On April 11, 2026, the Boston Bar Foundation gathered for its annual John & Abigail Adams Benefit, an evening that brought together more than a thousand members of the legal and business community in support of a shared belief: that the law, at its best, can open doors, expand opportunity, and make justice truly accessible.
Set within one of Boston’s most iconic cultural spaces, the Museum of Fine Arts, the night was designed to be experienced, not simply attended. Guests moved throughout the museum at their own pace, enjoying dinner stations, exploring galleries, and encountering live performances woven throughout the space. Music, movement, and artistry appeared in unexpected places, creating a sense of discovery and energy that carried through the entire evening.
The celebration began in the Shapiro Courtyard with a lively welcome reception, where guests gathered over signature cocktails and music. Opening the program, Boston Bar Foundation President Megan Gates welcomed the crowd and reflected on the purpose behind the evening.
“We’re here because we believe in the role our profession can play, not just in courtrooms or boardrooms, but in people’s lives,” she said. “In opening doors. In creating opportunities. In making sure that justice is something people can actually access.”
She also shared a remarkable milestone. Thanks to the generosity of the community, the 2026 Adams Benefit raised over one million dollars in support of the Foundation’s work. “That is extraordinary,” she noted. “And it speaks to the strength and generosity of this community.”
Boston Bar Association President Suma V. Nair followed with remarks that grounded the evening in both urgency and purpose. Reflecting on the challenges facing the legal system over the past year, she emphasized that the work of defending the rule of law is ongoing and collective.
“The rule of law is not abstract,” she said. “It is something we protect, together, through action.”
She pointed to the work of the Boston Bar Foundation as a critical part of that effort, supporting public service initiatives, expanding access to justice, and creating pathways for young people and families across the region. “That is how we move forward,” she said. “Not just by resisting what undermines justice, but by actively creating a more just, more equitable system for everyone.”
The evening’s most meaningful moment came with the presentation of the Richard A. Soden Public Service Award to Damon Hart. Introduced by former Boston Bar Foundation President Stephen Hall, the tribute was both personal and deeply felt.
“He has always understood that the law is not just what we do,” Hall said. “It’s what we can do for others.”
Reflecting on their long friendship, Hall spoke to the qualities that define Damon’s career and character: steady leadership, generosity, and a consistent commitment to lifting others. “What defines Damon isn’t a title or a résumé,” he said. “It’s the way he shows up for people, for his community, and for this profession.”
Accepting the award, Damon brought that same spirit to the stage, grounding the moment in gratitude and purpose. He thanked his family, friends, and colleagues, including many from Liberty Mutual who had traveled to be there, and reflected on the people who have shaped his journey, including his wife and son, who joined him for the occasion.
Drawing on the words of leaders and artists who have inspired him, Damon reminded the audience of what is at stake in the work they share. Quoting Martin Luther King Jr., he reflected, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” But, he made clear, that arc does not bend on its own.
“We can give hope to the hopeless,” he said. “We can use our superpower as lawyers to lift up the disinherited. And in Boston, the disinherited are not far from us. They’re our neighbors. They’re close to us.”
He closed with a reflection from Richard Soden that captured the spirit of the evening: “We don’t do what we do because it makes us feel good to help other people. It fuels our souls and gives us a reason for living by putting the tools we use to do business to work toward the betterment of society.”
Throughout the evening, that spirit of service was ever present. As guests dined, explored, and connected, the experience reflected the very values being celebrated. The museum became a living, breathing backdrop for community in action, where conversation, creativity, and purpose intersected.
The night concluded back in the courtyard with a late-night celebration featuring a live DJ, specialty entertainment, and desserts, giving guests one final opportunity to come together and celebrate all that had been accomplished.
More than a single evening, the Adams Benefit served as a powerful reminder of what this community can do when it comes together with intention. It is not only about supporting critical work, but about reaffirming a shared commitment to building a more just, equitable, and accessible legal system.
The Boston Bar Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to the sponsors, supporters, and attendees whose generosity made the 2026 Adams Benefit possible. Their commitment ensures that the work of the Boston Bar Foundation and its partners continues to reach those who need it most.
