National Legal Aid & Defender Association

Today, we recognize #OrangeShirtDay and honor the Indigenous children who were taken from their families and communities and forced into residential schools, as well as the survivors, families, and communities who continue to carry the impacts of these systems. Orange Shirt Day grew from the story of residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad, whose new orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at residential school. Today, the orange shirt is a symbol of remembrance and the message that #EveryChildMatters. As we reflect on this history, we recognize the importance of listening to Indigenous communities, acknowledging the lasting effects of policies that separated families and caused generations of harm, and continuing the work toward justice and healing. Learn more via Official Orange Shirt Society: https://lnkd.in/dCD7StNY

Last Thursday's Exemplar Awards Gala amplified the collective power of the equal justice movement while celebrating trailblazers advancing efforts to ensure that everyone in need of legal support receives it. We would like to congratulate our honorees: Adam Weiss and Relativity; Bay Area Legal Aid's Ariella Hyman; Defender Association of Philadelphia's Michael Mellon and Paula Sen; and our 33 Beacon of Justice Honorees. From our host committee and corporate sponsors to last week's attendees and donors who were unable to make it, we are beyond grateful for your support and commitment to equal justice. If you would like to join them, add your voice and make a contribution today: https://lnkd.in/gpRebPu8

In the past 12 months, SCOTUS has issued 71 decisions affecting criminal defense, civil rights, housing, and public benefits. Join us and the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defense on October 5 for a free live webinar covering the 2025-2026 SCOTUS term and exploring how these judicial shifts alter the landscape for community members. Register: https://lnkd.in/gxnXCYJ3

We’re proud to recognize NLADA’s 2026 Exemplar Awards Gala Host Committee, a group of leaders who stepped up to help make this year’s Gala a success. And because of their leadership, we’ve already surpassed our fundraising goal.  That means more unrestricted support for NLADA’s work to strengthen legal aid and public defense, advance equal justice, and ensure that everyone has access to high-quality legal representation. Unrestricted funding gives NLADA the flexibility to respond to the needs of our field, take on emerging challenges, and invest where the need is greatest.  To every member of the Host Committee: thank you for standing with NLADA, championing this mission, and helping us build a stronger justice system for everyone. We can’t wait to celebrate with you later today in Washington, DC, at the NLADA Exemplar Awards Gala. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3TIZCdI Stacey Bosshardt, Jim Chosy, Jobe Danganan, Brenna DeVaney, Margaret Egan, Sharmaine Heng, Ted Howard, Kirra Jarratt, Erin J. Law, Paul S. Lee, Luke Liss, Preston L. Pugh, Carolyn R., Steven Schulman, Paul Thompson, Ben Weinberg

It takes a community to advance justice. Every day, legal aid attorneys, public defenders, and advocates stand beside people facing some of life’s most difficult challenges. Their work protects rights, strengthens families and communities, and helps make our justice system fair and accessible. Today, we’re celebrating our Friend Level Sponsors for being part of that community and supporting NLADA’s mission. Spots are still open for our Exemplar Awards Gala, taking place tomorrow in Washington, DC! If you’re able to join us, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/g9sZfGHa Alston & Bird, Dechert LLP, Defender Association of Philadelphia, DLA Piper, Eversheds Sutherland, Faegre Drinker, Fried Frank, Hanson Bridgett LLP, Husch Blackwell, Jenner & Block, Lowenstein Sandler LLP, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, re:Members, Ropes & Gray LLP, Stinson LLP, Wiley Rein LLP

September’s Rethinking Justice series continues this Wednesday at 3 pm ET with a webinar on addiction, substance use disorders, and how our understanding of both has changed as more research is released. Join NLADA and MGH Center for Law, Brain & Behavior for a discussion on the practical implications of modern addiction research on legal representation, sentencing, treatment recommendations, diversion strategies, and broader criminal legal policy. Register: https://lnkd.in/dkq5CxCw

We’re honored to recognize our Ambassador Level Sponsors for their generous support of NLADA and their commitment to the legal aid and public defense communities. Together, we can help ensure that people have access to the advocacy and representation they need when it matters most. Join us on September 24 in Washington, DC, as we celebrate the leaders, advocates, and organizations advancing justice at NLADA’s Exemplar Awards Gala. Reserve your ticket today: https://lnkd.in/dPPdrp2q Ashurst Perkins Coie, BCLP, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, Dorsey & Whitney LLP, Dunn Isaacson Rhee LLP, Gibson Dunn, Greenberg Traurig, LLP, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, Kirkland & Ellis, McCarter & English, LLP, Minnesota Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company, Mintz, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, Morgan Stanley, Nixon Peabody LLP, Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P., Squire Patton Boggs, TLG Communications, Steptoe LLP, Troutman Pepper Locke LLP, Venable LLP, Zuckerman Spaeder LLP

Session proposals for #EJC27 are now open! Your expertise can spark the next breakthrough in this movement and help us build an agenda that tackles the field's most urgent challenges with bold, innovative thinking. Proposals are due on October 8. More info: https://lnkd.in/g2SsKDVV

NLADA is proud to recognize our Mentor Level Sponsors for their commitment to legal aid, public defense, and the pursuit of equal justice. Their support helps ensure that advocates across the country have the resources and community they need to serve people and protect rights: Baker McKenzie Latham & Watkins Margaret Egan McDermott Will & Schulte Sullivan & Cromwell LLP Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Thank you for being a partner in our work and for helping NLADA advance a justice system that works for everyone. Join these generous sponsors and support our work today: https://lnkd.in/dbWbUzsz

The National Association of Sentencing Advocates and Mitigation Specialists is returning with their annual Fundamentals of Mitigation Certificate Program on Oct 14-16! Gain valuable skills from top experts — featuring brand new sessions related to juvenile and civil/public interest law — and become certified in mitigation from the comfort of your home. Register today: https://lnkd.in/drmecqzN