We’re excited to announce the 2026 recipients of the Legal Aid Foundation’s Torchbearer of Justice Award: Larry Gaddis, Eydie Elkins, and Jessica Virkler.
On Thursday, October 29, the Colorado legal and philanthropic communities will come together for Justice in Action, an evening celebrating the people whose service, leadership, and commitment help make equal justice possible.
This year’s honorees reflect that commitment in different ways: through decades of leadership in the legal and civic communities, dedicated service to individual clients, and new approaches to expanding access to legal help.
Larry Gaddis
For decades, Larry Gaddis has paired a distinguished legal career with an extraordinary commitment to service in Colorado Springs.
A longtime estate planning attorney, Larry has held leadership roles throughout the local legal and philanthropic communities. His service has included decades of involvement with Colorado Legal Services and its predecessor organizations, along with leadership with the El Paso County Bar Association, Pikes Peak Community Foundation, and numerous other community organizations.
Throughout his career, Larry has helped build and strengthen institutions that continue to serve the Pikes Peak region today.
Eydie Elkins
After a distinguished career as a public defender, Eydie Elkins has continued to put her legal experience to work for others as a volunteer with Colorado Legal Services since 2019.
Eydie has provided representation, advice, and other legal assistance in family law and estate planning matters, including representing survivors of domestic violence. Today, much of her volunteer work focuses on helping low-income seniors with end-of-life planning, giving clients greater dignity, autonomy, and peace of mind.
Her service is a powerful example of the difference one attorney can continue to make by sharing their time and expertise with neighbors who need legal help.
Jessica Virkler
Jessica Virkler represents another exciting chapter in expanding access to justice in Colorado. A dedicated Family Law Day volunteer since 2018, she also regularly volunteers with Legal Resource Day and serves on the Fourth Judicial District Access to Justice Committee, helping plan both programs and strengthen access to legal resources in the Pikes Peak region.
In 2024, Jessica became part of Colorado’s first class of Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals (LLPs). She now serves as co-chair of the El Paso County Bar Association’s LLP Section, helping advance a new avenue for Coloradans to receive legal assistance.
Across decades of service and different forms of leadership, Larry, Eydie, and Jessica share a commitment to putting their skills to work for others and strengthening access to justice in their community. We’re proud to recognize them as the 2026 Torchbearers of Justice and we hope you’ll join us to celebrate them at Justice in Action.
Thursday, October 29 | 5:00 p.m.
The Pinery at the Hill | Colorado Springs
Justice in Action is free to attend, but capacity is limited.
Help Make Justice in Action Possible
Your sponsorship of Justice in Action helps expand access to civil legal aid for Coloradans in need while demonstrating your commitment to equal justice. We are grateful for the support of our sponsors and are pleased to recognize their generosity throughout the event.
All sponsors will be acknowledged in event materials and during the program. Gold sponsors receive priority logo placement. Sponsorships are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Sponsorship Levels
GOLD Firm Sponsor – $1,000
SILVER Firm Sponsor – $500
GOLD Individual Sponsor – $500
SILVER Individual Sponsor – $250
Please click the button below to sign up as a sponsor online. For more information about sponsorship, alternative payment methods, or anything else, please contact Jessie Clark-Daugherty.