INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL MARCH 5, 2026
“In a free society… we are all responsible.”
—Rabbi Abraham Heschel
honoring
DAN SHALLMAN, ESQ. 2026 Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
REAL 92.3/iHEART MEDIA LOS ANGELES
2026 Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
YVONNE MEDRANO, ESQ. 2026 Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award
Arthur H. Bilger
Darrell Brown
Nancy Sher Cohen
Yousuf I. Dhamee
Scott A. Edelman
Alan V. Friedman
Terry B. Friedman
Geoffrey M. Gold
Richard B. Jones
Mitchell A. Kamin
Jessie C. Kornberg
Luis Lainer
David A. Lash
Stanley W. Levy
John K. Ly
Kevin S. Marks
Kenneth S. Millman
Samantha L. Millman
Peter K. Rosen
Sandor E. Samuels
David J. Schindler
Glenn A. Sonnenberg
Adam S. Umanoff
Leah E. Weil
Sam S. Yebri
David A. Brooks
Jennifer L. Bryant
Allan B. Cutrow
Christine E. Ellice
Zhanna E. Fish
Stephanie Gold
Sandra L. Haberny
Gregory D. Helmer
M. Lance Jasper
Teddy M. Kapur
Frank E. Melton
Linda G. Michaelson
Ariel A. Neuman
Chonda J. Nwamu
Amy E. Proctor
Jill H. Ratner
Jennifer S. Romano
Erin C. Rotgin
Robert M. Schwartz
Dawn Sestito
Adam S. Sieff
Matthew E. Sloan
Bennett L. Spiegel
Mary Ann Todd
Alex M. Weingarten
Edward J. Weiss
March 5, 2026
Good evening, everyone!
When you think about the kind of society you want your family to live in, what do you see? What types of community support do you imagine—the kind that reaches from neighbor to neighbor, across your city and state, and throughout the country? How do you envision interacting with your neighbors? How do you come together in times of joy? In times of trouble? How do you want your community to show up for those who have less than others?
Mahatma Gandhi spoke about communities that thrive when those most capable of doing so offer support and uplift to those less able. Rabbi Abraham Heschel said, “In a free society… we are all responsible.”
Uplifting. Supporting. Shouldering the responsibility of building our society. You have been doing all this, and no doubt more, as a member of the Bet Tzedek community. You have embraced your responsibilities to one another. This has been true even as the stability of our society, built upon the principles of justice and the rule of law, has been rocked by federal policies. Policies that resist the hard-fought rights of citizens and immigrants alike; that place low-income community members, seniors, and people living with disabilities, at greater risk of going hungry or losing their housing and without access to necessary medical treatment. Policies that resist the greater good we have all marched toward.
You have chosen to cut through the noise and push back against their resistance to change. You continue to stand with the individuals and families who call Southern California “home.” You understand that the power of Gandhi and Heschel’s messages is that the ability to create the society in which we want to live rests in our hands. A more just society is made possible only by the common deeds we commit ourselves to, every day, when confronted with suffering that we did not personally cause but can help alleviate.
I feel confident that a society that turns its back on those in desperate need of medical care, on abandoned kids seeking a better life, on families still recovering from the wildfires, or on older Angelenos is not the society that you envision creating for yourself or your family. It certainly is not the society we envision creating through our work at Bet Tzedek. We envision and are marching toward a more just world, and we thank you for joining us in that work.
We know that there is much work ahead of us in 2026. We know there is a great deal on your shoulders. It’s because of all this, and more, that we are grateful to have you alongside us in our fight to protect the most vulnerable among us.
Yours,
Diego Cartagena
Luis Lainer President and CEO
DAN SHALLMAN, ESQ.
“You shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the soul of the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.”
—Exodus 23:9
Dan Shallman is the grandson of Jewish immigrants who came to America fleeing antisemitism, political repression, and economic hardship in late 19th century Eastern Europe. The youngest of five children, Dan grew up in Rock Island, Illinois, in a family shaped by resilience, service, and creativity. His father, a U.S. Marine veteran, industrial engineer, and longtime public servant with the Department of Defense, and his mother, an accomplished artist and small business manager, instilled in him a deep respect for integrity, public service, and community responsibility.
After attending the University of Illinois, Dan graduated from the University of Chicago Law School, becoming the first lawyer in his family. He moved to Los Angeles in 1995, where he has lived and worked for over three decades. From 1999 to 2007, Dan served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Central District of California, where he gained prominence prosecuting public corruption and white collar crime.
Dan later returned to private practice and is now the Managing Partner of Covington & Burling LLP’s Los Angeles office, where he focuses on complex white collar and investigations matters, mentors younger lawyers, and helps shape the firm’s culture of public service. He has been frequently called upon to handle matters of significant public interest, including efforts to combat the rise of antisemitism and protect civil rights.
Community involvement has always been central to Dan’s life. His relationship with Bet Tzedek began more than 30 years ago as a summer associate, and he now serves on its Board of Directors and Executive Committee. He has also held leadership roles across the Los Angeles Jewish community, with a particular focus on developing future leaders.
Dan is married to Ellen Smooke Shallman, Executive Vice President for Business Affairs at Universal Pictures. Ellen serves on the Boards of the Marlborough School and Our Big Kitchen LA (OBKLA). Ellen and Dan are the proud parents of two children. Noah, a junior at Harvard Westlake, is an award-winning jazz musician. Evie, a freshman at Marlborough, is a member of the debate team and serves on the Teen Board of Holocaust Museum Los Angeles. Both Noah and Evie are volunteer ambassadors with OBKLA, reflecting the family’s shared commitment to service.
“REAL 92.3 isn’t just a radio station, it’s the heartbeat of Los Angeles— amplifying the voices, stories, and sounds of the City while showing up for the community not only on the airwaves, but in the streets, schools, and neighborhoods that make L.A. home.”
Doc Wynter, President Hip Hop and R&B Programming Strategy, Program Director REAL 92.3 Los Angeles
On February 6, 2015 at 9:23 a.m., the station formerly known as “Hot 92.3” (KHHT) flipped to REAL 92.3 with an urban format, reigniting competition in the local hip-hop radio market. The launch of REAL 92.3 was positioned to challenge longstanding hip-hop outlets in Los Angeles by combining music with high-profile personalities, exciting experiential promotions, and quickly building massive amounts of audience engagement.
Bringing a new and exciting sound to Los Angeles was definitely a challenge but they knew bringing this station to Los Angeles was a move that was bigger than the business of it all. REAL 92.3’s messaging and highlighting key talent has always been about not only providing entertainment but showing up for the Los Angeles community.
The station was flipped and shortly after, legendary Los Angeles radio personality Big Boy moved his nationally recognized morning show Big Boy’s Neighborhood to REAL 92.3. Big Boy’s arrival and subsequent programming helped solidify the station as a cultural hub for hip-hop in Los Angeles. Big Boy’s presence continues to bring both significant ratings and cultural attention to REAL 92.3, positioning the station as “The Voice of L.A.” for hiphop culture.
In April 2019, longtime Los Angeles radio personality J Cruz debuted The Cruz Show on REAL 92.3 in the afternoon drive slot. This reunited Cruz with Big Boy after previously following him on Los Angeles radio and mirrored a trend of major talent shifts
“The time is always right to do what is right.”
—Martin Luther King, Jr.
across L.A. stations. The Cruz Show features music and celebrity interviews, highlighting Los Angeles community events with their daily “Comunidad” PSAs and connecting with the hip-hop community and broader local culture. They have amassed several viral moments including their iconic challenge to artists to perform their version of the classic bedtime story “Llama Llama Red Pajama”.
REAL 92.3 has always shown support for the Los Angeles communities in the light and dark times. In partnership with The Dream Center, REAL 92.3 assisted with relief supplies during Southern California wildfires, working alongside organizations to raise awareness and coordinate resources for food, hygiene products and other necessities for affected families.
During the ICE protests, the REAL 92.3 team knew it was important to stand in solidarity with families affected and were active and on the ground. REAL 92.3 also partners with The Power of Sight Foundation with an annual “The REAL Vision Clinic” and for four years, have helped thousands of kids and families with free eyeglasses.
You can see REAL 92.3 in annual community parades such as The King Day Parade and the East L.A. Mexican Heritage Parade.
REAL 92.3 continues to evolve with music and entertainment. From the speakers to the streets, REAL 92.3 connects Los Angeles through music, culture, and community—proving that when the city needs support, celebration, or a soundtrack, REAL 92.3 is always there.
For more than five years, Yvonne Garcia Medrano has been a fierce advocate for workers' rights at Bet Tzedek. She champions the rights of low-wage workers in the car wash, garment, residential care, restaurant, and construction industries, providing them with the legal tools to demand fair treatment. Standing in solidarity with these courageous workers in their fight for justice, she helps empower them to reclaim their rights and dignity.
To advance justice for all workers, Yvonne has been instrumental in creating innovative legal clinics in partnership with worker centers. She has spearheaded successful efforts to obtain temporary protective status and work permits for victims of wage theft. More recently, alongside her Bet Tzedek colleagues, Yvonne has organized clinics to prepare car wash workers for immigration raids, ensuring they have a plan. Yvonne's upbringing in Los Angeles instilled in her an unwavering commitment to advancing justice and dignity for all working families, giving her profound strength and purpose.
The Luis Lainer Founder’s Award was established in 1999 in honor of Bet Tzedek’s co-founder and first Executive Director, Luis Lainer. Luis continues to be an active member of Bet Tzedek’s Board of Directors and its Executive Committee.
The Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award was established in 1999 by Dahlia and Art Bilger as a tribute to Art’s late grandmother, whose passion for justice has inspired succeeding generations of her family.
The Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award was established in 2006 by the Skirball Foundation as a tribute to the legacy of Jack H. Skirball. It recognizes a Bet Tzedek employee whose service embodies his commitment to his community.
