Mintz will receive a 2026 Beacon of Justice Award from the National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA) in recognition of the firm’s efforts to protect democracy and civil society, marking the seventh consecutive year Mintz has been honored with this award.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by NLADA for our firm’s commitment to pro bono. This past year, hundreds of attorneys and staff across the firm dedicated pro bono time to advocating for vulnerable individuals, families, and communities,” said Susan Finegan, Chair of Mintz’s Pro Bono Committee. “Their tireless efforts fighting for civil and human rights reflect our firm’s deep commitment to pro bono service and our pursuit of a more equitable legal system.”

Examples of Mintz’s work to protect democracy and civil rights include:
• Maintaining a robust immigration pro bono practice: handling asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, U visas, pardons, and amicus brief while partnering with over a dozen nonprofit organizations.

• Leading national and New England responses to the Afghanistan humanitarian crisis by filing over 100 humanitarian parole and visa petitions with support from more than 110 staff across 14 practices, while continuing federal litigation with the ACLU of Massachusetts to challenge delays in adjudication.

• Ongoing commitment to supporting survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. In 2025, Mintz represented survivors of domestic and gender-based violence in matters including protective orders, immigration-related relief and appeals, advocated for clemency under new state guidelines, and continued legislative efforts supporting decriminalization and victim compensation reforms. The firm also provided transactional support to nonprofits, including homeless and domestic violence shelters acquiring and renovating housing.

• Organizing Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) sealing clinics with Lawyers Clearinghouse. In 2025, 41 Mintz attorneys and staff helped clients seal criminal records, improving access to employment, housing, and education opportunities.

• Advancing systemic reform through national research initiatives with Lawyers for Good Government, including tracking reproductive rights legislation and supporting a policy resource hub for transgender rights to inform advocacy and legislative engagement.

• Providing continued leadership and support for the Access to Justice Fellows Program, which connects retired lawyers and judges with public interest organizations. Since its founding over 14 years ago by Mintz attorneys, the program has mobilized more than 235 volunteers contributing over 200,000 hours of pro bono service.

• Earning recognition for pro bono and public interest leadership, including awards for several attorneys from the City Bar Justice Center, PAIR Project, and Boston Bar Association, as well as Sue Finegan’s 2025 Catalyst for Change Award from the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute.

Beacon of Justice awardees will be recognized at NLADA’s Exemplar Awards Gala on September 24, 2026.

Additional information about Mintz’s Pro Bono work is available through the firm’s 2026 Impact Report.

About The National Legal Aid & Defender Association
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.

About Mintz
Mintz is a litigation powerhouse and business accelerator serving leaders in life sciences, private equity, energy, and technology. The world’s most innovative companies trust Mintz to provide expert advice, protect and monetize their IP, negotiate deals, source financing, and solve complex legal challenges. The firm has over 600 attorneys across offices in Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Toronto, and Washington, DC.