Legal Services of Greater Miami\u2019s (Legal Services) hosted its 17th Annual Heart of Giving Celebration and Judicial Reception on May 14, 2026, at the Rubell Museum, welcoming nearly 400 distinguished guests from the legal, corporate, and civic communities. This year\u2019s event marked a milestone 60th anniversary for the organization, celebrating six decades of advancing access to justice for underserved communities.<\/p>\n
The evening honored two exceptional leaders whose dedication has strengthened the legal profession and expanded access to justice across our community. The 2026 Equal Justice Judicial Leadership Award was presented to Chief Judge Edwin A. Scales, III of the Third District Court of Appeal. A respected jurist and longtime champion of civil legal aid, Judge Scales has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public service and ensuring equitable access to the courts. The award was presented by Lilly Ann Sanchez, Event Chair and Founder of The L\u00b7S Law Firm.<\/p>\n
The 2026 Equal Justice Leadership Award was presented to Robert L. Parks, a distinguished trial attorney and respected community leader whose early and sustained support of Legal Services has been instrumental to its growth. A former Board Member and dedicated Leaders Council member since its inception, Mr. Parks has played a key role in securing law firm support and advancing the organization\u2019s mission. The award was presented by Michael Haggard, Founding Partner of The Haggard Law Firm.<\/p>\n
The program also featured remarks from Legal Services\u2019 leadership, including CEO Monica Vigues-Pitan and Board President Karen Lapekas, who highlighted the organization\u2019s impact and reflected on its 60-year legacy. A special historical video presentation offered guests a look back at Legal Services\u2019 enduring commitment to serving the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year\u2019s celebration is especially meaningful as we mark 60 years of expanding access to justice,\u201d said Monica Vigues-Pitan, CEO of Legal Services. \u201cFor six decades, Legal Services has stood alongside our community\u2019s most vulnerable residents, ensuring they are not denied fairness simply because of their circumstances. We are deeply grateful to this year\u2019s honorees, whose leadership and vision have helped strengthen our justice system and broaden access to critical legal services.\u201d<\/p>\n
The evening featured a dynamic program that blended philanthropy, community, and entertainment. Guests were welcomed by a musical performance from local sixth-grade students, setting a vibrant tone for the night. Attendees enjoyed a wide-ranging silent auction, a 360-degree photo booth experience, and a curated outdoor Art Garden Walk featuring live artists.<\/p>\n
A standout musical performance by acclaimed vocalist Nicole Henry, along with engaging emcee Laurie Jennings, added to the evening\u2019s energy. Guests also enjoyed specialty cocktails courtesy of exclusive liquor sponsor Bacardi.<\/p>\n
Legal Services extends its sincere appreciation to the more than 70 generous sponsors whose support made the event possible. Special recognition goes to Presenting Sponsor, Ryder System, and Premier Sponsors Charles Schwab Bank, Jacquelyn and Bruce Rogow, and Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley. We are especially grateful to our Host Committee for their outstanding leadership, enthusiasm, and commitment, which helped make this event such a tremendous success. This year\u2019s Host Committee included Robert Boyers (Boyers Law), Gabrielle D\u2019Alemberte (Simon Trial Firm), Manuel Dobrinsky (Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein), Gabriel Garay (Garay Law), Tiffani Lee (Holland & Knight), Luis Mechoso, Victoria Mendez (Shutts & Bowen), Jennifer Olmedo-Rodriguez (Buchanan), and Stephen Rosenthal (Podhurst Orseck). Their collective support helped raise more than $295,000, directly benefiting Legal Services\u2019 work across Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties.<\/p>\n