DLA Piper’s Bob Bratt and Joanne Chiedi receive 2022 Japanese American Citizen League Distinguished Service Award

DLA Piper is proud to announce the firm’s Chief Operating Officer Bob Bratt and Chief Administrative Officer Joanne Chiedi have been honored with the Japanese American Citizens League Honolulu chapter’s 2022 Distinguished Service Award. The award is “bestowed upon individuals who have made notable contributions to civil rights and who have stood up for those victimized by injustice and bigotry.”

During his time with the Department of Justice, Bratt oversaw the Office of Redress Administration, with Chiedi serving as deputy administrator. The US$1.64 billion program was created by the signing of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 and was responsible for locating, verifying, and issuing a presidential apology and payment to an estimated 82,000 Japanese Americans who were interned or otherwise denied liberty in the United States during World War II.

“I remain honored to have played a role in ensuring that many of those who were affected received the apology, compensation, and restitution they deserved,” said Bratt, who held his post with the Office of Redress Administration from 1988 to 1992.

“The work we did and the people we met continue to have an important impact on my life,” Chiedi said. “This recognition is the result of a team effort over many years – not just Bob and I, but so many people who worked tirelessly alongside us.”

In a letter announcing his decision to name Bratt and Chiedi this year’s Distinguished Service Award recipients, Geoff Sogi, president of Honolulu’s Japanese American Citizens League chapter, stated their “efforts as leaders of the Office of Redress Administration must be recognized for its historical significance and as a critical reminder of the positive impact government can have on effecting justice despite past wrongs.”