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

Save the Date! The 2025 Adams Benefit will take place on Saturday, April 5th 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.

See the Event Photos

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.

Learn More

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

2025 Richard A. Soden Public Service Award: Ruth Ellen Fitch

Ruth Ellen Fitch has had a diverse career in public education/integration, law, and non-profit leadership. In addition to her previous roles as an Associate, and later Partner, at Palmer & Dodge, and CEO/President of the Dimock Community Health Center, she has held senior roles in several local non-profits, including The Boston Public Health Commission, Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Foundation, The Ludcke and Grimes King Foundations, Roxbury Community College, Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries, and the Women’s Crittenden Union.

Ruth Ellen has devoted much of her career to helping others overcome social and economic obstacles so they, too, may achieve a life of fulfillment and dignity,” said Boston Bar Foundation President Megan Gates. “Her dedication to creating opportunities for those in need should serve as inspiration to us all, and it is our honor to recognize that work before her peers and colleagues throughout the Greater Boston legal community.

Ruth Ellen has received numerous awards for her commitment to public service and the legal profession, including the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Pinnacle Award for Achievement in the Legal Profession, the Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association Trailblazer Award, and the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston’s Woman of Achievement Award.

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.