2026 Justice For All Awards Celebration
Rooted in Justice
Building a community where everyone has a place at the table
Celebrate. Connect. Be inspired.
Join us for an inspiring evening of connection, recognition, and celebration as we honor the people and partnerships helping justice take root across Northeastern New York.
EVENT DETAILS
Date
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Location
The Edison Downtown
Schenectady, NY
Parking is available in the public lot directly across the street.
Highlights
- 6:00–7:00 p.m. | Cocktail hour
- 7:00 p.m. | Buffet Dinner
- Keynote address by Taína Asili
- Presentation of the 2026 Justice for All Awards
- Networking with community leaders, attorneys, advocates, and supporters
Attire
Business or cocktail attire.
Whether you’re a longtime supporter or first-time attendee, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the role civil legal aid plays in building stronger communities and the people making that work possible.
ROOTED IN JUSTICE
Justice begins with meeting people’s basic needs.
This year’s Justice for All Awards explores how strong communities are built when everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive, including food, housing, safety, and legal support.
The theme, Rooted in Justice, reflects LASNNY’s belief that access to justice is foundational to healthy communities. It also recognizes that issues like food security, housing instability, and economic hardship are deeply connected, requiring collaboration across the legal, nonprofit, business, and agricultural sectors.
We are honored to welcome Taína Asili as this year’s keynote speaker. An internationally recognized artist, educator, filmmaker, and community activist, Taína serves as Board Chair of Soul Fire Farm, where her work advancing food justice, racial justice, and community care embodies the spirit of this year’s theme.
Together, we celebrate the people and partnerships helping justice take root throughout Northeastern New York.
2026 HONOREES
Each year, the Justice for All Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose leadership, service, and partnership have expanded access to justice throughout Northeastern New York.
Ruth M. Miner Leadership Award
Honors an exceptional leader whose work has advanced civil legal services while inspiring future generations of advocates.
2026 Recipient: Natasha Pernicka, CEO of The Food Pantries for the Capital District
William E. (Bill) Byron Equal Justice Award
Recognizes an individual whose leadership and longstanding commitment have advanced access to justice for low-income and vulnerable New Yorkers.
2026 Recipient: Adam Wilson, of Sand River Community Farm and The Peasantry School
Justice for All Awards
Recognizes exceptional commitment to LASNNY’s mission through pro bono service, volunteerism, mentorship, advocacy, technical assistance, legal education, and philanthropic support.
2026 Recipient, Law Firm: Hodgson Russ LLP
2026 Recipient, Individual: James E. Hacker, Esq.
Community Partner Award
Honors a nonprofit organization, business, or individual outside the legal profession whose partnership and commitment have helped expand access to civil legal services throughout northeastern New York.
2026 Recipient: Honest Weight Food Co-Op
PAI Pro Bono Award
Recognizes extraordinary service to LASNNY’s Private Attorney Involvement (PAI) Program through volunteer representation, mentorship, legal education, and other meaningful contributions that expand access to justice.
2026 Recipient: Richard S. Ernst, Esq.
Learn more about our 2026 recipients in the press release.
REGISTRATION
Ready to Join Us?
Celebrate the people and partnerships helping justice take root across our region.
Register today or explore sponsorship opportunities below.
If you cannot attend, but still want to support LASNNY’s mission of providing no-cost legal services, you can donate here.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
HONORARY COMMITTEE
ABS Solutions, LLC
Amina Karic, Capital District Trial Lawyers’ Association
Christine White
Dan Koskinen
Eliot Rich
Girvin & Ferlazzo, P.C.
Hon. Joshua L. Farrell
Jody Kovach, Mohawk Opportunities
Julie Novkov
Katherine Mastaitis
Lauren Trunko, YWCA
Lekki Hill Duprey & Whitton
Lillian Moy
Morgan S. Ruthman
Nic Rangel, Esq.
Paul Tonko
Rosemarie Jaquith Perez
Steve Klein, Mohawk Opportunities
CHANGE-MAKER CHAMPION SPONSORS
COMMUNITY SUPPORTER SPONSORS