2025
Geoff & Stephanie Gold
Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, and Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade
Dani Kaiserman, Esq.
2024
Adam S. Umanoff
Angel City Football Club
Amy Peckner
2023
David J. Schindler
Chief Justice of California
Tani Cantil-Sakauye (Ret.)
Dominique Sanz-David, Esq.
2022
Robert M. Schwartz
Paul Hastings LLP
Tracy Douglas,
Catherine Hoffman, and Tatiana Perez
2021
Our Client Communities’ Resilience
Our Philanthropic Family’s Generosity
Our Staff’s work, and the amplifying power of our Pro Bono and Volunteer Partners
2020
Kenneth S. Millman
L.A. Justice Fund
Bet Tzedek’s Legal Support Team
2019
Richard B. Jones Bank of America
Ed Elsner
2018
E. Randol Schoenberg
Latham & Watkins LLP
John Ly
Kim Selfon
2017
Georgina & Alan Rothenberg
The Eisner Foundation
Nicholas Levenhagen
2016
Eric H. Holder, Jr.
UCLA School of Law
Sam S. Yebri
Akiko Nishino
2015
Pedro Pizarro
Zev Yaroslavsky
Samantha Millman
Erikson Albrecht
2014
Stanley P. Gold and Bruce M. Ramer
Luis Lainer, Hon. Terry B. Friedman (Ret.), Michael N. Feuer, David A. Lash and Mitchell A. Kamin
Andrea Ambrose Lobato and Aaron J. Spiwak
Joey D. Alarcon
2013
Leah E. Weil
Werner F. Wolfen (z”l)
Yolande Erickson and Bertha Sanchez Hayden
Rebecca Nichols (z”l)
2012
Gary D. Roberts
The United States
Holocaust Memorial Museum
Lisa D. Hoffman and Volker J. Schmidt
2011
Darrell R. Brown
The Jewish Journal
Marc Bender,
Matthew DeCarolis, Kevin Kish and Gus May
2010
Barbara J. Desoer
Weingart Foundation
Janet R. Morris
2009
Glenn A. Sonnenberg
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP and Stanley W. Levy
Deborah Baldwin
2008
Kevin S. Marks
O’Melveny & Myers LLP
Anna Burns
2007
Marc H. Gamsin
Milken Family Foundation
Spencer Lord
2006
Richard A. Kayne
Irell & Manella LLP and James N. Adler
2005
Amgen and David J. Scott
The Collins Family Foundation
2004
Sandor Samuels
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher
2003
Howard S. Marks
Ira Yellin (z”l)
2002
Jay S. Wintrob
Judge Harry Pregerson (z”l)
2001
Frank E. Baxter
The Skirball Cultural Center
2000
Harry T. McMahon
Audrey Irmas
1999
George G. Golleher
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
1998
Eli Broad
Survivors of the Shoah
Visual History Foundation
1997
Arthur H. Bilger
Bill Gephardt
1996
Sanford M. Litvack
LEXIS-NEXIS
1995
Dale R. Laurance
Newton Becker (z”l) & Rochelle Becker (z”l)
1994
Jerome L. Coben
Stanley W. Levy
1993
John Schulman
Jan & Mel Levine
1992
Gerald Stern
1991
Alan Friedman
1990
Luis Lainer
1989
Cathy Lee Needleman
SAMANTHA MILLMAN
Dear Friends:
I am thrilled to be with you tonight as we celebrate Bet Tzedek’s extraordinary legacy of service. Each of you here is part of a community that believes deeply in justice, dignity, and the simple but powerful idea that everyone deserves access to the law. Thank you for joining us and for making this work possible. This past year has tested Los Angeles in profound ways. More than a year after fires tore through our neighborhoods, many families and small businesses are still struggling to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. At the same time, aggressive immigration enforcement has spread fear and separated families, while cuts to critical services and health care have placed our elders and most vulnerable neighbors at even greater risk.
And yet, amid these challenges, Angelenos have shown us the true meaning of community. Across Los Angeles, people have stepped up with immense compassion, resilience, and resolve, refusing to look away when others are in need. Here at Bet Tzedek, we continue to do what we have always done best: step forward to meet the moment.
It is a privilege to stand alongside our staff, volunteers, and supporters, whose unwavering commitment protects the rights of those who need it most and ensures that justice is not reserved for the few, but accessible to all.
To our honorees: thank you for exemplifying what it means to turn values into action. Your leadership, generosity, and moral clarity inspire us beyond measure.
To our gala sponsors: your partnership fuels our impact. Because of you, we are able to meet this moment and serve communities across Los Angeles, and beyond, when they need us most.
To our incredible staff: you are the backbone of this organization. Your dedication, expertise, and heart change lives every single day. We are endlessly grateful for all that you do.
To our pro bono partners and volunteers: thank you for sharing your time, talent, and compassion. Your commitment expands our reach and deepens our advocacy.
And to my fellow Board members: thank you for your thoughtful leadership and steadfast stewardship.
When we come together, united in our values, there is no limit to what we can accomplish. May tonight remind us of the power we hold, together, to create a more just and equitable Los Angeles.
With deep gratitude,
Samantha Millman
Samantha L. Millman
Board Chair
G. Carla Axelrod
Sasha M. Bass BTNLC Co-Chair
Matthew D. Benedetto
Arthur H. Bilger
Jennifer L. Bryant
Alisha C. Burgin
Linda M. Burrow
Michelle L.C. Carpenter
Kimberly K. Chemerinsky
Yousuf I. Dhamee
Christine E. Ellice
Zhanna E. Fish
Michael A. Firestein
Hon. Terry B. Friedman, Ret.
Geoffrey M. Gold
Gordon A. Greenberg
Rex S. Heinke
Gregory D. Helmer
M. Lance Jasper
Luis Lainer Chair Emeritus
Sean W. Jaquez
Richard B. Jones
Moez M. Kaba
Jeffrey H. Kinrich
Katherine H. Ku
Stanley W. Levy
Jason D. Linder
John K. Ly
Kevin S. Marks
Torrey J. McClary
Frank E. Melton
Alex Menenberg
Linda G. Michaelson
Kenneth S. Millman
Samantha L. Millman
Ariel A. Neuman
Chonda J. Nwamu
Scott S. Packman
Amy E. Proctor
Diego Cartagena Luis Lainer President & CEO
Jill H. Ratner
Zoe Winkler Reinis
Heather L. Richardson
Rey M. Rodriguez
Jennifer S. Romano
Erin C. Rotgin
David J. Schindler
Robert M. Schwartz
Dawn Sestito
Daniel N. Shallman
Adam S. Sieff
Ashley M. Silberfeld
Matthew E. Sloan
Glenn A. Sonnenberg
Bennett L. Spiegel
Mary Ann Todd
Leah E. Weil
Alex M. Weingarten
Sam S. Yebri
Bet Tzedek’s President’s Council serves as an advisory board to provide guidance, support and advice to Bet Tzedek’s President & CEO and Board of Directors.
Membership on the President’s Council is reserved for former Executive Directors and members of the Board of Directors who have demonstrated leadership and a substantial commitment to Bet Tzedek and have the interest and ability to significantly contribute in an advisory capacity.
The members of Bet Tzedek’s President’s Council are:
Jay Abarbanel
Jeffrey I. Abrams
Robert G. Badal
Evan A. Braude
Jerome L. Coben
Nancy Sher Cohen
Mark T. Drooks
Scott A. Edelman
Alan V. Friedman
J. Eric Isken
Mitchell A. Kamin
Stanley T. Kandel
Frank M. Kaplan
Jessie Kornberg
Stephen A. Kroft
David A. Lash
A. Howard Matz
Peter K. Rosen
Sandor E. Samuels
John A. Schulman
Jay S. Wintrob “ Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth. ” —Shirley Chisholm
The generous individuals who have chosen to remember Bet Tzedek in their estate plans and through various planned gifts are a special group. They are visionaries whose philanthropy continues to propel Bet Tzedek’s mission. These donors have looked ahead to the needs of future generations and ensured that the most vulnerable in Southern California will continue to have access to legal advice and counsel from the staff at the House of Justice.
The Bet Tzedek Legacy Society was created to honor these individuals and their life-changing legacies. An estate gift of any size and of any type qualifies for the Legacy Society. For more information, please contact Amy Peckner, Senior Development Officer, at 323-549-5860 or apeckner@bettzedek.org.
Anonymous
Sara Adler
Linda & Robert Badal
Catherine Benkaim
Meryl & Michael Chae
Karla & Richard Chernick
Nancy Sher Cohen & Robert Cohen (z”l)
Susan & Alan Friedman
Marlene Grossman & Marshall Grossman (z”l)
Molly Harris
Phil Holthouse
Randi & Richard Jones
Wendy & Stephen Kroft
Kenneth J. Leach
Hon. Bonnie Lowenthal & Evan Braude
Lucy Maltby
Jane & A. Howard Matz
Sunny Moss
Claudia & Sandor Samuels
Andrea & Glenn Sonnenberg
S. Chic Wolk
We express our deepest gratitude to the late donors whose generous bequests continue to support Bet Tzedek today:
Nina Abrams
Esther P. Adamson
James N. Adler
Lurene M. Albert
Maria Altmann
Rene Barge
Greta Bayer
Carol Beck
Ben Bergman
Julian Berk
Sima Conrad
Bessie Cooper
Odessa Dubinsky
Jacob Fiacre
Cathy & Jeff Fine
Henry Friedman
Harriet & Richard Glickman
Margaret Goetz
Joseph R. Goldstein
Fannie Hartman
Lillian Hartman
Anita Hirsh
Ethel Jacobson
Kagey Kash
Roy Kaufman
Morris Knopow
Isaac Lager
Stanley Lederman
Samuel D. Levin
Irene & Martin Lowy
Marilyn Mamann
Fred Mautner
Esther Newman
Mary-Joan Palevsky
Harriet Perchonok
Ida Prouse
Lee M. Ruben
Edward Saltzberg
Jay Shafer
Regina Shapiro
Harry C. Sigman
Alfred Silverton
Haskell Saul Solomon
Evelyn Stern
Sidney Stern
Rebecca Wabash
Margo & Stefan Waller
Michael Winter
Erikson Albrecht Associate Vice President, Children & Families
Daysi Alonzo Employment Rights Attorney
Kathy Amiliategui Employment Rights Attorney
Taylor Amstutz Elder Justice Attorney
Alisa Anderson Elder Justice Advocate
Nancy Avila Villatoro Homeowner Protection Attorney
Jessica Ayon Preventing and Ending Homelessness Intake Screener
Lakesh Baker Vice President of Human Resources
Henrissa Bassey
Preventing and Ending Homelessness Directing Attorney
Sara Benowitz Low Income Tax Clinic Attorney
Rosanne Bonee Impact Litigation Secretary
Jackie Browne Development Consultant
Norman Bullock Chief Finance and Operating Officer
Belinda Cai Communications Lead
Maria Camacho Decedents' Estate Self-Help Clinic Coordinator
Harold Canizales- Casiano Medical Legal Partnership Admin. Asst.
