2023 Exemplar Awards Gala

The National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA) Exemplar Awards will honor members of the corporate counsel or private law firm communities who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, vision, dedication and achievement in promoting and supporting equal justice. Each Exemplar honoree has made invaluable commitments and contributions to pro bono and public service, and supports NLADA’s work to provide equal access to justice for all. Also presented will be the Kutak-Dodds Prizes and Beacon of Justice Awards.

Join us on June 8 as we return to Dock 5 at Union Market in Washington, DC for NLADA’s Exemplar Awards Gala, an evening filled with inspiring awardees, great food and entertainment including the highly anticipated Social Justice Art Auction.

Exemplar Awards

The National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA) Exemplar Award annually honors members of the corporate counsel or private law firm communities who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, vision, dedication and achievement in promoting and supporting equal justice. Each Exemplar honoree has made invaluable commitments and contributions to pro bono and public service and supported NLADA’s work to provide equal access to justice for all. Meet our 2023 Exemplar Award Honorees.

Kutak-Dodds Prizes

NLADA bestows the Kutak-Dodds Prizes annually at the Exemplar Award Celebration to honor the accomplishments of civil legal aid attorneys, public defenders, assigned counsel, or public interest lawyers who, through the practice of law, are significantly contributing to the enhancement of human dignity and quality of life of those individuals who are unable to afford legal representation. Deadline to submit has been extended to March 27th. Review the 2023 2023 Kutak-Dodds Prize Criteria flyer and submit your nomination here.

Beacon of Justice Awards

NLADA’s Beacon of Justice Awards honor members of the pro bono legal community who are tireless advocates for equal justice and the 2023 Beacon of Justice Awards will feature law firms who are addressing issues related to LGBTQ+ rights and/or gender-based equity issues that intersect with racial equity. Deadline to submit has been extended to March 20th. To find more information regarding submitting a nomination, view the 2023 Beacon of Justice Awards Criteria and submit an application here.

Sponsorships

For 2023 Exemplar Awards Gala sponsorship opportunities, view the Sponsor Benefits and submit the Sponsorship Pledge Form. For more information, please contact Aileen Moffatt, VP External Relations at [email protected].

Social Justice Art Auction

A highlight of the evening will be viewing and bidding on NLADA's popular Social Justice Art Auction. Donated works of art depict justice issues ranging from incarceration to political protest, and more. All pieces are generously donated by artists from across the country, many incarcerated, and funds raised directly support NLADA's mission of expanding access to counsel and safeguarding justice for all. Click here to take a look at last year's auction book.

Donate Exemplar Award Beacon of Justice Award Kutak-Dodds Prizes Sponsors