January 2026 PILI Post

Hello!

Happy New Year!

As we begin 2026, we want to take a moment to thank our supporters for the many ways you continue to stand with PILI. Your generosity—through both financial contributions and volunteer engagement—has made a meaningful difference in expanding access to justice for individuals and families across Illinois.

We are excited to start the year by welcoming our 2026 Spring Semester Intern class, a new group of talented law students who are already contributing their time and skills in service of public interest law and pro bono work. Their commitment reflects the next generation of advocates carrying this work forward.

As we move through 2026, PILI remains committed to our mission to engage, inspire, and empower those advancing equal access to justice. We invite you to stay involved by joining us at our upcoming programs and events throughout the spring—there are many opportunities to connect, learn, and support our work, all of which can be found in the events section below.

We are grateful to be part of a community that believes justice takes all of us, and we look forward to the year ahead.

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.

Buy Tickets Here

News & Updates

Meet PILI's Spring Semester 2026 Law Student Interns
PILI is excited to welcome our Spring Semester 2026 Law Student Interns! 13 Law Student Interns will provide 2,600 hours of legal services supervised by experienced attorneys at one of PILI's Participating Agencies. Included in this class are PILI's 2026 Spring Semester Named and Honorary Interns. Read more »

Legal Service Agency Roundtable: Professionalism, Practice & Supervision in a Hybrid World

On February 18, 2026, PILI will host its annual Legal Service Agency Roundtable, bringing together supervisors from public interest and legal aid organizations to discuss professionalism, supervision, and best practices in hybrid work environments. The program includes a large-group discussion and small-group breakout conversations focused on supporting interns and fellows. The roundtable will take place from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. in Chicago, with a virtual participation option available upon request. Read more and register »

PILI Received Renewed Funding from Several Foundations

PILI is grateful to the Francis Beidler Foundation, the Robert Gallagher Foundation, the Lawyers Trust Fund and the Diversity Scholarship Foundation for their support of PILI. Learn more »

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 »

Other Upcoming Programs & Events

January 23rd - Spring Intern Seminar: Communicating Complex Ideas Clearly
February 5th - Twentieth Circuit Illinois Free Legal Answers Workshop & Happy Hour
February 18th - Legal Service Agency Roundtable
February 27th - Spring Intern Seminar: Access to Justice in Illinois
March 4th - Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee Presents Free MCLE
March 27th - Spring Intern Seminar: Engaging with Your Community
March 31st - PILI Illinois Forum on Pro Bono
April 8th - Arcade for Legal Aid
June 24th - Annual Pro Bono Reception

PILI Spotlight

PILI designates a number of Named and Honorary Interns each year, thanks to special funding commitments made by individual and organizational champions for public interest law. This year's Spring 2026 Named and Honorary Interns are:

Chicago Bar Foundation Intern
Eunice Kpatah, a 3L at Chicago-Kent College of Law, is serving as the Chicago Bar Foundation Intern at CARPLS. The CBF supports efforts to expand access to justice and strengthen the legal system for those in need.
Diversity Scholarship Foundation Intern
Alanna Blazer, a 2L at Chicago-Kent College of Law, is serving as the Diversity Scholarship Foundation Intern at Life Span. This Internship supports the Foundation’s commitment to advancing diversity within the legal profession.
LAGBAC Foundation Intern
Nicholas Hernandez, a 2L at Indiana University Maurer School of Law, is serving as the LAGBAC Foundation Intern at the National Immigrant Justice Center’s LGBTQ Project, supporting access to justice for LGBTQ+ individuals.
O'Brien Intern
Arrianna Martinez, a 3L at Indiana University McKinney School of Law, is serving as the O’Brien Intern at the National Immigrant Justice Center, supporting legal services for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. This Internship is generously funded by Justice Sheila M. O’Brien (Ret.).
Mary C. Russo Memorial Intern
Ana Avenado Martinez, a 3L at the University of Wisconsin Law School, is serving as the Mary C. Russo Memorial Intern at MALDEF, honoring Mary Russo’s lifelong commitment to volunteerism and community service and supported through the generosity of her family.

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