Laura Smith and Tim Brightbill return as co-chairs for 36th annual Lawyers Have Heart
WASHINGTON, D.C., January 30, 2026 - Laura Smith, partner at HKA, and Tim Brightbill, partner at Wiley, will return as co-chairs for the 36th annual Lawyers Have Heart, an annual 10K, 5K and Fun Walk that brings together thousands of runners and walkers to save and improve lives across the region.
Smith and Brightbill are longtime executive leaders and participants in Lawyers Have Heart, previously serving on the executive leadership team, recruiting sponsors and participants and co-chairing the 2025 event.
Lawyers Have Heart, now in its 36th year, leads with an important message that communities across the region can get behind: those in high stress professions need to take extra steps to boost their mental and physical wellbeing. This annual 10K, 5K and Fun Walk provides an opportunity to achieve a health and fitness goal while supporting a cause. Funds raised from Lawyers Have Heart drive the American Heart Association’s advances in science, policy and care.
The Heart Association thanks Smith, Brightbill and members of the executive team for their support recruiting companies and individuals from across sectors to participate in the race.
The 36th 10K, 5K and Fun Walk will occur on May 16, 2026 at West Potomac Park in Washington, DC, with the festival opening at 6:30 a.m. It includes 10K and 5K courses for runners, as well as a family-friendly walking course. The route will cover scenic views of the National Mall, concluding with post-race festivities, music, a kids’ zone, a pet play area and more.
Event sponsors include Harrity & Harrity LLP, HKA, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, Arnold & Porter LLP, Beveridge & Diamond PC, Clifford Chance LLP, Cooley LLP, DLA Piper LLP, Eversheds Sutherland LLP, Groom Law Group, Hogan Lovells US LLP, Katten LLP, Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, McGuireWoods LLP, Paul Hastings LLP, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, Sidley Austin LLP, Sterne Kessler PLLC, White & Case LLP and Wiley Rein LLP.
###
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Hannah Ross: hannah.ross@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
