About the Ball | Philadelphia Bar Foundation

As our nation marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we reflect on one of its most enduring promises—equal justice under law. Here in Philadelphia—the birthplace of that promise—For more than six decades, the Bar Foundation has championed that promise—supporting civil legal aid, strengthening the rule of law, and ensuring that justice is within reach for everyone.

At this milestone event, we’ll honor our shared history, celebrate our partners and awardees, and look ahead to the next era of impact—where freedom and justice continue to move forward, hand in hand.

The Ball will take place on November 7, 2026, a the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and will bring together approximately 300 leaders from across the legal community. The evening will begin with a VIP Sponsor Reception from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., followed by the main program from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., with entertainment by Marshall Dennehey's band.

If interested in sponsorship or tickets, please click here!

Meet Our Keynote Speaker

Michael Coard, Esq.

We are proud to have Michael Coard, Esq., as our keynote speaker. A prominent Philadelphia attorney, activist, educator, and public speaker, Coard is the founder of the Avenging The Ancestors Coalition (ATAC), an organization dedicated to preserving and protecting African American history, culture, and civil rights. Widely respected for his advocacy on racial justice, police accountability, historical preservation, and social equity, Coard has become one of the region’s leading voices on justice and community empowerment.

Pollak Champion of the Public Interest Award: Deborah Gross

Debbie Gross, a respected litigator and public interest leader, built a career in private practice representing individuals harmed by consumer, antitrust, and securities fraud, securing meaningful results through complex class action litigation. Alongside her legal practice, she demonstrated sustained commitment to public service through leadership roles in the legal community, including as President of the Philadelphia Bar Foundation and as the 90th Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association. As CEO and President of PMC, she advances civic education, judicial accountability, and public confidence in the courts. The Pollak Award recognizes leaders whose careers combine substantial private practice experience with meaningful and significant public interest contributions.

Trailblazers for Justice Award: Honorable Federica Massiah-Jackson

The Honorable Frederica Massiah-Jackson was a trailblazer in Pennsylvania’s judiciary, making history as the first African American woman to preside over civil trials in Philadelphia and the first African American President Judge of any county in Pennsylvania. She served on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas from 1984 to 2021, including as President Judge from 2000 to 2006, where she led a system of 130 judges and thousands of employees. Throughout her tenure, she prioritized access to justice— advancing reforms to improve fairness, strengthening representation in critical cases, and promoting race and gender equity in the courts. The Trailblazers for Justice Award is presented posthumously to honor leaders whose work created pathways to justice for others.