Tricia Carrillo Senior Human Resources Generalist
Diego Cartagena Luis Lainer President & CEO
Marin Castillo-Valle Elder Justice Social Worker
Helen Ceja Operations Receptionist & Intake Screener
Kelsey Chapple Employment Rights Attorney
Alla Chasnik
Preventing and Ending Homelessness Attorney
Reyna Chavez Community & Seniors Coordinator
Emily Chong Impact Advocacy Attorney
Andres Cifuentes Family Preparedness Attorney
Eduardo Colon
Preventing and Ending Homelessness Paralegal
Vincent Cummings Vice President of External Affairs
Anna Darr Leaving a Legacy Estate Planning Attorney
Matthew Decarolis Employment Rights Attorney
Anna Maria Diaz-Balart Self-Help Clinics Coordinator
Nora Elkind Pro Bono Administrative Assistant
Edward Elsner Senior Center Outreach Attorney
Julia Entin Holocaust Services Advocate
Karla Estrada Sanchez Small Business Development Paralegal
Rachael Ettinger Pro Bono Clinics Coordinator
Erenie Fahmy Volunteer Coordinator
Jacob Feffer Eviction Defense Law Fellow
Hannah Feldman LAUSD Kinship Care Attorney
Julia Figueira-McDonough Associate Vice President, Economic Justice
Joanna Fluckey Kinship Care & SIJS Directing Attorney
Tzung-Lin Fu Vice President of Grants Implementation & Compliance
Janxim Galdamez Eviction Defense Paralegal
Arely Garcia Elder Justice Administrative Assistant
Isabela Garcia Conservatorship Paralegal
Nora Ghamari Senior Outreach Hearing Representative
Angel Go External Affairs Administrative Assistant
Luz Granda Homeowner Protection Paralegal
Jessica Guerrero Employment Rights Paralegal
Michael Hagerty Kinship Care Attorney
Emily Hampton Senior Grants Officer
Nicole Herrarte CHIRP Social Woker
Lisa Hoffman Holocaust Services Attorney
Scott Horowitz Operations Manager
Maral Ishkanian Accounting Support Tech
Carla Jacobo Small Business Development Paralegal
Daniella (Dani) Kaiserman Elder Justice Attorney
Michelle Kogan Holocaust Services Admin. Asst. & Intake Coordinator
Hana Kommel Williams Preventing and Ending Homelessness Attorney
Christopher Kung Pro Bono Coordinator
Nicholas (Nik) Lampros Homeowner Protection Directing Attorney
Hyun Joo Lee Immigrant Foster Youth Attorney
Veronica Leichter Caregiver Litigation Secretary
Sara Levine Pro Bono Director
Archanaa Lingan
Preventing and Ending Homelessness Attorney
Ruth Linnert Access to Supported Decision Making Coordinator
Madison Lipton Exec. Asst. to President & CEO/ Talent Acquisition Specialist
Marisol Macaraeg Eviction Defense Paralegal
Elizabeth Machado Employment Rights Attorney
Magda Madrigal Eviction Defense Directing Attorney
Lizbet Madrigal Pro Bono and Small Business Admin. Asst.
Richard Maher Homeowner Protection Attorney
Andrew Marmor Eviction Defense Attorney
Tanesha May Development Operations Lead
Yvonne Medrano Employment Rights Directing Attorney
Melody Mendez Self-Help Conservatorhsip Clinic Paralegal
Lesly Mendoza Kinship Care Attorney
Greg Michalak Preventing and Ending Homelessness Attorney
Luke Mondragon Grants Officer
Adriana Moreno Nevarez Foster Youth Immigration Attorney
Mentru Nagbe Director of Data, Information & Technology
Janine Norris Homeowner Protection Paralegal
Hannah Nowikow Eviction Defense Attorney
Dennise Onchi-Molina Preventing and Ending Homelessness Admin. Assist.
Rodrigo Oregel Intake Screener
Judith Ortega Office Coordinator
Ariana Ortiz-Chavez Eviction Defense Litigation Paralegal
Antonio Page-Kahn Transgender Rights Attorney
Naomi Pearl Grants Administrator
Amy Peckner Senior Development Officer
Janeth Pimentel Preventing and Ending Homelessness Paralegal
Rebecca Popuch Kinship Care Attorney
Stephanie Ramirez Senior Grants Accountant
Angelica Rodriguez Kinship & Immigration Paralegal
Lidia Romero Employment Rights Administrative Assistant
Luis Ruiz-Leon Senior Grants Accountant
Dennis Ryan Eviction Defense Paralegal
Caitlin Saggese Preventing and Ending Homelessness Attorney
Bertha Sanchez Hayden Associate Vice President, Elder Justice
Dominique Sanz-David Elder Justice Directing Attorney
Mikayla Scanlan-Cubbege Access to Justice Attorney
Andrea Schneider Director of Institutional Giving
Nadia Segura Small Business Dev. & Tax Advocacy Directing Attorney
Kim Selfon IHSS & Medi-Cal Policy Specialist
Ramya Sinha Small Business Development Law Fellow
Emily Smith Accounting Manager
Keriann Smith Elder Justice Attorney
Wai-Hong (Alfred) So Senior Accountant
Gayle Tamler IHSS & Medi-Cal Attorney
Mary Tanagho Ross Vice President of Legal Programs
Alexander Tellez Senior Director, Grants Management
Julius Thompson Senior Center Outreach Attorney
Martha Torres-Ortiz Homeowner Protection Paralegal
Catherine Tran Preventing and Ending Homelessness Attorney
Susan Unger Senior Fundraising Officer
Maria Uribe Immigration Litigation Secretary
Lidia Vargas Moreira Foster Youth Immigration Advocate
Estefania Villarreal Immigration Attorney
Michael Waldren Access to Justice Directing Attorney
Jeffrey Webb Impact Advocacy Directing Attorney
Aimee Williams Associate Vice President, Housing Justice
James Williams Controller
Cristin Zeisler MLP and Senior Center Outreach Directing Attorney
Alan Zenoff Community Outreach Advocate
IN 1974, a movement of compassion and justice took root in the Beverly Fairfax district. As gentrification surged in the early 1970s, displacing Holocaust survivors and other vulnerable seniors, a small group of friends with a shared conviction founded Bet Tzedek—the House of Justice This was more than a legal aid organization; it was a promise to pursue justice and advocate for low-income Angelenos who have nowhere else to turn. Bet Tzedek’s mission has always remained resolute: “tzedek, tzedek, tirdoff—justice, justice (we) shall pursue.”
We continue to serve tens of thousands of individuals and families throughout Los Angeles—over 82,000 people in 2025 alone. Our work’s reach stretches beyond the border of Los Angeles County. Our legislative advocacy, in tandem with our direct client services, creates waves of justice that begin as ripples with individual cases and build into tidal waves of systemic change that empower those most vulnerable across California.
Bet Tzedek addresses the pressing needs of community members through four core program areas:
• JUSTICE FOR WORKERS, TAXPAYERS & SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS
Helping to lift communities out of poverty, we fight for equitable economic opportunities.
• JUSTICE FOR SENIORS, DEPENDENT ADULTS & CAREGIVERS
Our unmatched expertise in the legal issues affecting older and dependent adults helps them age in safety and security.
• JUSTICE FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Nontraditional families face challenges accessing food, housing, and medical care. We work to ensure their needs are met.
• JUSTICE FOR TENANTS, HOMEOWNERS & UNHOUSED INDIVIDUALS
We were founded in response to a housing crisis and have protected housing for Angelenos ever since.
For 52 years, guided by our founding principle, Bet Tzedek has expanded the breadth and depth of our services to meet the evolving needs of Los Angeles’ most vulnerable individuals and families. Today, we are one of the largest and most respected legal aid organizations in Los Angeles County and an internationally recognized leader in legal and economic justice.
In 2025, the justice gap grew wider. Wildfires devastated communities across Los Angeles County, worsening housing instability and economic inequality. At the same time, destabilizing federal policies and a prolonged government shutdown placed seniors, people with disabilities, undocumented families, transgender individuals, and low income Angelenos at even greater risk of losing housing, health care, and economic security.
Bet Tzedek’s responsive, community-based model allowed us to act quickly. For the more than 82,000 people we served in 2025, our advocacy has meant the difference between homelessness and shelter, between fear and stability, and between despair and hope.
We are proud to share some of the ways your support made that possible.
Although the 2025 wildfires are out, the struggle to rebuild continues. To date, fewer than 10 percent of the approximately 11,000 homes destroyed have begun reconstruction. Thousands of families remain displaced, facing insurance disputes, FEMA denials, mounting debt, and the loss of stable housing.
