Dentons receives Beacon of Justice Award for third year in a row

Dentons has been honored by the National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA) with a 2026 Beacon of Justice Award, marking the third consecutive year the Firm has received this recognition. The award recognizes members of the pro bono legal community who are advancing equal justice. This year's honorees were selected for work that aligns with the theme "Protecting Democracy and Civil Rights."

Dentons' recognition reflects the Firm's continued commitment to delivering high-impact pro bono legal services to underserved communities. In 2025, Dentons lawyers and professionals contributed approximately 25,000 hours of pro bono service. During the year, the Firm also launched its Pro Bono Honor Roll, recognizing lawyers and business services professionals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to public service.

A cornerstone of Dentons' pro bono program is its long-standing partnership with Legal Aid Chicago. Since launching the Domestic Violence Appeals Project in 2013, the initiative has achieved a strong record of success, winning the vast majority of its appeals and securing four published appellate opinions that serve as leading precedent in Illinois domestic violence law.

Dentons also secured a significant appellate victory on behalf of incarcerated individuals with mental illness in Illinois, concluding nearly two decades of work aimed at improving mental health care within the Illinois Department of Corrections.

This recognition marks the fourth time in five years that Dentons has received a Beacon of Justice Award. In addition, NLADA honored pro bono partner Ben Weinberg with its 2025 Exemplar Award, recognizing his contributions to pro bono and public service.

Founded more than a century ago, NLADA supports public defense and civil legal aid organizations across the United States, with a mission to advance equal access to justice for all.

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