Cozen O’Connor partner James Schultz has left the firm to join President Donald Trump’s staff as associate White House counsel and special assistant to the president.
Schultz had served two years as Pennsylvania’s general counsel under then-Gov. Tom Corbett before returning to Cozen in 2014 to chair the newly formed government law and regulatory affairs practice.
The 44-year-old reportedly had done some fundraising for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie — now a Trump ally — during the Republican primary before aiding Trump himself.
He then joined the legal team representing Trump at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, offering advice and assistance on floor operations as well as to the platform and rules committees. That team was led by Donald F. McGahn, who will serve as White House Counsel. Schultz then was appointed as legal counsel to the President Elect’s transition team.
“It’s no surprise that the President has called Jim back to public service,” Cozen CEO Michael J. Heller said in a statement. “Serving in the office of White House Counsel is an extremely prestigious honor. We are very proud of Jim and his appointment to serve in that office. Jim has had a distinguished record of achievement in both the public and private sectors.”
Since graduating from Temple University (1995) — where he played varsity football — and Widener University School of Law (1998), the Galloway, Atlantic County, native has spent his professional life volleying between the political and legal spheres.
In 2011, he was named first executive deputy general counsel and was responsible for overseeing the operation and management of the general counsel’s executive office and the chief counsel offices of state agencies. Schultz was also responsible for providing legal counsel to the governor’s executive staff and cabinet members.
As general counsel, Schultz served as the chief legal officer for the executive branch of government, providing legal counsel to the governor, his executive staff and cabinet officials. He managed a statewide legal organization comprising nearly 500 lawyers serving 36 executive agencies and independent state boards and commissions.
Source: Philadelphia Business Journal
