On April 2, Venable LLP’s Zoe Gallagher, Michael Gluk, Yvette Lopez, and John Worden received a Crystal Award from the Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) of the Bar Association of San Francisco. This honor recognizes recipients’ exceptional dedication to pro bono service in 2025 and celebrates the meaningful difference they made in their respective communities. The Venable team was presented with the Crystal Award at the JDC’s Outstanding Volunteers in Public Service celebration, in part because of the case they brought to trial on behalf of Mr. Ernesto Vargas. The case involved allegations that California Department of Correction officers orchestrated a riot during which Mr. Vargas was physically assaulted—resulting in significant injuries, including a broken nose and a dislocated shoulder that later required surgery—and then retaliated against Mr. Vargas when he reported the incident to authorities.
Ms. Gallagher is a trial lawyer and practices commercial litigation for companies and individuals. She is recognized for her dedication to pro bono clients, winning several awards for her work with incarcerated individuals.
Mr. Gluk represents clients in complex commercial litigation matters.
Ms. Lopez is a paralegal on Venable’s California team. She is well versed in complex commercial litigation matters.
Mr. Worden is a trial lawyer, a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), and the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel. He is the long-time chair of the San Francisco Bar Association's (BASF) ADR/Arbitration Section and a former board member of both BASF and BASF's Justice and Diversity Center.