The National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA) Exemplar Awards honors members of the corporate counsel and private law firm communities that demonstrate outstanding leadership, vision, dedication and achievement in promoting and supporting equal justice. Each Exemplar honoree made invaluable commitments and contributions to pro bono and public service, and supported NLADA’s work to provide equal access to justice for all. Also presented are the Kutak-Dodds Prizes and Beacon of Justice Awards.
Individual tickets are available at $250 and $150 for Public-Service Advocates. There are limited quantities of both available. For any questions or group purchases, please reach out to [email protected].
Purchase Tickets Sponsor the 2026 Exemplar Awards Gala
To discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kate Denman at [email protected].
Meet the 2026 Host Committee Donate
Exemplar Awards
The 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. Click HERE to see all past Exemplar awardees.
Kutak-Dodds Prizes
Each year NLADA and the Robert J. Kutak Foundation jointly awards the Kutak-Dodds Prizes to honor the accomplishments of one civil legal aid attorney and one public defender. These attorneys, through the practice of law, are reinforcing the principle and reality of justice for all under the law. Each prize carries a cash award of $10,000. The winners will be recognized at NLADA’s annual Exemplar Awards Gala in Washington, DC.
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. The 2026 Beacon of Justice Awards recognize law firms addressing issues related to “Protecting Democracy and Civil Rights” for work done in 2025.
To read the 2025 Beacon of Justice digital book featuring the pro bono projects of last year’s winners, please click HERE.
Exemplar Award Beacon of Justice Award Kutak-Dodds Prizes Donate Gala 2025