By Min. Dale Edwards, Executive Director – Call & Post
CLEVELAND, OH — Only in America could a man rise from the humble streets of Cleveland to the hallowed halls of justice — where law, legacy, and loyalty intersect with history itself. Such is the story of Attorney James R. Willis, a name etched in both the legal annals of our nation and the heart of this great city.
On Thursday, October 23, 2025, Case Western Reserve University School of Law unveiled the official portrait of Attorney James R. Willis, permanently enshrining him as a Trailblazer — one of the highest honors bestowed upon its alumni. The recognition stands as a powerful testament to a man who not only mastered the law but lived it with courage, conviction, and compassion.
Graduating from Case School of Law in 1952, Willis carved out a legendary career that spanned more than seven decades — a career that saw him stand before the Ohio Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals, and even the U.S. Supreme Court itself. A master of Constitutional Law, his arguments shaped precedent and protected the rights of the voiceless and the vulnerable.
He has been featured in Best Lawyers in America and, in 2003, was named by Black Enterprise magazine as one of “America’s Top Black Lawyers.” But his true distinction was never just in the courtroom — it was in his steadfast belief that justice must be both blind and bold.
The celebration at Case Western was a moment of both reverence and rejoicing. Hosted by Dean Paul Rose and Professor Brian Adamson, the event drew an impressive crowd of legal minds and community leaders. Among them were Attorney Stanley Jackson of The Cochran Law Firm Cleveland (premier sponsor), Retired Judge Shirley Strickland Saffold, Magistrate Judge Ruben Shepard, Common Pleas Judge Hollie Gallagher, and Attorney Roger Synenberg. The proceedings opened in prayer by the legendary Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Pastor Emeritus of the Olivet Institutional Baptist Church, invoking the presence of God over the life and legacy of a man whose work was ministry through law.
But this was more than an academic recognition — it was personal. James R. Willis was not just a trailblazer; he was a brother, friend, and personal attorney to the one and only Don King, the world-renowned boxing promoter, humanitarian, and embodiment of the American Dream.
Their friendship stretches back decades, forged in the fires of adversity and mutual respect. Together, they navigated the turbulent tides of fame, law, and life. In the courtroom, Willis was King’s guardian of justice; outside it, he was his counselor, confidant, and brother in the truest sense. When the world watched, speculated, and sensationalized, Willis stood firm — grounded in truth, guided by faith, and unwavering in loyalty.
As Don King himself often proclaims, “Only in America!” — a phrase that could just as easily describe the journey of James R. Willis: a Black man from Cleveland, who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the nation’s most respected attorneys. Their story together is not just about law or legacy, but about trust, triumph, and timeless friendship.
The portrait unveiling was also the launch of the James Willis Endowment Fund, created to support Case BLSA Mock Trial Students — the next generation of legal eagles following in his footsteps. Contributions can be made by visiting giving.case.edu/law and entering “Mr. James Willis Endowment Fund” under “Other” in the “Designation” section.
Checks may also be mailed to:
CWRU Advancement Services
CedarTech Building, Suite #314
10969 Cedar Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44106-7035
(Please note “James Willis Endowment Fund, School of Law” on the memo line.)
In honoring Attorney James R. Willis, we are reminded that greatness is not measured by titles or trophies, but by the truth one stands for and the lives one uplifts. He was — and remains — a living testament to what can be achieved through faith, education, and unyielding perseverance.
From the courtroom to the community, from Case Western to the King of Boxing — this moment in history reminds us once again that miracles still happen right here, in the heart of Cleveland.
Only in America.
