Join us in advancing accessible justice in the District of Columbia at DC Affordable Law Firm’s 2026 Celebration of Accessible Justice — and celebrate the leaders, advocates, and emerging public interest lawyers building a more equitable legal system.
This year we proudly honor Mary Gately, partner at DLA Piper, DC Affordable Law Firm’s longtime Pro Bono Litigation Director, and recipient of the John Minor Wisdom Public Service and Professionalism Award from the American Bar Association, for her extraordinary leadership in mentoring the next generation of public interest lawyers and championing accessible justice for hardworking families.
Attend the Celebration, become a sponsor, make a tribute gift in Mary’s honor, join the Celebration Host Committee, or gift a ticket to a DCALF Fellow or alum — and help build a more accessible legal system for years to come.
About the Celebration
The 2026 Celebration of Accessible Justice is an inspiring evening honoring the impact of DCALF’s programs, the fellows who work to build a more equitable future, and the community members DCALF is proud to walk alongside. The Celebration of Accessible Justice celebrates the power of community and the role of DCALF’s innovative programs in advancing a more equitable future across DC.
Together, we will celebrate the transformative impact of accessible, client-centered legal services for hardworking DC residents while strengthening the award-winning fellowship programs that train and inspire the next generation of public interest lawyers.
Your support of the Celebration of Accessible Justice helps remove financial barriers to justice, strengthen economic security for DC families, and build a more accessible legal system for years to come.
Honoring the 2026 Champion of Accessible Justice
This year’s Celebration honors Mary Gately, partner at DLA Piper and longtime Pro Bono Litigation Director of DC Affordable Law Firm.
Mary is widely admired across the legal community for her extraordinary commitment to mentoring newly minted lawyers, championing the rights of hardworking families, and strengthening pathways into public interest law. Her leadership has helped shape generations of lawyers committed to service and justice.
In recognition of her profound contributions to the profession and to the community, Mary received the John Minor Wisdom Public Service and Professionalism Award from the American Bar Association, one of the legal profession’s most distinguished honors for public service and professionalism.
DC Affordable Law Firm is proud to recognize Mary as the 2026 Champion of Accessible Justice.
Ways to Participate
Celebrate Mary Gately and DCALF, and take part in advancing a more accessible and equitable justice system — explore the many ways to get involved.
Secure your ticket and join colleagues, friends, and leaders from across the legal and philanthropic communities for an inspiring evening.
Sponsorship opportunities provide meaningful visibility while demonstrating your organization’s commitment to accessible justice and to the next generation of public interest lawyers. Contact Development@dcaffordablelaw.org to contribute.
Celebrate Mary’s extraordinary leadership and impact with a tribute contribution supporting DC Affordable Law Firm’s fellowship and legal advocacy programs.
Support the next generation of public interest lawyers by purchasing a ticket that will be gifted to a current or former participant in DC Affordable Law Firm’s award-winning Fellowship programs.
Host Committee members play a central role in expanding access to justice by championing the event and DCALF’s mission within their networks while helping create a meaningful, memorable evening for our community.
Why Your Support Matters
DC Affordable Law Firm is helping reshape the civil justice landscape in the District of Columbia — delivering free, high-quality legal services to 99% of our clients while strengthening pathways into public interest law through nationally recognized fellowship programs. By pairing direct representation, skilled staff, and intensive mentorship through its in-house fellowship model, DCALF strengthens families today and seeds the bar with advocates committed to accessible justice for years to come.
Support for DC Affordable Law Firm's Celebration of Accessible Justice fuels the legal advocacy, mentorship, and training that empower families to protect their homes, advance safety, security, and stability, preserve intergenerational assets, and build brighter futures.
Together, we are building a more accessible and equitable legal system for the District of Columbia.
Thank You to Our 2026 Celebration of Accessible Justice Sponsors and Supporters
JUSTICE SPONSOR | $50,000+
PRESENTING SPONSORS | $25,000+
VISIONARY SPONSORS | $10,000+
CHAMPION SPONSORS | $5,000+
ADVOCATE SPONSORS | $2,500+
Lawrence E. Eiselstein
FRIEND SPONSORS | $1,000+
Sponsors as of April 14, 2026
All sponsorships must be pledged by May 22nd to be included in printed event materials.
Get Involved
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Secure your tickets
Become an event sponsor
Make a tribute gift in honor of Mary
Gift a ticket to a DCALF Fellow or Alum
For questions about the event, sponsorship opportunities, Host Committee involvement, or tribute gifts, please contact Development@dcaffordablelaw.org.
For questions about the event, sponsorship opportunities, or tribute gifts, please contact Development@dcaffordablelaw.organd visit our ticketing page to lend your support to this event.
Your support of DC Affordable Law Firm's Celebration of Accessible Justice helps ensure that every hardworking DC family can access the legal guidance they need — and that the next generation of public interest lawyers continues to be trained, inspired, and empowered. Together, we can make justice truly accessible for all.