Bet Tzedek’s Housing Justice teams have been on the ground since the earliest days of the disaster. We have helped homeowners with insurance claims and FEMA appeals, drafted estate planning documents to protect family property,
warned survivors about scams, and challenged insurance companies that insist damaged homes are safe despite lingering toxins.
We also became the lead legal services partner under Los Angeles County Recovers, hosting clinics, training, and a special Reverse Mortgage Series for older adults. Our advocates maintain a constant presence in Altadena, including a monthly legal clinic at the Senior Center’s temporary site.
Recovery will take years. Less than 10 percent of the 11,000 homes destroyed have been permitted for rebuilding, and many families are running out of FEMA support while still paying mortgages on homes that no longer exist. Bet Tzedek is prepared to help families navigate this benefits cliff and remain safely housed.
The lessons we are learning now are also building the legal infrastructure that Los Angeles will need when the next disaster strikes.
Small businesses were hit especially hard by the fires. With few protections for commercial tenants, many small business owners were left responsible for costly repairs, denied their security deposits, or forced to close.
Bet Tzedek’s Small Business Development Project staffed disaster recovery centers across the county in partnership with the L.A. Department of Economic Opportunity. We advised business owners on lease disputes, employee obligations, insurance claims, and COVID-related SBA loan repayment. We also hosted inperson and online seminars to help entrepreneurs understand their rights and responsibilities during recovery.
These businesses are the backbone of local neighborhoods and keeping them open is critical to rebuilding entire communities.
Since the start of this year, we have seen federal policies pushed out that resist the creation of equitable justice and the rule of law. Policies that manufacture chaos to divide us. Policies that resist the hard-fought rights of citizens and immigrants alike; that place low-income community members, seniors, people living with disabilities, or anyone perceived as “different” at greater risk of going hungry, losing their housing, or facing the loss of access to necessary medical treatment. Policies that resist and punish anyone who dares to question that federal authority.
Federal cuts in 2025 have placed millions of older adults and people with disabilities at risk. The Social Security Administration reduced staffing, limited phone access, and began withholding 100 percent of benefits in cases of alleged overpayment, even when errors are made by the government.
Bet Tzedek has expanded our response. We represent seniors facing Social Security overpayment demands, Medi-Cal terminations, and denials of in-home care. Our Caregiver Rights team supports families through conservatorships and benefits access. We host monthly Medi-Cal Matters clinics and conduct outreach for older adults, caregivers, medical providers, and social workers.
A July fiscal bill cut nearly one trillion dollars from Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. In California alone, nearly three million people could lose Medi-Cal, and hundreds of nursing homes may close.
One client, Ruth, fled domestic abuse and lost her IHSS benefits because her estranged husband refused to sign divorce paperwork or sign a form for IHSS indicating he was unavailable. Bet Tzedek intervened and successfully restored her care, allowing her to remain safely in her home.
We also joined a federal lawsuit with Justice in Aging and disability rights partners to challenge these unlawful cuts and protect the most vulnerable.
Aggressive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and mass deportation policies have placed nearly three million children in California at risk of separation from their parents. Supreme Court rulings now allow racial profiling based on language, appearance, or occupation, making entire communities less safe.
Bet Tzedek held 64 Family Preparedness workshops in 2025, reaching more than 5,300 people. We helped parents prepare emergency plans, designate caregivers, and understand their constitutional rights.
We also helped pass key state laws to protect children, including the Safe Haven Schools Act, the Family Preparedness Plan Act, and legislation expanding access to lawyers for children facing deportation.
One of our current cases involves “Selena,” a single mother in East Los Angeles whose landlord tried to illegally evict her and reported her to ICE. While she remains in detention, Bet Tzedek is fighting for her housing rights and working with community partners to reunite her with her children.
Undocumented immigrants also contribute billions to the economy and pay nearly 97 billion dollars in taxes nationwide. Yet they are often the most exploited.
Bet Tzedek’s Employment Rights Project represents low-wage, immigrant workers, including those in the car wash and disaster cleanup industries. We also co-sponsored AB 1362, the Human Trafficking Prevention and Protection Act, which now regulates foreign labor contractors and protects workers from fraud and abuse during disaster recovery. And we supported funding for immigrant entrepreneurs through the Governor’s budget and helped pass the Street Vendor Business Protection Act to safeguard personal data from ICE access.
When you imagine the society you want for your family, it is likely one that does not abandon fire victims, elders, children, or people in need of medical care.
That is the society Bet Tzedek fights for every day.
The coming year will bring new challenges. Communities recovering from the fires will need years of sustained support. Federal policies will continue to strain the safety net.
Bet Tzedek will remain nimble, principled, and deeply rooted in the communities we serve. We will continue to protect seniors, defend immigrant families, support workers, and help Angelenos rebuild their lives with dignity.
On behalf of everyone at Bet Tzedek, and the thousands of lives you helped us touch this year, thank you.
“Where you see wrong or inequality or injustice, speak out, because this is your country. This is your democracy. Make it. Protect it. Pass it on.”
—Thurgood Marshall
2025 YEARS OF JUSTICE FOR ALL Bet Tzedek
13,195 ONLINE INTAKE APPLICATIONS
1,055 VOLUNTEERS
YEAR
14,627 ONLINE INTAKE APPLICATIONS 35,729 SENIORS, DEPENDENT ADULTS & CAREGIVERS 15,498 WORKERS, TAX PAYERS & SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS 16,292 CHILDREN & FAMILIES 15,321 TENANTS,
8,321 CALLS TO OUR CALL CENTER
15,451 CALLS TO OUR CALL CENTER
$10,492,984 INCL.
208 LAW STUDENTS DONATED 30,846 HOURS OF PRO BONO SERVICES VALUED AT YEARS OF JUSTICE FOR ALL
28% INCREASE IN CALLS TO OUR INTAKE CENTER IN THE PAST 3 YEARS
6,497HOURS
Advocates’ time spent helping victims of the Altadena and Palisades wildfires, including relief efforts.
1,903
CLIENT TRANSFERS FROM PARTNER ORGS
17,543 PEOPLE SERVED in over 812 clinics and presentations, covering a variety of legal topics from self-help conservatorships to Small Business Legal Academies, including 64 Family Preparedness presentations, where our advocates helped undocumented parents and caregivers plan for their U.S. children’s care should the family be separated by ICE agents.
65,000+ PEOPLE SERVED
28,933 SENIORS, DEPENDENT ADULTS & CAREGIVERS 11,492 CHILDREN & FAMILIES 11,975 WORKERS & SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS 9,160 TENANTS, HOMEOWNERS & UNHOUSED INDIVIDUALS
Provided in-home care workers in Long Beach and South Bay with legal counsel in their wage and hour claim. After a yearslong investigation, the California Labor Commissioner ordered their employer pay $2.2M in unpaid wages and penalties.
OVER 5,288 ATTENDED 540+ LEGAL CLINICS, including the first Medi-Cal Matters Clinic, aiding older adults and individuals with disabilities.
FY24 FINANCIAL REVENUE
2,030
$3.8M SETTLEMENT WON FOR 100+ EXPLOITED WORKERS, including minors, at two L.A. poultry plants.
MORE THAN 6,213 ENGAGED WITH LEAVING A LEGACY, receiving estate planning services for low-income families.
4,672 SERVED THROUGH OUR NEW CONSERVATORSHIP PLATFORM. Launched in 2024, this online tool provides L.A. families 24/7 access to conservatorship info, decision-making tools, workshops, and community resources.
1,450 SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS ATTENDED 70 PRESENTATIONS, supporting policies against gentrification.
■ PRIVATE DONORS $10,684,598 ■ GOVERNMENT GRANTS $7,083,290
Our client "Mali" was awarded $1.2M for emotional distress and punitive damages after her landlord went to extreme measures to force her out of her apartment. A new law in the City of L.A. took effect in August 2025 giving low-income tenants the right to legal counsel in an eviction.
CY PRES & ATTY FEES
In the heart of Los Angeles, a movement of compassion and justice took root in the Fairfax district. As tides of gentrification and inflation surged in the early 1970s, displacing Holocaust survivors and other vulnerable seniors, two visionaries, Rabbi Stanley Levy and Luis Lainer ignited a spark of change.
With a small group of friends and a shared conviction, they founded Bet Tzedek, The House of Justice. From the beginning, Bet Tzedek was more than a legal aid organization; it was a promise to advance justice and to advocate for Angelenos with nowhere else to turn.
As we celebrate over 50 years of unwavering service, we honor the legacy and the friends who declared, “tzedek, tzedek, tirdoff— justice, justice, (we) shall pursue,” laying the groundwork for a future Los Angeles where justice helps heal and strengthen our communities.
With your help Bet Tzedek can map out an ambitious future where all Angelenos have equitable access to meet their essential needs and lead fulfilling lives with dignity, opportunity, and financial wellbeing.
You are vital to shaping the future of justice for individuals and families in Los Angeles and California.
Your generous contribution will ensure Bet Tzedek can elevate our efforts and maximize the number of individuals and families we are able to serve in Los Angeles in three ways:
• EXPAND OUR GROUNDBREAKING PROGRAMS We are ever mindful of the hundreds of thousands of vulnerable individuals and families still seeking access to social and economic justice. By strategically weaving together ever-deepening legal expertise, innovation, volunteer resources, and data-driven decisions, Bet Tzedek will be able to help more Angelenos and continue to position itself to address the most pressing and evolving community needs.
• DEEPEN OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS Broadening collaborations with legal, community, and tech organizations throughout the region, we will seek to increase our outreach efforts and embed more of our experts with sibling organizations across L.A. These tactical partnerships strengthen our ties with client communities and amplify our impact directly in each of their neighborhoods.
