Christian Legal Aid of Los Angeles

Please join us for our 21st Annual Prayer Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at St. John's Presbyterian Church.

Join us as we hear the remarkable story of Hon.Francisco P. Firmat (Ret.)—a man whose extraordinary journey from Cuba to the Orange County Superior Court shaped a lifetime of service, compassion, and leadership in the pursuit of justice.

Hon. Francisco P. Firmat (Ret.)

How does a young refugee who arrived in America unable to speak English become one of California's most influential champions for justice?

Sent to the United States by his father—a jurist who recognized there was no future for their family under Cuba's communist regime—Judge Firmat arrived with little more than hope and opportunity. He went on to earn his Juris Doctor from Western State College of Law, establish a successful legal practice, and build an exceptional judicial career, serving 27 years on the Orange County Superior Court. As Supervising Judge of the Family Law Panel, he led innovative reforms that expanded access to justice for vulnerable families and self-represented litigants, leaving a lasting impact on California's judicial system.

Judge Firmat's contributions have been recognized with many of the legal profession's highest honors, including the prestigious Benjamin Aranda Access to Justice Award, the Franklin G. West Award, the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers' Distinguished Jurist Award, and numerous Judge of the Year recognitions.

Today, Judge Firmat continues to serve as a respected mediator, educator, and speaker, helping individuals and organizations resolve complex disputes while mentoring and encouraging the next generation of legal professionals. Judge Firmat is a man of prayer. After an epiphany event in 1983, he began a continuing God-hungry journey of Bible study, prayer, retreats, and prayer groups. Today he is a speaker at churches and retreats, and he also gives workshops on prayer.

At this year's Prayer Breakfast, Judge Firmat will share how a lifetime on the bench revealed both the promise and the shortcomings of our justice system, the urgent need to close the justice gap for those who cannot afford legal help, and why the legal community—and the Church—have a unique opportunity to answer that need. His message will challenge and inspire each of us to consider how God can use our gifts, influence, and vocation to bring hope, justice, and the love of Christ to those who need it most through the ministry of Christian Legal Aid.

Info: 9:30 am: Coffee and Conversation.
10:00 am-10:30 am: Breakfast will be served.
10:30 am: Program will start.