$1.15 Million Raised by Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles

The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) hosted its 28th Annual Access to Justice Gala at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The evening raised $1.15 million to support LAFLA’s mission of achieving equal access to justice for people living in poverty across Greater Los Angeles. The nonprofit’s largest fundraiser brought together more than 500 guests to honor community leaders advancing justice for underserved communities. Actor Mark Damon Espinoza emceed the gala, with Emmy Award-winning TV host Shaun Robinson among the award presenters.

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(L-R) Jonathan Anschell of Mattel, Inc. (Corporate Impact Award); Jonathan Segal of Davis Wright Tremaine LLP (Pro Bono Service Award); Javier Beltran, Jessica Prieto and Joanna Esquivel of Stay Housed LA (Access to Justice Award); and Lisa M. Gilford of Sidley Austin LLP (Maynard Toll Award for Distinguished Public Service) were honored at the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA)’s 28th Annual Access to Justice Gala, supporting equal access to justice for people living in poverty, at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, CA. Photo Credit: Elad Lavi Photography

Mattel, Inc. received the inaugural Corporate Impact Award in recognition of its pro bono program. The award was presented by LAFLA Board Member James E. Hornstein and accepted on behalf of the company by Jonathan Anschell, Mattel’s Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Secretary. Stay Housed LA received the Access to Justice Award, presented by LAFLA Director of Housing Justice Barbara J. Schultz and accepted by Joanna Esquivel, Jessica Prieto, and Javier Beltran. The coalition has provided legal services to more than 60,000 tenants over six years.

Robinson presented the Maynard Toll Award for Distinguished Public Service to Lisa M. Gilford, Partner at Sidley Austin LLP. Jonathan Segal and Davis Wright Tremaine LLP received the Pro Bono Service Award, presented by LAFLA Director of Impact Litigation and Policy Shayla Myers.

The program highlighted LAFLA’s impact through client testimonials, including military veteran Manuel Ibarra, who received assistance accessing VA benefits; Derrick and Carole Ah Sam, who challenged FEMA denials following the Eaton Fire; and Antonia and her child, Aiden, whose story highlighted LAFLA’s immigration assistance for survivors of domestic violence.

Additional participants included LAFLA Executive Director Silvia Argueta, Board President Lynette Jones, and Board Members Debra L. Fischer and Christopher O. Rivas. Joseph B. Farrell served as Dinner Chair. The evening featured dinner, a silent auction, and music by Jonathan Richards Music.

Every year, LAFLA’s free, high-quality legal services impact more than 100,000 people living in poverty across Greater Los Angeles. Learn more at lafla.org.

ABOUT LEGAL AID FOUNDATION OF LOS ANGELES (LAFLA)

Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) is a nonprofit law firm that seeks to achieve equal justice for people living in poverty across Greater Los Angeles. LAFLA changes lives through direct representation, systems change, and community empowerment. It has five offices in Los Angeles County, along with four Self-Help Legal Access Centers at area courthouses, three domestic violence clinics to aid survivors, and six medical-legal partnerships at major health care centers.

For detailed information on LAFLA’s services, please visit our services section.

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