• PRESS FOR GREATER POLICY REFORM Deploying our five-decades worth of knowledge and leadership among collaborative partners, we will harness the law to reform unjust systems that block communities’ social and economic wellbeing. Working at the local, state, and, when appropriate, federal levels, Bet Tzedek will mount a calculated mix of litigation, legislative work, outreach, education, and partnerships to advance long-term transformative change.
With over one million individuals and families already helped, Bet Tzedek remains committed to the ethos of tikkun olam—and tzedek, tzedek tirdof remains our North Star. Help us Carry the Torch Forward across the finish line to a brighter and more just future. Please join us in this pursuit!
To learn more about how you can help Bet Tzedek amplify our impact and expand our reach, please contact Susan Unger, Carrying the Torch Forward Campaign Manager at 661-310-3345 or sunger@bettzedek.org.
In 1999, Bet Tzedek established an Endowment to help ensure that the doors to the House of Justice stay open for future generations. The goal of the Endowment is to create lasting, permanent programs that will continue to seek and provide justice throughout the 21st Century. If you are interested in becoming an Endowment donor, please contact Vincent Cummings, Vice President, External Affairs, at 323-549-5813 or vcummings@bettzedek.org.
We are pleased to acknowledge the following donors to the Bet Tzedek Endowment:
The Ahmanson Foundation
The Bilger Foundation (In honor of Rose L. Schiff z’’l)
Lara & Randall Kaplan
Lee Lainer (z”l) & Luis Lainer
The Lainer Family Foundation
Bunny Rosenkrantz & Herbert Rosenkrantz (z”l)
The Skirball Foundation
Jean & Jay Abarbanel
Jeffrey Abrams
Sara Adler & James Adler (z”l)
G. Carla Axelrod
Linda & Robert Badal
Margot Bamberger & Henry Bamberger (z”l)
Bunny Wasser (z”l) & Howard Bernstein
Evan A. Braude
Dana & Albert R. Broccoli Foundation
Meryl & Michael Chae
Maren Christensen
Peggy Jo & James Clark
Carol & Jerome Coben
Nancy Sher Cohen & Robert Cohen (z”l)
Valerie A. Cohen
Judi Davidson
Mark T. Drooks
Susan & Scott Edelman
Michael A. Firestein
Wendy & Jason Flom
Angela & Rafael Fogel
Jerry Freisleben
Susan & Alan Friedman
Mark Friedman
The Honorable Terry Friedman (Ret.)
Holly Fujie & Lee Cotugno
Susan Brauneiss & Marc Gamsin
GE Foundation
Edna Glikmann
Sidi Gluck & Peter Gluck (z”l)
Stephanie & Geoffrey Gold
Glenn Gottlieb
Sheba & Howard Grobstein
Marlene Grossman & Marshall Grossman (z”l)
Myna & Uri Herscher
Suzanne & J. Eric Isken
Randi & Richard Jones
Mitchell Kamin & Susan Genco
Charlotte & Stanley Kandel
Ann-Rose & Frank Kaplan
Juli & Jeffrey Kinrich
Marjorie Kinsler (z”l)
Deborah & Phillip Koeffler
Wendy & Stephen Kroft
Beth Becker & David Lash
Dina & Fred Leeds
Laurie Levenson & Douglas Mirell
Lynda & Stan Levy
Peggy & Bernard Lewak
Sanford M. Litvack
Laura & Kevin Marks
Edith Matthai
The Honorable A. Howard Matz and Dr. Jane Balkin Matz
Tanya & Alejandro Mayorkas
The Jacqueline & Harry McMahon
Family Foundation
Louis Meisinger
Marcy & Frank Melton
Linda & Kenneth Millman
Samantha Millman & Brian VanRiper
Linda & Barton Pachino
Cynthia Pasternak & David Pasternak (z”l)
Jesus E. Quiñonez
Linda & Robert Raznick
Shelley Resnick
Gary D. Roberts
Erin & Michael Rotgin
Georgina & Alan Rothenberg
Claudia & Sandor Samuels
Kim & Darryl Schall
Carol Johnson & David Schindler
Ronie M. Schmelz
Chaim Schoen
Toni & John Schulman
Karen Breslow & Robert Schwartz
Lily & Allan Schweitzer
Brette S. Simon
Jeffrey Sklar
Andrea & Glenn Sonnenberg
Samuel M. Soref & Helene K. Soref Foundation
Brian Sun
Tobey Cotsen & Jonathan Victor
Tom Waits
Warner Bros.
Leah Weil
Gail Katz & Bruce Wessel
Wendy & Jay Wintrob
Julie & Michael Woronoff
Bet Tzedek is especially grateful to the numerous foundations, public agencies and municipalities that partner with us and allow us to continue— as well as expand—the vital services that we provide throughout Southern California, and beyond. This support enables the development of unique programmatic models that are the hallmark of Bet Tzedek’s approach.
California Department of Social Services
California Housing Finance Agency
City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department
City of Los Angeles Eviction Defense Program
City of West Hollywood
County of Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services
California Community Foundation
California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
City of Los Angeles Department of Aging
County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer and Business Affairs
County of Los Angeles Department of Economic Opportunity
County of Los Angeles Eviction Defense Program
Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority
The State Bar of California
County of Los Angeles Aging and Disabilities Department FireAid
United Way of Greater Los Angeles
“History will judge societies and governments—and their institutions— not by how big they are or how well they serve the rich and the powerful, but by how effectively they respond to the needs of the poor and the helpless.”
—César Chávez, The Nation, March 25, 1978
AARP Foundation
Amazon
Audrey and Sydney Irmas Charitable Foundation
Audrey Irmas Foundation for Social Justice
Ballmer Group
The Bilger Foundation
Broad Foundation
California Access to Justice Commission
California Department of Industrial Relations
City of Beverly Hills
City of Culver City Eisner Foundation
Equal Justice Works
The Diane P. and Guilford Glazer Foundation
The Hearthland Foundation
James Irvine Foundation
Annenberg Foundation Bank of America
Samuel Birnkrant Foundation
Harold Brown Foundation
California Department of Aging
Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany
Nina Abrams Fund
Maria Altmann Family Foundation
American College of Trust and Estate Council Foundation
Dana & Albert R. Broccoli
Charitable Foundation
Lewis Brunswick and Rebecca Matoff Foundation
Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles
W.M. Keck Foundation
Lee and Luis Lainer Family Foundation
Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Medical-Legal Community Partnership LA
Los Angeles Unified School District Education Foundation
Alfred E. Mann Charities
Ralph M. Parsons Foundation
Norman and Mary Pattiz Foundation
Rose Hills Foundation
Michael and Irene Ross Endowment Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles
M.B. Seretean Foundation
The Smidt Foundation
May & Stanley Smith Charitable Trust
US Bank
Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman Charity Fund
Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation
Max Factor Family Foundation
Inclusive Action for the City
Anthony and Jeanne Pritzker Family Foundation
California ChangeLawyers
Pearlman Geller Family Foundation
Gimprich Family Foundation
Help Opportunities and Programs for the Elderly (HOPE)
Karsh Family Foundation
Walter Parkes and Laurie
MacDonald Charitable Foundation
Erwin Rautenberg Foundation
SCAN Health Plan
This Is About Humanity
Ziering Family Foundation of the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles
Samuel and Helene Soref Foundation
Strategic Actions for a Just Economy
University of California, Berkeley
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Foundation
Bet Tzedek thanks the following attorneys, corporations, and law firms for helping direct cy pres funds to the organization. Cy pres uses residual funds from class action settlements to fund free legal services. These funds enable Bet Tzedek to reach thousands of additional clients with assistance in employment rights, consumer law, real estate fraud, foreclosure prevention, elder rights, government benefits, and more.
For more information and materials on how to designate Bet Tzedek for cy pres in your class action, please contact Vincent Cummings, Vice President, External Affairs, at 323-549-5813 or vcummings@bettzedek.org.
Baker & Hostetler LLP
Chami Law, PC
Haines Law Group
HammondLaw, PC
Hirschfeld Kraemer LLP
Kingsley Szamet Employment Lawyers
Koul Law Firm
Law Offices of Corbett H. Williams
Lebe Law, APLC
Mahoney Law Group, APC
Majarian Law Group, APC
Melmed Law Group
Moss Bollinger LLP
Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney
Proskauer Rose LLP
Shakouri Law Firm
Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP
Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P.
Soltman, Levitt, Flaherty & Wattles LLP
Wynne Law Firm
Without pro bono attorneys, paralegals, law students and community volunteers, Bet Tzedek would not have been able to assist the over 80,000 individuals and families who sought legal assistance and guidance in 2025. We are extremely grateful to all the individuals, law firms, corporate legal departments, organizations and companies that volunteered their services on behalf of our client communities. Their efforts help provide justice to children, women and men who might not have otherwise had access to representation. More than 1,100 pro bono attorneys and other volunteers contributed nearly 30,000 hours to Bet Tzedek in 2024, valued at over $10.5M.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Sara Levine, Esq. Pro Bono Director at 323-549-5836 or slevine@bettzedek.org.
ACC SoCal
ADR Services
AirBnB
Akerman LLP
Akin Gump Strauss
Hauer & Feld LLP
Allen Matkins
Nicholas Allis, Esq.
Alston & Bird
Amazon
Amgen Inc
Analysis Group
Arnold & Porter
Ashby & Geddes
AutoDesk
Baker Botts LLP
BakerHostetler
Ballard Spahr LLP
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Bird Marella LLP
Blank Rome LLP
BNY Mellon
Bocarsly Emden Cowan
Esmail & Arndt LLP
BG Law
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
Buchalter
Capstone Law APC
CBS Viacom
Cooley LLP
Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP
Covington & Burling LLP
Cozen O'Conner
Crowell & Moring LLP
Danning, Gill, Israel & Krasnoff LLP
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Dechert LLP
DLA Piper
Edgeworth Economics
Elkins Kalt Weintraub
Reuben Gartside LLP
Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
Fenwick & West LLP
Fish and Richarson P.C.
