A landmark class action lawsuit has been filed against one of the world’s largest financial institutions, alleging systemic racial discrimination. On December 10, 2025, Bryan Jackson initiated legal proceedings in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan against JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its subsidiary, JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., accusing them of discriminatory practices that violate federal and state civil rights laws.
The complaint filed by Jackson, a seasoned professional in the financial services industry with over two decades of experience, highlights a pattern of racial discrimination within JPMorgan Chase. According to Jackson, the bank’s practices have systematically marginalized Black employees and applicants through policies that appear equitable on the surface but are discriminatory in execution. The lawsuit alleges violations under 42 U.S.C. § 1981, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. “Chase’s pattern of discrimination has been intentional,” claims Jackson in his complaint, citing instances where Black candidates were subjected to “fake interviews” — a practice where diverse candidates are interviewed without genuine intent to hire them.
Jackson’s case is supported by historical evidence pointing to JPMorgan Chase’s discriminatory practices. The complaint references past lawsuits and settlements involving allegations of racial bias in mortgage lending and branch closures predominantly affecting Black neighborhoods. For instance, in 2017, Chase settled a lawsuit with the Department of Justice for $53 million over claims it charged higher rates to Black and Hispanic mortgage customers compared to their white counterparts with similar credit profiles.
The plaintiff seeks certification for a class action representing all similarly affected individuals who have experienced such discriminatory practices at Chase. The relief sought includes compensatory damages for lost wages and emotional distress, punitive damages for the malicious nature of the alleged discrimination, as well as injunctive relief to prevent further unlawful conduct by Chase.
Representing Bryan Jackson are attorneys Jennifer S. Gilbert, Linda D. Friedman, and George S. Robot from Stowell & Friedman Ltd., based in Chicago. The case is presided over by Judge Matthew F. Leitman under Case ID: 2:25-cv-13977-MFL-DRG.
Source: 225cv13977_Bryan_Jackson_v_Jpmorgan_Complaint_Eastern_Distrcit_of_Michigan.pdf