US Head of Legal and Associate General Counsel, Litigation - US & Canada, Shell USA, Inc.
Jim Cowan joined Shell Oil in 2003 and became Head of US Legal in 2020. His previous roles with Shell have included Managing Counsel, Litigation for Latin America and the Caribbean, and Associate General Counsel, Litigation - International, overseeing Shell's litigation in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. Before joining Shell, Jim was a trial lawyer in private practice in Houston.
In 2004, Shell won the Catalyst Award for successful implementation of diversity initiatives, greatly increasing female representation at all levels. The company’s diversity efforts include employee networks, a supplier diversity program, and community outreach.
Shell was named an LCLD Top Performer in 2015 and 2022.
Joined LCLD 2012
Highlights of LCLD Participation
Fellows Program
Hosted Leadership Lunch (2017, 2014)
Fellows nominated:
2023: Ashley McCauley, Roshan Koneru; 2021: Abigail Dodd, Bijal Jadav; Kristen Golden, Mel Chavez; 2020: Huyen Luong, Ruth Mendez; 2019: Matthew Coward, Belinda Senneway; 2018: Michael Jason Thomas, Marcus Alvin Carter; 2017: Rosa Maria Villagomez; 2016: Elizabeth V. Bernal; 2015: Travis Torrence; 2014: Carita Shanklin Walker; 2013: Carlos A. Abello
Pathfinder Program
Pathfinders nominated:
2023: Tiffany Poor, Li Moneypenny; 2022: Ida Dortaj, Bryan Crosby
1L LCLD Scholars Program
Scholars hosted:
2015: Hinna Hassan
Success in Law School Mentoring Program
Mentors provided: 2019, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013
Attendance
Annual Meeting (2022, 2021, 2020, 2015, 2014)
Member: Jim Cowan
Diversity Professionals: Belinda Senneway, Matthew Coward
