An Evening Honoring Community Champions
Spirit of the Bar
About the Event
On October 30, 2025, the Boston Bar Association held its Spirit of the Bar event, an unforgettable evening celebrating the people and values that define Boston’s legal community: service, leadership, inclusion, and community.
The Honorees
The Lifetime Achievement Award
Chief Justice Margaret H. Marshall
Chief Justice Marshall made history in 1999 as the first woman to lead the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. During her eleven years on the bench, she modernized the courts, expanded access to justice, and authored landmark opinions including the 2003 Goodridge v. Department of Public Health decision that made Massachusetts the first state in the nation to recognize the right of same-sex couples to marry.
The Thurgood Marshall Award
Sullivan & Worcester
Since its founding in 1941, Sullivan & Worcester LLP has built its reputation as a leading Boston law firm by pairing sophisticated legal counsel with a deep commitment to the community it serves. From its earliest days, the firm has viewed public service as central to its mission, ensuring that pro bono advocacy, community partnerships, and diversity initiatives are integral parts of its culture.
The John G. Brooks Legal Services Award
MIRA Coalition and Jessica Chicco, Director of Training
In the heart of Massachusetts, where communities intersect and cultures converge, the MIRA Coalition stands as a beacon for immigrants and refugees seeking not just safety but belonging. Since 1987, MIRA has united over 130 member organizations spanning legal aid, education, social services, and advocacy under a single mission: to empower immigrants to fully participate in civic, economic, and cultural life.
The Mary K. Ryan Achievement in Pro Bono Awards
We are also thrilled to announce the recipients of the Mary K. Ryan Achievement in Pro Bono Award, which honors attorneys who have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to providing pro bono legal services and expanding access to justice.
This year’s distinguished honorees are:
 Asseret FraustoMcDermott Will & Schulte |  Martha J. KosterMintz |  James “Mac” McCreight |
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 Michael PerezTouchstone Strategic Law |  Doreen M. RachalSidley Austin |  Jennifer Rikoski WhitneyRopes & Gray |  Judge Hector E. ZumbadoMassachusetts District Court |
Sponsorship
Sponsoring The Spirit of the Bar is a powerful way to showcase your firm’s commitment to leadership, integrity, and community impact.
Thank You to Our Visionary Sponsors
Thank You to Our Innovator Sponsors
Thank You to Our Supporter Sponsors
Steering Committee
Sarah Columbia
Co-Chair, McDermott
Brandon Curtin, Troutman Pepper Locke
Marc Mantell, Mintz
Yelena Greenberg, Robinson + Cole
Peter Durning, Verrill
Michelle Shapiro, ArentFox Schiff
Kenneth Burdon, Simpson Thacher
Hemmie Chang
Co-Chair, Arnold & Porter
Brigid Harrington, Hunton Andrews Kurth
James Dowden, Ropes & Gray
Stesha Emmanuel, Ogletree Deakins
Nora Marantz, Liberty Mutual
Kathryn Murphy, Krokidas & Bluestein LLP
Sara Bryant, Harris Beach Murtha
