Bank of America

Lawyers for Warriors 2025 Announcement.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1231 Warner Avenue, Tustin, CA 92780
Ph: (714) 852-3492 | www.VetsLegal.org

VETERANS LEGAL INSTITUTE HONORS FIVE LEADERS ADVANCING ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR VETERANS

2025 Honorees to be recognized at VLI’s 11th Annual Lawyers for Warriors Gala

TUSTIN, Calif., February 4, 2025 — Veterans Legal Institute (VLI) is proud to honor five outstanding individuals and organizations dedicated to championing the legal rights and well-being of Southern California’s veterans. The 2025 honorees will be celebrated at VLI’s 11th annual Lawyers for Warriors Gala, which will take place on November 14, 2025, at the iconic Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.

This year’s honorees represent the finest in leadership, service, and advocacy for our nation’s heroes, exemplifying the dedication required to advance VLI’s mission of eradicating veteran homelessness, suicide, and systemic barriers to self sufficiency. Since its inception, VLI has delivered pro bono legal services to over 12,000+ veterans—offering solutions to complex legal challenges impacting housing, healthcare, employment, and family stability.

“With close to 400 applications for assistance each month, Veterans Legal Institute is relentless in its mission to ensure no veteran is left behind,” said Antoinette Naddour, co-founder and executive director of VLI. “This year’s honorees embody the compassion, grit, and unwavering commitment needed to provide veterans with the justice and dignity they deserve. Their contributions remind us all that serving those who served is a shared responsibility.”

2025 HONOREES


Law Firm of the Year — Rutan & Tucker, LLP

For their extraordinary commitment to pro bono service, including representation of veterans facing complex legal issues, and their steadfast advocacy for equal access to justice. Rutan, the largest full-service law firm in Orange County with a reach extending to Northern California and across the nation, has been a steadfast supporter of veterans both in the
workplace and the community. VLI recognizes Rutan as its 2025 Lawyers for Warriors Law Firm of the Year for the firm’s charitable and volunteer commitments, leadership on VLI’s board and the firm’s unwavering support of Southern California veterans who rely on VLI’s services.

Veteran of the Year — Hon. Richard King
A decorated Vietnam veteran and longtime supporter of VLI’s mission, Judge King has dedicated his career to fostering justice for veterans and their families. His leadership on and off the bench has inspired countless individuals to take action.

Judge Richard King enlisted in the Navy shortly after he graduated from high school in 1965. He served two tours in Vietnam from 1967 to 1969 as a “Seabee” (Naval Construction Forces), operating heavy equipment in combat. Upon honorable discharge, Judge King pursued his education, graduating from UCLA in 1974 and the University of San Diego School of Law in 1977. His first legal job was with the Office of the General Counsel of the US Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, DC. In 1981, Judge King joined the Orange County District Attorney’s Office and, for fifteen years, prosecuted murder cases and became the head of the homicide unit for ten years. In 2000, Governor Grey Davis appointed him to the Orange County Superior Court, where he presides over complex, serious, and violent felonies.

In 2011, Chief Justice Tani Gorre Cantil-Sakauye appointed Judge King to the 1st California Interagency Council on Veterans to help coordinate local, state, and federal veterans’ benefits. Upon a diagnosis of Agent Orange cancer in 2012 and the successful treatment, Judge King reached out to the next of kin of his fellow Seabees, who died as heroes during a battle shortly after the TET Offensive in 1968. To honor their sacrifices, he returned with relatives to the site on the 50th anniversary of the battle. Judge King has presented his “Vietnam-A Journey Back” story to various civic, bar, and military groups to highlight the service and treatment of Vietnam Veterans. This Orange County resident earns VLI’s designation as Veteran of the Year for his service to the US military and the legal community.

Community Partner of the Year — Orange County Lawyer Magazine
This year's community partner, Orange County Lawyer Magazine, has amplified the voices of local veterans and legal advocates, ensuring critical issues affecting the veteran and general community receive the attention they deserve.

Orange County Lawyer magazine is the official publication of the Orange County Bar Association. In keeping with the OCBA's mission "To Enhance the System of Justice, To Support the Lawyers Who Serve It, and To Assist the Community Served By It," the Editor-in-Chief strives to highlight changes in the law that affect veterans, legal issues faced by veterans and service members, and ways community members can help--often through volunteering with VLI. Orange County Lawyer earned VLI's designation as Community Partner of the Year for supporting veterans in our legal community and beyond.

Attorney of the Year — John Manly
Renowned for his unwavering advocacy and legal acumen, John Manly has provided life-changing legal assistance to veterans and survivors, helping them overcome systemic barriers and reclaim their lives.

John C. Manly is the founding partner of Irvine based Manly, Stewart & Finaldi, the nation's preeminent law firm representing victims of sexual abuse and assault. John is a graduate of Pepperdine University School of Law and the University of Southern California with a degree in International Relations and a certificate in Defense and Strategic Studies. He proudly served as an intelligence officer in the US Navy reserve from 1993 to 2004 achieving the rank of Lieutenant/03. John served in various intelligence capacities as an analyst and an instructor at the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center based at NAS Fallon and on the staff of the Commander, Carrier Group 1.

Over the past 25 years, John and his legal team have been heavily involved in the most significant sexual abuse actions litigated across the nation, assisting in the recovery of more than three billion dollars, through trial and settlement, on behalf of sexual abuse victims. Among his most important achievements are his successful efforts to bring justice and healing to veterans who have suffered the trauma of sexual abuse.

Veterans Advocate of the Year — Melissa Stanley
Through her tireless efforts, Melissa Stanley has become a beacon of hope for veterans in crisis. Her dedication to fostering awareness and action within the community has helped countless veterans find stability and self-sufficiency.

Melissa Stanley, a dedicated volunteer and seasoned event planner with over 25 years of experience, is being recognized for her outstanding contributions to the Veterans Legal Institute (VLI). This award highlights Melissa’s passion for serving the community and her significant impact on the organization.

Motivated by a deep respect for those who serve, a value instilled by her late grandfather, a World War II pilot, Melissa joined VLI last year with a vision to use her event planning expertise to further VLI’s mission. By coordinating successful events and fostering collaboration, she has helped raise awareness and resources for VLI’s work supporting veterans with free legal assistance.

Melissa’s dedication to VLI and the veteran community reflects a lifelong passion for service and planning. Her leadership and collaborative spirit have elevated VLI’s ability to support veterans in need.

JOIN THE CELEBRATION
The Lawyers for Warriors Gala is more than an event—it’s a movement. This signature fundraiser offers attendees the opportunity to honor these remarkable individuals while contributing to a cause that directly impacts the lives of Southern California’s veterans. Guests will enjoy an elegant evening with a live band, an open bar, and the camaraderie of professionals united for a greater purpose.

The event is made possible by generous supporters, including Wright Ford Young & Co., which returns as presenting sponsor for the seventh consecutive year. Based in Irvine, Calif., the firm donates 1% of its annual revenue to nonprofits, including VLI, reflecting its deep commitment to the veteran community.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available at bit.ly/L4W2025. Tickets are $250 per guest and include access to the evening’s festivities. All proceeds directly support VLI’s mission to provide free legal services to veterans in need. To learn more about VLI and its mission, visit www.vetslegal.org.

For Media Inquiries: Zak Lara, VLI, 714-852-3492 or zlara@vetslegal.org

For Sponsorship or Other Inquiries: Katie Binkley, VLI, 714 852-3492 or kbinkley@vetslegal.org