Hanson Bridgett Receives Beacon of Justice Award

April 14, 2022 (San Francisco, CA) – Hanson Bridgett LLP, an AmLaw 200 law firm serving all of California and beyond, is one of 18 firms being honored with a 2022 Beacon of Justice Award from The National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA). Each honoree is being recognized for their efforts to address systematic racial disparities in 2022.

The 2022 Beacon of Justice honorees have demonstrated excellence in service across the legal spectrum from civil rights and special relief motions related to COVID that have racial significance, to advocates raising their voices and committing resources, to untangling systems that are inherently unjust.

"We are honored our work to promote equity and justice is being recognized," said Samir Abdelnour, the firm's Director of Pro Bono and Social Impact. "We know there is still more to be done and we will continue to support and partner with organizations that share our same vision."

Since becoming the firm's first Director of Pro Bono & Social Impact last year, Abdelnour has worked with the firm's Pro Bono Committee, Executive Leadership Team, and Management Committee to develop a strategic plan to expand upon the firm's efforts. In his role, Abdelnour will work to align the firm's pro bono and non-legal volunteer priorities, charitable giving, community service, and other social impact activities under a unified vision that will take the firm to the next level toward achieving the "real action" the firm committed to in 2020.

In 2021, Hanson Bridgett attorneys contributed more than 6,800 hours of pro bono work with a focus on supporting racial justice movements, representing families seeking asylum in the U.S., aiding victims of domestic violence, and assisting businesses and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We know that it will take the collective power of our community to advance racial equity in America, and the private law firms serve as critical partners in our fight for access to justice and equity in the legal system. We are especially proud of all 18 of our honorees, who have each demonstrated an unwavering commitment to sustaining racial equity work during these changing times,” said NLADA President & CEO April Frazier Camara.

The Beacon of Justice awardees will be celebrated at the 2022 NLADA Exemplar Awards Gala on June 9, 2022.

About NLADA

The National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA), founded in 1911, is America’s oldest and largest nonprofit association devoted to excellence in the delivery of legal services to those who cannot afford counsel. NLADA has pioneered access to justice at the national, state and local levels, playing a leadership role in the creation of public defender systems and other important institutions from The Sentencing Project to the Legal Services Corporation. A leader in the development of national standards for civil legal aid and public defense, NLADA also provides advocacy, training and technical assistance for equal justice advocates across the country. www.nlada.org

About Hanson Bridgett LLP

Hanson Bridgett LLP is a full service AmLaw 200 law firm with more than 200 attorneys across California. Creating a diverse workforce by fostering an atmosphere of belonging and intentional support has been a priority at Hanson Bridgett since its founding in 1958. We are dedicated to creating an environment that provides opportunities for people with varied backgrounds, both for attorneys and administrative professionals. We are also committed to the communities where our employees live and work and consider it part of our professional obligation to serve justice by encouraging and supporting pro bono and social impact work.

For media inquiries contact:

John J. Buchanan
Chief Marketing Officer
Hanson Bridgett LLP
415-995-5031