Hello!

At PILI, every season brings new opportunities to strengthen access to justice—and this month is no exception.

Across Illinois, the legal community is stepping forward to support people who need legal help most.

This month’s newsletter highlights the many ways our community is turning commitment into action: from our upcoming Arcade for Legal Aid fundraiser and new opportunities to earn MCLE credit, to program updates, volunteer milestones, and the announcement of our 2026 annual theme. Together, these stories reflect the energy and collaboration that make PILI’s work possible.

Whether you’re joining us at a program or event, volunteering your time, supporting our work, or simply staying informed, your engagement helps expand access to justice across the state. We’re so grateful to have you with us.

Sincerely,

The Staff at PILI

Hosted by PILI’s Young Professionals Board, the Arcade for Legal Aid typically brings together over 100 other young professionals, PILI board members, sponsors and other members of the legal community for a fun evening to support PILI.

Money raised at this event supports PILI’s work to expand the availability of legal services in Illinois for people, families and communities in need through public interest law and pro bono service. Join us on April 8th!

News & Updates


PILI and Illinois Continue to Lead the Nation in ABA Free Legal Answers
Thanks to Illinois’ incredible legal community, our state once again ranks #1 nationwide in ABA Free Legal Answers participation. Discover how volunteer attorneys are helping thousands of people get the legal guidance they need—and how PILI supports this work statewide. Read more »

PILI Welcomes Georgette MacDonald to the Team

We’re excited to welcome Georgette MacDonald to PILI as our Operations & Communications Associate! With a background in operations, communications and support, Georgette brings fresh energy and a collaborative spirit to our team. Read more »

Our 2026 Virtual Pro Bono CLE Series Kicks Off in February

We are excited to announce the first three programs in PILI's 2026 Virtual Pro Bono CLE Series! The first session takes place on February 25th and focuses on Illinois Free Legal Answers and how to better understand the platform as a resource for pro bono opportunities. Programs are also set for March and April with more to come! To learn more the upcoming sessions and register, click here »

Law Student Internship & Graduate Fellowship Application System Remains Open

Agencies are still hiring Law Student Interns and Graduate Fellows for summer 2026. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all agencies have completed their hiring.  Read more »

As we looked ahead to 2026, we didn’t want to guess what this year requires.

We asked.

Through a structured survey and qualitative analysis process, members of the PILI community reflected on what this moment feels like—what’s changing, what’s urgent, and what kind of leadership is needed now. Across more than 150 qualitative insights, a clear narrative emerged: more people need legal help, the systems around them are increasingly strained, and the demand for coordinated public interest law and pro bono support is rising.

Respondents described 2026 as a critical juncture — a chapter where tensions are building and where individual action must become collective impact. At the same time, many acknowledged the emotional reality facing the legal community: exhaustion, feeling overwhelmed, and uncertainty.

And yet, the message was unmistakable.

This is not a moment to step back.

It is a moment to step forward.

Meet the Moment: Your action today shapes justice tomorrow.

Learn more about our 2026 theme and how to get involved »

Other Upcoming Programs & Events

• February 25th - Virtual Pro Bono CLE Series: IFLA
• February 27th - Spring Intern Seminar: Access to Justice in Illinois
• March 3rd - IFLA Clinic at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
• March 4th - Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee Presents Free MCLE
• March 12th - Virtual Pro Bono CLE Series: Updates to Public Benefits
• March 19th - NIU College of Law IFLA Clinic & Happy Hour
• March 27th - Spring Intern Seminar: Engaging with Your Community
• March 31st - PILI Illinois Forum on Pro Bono
• April 7th - Virtual Pro Bono CLE Series: Probate
• April 8th - Arcade for Legal Aid
• June 24th - Annual Pro Bono Reception