Laura Ellsworth ’80

Laura Ellsworth is Partner-in-Charge of Global Community Initiatives for Jones Day, one of the largest law firms in the world, with 43 offices on five continents. She has been a trial lawyer for 35 years and has served on the global management committee of the Firm for more than 15 years. Her current role involves oversight of the global community projects of the Firm, which include VetLex, the first national pro bono referral system for veterans; a worldwide Anti-Human-Trafficking initiative; representation of immigrant women and children throughout the US and in Lesvos Greece; a global telehealth initiative to link US hospitals with those in the developing world; a national Peaceful Protest project; and a leadership role in the Magee Summit, spearheading scientific research on women’s health issues and awarding the inaugural Magee Prize — $1 million to the researcher making the most significant advances in women’s health research. She has served on the board of a public company, FNB Corporation, and over 20 civic and charitable organizations and is the recipient of numerous professional and public service awards including being named a 2017 Lawyer of the Year in class action and mass torts by The Best Lawyers in America; a “leader in the field” by Chambers USA; a “leader in the law” by the Legal Intelligencer; and one of the top female litigators in Pennsylvania by Pennsylvania Law Weekly. In 2017-2018 she was a candidate for Governor of Pennsylvania.