There was a time when LAE’s annual fundraiser looked a little different.

Back in the 1990s, lawyers took to the stage—not the courtroom—to raise money for Legal Assistance to the Elderly. The annual fundraiser, called Briefs, was a variety show filled with original songs, skits, satire, and plenty of good-natured fun at the expense of the legal profession.

The performers weren’t professional actors. They were lawyers, judges, and other members of San Francisco’s legal community who volunteered their time and talents for a cause they cared about. The skits and songs were written by San Francisco attorney and composer Morris Bobrow, and the shows became something of a local tradition.

A 1996 San Francisco Examiner article captured the spirit of Briefs, describing how lawyers “sing, dance and act in skits” to benefit LAE. The article also highlighted the serious purpose behind all the laughs: the performers were helping raise funds so LAE could provide free legal services to older San Franciscans facing challenges involving housing, abuse, exploitation, benefits, and more.

Read the full 1996 San Francisco Examiner article about Briefs.

Our fundraisers may look different today, but the spirit behind them remains the same: bringing people together in support of older adults and adults with disabilities who deserve access to justice, dignity, and security.

This year, we’re carrying that tradition forward with our 47th Anniversary Celebration on November 5, 2026, at Terra Gallery in San Francisco. We’ll gather for an evening of cocktails, small bites, powerful stories, and great conversation—and celebrate the community of supporters, partners, and advocates who make LAE’s work possible.

We’re also honored to celebrate Anni Chung, President and CEO of Self-Help for the Elderly, as our 2026 Community Ally Award honoree for her decades of leadership and advocacy on behalf of older adults, immigrants, and the Asian and Pacific Islander community.

There may not be lawyers performing skits on stage this year, but one thing hasn’t changed: LAE’s community knows how to come together for a good cause.

We hope you’ll join us on November 5 and help us continue the tradition of showing up—and celebrating—for the older adults and adults with disabilities we serve.

Join us for LAE’s 47th Anniversary Celebration →