Los Angeles Law Library to Honor Legal Leaders at Annual Gala

Judge Dean D. Pregerson (Ret.) and Theane Evangelis to receive Beacon of Justice Award

Mar. 14, 2026 at 10:18am

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The Friends of the Los Angeles County Law Library will host their 23rd Annual Beacon of Justice Award Gala on April 29, 2026, honoring two distinguished legal professionals: Hon. Dean D. Pregerson (Ret.), former United States District Judge, and Theane Evangelis, partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and a nationally recognized appellate advocate.

Why it matters

The Beacon of Justice Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and a deep commitment to expanding access to justice. The annual gala brings together leaders from the bench, bar, and civic community to support the Los Angeles County Law Library, which provides free legal information, research assistance, and educational programs to over 120,000 people across the county each year.

The details

Judge Pregerson served nearly three decades on the United States District Court for the Central District of California, earning a reputation for fairness, independence, and thoughtful jurisprudence. He also co-founded the Conviction and Sentence Alternatives (CASA) program, an innovative diversion initiative. Theane Evangelis is a nationally respected appellate lawyer and partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, where she serves as Co-Chair of the firm's Appellate and Constitutional Law Practice Group. She has argued multiple cases before the United States Supreme Court and numerous federal and state appellate courts.

  • The 23rd Annual Beacon of Justice Award Gala will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
  • Judge Pregerson served on the United States District Court for the Central District of California for nearly three decades.

The players

Hon. Dean D. Pregerson (Ret.)

Former United States District Judge for the Central District of California, known for his fairness, independence, and thoughtful jurisprudence. He co-founded the Conviction and Sentence Alternatives (CASA) program, an innovative diversion initiative.

Theane Evangelis

Partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and Co-Chair of the firm's Appellate and Constitutional Law Practice Group. She is a nationally recognized appellate advocate who has argued multiple cases before the United States Supreme Court and numerous federal and state appellate courts.

Friends of the Los Angeles County Law Library

A nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the programs and services of the Los Angeles County Law Library, ensuring individuals across Los Angeles County have access to reliable legal information and resources.

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What they’re saying

“Access to justice begins with access to reliable legal information.”

— Brittani Jackson, Chair of the Friends of the Los Angeles County Law Library Board of Directors (PR.com)

What’s next

The 23rd Annual Beacon of Justice Award Gala will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the Mildred L. Lillie Building of the Los Angeles County Law Library.

The takeaway

The Beacon of Justice Gala celebrates leaders in the legal profession who are committed to expanding access to justice, while also supporting the vital work of the Los Angeles County Law Library in providing free legal resources and information to thousands of individuals and families across the county.