Hello!

When we started working from home, we had no idea how long it would last. Maybe a few weeks? A few canceled or postponed programs? But nothing too bad... right?

We didn't know wide range of challenges we would soon face as a nation or the even greater difficulties those in need would face. But while this year has been totally unpredictable, the response itself has not been. At PILI, we have come to expect nothing less from the Illinois legal community than complete commitment to serving individuals, families and communities in need and that's what we've seen over the last few months.

Our Interns and Fellows just completed a full virtual summer where they were still able to help hundreds of clients. Illinois Free Legal Answers has been an ongoing resource for clients around the state thanks to our volunteers, as outlined in this month's guest post. Law school pro bono leaders met this month to discuss how to best serve students virtually. And, as we wrap up PILI’s fiscal year, the continued generosity of our donors makes all we do possible. Over and over again, we have been inspired by your commitment and service.

If you have also felt inspired by someone this year, be sure to nominate them for a PILI award. You can stay up to date with everything we're doing through Facebook,  Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.

Stay healthy and well!

Sincerely, 
"Even though they were not able to work with clients in person, students found the clinic experience beneficial. They were surprised by how emotional clients were during our calls or the text of the PILI questions. Multiple students commented on how hearing these stories helped put into perspective their loss of internships and other changes in law school plans."
Illinois Free Legal Answers is a virtual legal clinic where low-income Illinois residents can submit a question online to ask a lawyer for help with a legal issue. We're seeing an increase in questions during the COVID-19 Pandemic and need more volunteers to answer questions. Learn more.

Self-represented litigants in the Illinois Appellate Court face many unique challenges without adequate resources to assist them through the appellate process. This platform will be the first-ever virtual legal advice clinic for civil appeals in Illinois. Volunteer lawyers with appellate experience are needed! Learn more. 

IL-AFLAN provides civil legal services across Illinois to veterans, active duty military and their spouses and dependents and PILI refers pro bono matters in the 101 counties outside of Cook County. Help us serve those who have served us!  Learn more.

Volunteer at Upcoming Expungement Clinics
Volunteers are needed for expungement clinics happening this fall in Vermilion County on September 19th and Springfield on October 3rd. PILI is a proud partner in both of these events. 

On August 13th, we gathered our Interns, Fellows and Alumni virtually to celebrate the amazing work our PILI's did this summer. Thank you to PILI Alum Judge LaShonda Hunt, Alumni Council Chair Dave Scriven-Young and Alumni Named Intern Ruben Bautista for speaking. PILI Board President Sarah Bernstein and PILI Executive Director Michael Bergmann gave a toast. Read Michael's toast to Interns and Fellows on his Twitter page.

On July 29th, law school pro bono leaders met for the Law School Pro Bono Roundtable. This year, the group discussed engaging with law students remotely due to the pandemic. Read more.

August 31st is the last day of PILI's fiscal year. The support of individual donors is critical to our being able to define justice for those in need.  Help us end this year strong by making a donation to PILI!
PILI and the legal community talks a lot about increasing access to justice, but what do we mean by justice? Help us to define justice and raise $80,000 in new funding for PILI’s programs over the coming year. Learn more here.