Legal Aid Service of Broward County has named five honorees who will be recognized at this year’s A Night for Justice Gala on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, at the Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA) in Dania Beach. This year’s theme, Lanterns of Light, will transport guests from 6:30 to 10 p.m. to an immersive enchanted forest experience featuring live music, gourmet dining and a silent auction.

“This year’s honorees reflect the full spectrum of partnership that keeps Legal Aid moving forward,” said Executive Director Debra Koprowski, Esq., of Legal Aid Service of Broward County. “From the private pro bono attorneys who assist those in need, to a law firm that opens its doors to clients in crisis, to the nonprofit and corporate partners whose investment reaches every corner of Broward County — each of these honorees embodies the belief that access to justice is a shared responsibility.”

2026 Honorees

Attorney of the Year — Nicholas Bastidas, Esq.

An associate at Nelson Mullins and a lifelong Broward County resident, Bastidas joined Legal Aid’s pro bono panel in 2025 and has assisted more than 80 clients through the organization’s Pro Bono Advice and Counsel Hotline — more than 40 in 2026 alone. He is also known for stepping in on short notice when unexpected vacancies arise.

“From his very first case, Nicholas swiftly transitioned from a new volunteer to an indispensable pillar of our pro bono panel consistently stepping forward on short notice to ensure that those in need are never left without a passionate advocate,” said Koprowski.

The Legal Aid Vanguard Award — Chad Van Horn, Esq.

Van Horn is the inaugural recipient of the Legal Aid Vanguard Award, a new honor recognizing a leader whose overall contribution sets a new standard for expanding access to justice. The founder and managing partner of Van Horn Law Group, P.A. in Fort Lauderdale has previously received Legal Aid’s Attorney of the Year (2017), Russell E. Carlisle Advocacy Award (2020), Law Firm of the Year (2021) and Spirit of Justice Award (2022). He has served on Legal Aid’s Board of Directors since 2022, chaired the board in 2024, and together with his firm has assisted more than 300 Legal Aid pro bono clients in bankruptcy and debt-related matters.

“Chad has made a unique and invaluable contribution to the growth of Legal Aid Service of Broward County through his leadership on our Board, his prolific pro bono service and his generous financial support,” said Koprowski.

Law Firm of the Year — Bankruptcy Law Firm of Clare Casas, P.A.

Founded by Clare Casas, Esq., a Certified Public Accountant and University of Miami School of Law graduate whose own family was displaced by Hurricane Andrew, the firm has been a long-standing Legal Aid pro bono collaborator. In one recent example, it helped a Legal Aid client discharge approximately $121,524 in debt amid a pending creditor lawsuit.

“The firm is generous with the number of pro bono cases it accepts annually, and it richly deserves this award for the many lives it has changed through highly dedicated and skilled service,” said Koprowski.

Tony Karrat Excellence in Community Service Award — United Way Broward

For more than 85 years, United Way Broward has mobilized community resources to address Broward County’s most pressing challenges, today funding more than 130 programs under the leadership of President and CEO Kathleen Cannon. Its partnership with Legal Aid dates to 2013, when a United Way Broward grant launched Legal Aid’s MISSION UNITED Veterans Pro Bono Program; together the two organizations have served more than 9,000 veterans and their families and provided housing support to roughly 6,000 homeless veterans through the federal Supportive Services for Veteran Families program.

“Tony Karrat served on the original MISSION UNITED Advisory Council, and it is fitting that the award named in his honor goes to an organization that has truly made Broward County a better place for countless residents,” said Koprowski.

Spirit of Justice Award — Publix Super Markets

The largest employee-owned company in the United States, Publix supports Broward County nonprofits whose missions overlap with Legal Aid’s, including United Way Broward and HANDY (Helping Advance and Nurture the Development of Youth), with whom Legal Aid’s Children’s Legal Project works closely to serve at-risk youth.

“Publix has an outstanding culture of giving back and has made a profound difference in our local community through its philanthropic efforts,” said Koprowski. “This organization truly embodies the ‘spirit’ of the work done through our Legal Aid program.”

Tickets, sponsorship opportunities and additional event details are available at BrowardLegalAid.org. For more information about Legal Aid Service of Broward County or to learn how to get involved, visit BrowardLegalAid.org or call 954-765-8950.

About Legal Aid Service of Broward County

Legal Aid Service of Broward County is a not-for-profit law firm established in 1973. The mission is to provide high quality free civil legal advice, representation and education to the underserved residents of Broward County so as to improve the lifestyle and living conditions of the low-income community and to encourage self-sufficiency. For more information, please visit BrowardLegalAid.org or call 954-765-8950.