Foley & Lardner LLP
FTI Consulting
Hon. Terry Feidman (Ret.)
Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Glaser Weil
Law Offices of Karina Godoy
Stephanie Gold, Esq.
Goodwin Procter LLP
Law Office of Andrew Gradman
Greenberg Glusker LLP
Greenberg Traurig LLP
Greenspoon Marder LLP
Law Office of Murray Greiff
Paul Habibi
Hall Law Group
Hanson Bridgett LLP
Happy Returns
Harvey Heller & Edwards
Helmer Friedman LLP
Hogan Lovells
Holland & Knight LLP
Hueston Hennigan LLP
Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
Ray Hsu Law
Irell & Manella LLP
Jackson Lewis P.C.
Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP
Jenner & Block LLP
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP
Randy Katz
Kellner Law Group PC
Kennerly Lamishaw & Rossi LLP
Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
King & Spalding LLP
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Knobbe Martens
Jessie Kornberg, Esq.
Latham & Watkins LLP
Law Office of Lawrence Lebowsky
R.H. Lemorande
Liang Ly LLP
LimNexus LLP
Loeb & Loeb LLP
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
Matern Law Group, PC
Mattel
Mayer Brown
McDermott Will & Emery LLP
McGuireWoods
Michelman & Robinson, LLP
Milbank LLP
Miller Barondess LLP
Samantha L. Millman
Mintz
Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP
Morgan Lewis
Morrison & Foerster
Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP
NBCUniversal
Nelson Mullins
Netflix
Nixon Peabody LLP
Norris Law Group, P.C.
Norton Rose Fulbright
O'Melveny & Myers LLP
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffee LLP
Paramount
Paul Hastings LLP
Perkins Coie LLP
Law Offices of Dan Persoff
Polsinelli LLP
Proskauer Rose LLP
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP
Reed Smith LLP
Robins Kaplan LLP
Rosen Marsili Rapp LLP
Toby Rothschild, Esq.
Sanders Roberts LLP
Seiter Legal Studio
Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Shearman & Sterling LLP
The Sheffied Family
Sheppard Mullin
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Sklar Kirsh LLP
Snell & Wilmer
Southern California Edison
Squire Patton Boggs
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
Troutman Pepper
Lorena Vazquez, Esq.
The Walt Disney Company
Waymaker LLP
Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP
WilmerHale
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Winston & Strawn LLP
Sam S. Yebri, Esq.
Anya Zabelina-Harper, Esq.
Cristin Zeisler, Esq.
Zweiback, Fiset & Zaluendo LLP
“
… if he performs one good deed, he has weighted the scales in favour of both himself and of the whole world, and thus brought about salvation both for himself and for all the inhabitants of the world.”
—Rabbi Maimonides
Ascend to the Rooftop Deck of the Intercontinental Hotel and step into an unforgettable celebration under the stars!
Join us for Bet Tzedek’s Gala After Party, where you can raise a glass to 52 years of justice and compassion.
Starting at 9 pm, keep the party going and reconnect with old friends or network with other members of the LA professional community.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to mingle and enjoy stunning views of the city from the 73rd floor!
The Bet Tzedek New Leadership Council (BTNLC) is a community of passionate, early- and mid-career professionals who serve as ambassadors by raising funds and awareness to support the work of Bet Tzedek. BTNLC provides leadership, service, professional networking, and social opportunities for its members.
Membership benefits include opportunities for both personal and professional growth and connection. BTNLC members also aid in planning events throughout the year that directly benefit community members, like the Rebecca Nichols Symposium.
BTNLC members are an integral component of Bet Tzedek’s volunteer leadership, and their commitment to philanthropy and service help ensure the future success of the organization. The BTNLC includes leaders from an array of professions including law, finance, real estate, entertainment, tech and sales.
To join the growing number of BTNLC members or learn about upcoming events, please contact hello@bettzedek.org.
“Our ultimate objective in learning about anything is to try to create and develop a more just society.”
—Yuri Kochiyama, Passion for Justice
Covington & Burling LLP
JFEDLA
The Samueli Foundation, McDermott Will & Schulte, and The Greenberg/Collins Family
Ellen and Dan Shallman
We are so proud that you are being honored with the 2026 Luis Lainer Founder’s Award.
Your steadfast commitment to justice and longstanding leadership at Bet Tzedek have been a guiding light for so many, and an inspiration to us always.
We love you higher than the sky, Ellen, Noah, and Evie
With gratitude and admiration
We proudly celebrate the 2026 Bet Tzedek Honorees:
Recipient of the Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award, for amplifying community voices, inspiring civic engagement, and strengthening Los Angeles.
???
Recipient of the Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award, for her tireless advocacy on behalf of low-wage and undocumented workers, advancing dignity and fairness across our city.
“If not now, when?”
—Rabbi Hillel
Thank you for showing us justice in action.
and its noble mission to provide free legal services to those who need them most, upholding a commitment to justice for all. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional staff and dedicated community volunteers at Bet Tzedek, whose tireless efforts make this transformative work a reality.
We also extend our warmest congratulations to this year’s honorees— Dan Shallman, Esq., REAL 92.3/iHeart Media Los Angeles, and Yvonne Medrano, Esq.—for their outstanding contributions.
Dahlia and Art Bilger
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
O’Melveny & Myers LLP
Gibson Dunn is proud to support
and congratulates this year’s honorees
Dan Shallman, Esq.
Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
REAL 92.3 / iHeart Media Los Angeles
Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
Yvonne Medrano, Esq.
Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award
O’Melveny warmly congratulates tonight’s honorees for their invaluable commitment to our community and their passion for advancing justice.
Dan Shallman Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
EA L92.3 is proud to s upport
Bet Tzedek’s mission to provide free legal services to Los Angeles County residents al igns wi th our M ission and we wi l l always upl i ft and support thei r i ni tiatives.
???
Congrat ulations to al l of the awardees tonight
Dan Shal l man, Esq. Luis Lai ner Founder ’ s Award
REAL 92.3 / iH eart Med ia Los Angeles Rose L. Schi ff Commi tment to Justice Award
Yvonne Med rano, Esq. Jack H. Ski rbal l Comm uni ty Justice Award
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
Bird, Marella, Rhow, Lincenberg, Drooks & Nessim LLP
Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman
Harvey Luis Lainer
Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP
Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Terri and Michael Smooke
joins Bet Tzedek in honoring Dan Shallman, Esq.
REAL 92.3/iHeart Media
Los Angeles
Yvonne Medrano, Esq. may the doors of the house of justice always remain open.
Congratulations and thank you to our dedicated and accomplished honorees:
Luis Lainer Founder’s Award for your steadfast commitment to Bet Tzedek and social justice
REAL 92.3/iHeart Media
Los Angeles
Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award for your impactful community programs that reach far and wide Yvonne Medrano
Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award for your life’s work protecting workers’ rights
With heartfelt gratitude,
Skadden is proud to support Bet Tzedek in its important work.
We congratulate all of this year’s honorees, including our friend Dan Shallman, recipient of the Luis Lainer Founder’s Award, for his incredible commitment to fighting for justice and equity and his leadership in advancing Bet Tzedek’s mission.
skadden.com
Dear Dan, We honor you for the honorable man you are. We honor you for your commitment to justice.
We thank you for repairing our world.
We love you.
Terri and Michael
Karla & Richard Chernick and JAMS
Crowell & Moring LLP
Edison International
Elise Karl and Terry Friedman
Greines, Martin, Stein & Richland LLP
Hueston Hennigan LLP
Linda and Kenneth Millman
Pachulski Stang
Ziehl & Jones LLP
Paul Hastings LLP
Claudia and Sandor Samuels
Sony Pictures Entertainment
This Is About Humanity
Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
Mike and Laura Wallace
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
Wilson Sonsini Foundation
Richard Chernick and JAMS are proud supporters of
and we congratulate the honorees
jamsadr.com/losangeles
Congratulations to Dan Shallman, Esq. for your dedicated service to Bet Tzedek
Thank you to REAL 92.3/iHeart Media Los Angeles for your philanthropic leadership in Los Angeles
Mazel tov to Yvonne Medrano, Esq. for your outstanding advocacy on behalf of Bet Tzedek’s Clients and
Thank you to all Bet Tzedek Staff, Volunteers and Donors for your support every day and every year
Elise Karl & Terry Friedman
Greines, Martin, Stein & Richland sends a heartfelt thank you to the extraordinary community of donors, incredible staff, dedicated pro bono attorneys, and community volunteers!
Hueston Hennigan is proud to sponsor
Congratulations to
Dan Shallman, Esq. Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
REAL 92.3 / iHeart Media Los Angeles
Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
Yvonne Medrano, Esq.
Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award
Dan Shallman, Esq.
Yvonne Medrano, Esq. and to the Bet Tzedek Staff for their dedication and commitment to bring justice to those in need. It is a pleasure to be associated with Bet Tzedek.
Linda & Kenneth Millman
Congratulations to Bet Tzedek and the thousands of staff members and volunteers who have provided free legal services to the poor, the elderly, the needy and to Holocaust survivors for more than fifty years.
I recall the heartfelt thanks of several garment workers years ago whose stolen wages were recovered by Bet Tzedek staff and volunteers, and who said on camera to a previous Bet Tzedek dinner audience, “Muchas Gracias, Bet Tzedek.”
May the vital work of Bet Tzedek continue for decades to come.
And Mazal Tov to all of this year’s honorees!
