NELA

Empowering Workers' Rights Attorneys

Join us in New Orleans for our 2026 Gala Fundraiser—a celebration of community, resilience, and more than 40 years of standing together in the fight for justice for workers.

As workers face alarming threats, the role of dedicated workers’ rights attorneys is increasingly critical. Just as critical is the strength of the community that supports them. NELA provides essential legal education, trusted analysis of developments affecting workers’ rights, and opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and lifelong professional relationships. Our advocacy efforts in our nation’s capital and courtrooms across the country level the playing field for private, public, and federal sector workers and their advocates.

Vision. Justice. Community.

Friday, June 26 | 8:00–11:00 p.m.

Join us after dinner (on your own) for an evening of music, dancing, and friendship. Come in your New Orleans finest—or come as you are. Light bites and two complimentary drink tickets (courtesy of Dundon Advisers LLC) are included.

The Gala is a separate ticketed event, not included in Convention registration.

We invite you to stand with NELA at this pivotal moment as a Gala sponsor. Driven by our strong beliefs and powered by our community, together we invest boldly in the vision, justice, and community that will carry us forward

Sponsorship opportunities are available at every level—with flexible payment schedules to make it easier to participate. Pledge by April 20 to be listed in the digital Gala invitation.

Pledge Now

For more information, please contact
Leah A. Hofkin
Director of Development
(Tel: (415) 625-5421; Email: lhofkin@niwr.org).

“Knowing that you are surrounded and supported by like-minded people who are committed to vindicating workers’ rights is invaluable. NELA is more than a professional organization—it’s a collective force that strengthens my advocacy, sharpens my skills, and reminds me that none of us fight these battles alone. ”

Elaine L. Fitch, Washington, DC

“Being a member of NELA has connected me with a dedicated network of attorneys who share my passion for protecting workers’ rights. The collaboration and resources available through NELA have been invaluable in strengthening my practice and ensuring that my clients receive the best possible representation. It is an organization that truly empowers employment lawyers to be more effective advocates.”

Jamaal W. “Jay” Stafford, Columbia, MD

“What started as membership in another professional organization has become a true community of attorneys who share both knowledge and a dedication to workplace justice. People say NELA is the world’s largest workers’ rights law firm—and they’re right. The collaborative spirit here makes us all better advocates.”

Vishal H. Shah, Boston, MA

“NELA is an amazing, generous community of people who care about workers, care about civil rights, and care about each other. I’ve learned so much from my NELA colleagues, and they inspire me to be a better lawyer and help me stay grounded in my values. They’re also just a lot of fun!”

Karla Gilbride, Washington, DC

“NELA membership means community. Plaintiffs’ employment law requires grit. We don’t have big business and big firms to support our practices. NELA gives us that “firm.” It gives us support and knowledge that we are not in this alone.”

Kalandra N. Wheeler, Houston, TX

“NELA has been one of the most valuable things in my legal career. I have NELA friends whom I greatly admire, of course. But I learn something new every single day from my NELA mates, and I also have a built-in mechanism for helping others or supporting others who do.”

Brian East, Austin, TX