Leah Burcat Receives 2026 DSBA Achievement Award
Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP is proud to announce that Leah E. Burcat has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Delaware State Bar Association (DSBA) Achievement Award, a recognition honoring her extraordinary commitment to service, advocacy, and access to justice.
The award acknowledges Leah's tireless efforts on behalf of vulnerable individuals and communities, as well as her leadership in advancing pro bono initiatives within the firm and beyond. Through hundreds of service and inclusion hours, Leah has demonstrated a steadfast dedication to helping those in need while maintaining a demanding caseload.
A Commitment to Advocacy, Leadership and Mentorship
Since joining Young Conaway in 2023, Leah has devoted significant time to service and inclusion matters, particularly in the area of immigration advocacy. With support of her Young Conaway team, her work has included representing asylum seekers and assisting clients navigating complex immigration proceedings.
Leah has also played a key role in matters involving Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and has worked closely with colleagues to strengthen the firm's capacity to support individuals seeking safety, stability, and opportunity through the legal system.
Leah has been instrumental in Young Conaway's ongoing pro bono death penalty litigation, which is led by Ed Harron in partnership with the Equal Justice Initiative. Her contributions have included legal research, drafting and coordinating complex filings, client advocacy, and helping the team through significant stages of litigation.
Colleagues recognize Leah for her positive attitude, attention to detail, and unwavering focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for those she serves.
Beyond her client work, Leah actively contributes to the firm's Pro Bono Committee and Government Relations Committee. She mentors newer associates, including summer associates and interns, and helps foster a culture of service that reflects Young Conaway's longstanding commitment to community engagement.
Her dedication to justice, professionalism, and public service exemplifies the values celebrated by the DSBA Achievement Award.
Honoring an Accomplished Advocate
Young Conaway congratulates Leah on this well-deserved recognition and is proud to celebrate her remarkable contributions to the legal profession, the community, and the individuals whose lives have been positively impacted by her advocacy.
We look forward to joining members of the Delaware legal community at the Christopher W. White Access to Justice Awards Breakfast on October 27, 2026, where Leah will be recognized for this outstanding achievement.
Leading With Purpose: Our People, Our Practice, Our Community.
In 2024-2025, Young Conaway attorneys dedicated over 18,700 hours to service and inclusion matters, continuing a long-standing tradition rooted in our firm’s founding values. Our founders believed strongly in using their legal skills to serve those in need. "They felt they could not be good lawyers without being good members of the community." - Bruce Stargatt.
Our Values & Commitment:
Advocacy: Providing Direct Legal Services to Those in Need
Leadership: Fostering a Culture of Leadership and Engagement in the Delaware Bar and Nationally
Community: Impacting our Community Through Service
Mentorship: Investing in the Next Generation of Attorneys
Culture: Ensuring a Welcoming, Supportive and Inclusive Workplace
Philanthropy: Making Financial Commitments to Our Community Needs
Service & Inclusion Leadership
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Tania M. Culley |
Deborah R. Edwards |
