Laurie Levenson to be honored by LA County Law Library

Friends of the Los Angeles County Law Library will host the 21st Beacon of Justice Gala reception on April 18.

Loyola law Professor Laurie L. Levenson and Capri Maddox will receive the Beacon of Justice awards. Katherine Hope Chew will also be named as the new executive director of the law library.

"The Friends supports the LA Law Library's access to justice work, which helps fill a critical gap in access to legal information. For example, 'Lawyers in the Library' is a popular program offering in-person and telephone assistance to the public. Help is based on need; there is no income requirement or restriction on the legal topic. Volunteer attorneys in any practice area are always needed to fill the growing number of requests received every day," said Kathy Paspalis, executive director of the Friends.

The Friends of the LA County Law Library raise money to support LA Law Library's programs, services and collections. The library provides free services to self-represented litigants through hundreds of classes and workshops and free legal consultations with volunteer attorneys.

Maddox, general manager of the Los Angeles Civil, Human Rights and Equity Department, said she decided to become a lawyer to fight injustices in the world.

"It is such an honor to receive the Beacon of Justice Award by the LA Law Library. I admire this organization's dedication to providing public access to legal knowledge," Maddox said. "This award is one of the highlights of my public service career and reflects my passion to give back to those who may not have equitable access to legal resources."

Levenson chairs the Ethical Advocacy program at Loyola Law School, where she teaches evidence, criminal law, criminal procedure, ethics, white collar crime and trial advocacy. She founded Loyola's Project for the Innocent which has secured the release and exonerations of 18 inmates who were wrongfully convicted and faced life imprisonment sentences or the death penalty.

"I am thrilled and honored to receive this award because the L.A. Law Library represents the best of our legal community," Levenson said in an email. "It is a place where anyone can come to get help with their legal issues. The library reinforces the importance of the law and demonstrates that the legal profession is here to serve all."

The April 18 event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Mildred L. Lillie Building of the L.A. Law Library at 301 W. First Street in Los Angeles.