The BBA's Annual Celebration Honoring Community Champions
Spirit of the Bar
Event Details
Thursday, September 24, 2026
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Fairmont Copley Plaza
138 St James Avenue, Boston, MA
An unforgettable evening celebrating the people and values that define Boston’s legal community: service, leadership, inclusion, and community.
Why Spirit of the Bar
For generations, the BBA’s Annual Meeting brought members together to conduct Association business while recognizing outstanding leadership, service, and contributions to the legal profession. As the event grew into the Association’s signature gathering, its name changed to reflect its broader purpose.
Today, Spirit of the Bar honors that tradition while celebrating the lawyers, judges, legal professionals, civic leaders, and organizations whose integrity, dedication, and commitment to justice strengthen our profession and our community.
The Honorees
The Haskell Cohn Award
Justice Stephen Breyer
A jurist with deep Massachusetts roots, Justice Breyer is recognized for his decades of public service, judicial leadership, and enduring contributions to the law and the administration of justice.
The Thurgood Marshall Award
Through its longstanding commitment to pro bono service, civic engagement, and expanding opportunity, MassMutual is recognized with the Thurgood Marshall Award for its leadership in advancing justice and strengthening communities.
The John G. Brooks Legal Services Award
2026 recipient to be announced.
Sponsorship
Sponsoring the Spirit of the Bar is a powerful way to showcase your firm’s commitment to leadership, integrity, and community impact. For more information about sponsoring the event, please reach out to [email protected].
Thank You to Our Visionary Sponsors
Thank You to Our Innovator Sponsor
Steering Committee
 Co-Chair: Edwina Clarke Zimmer, Citron & Clarke |  Co-Chair: James P. Dowden Ropes and Gray LLP |
