Dear Michael,

Thanks to supporters like you, 2024 was another year of remarkable impact for PILI. We expanded our Law Student Internship Program in the number of Interns we fund while also increasing stipends for Interns to keep pace with the rising cost of living. We celebrated the 25th anniversary of our Pro Bono Initiative for the New Millennium, which has since evolved into our Pro Bono Program of today. Additionally, we marked five years since PILI assumed responsibility for Illinois Free Legal Answers, an online legal clinic that helps thousands of Illinois residents each year get help with their civil legal questions for free. These are just a few examples of the vital work we are already doing—offering programs, building networks, and creating opportunities to engage, inspire, and empower those advancing equal access to justice. You can read more about these accomplishments and more in our newly released 2024 Year in Review.

We're also less than a month away from our Arcade for Legal Aid event on Wednesday, April 16th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Barcade at Highline Pizza Lounge in Chicago. This event, which is organized by our Young Professionals Board, is a great way to join the PILI community in supporting our work while having fun. Tickets are on sale now and sponsorships are also still available.

We are also planning CLE programs and pro bono clinics in the coming months. Details are below and you can always find a list of upcoming events on our website. We hope to see you over the next month!

Sincerely,

The Staff at PILI

News & Updates

• Self-certification is now open for our 2025 Pro Bono Recognition Roster. The Pro Bono Recognition Roster honors law firms and corporations that have made significant commitments and contributions to pro bono throughout the state of Illinois. Those named to the Recognition Roster will be honored at the Annual Pro Bono Reception on June 25th. Join approximately 50 law firms and corporations that are recognized every year. The submission deadline is Friday, May 9th. Learn more and complete the certification »

• PILI is seeking Advisors for our Summer 2025 class of Law Student Interns and Graduate Fellows. Match with an Intern or Fellow to provide career guidance, networking inroads, and a personal introduction to the Illinois legal community. Learn more and register »

• Join us for our 2025 Virtual Pro Bono CLE Series. Our next session, "The Basics of Legal Name Changes," will be held on April 14th from noon to 1:00 p.m. via Zoom. Additional sessions will be added soon and continue throughout 2025. Attendees are asked to make a small pro bono commitment in return for the free CLE. Learn more and register »

• PILI is a National Leader in ABA Free Legal Answers 2024 Summary Report. PILI is the State Administrator for the Illinois site. Illinois continues to lead in volunteer recruitment with 1,454 registered volunteer attorneys. In 2024, 3,565 civil legal questions were answered on the site. Learn more about volunteering on Illinois Free Legal Answers and read the report here »

PILI's 2025 Theme

Looking ahead, the foundation we've built will allow us to expand and strengthen our programs, helping us meet the challenges of the present moment. PILI plays an essential role in fulfilling the promise of equal access to justice for the thousands of individuals and families in Illinois who cannot afford legal assistance. We know the work we are doing now is more urgent and necessary than ever before. That’s why our theme for 2025 is Stand for Justice.

Learn more about this year's theme »

Other Upcoming Programs & Events

• April 4th - University of Chicago Illinois Free Legal Answers Clinic
• April 11th - Spring Intern Seminar: Preparing for the Trump Administration
• April 14th - Virtual Pro Bono CLE Series: The Basics of Legal Name Changes
• April 16th - YPB's Arcade for Legal Aid
• April 18th - Summer Intern & Fellow Educational Seminar: Making the Most of Your PILI Internship or Fellowship
• April 25th - Kendall County Criminal Records Relief Clinic
• May 2nd - Law Day Illinois Free Legal Answers Clinic (Charleston)
• May 28th - PILI Law Student Intern & Graduate Fellow Orientation
• June 25th - Annual Pro Bono Reception
• December 10th - Annual Awards Luncheon