77 Years Later, Legal Aid Society Navigates ‘Waves of Justice’ for County’s Most Vulnerable
In 1949, the halls of the Palm Beach County Courthouse looked very different, but the desperation of those navigating them was much the same.
Watching a growing tide of residents struggle to represent themselves in complex proceedings, a group of visionary county judges realized that “equal justice under law” was becoming a luxury many could not afford. Their solution was a humble one: they called upon the members of the Palm Beach County Bar Association to step in.
What began as a rotating shift of volunteer attorneys giving a few hours a week soon became a permanent fixture. The “Legal Aid” of 1949 consisted of exactly one part-time employee tucked into a tiny, borrowed office within the courthouse walls.
From those modest, one-desk beginnings sprang what is now the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County (LASPBC). Today, that single part-time seat has evolved into a powerhouse of 180 staff members, including 70 licensed attorneys, social workers, and case managers.
Legal Aid provides expert legal support and guidance to our community members free of charge. With a vision for all Palm Beach County residents to feel seen and heard when interacting with the justice system regardless of their economic situation, they aided more than 8,000 clients last year. LASPBC represents clients in all state and federal courts as well as administrative tribunals.
Riding the Waves of Justice
This year, the Society looks to the horizon with its 2026 Gala theme: “Waves of Justice from the Shores of Amalfi.” The metaphor is a deliberate nod to the organization’s role in the community. Much like the Mediterranean tide, the legal needs of Palm Beach County are ever-shifting and powerful. Whether it is a senior facing the cresting wave of fraud or a veteran struggling to stay afloat while recovering benefits, LASPBC serves as the steady shoreline—a place of safety and grounding for those tossed by the complexities of the law.
“We want to remain a resource for all of our neighbors,” says Executive Director Bob Bertisch. “The ‘Waves of Justice’ represent the movement we create together. Every dollar raised at the event stays here in Palm Beach County and directly supports our work, ensuring that no one is swept away by a system they cannot navigate alone.”
A Night of Coastal Elegance
On Saturday, April 18, the Kravis Center will be transformed into the Italian coast to celebrate these efforts. The 2026 Justice for All Gala, Waves of Justice from the Shores of Amalfi is expected to draw a sell-out crowd of over 550 attendees, all gathered to support the “pro bono heroes” who keep the community’s legal waters navigable.
The 2026 Justice for All Gala is being chaired by Justice Barbara J. Pariente (ret.) and Jack Scarola, Esq. with Junior Chairs Andrea Lewis, Esq. and William Lewis, Esq.
Committee members include Edrick Barnes, Esq., Abby Beebe, Esq., Josh Benrubi, Esq., Natasha Diemer, Sean Domnick, Esq., Wilnar Julmiste, Esq. Jeff Martz, Esq., Grier Pressly, Esq., Alexandria Romano, Esq., Salesia Smith-Gordon, Esq., and Michelle Suskauer, Esq.
The presenting sponsors are Justice Barbara J. Pariente (ret.) and Judge Fred Hazouri(ret.) and the law firm Searcy, Denney, Scarola, Barnhart & Shipley, P.A. The Platinum sponsor is the law firm of Smith, Ball, Baez & Prather, Florida Injury Lawyers. Palladium sponsors include, Beebe Law, Greenberg Traurig, P.A., Gunster, Holland & Knight, LLP, Justice for Kids, a Division of Kelley Kronenberg, and Silber & Davis Attorneys at Law.
- The Firm Sasser, Cestero and Roy, P.A. is receiving the And Justice For All honor in recognition of their pro bono legal work for LASPBC clients.
- Stacey Mullins, Esq is being presented with the Suzanne and John Foley Serving Justice Award for her enthusiastic support and true dedication to bettering LASPBC client’s lives through fundraising and pro bono work.
- The Frederick A. Deluca Foundation is being honored with the Harreen Bertisch Children’s Advocacy Award for their ongoing commitment to improving lives of children in our community.
To learn more about Legal Aid of Palm Beach County’s mission or to purchase tickets to support the event, please visit legalaidpbc.org. Special thanks to Rafferty Domnick Cunningham and Yaffa for being the 2026 media sponsor.
As LASPBC looks toward the future, the mission remains anchored in its 1949 founding vision: ensuring every resident, regardless of their economic situation, feels seen and heard when seeking justice.
PALM BEACH POST NOTABLES FULL ARTICLE
If You Go
What: Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County’s Justice for All Gala
When: Saturday, April 18, 6 p.m.
Where: Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach
Tickets: $350
Contact: 561-822-9763 pr dbrookes@legalaidpbc.org
