Thank you to everyone who joined us at Public Counsel’s William O. Douglas Award Dinner—whether in person or spirit! Your support made this year’s gathering especially meaningful, and together, we advanced our mission to protect the rights and dignity of those who need it most.
We were thrilled to honor:
- Jane Fonda with the William O. Douglas Award for her fearless advocacy for civil rights, women’s rights, and social justice. In presenting the award, former governor Jay Inslee reflected on the striking parallels between William O. Douglas and Jane Fonda—two trailblazers who shaped history through their bold convictions, unyielding activism, and deep commitment to justice.
- Molly Munger & Stephen R. English with the Audrey Irmas Social Justice Impact Award for their decades-long commitment to civil rights, legal advocacy, and philanthropic leadership through Achieving America Family Foundation.
- Morrison & Foerster LLP with the Law Firm Pro Bono Award for their global commitment to providing pro bono legal services that transform lives and strengthen communities.
Jason George masterfully emceed a program filled with powerful stories of resilience, action, and hope—including a wonderful musical performance from Grammy-nominated artist Aloe Blacc. We showcased two powerful videos highlighting some of Public Counsel’s most recent successes:
- Our historic $2 billion settlement with the State of California to address pandemic-related learning loss and close longstanding achievement gaps.
- Our groundbreaking settlement with the City of Los Angeles to repeal unlawful street vending restrictions, cancel citations, and reimburse vendors who paid fines under these restrictive policies.
These victories are a testament to the power of our collective efforts. Your support allows Public Counsel to address the root causes of injustice and drive meaningful, systemic change.
In addition, our program spotlighted how Public Counsel has stepped up to meet the urgent needs of our community as we recover from the recent wildfires that have devastated our homes and neighborhoods—staffing FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers, assisting families displaced by the fires, and offering crucial resources to help families navigate recovery and rebuild their lives. Even as we face unprecedented challenges—both local and national—we remain steadfast in our commitment to defend immigrant families, protect civil rights, and champion equity for all.
We couldn’t do this life-changing work without you. Your generosity fuels every court battle won, every policy changed, and every family reunited. Thank you for standing with us. Together, we can protect our community, create a more just world, and rebuild the city we love—helping our neighbors realize their dreams.
“What I love so much about Public Counsel is that the people who are being the most hurt—who are the most vulnerable—you are the people that defend them. And we have to stand up and stand by you, Public Counsel. If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” —Jane Fonda
Here are some photos of our favorite moments from the night.
