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