the nation’s leading civil legal organizations. DisasterLegalAid.org is a collaborative effort of Lone Star Legal Aid, Pro Bono Net, the American Bar Association, and the National Legal Aid & Defender Association. It was launched in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. For over 15 years, DisasterLegalAid.org has served as a national centralized resource for disaster survivors and the legal community. To learn more, please visit www.probono.net/our-work/initiatives/disaster/.

Media Contact

Heena Patel
Marketing and Communications Director
Email: [email protected]