LAFLA's $1.15 million gala at the Beverly Wilshire drew 500 guests and two TV names
The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles raised $1.15 million at its Access to Justice Gala, with actor Mark Damon Espinoza as emcee and Shaun Robinson presenting an award.
The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles held its Access to Justice Gala at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, drawing more than 500 guests. The gala raised $1.15 million, the largest fundraiser the nonprofit has held, according to a Business Wire release published on Nov. 3, 2026.
Two television figures took part in the program. Actor Mark Damon Espinoza was the emcee, and Emmy Award-winning host Shaun Robinson presented one of the honors. The gala also recognized a corporation, a tenant coalition and people from two law firms.
The actor and the host on the program
Mark Damon Espinoza was born June 24, 1960, in Beaumont, Texas. He earned a degree in marketing and economics and spent two years in the corporate world before changing careers. He enrolled at the Circle in the Square Theatre School in New York, where he received a scholarship for music performance.
His professional acting career began in summer 1983 in the musical Lone Star at an amphitheater in Galveston, Texas. His first starring role came as Jesse Vasquez on Beverly Hills, 90210, which ran from 1993 to 1995.
His film credits include The Fugitive (1993), Eastside (1999), Gerald (2010), Gutshot Straight (2014) and Paper Tiger (2020). On television he has appeared in Married... with Children, The Young and the Restless, The Bold & The Beautiful, Major Crimes and NCIS, among others.
In 2022 he had the main role of Réal in The Endgame. His stage work includes productions at the Old Globe in San Diego, the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, Berkeley Repertory Theatre and the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles.
Shaun Robinson was born in Detroit in 1962 and began her career at WGPR-TV there. She later worked at stations in Milwaukee, Austin and Miami before joining Access Hollywood in 1999 as a weekend anchor and correspondent. She remained with the show until 2015, a run of 16 years.
Since 2016 she has hosted TLC's 90 Day Fiancé franchise, including its Tell All specials and spin-offs such as 90 Day: The Single Life. Her most recent listed credit there is 90 Day: The Last Resort, from 2025.
Robinson won an Emmy for live coverage of A Grand Night in Harlem, a production for the Black Sports and Entertainment Hall of Fame. She also co-hosted NBC's Tournament of Roses Parade coverage with Al Roker in 2011 and 2012. She launched the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls, a nonprofit that helps empower girls and young women.
Four honors and who presented them
The inaugural Corporate Impact Award went to Mattel, Inc. for its pro bono program. James E. Hornstein, a LAFLA board member, presented the award. Jonathan Anschell, Mattel's executive vice president, chief legal officer and secretary, accepted it.
The Access to Justice Award went to Stay Housed LA, a coalition that has provided legal services to more than 60,000 tenants over six years, according to Business Wire. Barbara J. Schultz, LAFLA's director of housing justice, presented it. Joanna Esquivel, Jessica Prieto and Javier Beltran accepted it.
Lisa M. Gilford, a partner at Sidley Austin LLP, received the Maynard Toll Award for Distinguished Public Service. Shaun Robinson presented that award.
The Pro Bono Service Award went to Jonathan Segal and Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. Shayla Myers, LAFLA's director of impact litigation and policy, presented it.
LAFLA's board and staff presented three of the four awards: board member James E. Hornstein, housing justice director Barbara J. Schultz and impact litigation director Shayla Myers.
Client stories and the evening's program
The program included three stories about people LAFLA has helped. Manuel Ibarra, a veteran, received help accessing VA benefits. Derrick and Carole Ah Sam challenged FEMA denials after the Eaton Fire. Antonia and her child, Aiden, were featured in a story about immigration help for domestic violence survivors.
Joseph B. Farrell served as dinner chair. The evening included dinner, a silent auction and music from Jonathan Richards Music.
“The gala raised $1.15 million, the largest fundraiser the nonprofit has held.”
What LAFLA does and who it serves
LAFLA describes itself as a nonprofit law firm. Its mission is to achieve equal justice for people living in poverty across Greater Los Angeles. It works through direct representation, systems change and community education.
According to Business Wire, its services reach more than 100,000 people a year. The organization operates five offices in Los Angeles County, four Self-Help Legal Access Centers, three domestic violence clinics and six medical-legal partnerships.
According to its website, LAFLA assists people with income below 125% of federal poverty guidelines. Some people above that level may still qualify, so the organization suggests calling to check.
Its self-help centers can help anyone of any income level.
LAFLA does not handle criminal law, police or attorney misconduct, bankruptcy, car accidents, small claims, credit counseling, or probate and wills. It refers people with those matters to outside resources.
Attendees, the total and the edition number
Silvia Argueta, LAFLA's executive director, and Lynette Jones, the board president, were among the attendees. Board members Debra L. Fischer and Christopher O. Rivas also attended.
Business Wire gives $1.15 million as the total raised and describes the gala as the organization's largest fundraiser.
The edition number differs between sources. Business Wire calls this event the 28th annual gala, while LAFLA's website advertises a 27th Annual Access to Justice Gala.
The website invites supporters to join and celebrate leaders in the fight for equal justice.
