The John & Abigail Adams Benefit - Boston Bar Association

Each year the John & Abigail Adams Benefit welcomes over 1,000 guests for an extraordinary evening benefiting the Boston Bar Foundation. The one-of-a kind event is held at the Museum of Fine Arts, and helps support the work of the BBF in its mission to facilitate access to justice for the underserved, fund and promote innovation in the delivery of legal services and support impactful public service projects & pro bono work by lawyers in our community.

About the Event

The 2027 Adams Benefit will take place on Saturday, January 30, 2027, at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Attendees will enjoy magnificent art, live entertainment and music, special performances, and gourmet food and drinks. The signature fundraising event of the Boston Bar Foundation, the Adams Benefit is one of the largest events of the Boston legal community, welcoming more than 1,000 attendees annually to support the work of the BBF in our community.

Late Night at the Museum

Part of the Adams Benefit, Late Night at the Museum is an event that brings together law students and newer lawyers to meet, dine and dance and as they get to know each other and begin to lay the groundwork for successful careers in the law.

About the BBF

The Boston Bar Foundation serves as a beacon of the legal community’s enduring commitment to enhancing the lives of the most underserved individuals in our community. Through a dynamic granting program, the BBF works to serve the needs of the most vulnerable and marginalized members of our community, including domestic violence survivors, immigrants, prisoners, workers, veterans, children and families.

As the charitable affiliate of the Boston Bar Association, the BBF supports projects and programs dedicated to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession, strengthening leadership development opportunities for young lawyers and engaging lawyers in serving our community.

Learn More About Our Work

2026 Event Video

2027 Richard A. Soden Public Service Award: Susan Alexander

Susan Alexander served as the longtime Chief Legal Officer of Biogen until her retirement in June 2026. While serving as an Executive of one of Massachusetts largest Biotech companies, Susan made time to be a champion of access to justice and civil legal aid. She has helped strengthen organizations, including the Boston Bar, over a decades-long career.

History of the Richard A. Soden Public Service Award

The Adams Benefit Public Service Award is given annually to business or civic leaders who have shown exemplary leadership in community service and philanthropy and whose work aligns with the BBF’s mission to promote justice by funding and promoting innovation in legal services, enhancing access to justice for the underserved, and supporting the public interest activities of the bar. In 2024, the award was renamed in honor of former BBA and BBF President Richard A. Soden. Learn more.