2026 Manhattan Legal Services Awards Benefit

Manhattan Legal Services (MLS) is committed to fighting poverty and advancing economic, social, and racial justice for underserved New Yorkers. Through free legal representation, community education, and systemic advocacy, we help individuals and families navigate complex legal challenges, protect their rights, and access the resources and opportunities they need to achieve greater stability. Our work addresses critical issues involving housing, public benefits, immigration, family law, and other legal matters that directly impact the lives of the communities we serve.

Your support makes this work possible. The Awards Benefit raises critical funds that allow us to reach more individuals and families, expand access to free legal representation, and respond to the growing legal needs of our communities. Every contribution helps us protect families from losing their homes, secure essential benefits, address immigration challenges, and advocate for New Yorkers facing barriers to justice.

With your partnership, we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people we serve and ensure that more New Yorkers have access to the legal assistance they need to protect their rights and build more stable futures.

The Awards Benefit will take place on Monday, November 16, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP at 66 Hudson Boulevard E, New York, NY 10001

Our Honorees

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Pro Bono Award Honoree

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP has been a valued pro bono partner of Manhattan Legal Services, putting its attorneys’ time, expertise, and resources to work for New Yorkers facing serious legal challenges. Through this partnership, Debevoise attorneys help expand the reach of our services, providing critical legal support to individuals and families who might otherwise face complex legal battles without representation.

We are proud to honor Debevoise for its meaningful contributions to our mission and its commitment to ensuring that more New Yorkers can secure the legal help they need. By standing alongside Manhattan Legal Services and our clients, Debevoise helps turn the promise of equal justice into a reality for people who too often face the legal system without the resources to protect their rights. We are grateful for this partnership and the difference it makes in advancing justice for our community.

Boriken Neighborhood Health Center

Community Partnership Award Honoree

Boriken Neighborhood Health Center has been a cornerstone of the East Harlem community for the last 50 years, providing generations of New Yorkers with compassionate, culturally responsive health care and support. Its deep roots in the neighborhood and commitment to bringing people and organizations together reflect a shared belief that every resident deserves the care, resources, and support they need to thrive.

For the past four years, Boriken has been a cherished partner of Manhattan Legal Services, welcoming our staff into its community events to connect residents with free legal services and Know Your Rights presentations. We are honored to recognize Boriken for the care it shows its community, the partnerships it nurtures, and the difference it makes in the lives of East Harlem residents. We are grateful for our partnership and proud to celebrate an organization whose work embodies the power of community and the importance of showing up for one another.

Tickets and Sponsorships

Sponsorships and tickets can be purchased online by filling out the form below. If you would like to pay by check or wire transfer/ACH, please contact [email protected]. The non-tax-deductible portion of each ticket is $207.

Contributions and journal ads are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Our EIN is 13-2605605. Ads are due November 13, 2026 and registration closes on Monday, November 16, 2026 at noon EST.