The WWCDA Awards are presented annually at the WWCDA Awards Dinner Gala held in Washington, D.C. on the first Tuesday after U.S. Thanksgiving. The 2026 Gala will be held on December 1 at The Ritz in Washington, D.C.
The WWCDA Awards Gala recognizes and honors leaders who have made exceptional contributions in the white collar defense and compliance profession while championing equality for all in the field. A cornerstone of WWCDA's mission, the awards gala spotlights individuals and teams whose impact inspires the global legal and compliance community and advances inclusiveness. The WWCDA Awards Gala celebrates these accomplishments and provides a vital platform for elevating public awareness of professionals who have made a significant impact.
Winning a WWCDA award is a lifetime distinction recognized across the profession and celebrated at this signature annual event, where excellence, progress, and the enduring strength of our global community take center stage. The gala draws distinguished professionals from across the white collar defense and compliance bar, the legal field, and beyond. Colleagues, clients, and friends from around the world gather for an evening of recognition, inspiration, and meaningful connection.
Previous Awards Galas have featured three U.S. Attorneys General, a former Solicitor General, a former Chief of the DOJ Criminal Division, a former Chair the SEC, a former SEC Chief of Enforcement, the Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Goldman Sachs' Chief Executive Officer and General Counsel, Google's Chief Legal Officer, the General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of Salesforce, the NFL's General Counsel, Merck's General Counsel, Novartis General Counsel, the Chairs of several major law firms, NPR's Nina Totenberg, a tribute to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and a performance by Elton John’s keyboardist.