Much love and respect,
Sandy & Claudia Samuels
Blank Rome LLP
Cravath, Swaine & Moore
Hecker Fink LLP
Helmer Friedman LLP
HKA
Hogan Lovells LLP
Kendall Brill & Kelly LLP
King & Spalding LLP
Loeb & Loeb LLP
Manatt
Perkins Coie LLP
Proskauer Rose LLP
Ropes & Gray LLP
Karen Breslow and Robert Schwartz
Sidley Austin Foundation
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
We are pleased to support Bet Tzedek and recognize the accomplishments of tonight’s honorees, Dan Shallman, Esq., Real 92.3/iHeart Media Los Angeles and Yvonne Medrano, Esq.
Hogan Lovells is pleased to support Bet Tzedek’s mission of justice for all and congratulates tonight’s honorees for this well-deserved recognition.
Hogan Lovells U.S. LLP
Ropes & Gray is a proud sponsor of the Bet Tzedek
2026 Annual Dinner Gala
We salute tonight’s honorees:
DAN SHALLMAN, ESQ.
2026 Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
REAL 92.3/iHEART MEDIA LOS ANGELES
2026 Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
YVONNE MEDRANO, ESQ.
2026 Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award
Congratulations and thanks to Dan Shallman, Esq.
REAL 92.3/iHeart Media
Los Angeles
Yvonne Medrano, Esq. for your generous efforts and contributions to our community
Karen Breslow
Bobby Schwartz
THE SIDLEY AUSTIN FOUNDATION and PARTNERS OF SIDLEY AUSTIN LLP
ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT
WE VALUE BET TZEDEK’S ADVOCACY FOR EQUAL JUSTICE WITHIN THE COURTROOM AND COMMUNITY. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE EVENING’S HONOREES:
DAN SHALLMAN, ESQ.
Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
REAL 92.3/iHEART MEDIA – LOS ANGELES
Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
YVONNE MEDRANO, ESQ.
Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award
The Sidley Austin Foundation is funded solely by Sidley Austin LLP, an international law firm, to further the firm’s commitment to the community and to public service. MN-28706
1st Century Bank
Allen Matkins Leck Gamble
Mallory & Natsis LLP
Alston & Bird LLP
Analysis Group
Bank of America
Howard Bernstein
Linda Burrow and John Horn
Meryl and Michael Chae
City National Bank
Cohen Williams, LLP
Cooley LLP
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
DLA Piper LLP (US)
FGS Global
FTI Consulting
Glaser Weil Fink Howard
Jordan & Shapiro LLP
Geoff and Stephanie Gold
Greenberg Glusker
Holland & Knight LLP
IP House
Suzanne and Eric Isken
Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP
Jenner & Block LLP
Jones Day
Randi and Richard Jones
The Genco-Kamin Family
Charlotte and Stanley Kandel
The Karmin Family
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
The Kornberg Family
The Kramer Family
Lathrop GPM LLP
Bernard and Peggy Lewak
Liang Ly LLP
Laura and Kevin Marks
McGuireWoods LLP
The Menenberg Family
Linda and David Michaelson
Miller Barondess, LLP
Samantha Millman and Brian VanRiper
Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP
Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP
Murphy Rosen LLP
Carol Johnson and David Schindler
Secretariat
John Shallman and Lani Barrameda-Shallman
Signature Resolution
Kelly and Matt Sloan
Andrea and Glenn Sonnenberg
Samuel and Helene Soref Foundation
Venable LLP
Suzanne Wilson
We congratulate Dan Shallman, Esq. Luis Lainer Founder’s Award REAL 92.3 / iHeart Media Los Angeles
Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
Yvonne Medrano, Esq.
Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award
for their commitment to the ideals of Bet Tzedek
Jeffrey H. Kinrich and all the Managing Principals of Analysis Group
333 South Hope Street, 27th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071
analysisgroup.com
In loving memory of Bunny M. Wasser and in honor and recognition of all those who created, supported and nurtured Bet Tzedek since 1974 to today. Well done!
Howard M. Bernstein
We proudly support BET TZEDEK and congratulate tonight’s honorees!
J Linda Burrow and
John Horn
Cohen Williams is proud to support Bet Tzedek in its mission of achieving equitable access to justice for all.
We congratulate this year’s honorees:
Dan Shallman, Esq.
Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
REAL 92.3/iHeart Media Los Angeles
Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
Yvonne Medrano, Esq.
Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award
Thank you for your remarkable commitment and service to the Los Angeles community.
Special congratulations to this year’s honorees
Dan Shallman, Esq. Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
REAL 92.3 / iHeart Media Los Angeles
Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
Yvonne Medrano, Esq.
Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award
fgsglobal.com
Dan, We are so proud of your efforts for the community.
Patricia and Marshall Geller
2026 Annual Dinner Gala
Dan Shallman, Esq.
Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
REAL 92.3/iHeart Media Los Angeles
Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
Yvonne Medrano, Esq.
Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award
We are proud to support Bet Tzedek and congratulate all of tonight’s honorees:
Dan Shallman, Esq. REAL 92.3/iHeart Media
Los Angeles
Yvonne Medrano, Esq.
Thank you for your dedication to our community and your unwavering commitment to justice.
1
Suzanne and Eric Isken are proud to support Bet Tzedek and congratulate all of tonight’s honorees.
1
Jenner & Block is proud to support Bet Tzedek in its tireless efforts to provide access to justice to the most vulnerable members of our community.
We salute this year’s award winners.
Richard and Randi Jones salute Bet Tzedek for the wonderful work they do in our community.
We are so grateful to and proud of our dear friend Dan Shallman.
Dan, You embody all the beautiful things that Bet Tzedek stands for. Congratulations to you, REAL 92.3/iHeart Media Los Angeles, and Yvonne Medrano, for this well-deserved recognition.
With love, The Genco-Kamin Family
Congratulations to tonight’s worthy honorees, and to Bet Tzedek for its continuing advocacy on behalf of those most vulnerable in our society.
Charlotte and Stanley Kandel
Dan,
Your generosity and integrity set the standard— on and off the course.
Thank you for the many ways you make a difference and inspire others to do the same.
With love,
Kirkland & Ellis is proud to support
and congratulates this year’s honorees
Dan Shallman, Esq. Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
REAL 92.3 / iHeart Media Los Angeles
Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
Yvonne Medrano, Esq.
Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award Kirkland
To the leaders of Bet Tzedek Legal Services, past and present:
Thank you for your passion, innovation, and action in the face of injustice. And with special gratitude and admiration for Dan Shallman and the legacy of peerless support for Bet Tzedek he continues at Covington & Burling.
Congratulations all!
The Kornberg Family
Congratulations to tonight’s honorees:
Dan Shallman REAL
Yvonne Medrano
Your work for Bet Tzedek improves the lives of so many.
Thank you to Bet Tzedek Board Chair Samantha Millman for all her time and effort on behalf of Bet Tzedek.
Nancy, Brian, and Gary Kramer
We are proud to support the work of tonight’s honorees:
DAN SHALLMAN, ESQ. Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
REAL 92.3/iHEART MEDIA LOS ANGELES
Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
YVONNE MEDRANO, ESQ.
Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award for their involvement and dedication to bringing justice to those in need.
???
A very loud shout out to SAMANTHA MILLMAN, Board Chair of Bet Tzedek. Samantha’s energy and outstanding leadership never cease to amaze us.
We are honored to be affiliated with Bet Tzedek.
PEGGY and BERNARD LEWAK and FAMILY
Liang Ly LLP is proud to celebrate Bet Tzedek’s 2026 Dinner Gala.
Congratulations to Dan Shallman, Esq., REAL 92.3/iHeart Media Los Angeles, and Yvonne Medrano, Esq. for their well-deserved awards.
thank you
Dan Shallman, Esq.
Yvonne Medrano, Esq. for bringing justice to those who need it most.
kevin and laura marks serving bet tzedek since 1980
The Menenberg Family is proud to support Bet Tzedek and congratulates tonight’s honorees for their work in the pursuit of justice for all in need.
This evening, we celebrate leaders whose dedication to service strengthens Bet Tzedek and advances our shared mission of building a more just Los Angeles.
Dan Shallman, your steady leadership, generosity of spirit, and belief in this organization make our work stronger.
To our friends at REAL 92.3/iHeartMedia Los Angeles, thank you for using your platform, your voices, and your values to lift up justice and community. Your partnership and friendship mean more to us than you know.
And Yvonne Medrano, tonight we celebrate you as one of Bet Tzedek’s own. Your dedication, compassion, and tireless advocacy remind us why this work matters and why Bet Tzedek’s mission lives not just in our values, but in our people.
Tonight, we raise our glass to each of you, and to all of Bet Tzedek’s extraordinary staff and volunteers. It is truly an honor to walk alongside you in this work.
With gratitude, Samantha Millman and Brian VanRiper
proudly supports
and its mission to provide f ree comprehensive legal services, education, and policy advocacy to low-income residents of Los Angeles
We join in congratulating this year ’s honorees
Dan Shallman, Esq.
Luis Lainer Founder ’s Award
REAL 92.3 / iHeart Media Los Angeles
Rose L Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
Yvonne Medrano, Esq.
Jack H Skirball Community Justice Award
Congratulations to all of tonight’s honorees.
We are proud to support the hard working team at Bet Tzedek, who fight for the weakest amongst us, day in and day out.
David Schindler and Carol Johnson
Congratulations to the honorees
Dan Shallman, Esq.
Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
REAL 92.3/iHeart Media — Los Angeles
Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
Yvonne Medrano, Esq.
Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award
Secretariat experts and advisors are trusted in the highest-stakes legal, risk, and regulatory matters around the world. With more than 700 professionals in key global financial and arbitration centers, renowned law firms, corporations, and institutions rely on our disputes, investigations, digital forensics, engineering, economics, and data analytics expertise to provide insightful analysis in response to complex business and legal challenges.
Signature Resolution is a proud supporter of Bet Tzedek and the 2026 Annual Dinner Gala. We congratulate the honorees of the evening:
Dan Shallman, Esq.
Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
REAL 92.3 / iHeart Media Los Angeles
Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
Yvonne Medrano, Esq.
Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award
Congratulations to our friend Dan Shallman for receiving the 2026 Luis Lainer Founder’s Award! It is a well-deserved recognition of his selfless commitment to public service and to the betterment of Bet Tzedek and its clients. Bravo!
Warmly, Kelly and Matt Sloan
We proudly support Bet Tzedek and honor those who contribute to the pursuit of justice for all.
Congratulations to Diego Cartagena on his extraordinary leadership and direction.
Andrea & Glenn Sonnenberg and
Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof
“Justice, justice you shall pursue”
—Deuteronomy 16:18
Congratulations to Bet Tzedek Legal Services and its leadership, staff, board members, and honorees on the 2026 Annual Dinner Gala and Mazel Tov to this year’s honorees
Dan Shallman, Esq.
Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
REAL 92.3/iHeart Media, Los Angeles
Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
Yvonne Medrano, Esq.
Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award
Samuel and Helene Soref Foundation
Jeffrey I. Abrams and Michele Breslauer
Irma and Benjamin Breslauer
Alan and Stephanie Breslauer
Suzy Wilson proudly supports Bet Tzedek and its important work.
She congratulates tonight’s honorees for their contributions to a better world.
Rose L. Schiff
Commitment
Justice is Truth in Action.
—Benjamin Disraeli
The Family of Rose L. Schiff
Jane Bilger and Andrew Philipsborn
Laurie Bilger and Eli Epstein
Dahlia and Arthur Bilger
Thank you, Bet Tzedek for all you do!
Lawrence M. Braun
We are proud to continue to support Bet Tzedek and join in congratulating all of tonight’s honorees for their work on behalf of the Bet Tzedek community.
Carol and Jerry Coben
We are truly inspired by the amazing work you do with Bet Tzedek.
Amy and Charlie Hill Stacie and Aaron Cohen
We congratulate all of this year’s honorees for their service to our community.
Maggie Nagle & Rex Heinke
We are proud to support
Congratulations to this year’s honorees:
Dan Shallman, Esq.
Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
REAL 92.3/iHEART Media Los Angeles
Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
Yvonne Medrano, Esq.
Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award
2026 The Morrison & Foerster Foundation
Caroline and Scott Packman are proud to support Bet Tzedek and congratulate the 2026 honorees: Dan Shallman, Esq. REAL 92.3/iHeart Media Los Angeles
Yvonne Medrano, Esq.
If I am not for myself, who is for me?
And if I am only for myself, what am I?
And if not now, when?
—Hillel the Elder, Pirkei Avot 1:14
Dear Dan, Your selfless leadership and dedication uplift our community and inspire us all.
Ben and Jannelle Ross
Congratulations and thanks to all of the honorees on account of your commitment to justice for all in our community.
`
Dr. Lise F. Spiegel and Bennett L. Spiegel
Dan—
Congratulations on being honored with Bet Tzedek’s 2026 Luis Lainer Founder's Award and the well-deserved recognition of your service.
We are with you in spirit for tonight’s celebration!
With love, Heather & Ben Braun
Your colleagues, community partners, and friends are proud of you for receiving this well-deserved award. We admire your tenacious and compassionate advocacy in the Employment Rights Project alongside California’s most vulnerable workers, and we are grateful to work with you.
With love and admiration,
Aiko Marcial Rivera
Alicia Dobal Vega
Amy Peckner
Andrea G.
Anel Flores
Aquilina Soriano Versoza
Carlos Amador
Chloe Osmer
Dana Hadl
Daniela Urban
Daysi Alonzo
Elizabeth Machado
Flor Melendrez
Garment Worker Center
GWC Legal Clinic
Jan Collatz
Jessica Guerrero
Joe Philipson
Julia Figueira-McDonough
Kathy Amiliategui
Kelly McVey
Kelsey Chapple
Lidia Romero
Mary Tanagho Ross
Matt DeCarolis
Matt Sirolly
Nayantara Mehta
Panida Rzonca
Paula Pearlman
Rosemarie Molina
Victor Narro
Yanin Senachai
Yungsuhn Park
THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK AND VISION OF PROVIDING ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR ALL
Congratulations to DAN SHALLMAN and all the other worthy honorees. THE LYNN & LES BIDER
FAMILY FOUNDATION
Congratulations, Dan on receiving the 2026 Luis Lainer Founder’s Award.
We are all very proud of you.
We congratulate our friend and counsel
Dan Shallman on tonight’s well-deserved recognition
With best wishes, Jonathan Anschell, Sonya Cheney and all of your friends at Mattel
We gratefully salute the entire team at BET
for their amazing dedication and skill in delivering justice to so many deserving clients. And we join in congratulating this year’s worthy honorees.
Congratulations and thanks to Dan Shallman, Yvonne Medrano, and the entire Bet Tzedek staff for the extraordinary work you do in our LA community.
Frank
and Marcy Melton
Erin and Michael Rotgin are proud to support Bet Tzedek and congratulate all of tonight’s honorees:
Dan Shallman, Esq.
REAL 92.3/iHeart Media Los Angeles
Yvonne Medrano, Esq.
We
celebrate Bet Tzedek’s commitment to justice for all.
u
Friends of Bet Tzedek
It is an honor for us to support the great work of Bet Tzedek and to congratulate our friend Dan Shallman who contributes so much to our community!
Congratulations and thank you to all the honorees!
^]
Richard and Ellen Sandler
We salute Dan Shallman, Esq., REAL 92.3/iHeart Media Los Angeles, and Yvonne Medrano, Esq. for their leadership and commitment to justice for all!
Jay and Jean Abarbanel
With gratitude to Dan Shallman, Esq.,
REAL 92.3/iHeart Media
Los Angeles and Yvonne Medrano, Esq. for all they have done for Bet Tzedek.
Robert & Linda Badal
Dear Dan, Congratulating you and Bet Tzedek for all the wonderful work you do for our community.
CWith our love, Patty Finkel and Richard Shapiro
Congratulations to Dan Shallman and the other worthy honorees on this great honor and the work you do.
The
Gagerman Family
Congratulations to my law partner and friend
Dan Shallman on your record of service to the Los Angeles legal community and Covington’s strong pro bono partnership with Bet Tzedek!
John Hall
Ann-Rose and Frank Kaplan congratulate this year’s Bet Tzedek honorees.
Alison and Jason Kaplan
Congratulations to tonight’s honorees and thank you to Bet Tzedek Board Chair Samantha Millman for all her time and effort on behalf of Bet Tzedek.
Brian, Emily, and Keri Kramer
The LA Local congratulates tonight’s honorees and Bet Tzedek on another year of impact toward a more equitable Los Angeles.
To Diego Cartagena and the staff of Bet Tzedek, thank you for all you are doing, your leadership, and your heart and soul. Your collective talent and commitment are so vital to so many, saving lives and saving hope.
Thank you to our friend Dan Shallman, your dedication to Bet Tzedek over all these years has been remarkable.
And congratulations to Yvonne Medrano and REAL 92.3/iHeart Media Los Angeles, we are so admiring of all you do.
L’chaim, Beth Becker and David Lash
Congratulations, Dan for being recognized for your work and dedication to community.
Nancy Lightstone
Congratulations to the honorees!
Keep up the good work.
Sandy and Larry Post
receiving
The Luis Lainer Founder’s Award.
You embody the mission of Bet Tzedek with your personal values of tzedek, chesed and tikkun olam.
Sincerely,
Heidi and Albert
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
—Winston Churchill
Thank you for living a kind and generous life that has helped so many in need.
We are proud of you and we love you.
Anne,
Wayne, Spencer and Gideon
on being the deserving recipient of the 2026 Luis Lainer Founder’s Award!
We are proud to join so many others to honor your dedicated work for Bet Tzedek and our community.
Thank you to the dedicated, professional staff and volunteers of Bet Tzedek whose dedication, diligence and hard work benefit so many people.
proudly supports the inspiring and indispensable work of and celebrates those who make that work possible— our extraordinary donors, staff, and pro bono attorneys and volunteers.
It is not your responsibility to finish the work of perfecting the world, but you are not free to desist from it either.
—Pirkei Avot (Ethics of our Fathers)
Sam S. Yebri Alexander M. Merino
Your pursuit of justice knows no end. Our community is strengthened by your daily efforts.
Thank you.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
—Martin Luther King, Jr.
on being honored by Bet Tzedek.
Your commitment to tzedek (justice), integrity, and service to others reflects the highest Jewish values.
We are proud to celebrate you.
Amy and Joey Behrstock
Congratulations, Dan on receiving Bet Tzedek’s Luis Lainer Founder’s Award.
We’re all proud of your commitment to justice! Jackie Blatt
Recipient of the Luis Lainer Founder’s Award— and a great friend, colleague and community leader
We salute DAN SHALLMAN and all of this year’s honorees for their meaningful contributions to Bet Tzedek in the pursuit of justice
Erica Dominitz and Yaron Dori
We are honored to celebrate tonight Dan Shallman’s contributions to Bet Tzedek and the Los Angeles community. His dedication to ensuring that the legal system is available to all is an inspiration to his colleagues at Covington & Burling.
Congrats, Dan!
With much admiration, Jerry and Marissa Hodgkins
Congratulations to Bet Tzedek and all of its 2026 honorees, for providing outstanding legal services to those who need it most.
Gary & Sheryl Kramer
Dan— Congratulations on this honor. Your role in the community is always inspiring!
With love, Richard and Tammy Ratner
Congratulations to Bet Tzedek and all its worthy honorees.
Wishing you much success as you continue your good work in the community! Gail and Fred Rollman
Bet Tzedek Founder
As a Peace Corp volunteer, founded
Micronesian Legal Services Corp. Passed Away February 8, 2026
May his memory be a blessing.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”
—Martin Luther King Jr.
bettzedek.org