Kamala Harris Honored at Public Counsel's Annual Award Dinner
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Kamala Harris received the William O. Douglas Award at Public Counsel's annual dinner, an event that also honored actress Rita Moreno and the law firm Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. The event brought together leaders from business, legal, political, entertainment, and philanthropic communities to support the organization's work. The dinner occurred hours after the Supreme Court issued a decision weakening the Voting Rights Act.
Facts First
- Kamala Harris received the William O. Douglas Award at Public Counsel's annual dinner.
- Rita Moreno received the Trailblazer in the Arts Award, introduced by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Vin Diesel.
- Davis Wright Tremaine LLP received the Law Firm Pro Bono Award for over 31,275 hours of work valued at $25.6 million.
- The Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act hours before the dinner took place.
- The annual dinner supports Public Counsel's work by gathering leaders from multiple sectors.
What Happened
Public Counsel held its annual William O. Douglas Award Dinner in Beverly Hills on Wednesday night. The former vice president, Kamala Harris, received the organization's William O. Douglas Award. Actress Uzo Aduba joined Harris in conversation during the event. Actress Rita Moreno received Public Counsel's Trailblazer in the Arts Award, introduced by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Vin Diesel. The law firm Davis Wright Tremaine LLP received the Law Firm Pro Bono Award for contributing more than 31,275 hours of pro bono work in 2025, valued at $25.6 million. The dinner occurred hours after the Supreme Court issued a decision that weakened the Voting Rights Act.
Why this Matters to You
Public Counsel is the largest pro bono public interest law firm in the United States. Its annual dinner is a key fundraiser that supports its work providing free legal services. The firm's recognition of a major law firm for significant pro bono contributions highlights a model that may encourage other legal professionals to offer similar services, potentially expanding access to legal aid for those who cannot afford it. The event's timing, following a Supreme Court decision affecting voting rights, underscores the ongoing relevance of legal advocacy in areas of public rights and access.
What's Next
The dinner's success as a fundraiser may provide Public Counsel with increased resources to continue its pro bono legal work in the coming year. The recognition of high-profile figures and a major law firm could help raise the organization's public profile, potentially attracting further support. The Supreme Court's decision on the Voting Rights Act is likely to remain a focal point for legal and civil rights discussions.