Hello!

Across Illinois, PILI continues to bring together law students, recent law school graduates and PILI Alumni as well as pro bono volunteers and the larger public interest law community committed to expanding access to justice through public interest law and pro bono service.

In this issue, we’re spotlighting two Spring 2026 PILI Law Student Interns who are gaining hands-on experience serving communities in need.

You’ll also find updates on the launch of our Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee in Lake County, opportunities to participate in our Virtual Pro Bono CLE Series, and information about certifying your law firm or corporation for PILI's 2026 Pro Bono Recognition Roster.

We’re also pleased to share our 2025 Impact Report, highlighting the partnerships, stories, and data that show how PILI’s programs are making a difference statewide.

And don’t miss Arcade for Legal Aid on April 8th, hosted by PILI’s Young Professionals Board—a fun evening supporting PILI’s work to expand access to justice across Illinois.

Thank you for being part of the PILI community!

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!

Buy Tickets Here

News & Updates

Certification Open for the 2026 Pro Bono Recognition Roster
Law firms and corporations across Illinois are invited to submit their self-certification for PILI’s 2026 Pro Bono Recognition Roster. Those recognized will be honored at the Annual Pro Bono Reception on June 24th at the Ivy Room in Chicago. Read more »

PILI Launches its Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee in Lake County
PILI is excited to announce the formation of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee, expanding our statewide network dedicated to strengthening pro bono engagement and increasing access to justice. The Chair, Honorable Patricia Cornell, and Vice Chair, Jennifer Howe, share their perspectives about the Committee and its goals. Read more »

Join us for our next program in the Virtual Pro Bono CLE Series

Our next session, "How to Answer Probate Questions on Illinois Free Legal Answers", will be held on April 7th from noon to 1:00 p.m. via Zoom. Additional sessions will be added soon and continue throughout 2026. Attendees are asked to make a small pro bono commitment in return for the free CLE. Sign up here »

Read and Download the 2025 Impact Report

PILI’s 2025 Impact Report is now available. This year’s report highlights how our community came together to advance equal access to justice across Illinois—connecting law students, recent law graduates and PILI Alumni as well as pro bono volunteers and the larger public interest law community to provide meaningful legal help to people and families in need.

Inside, you’ll see the stories, partnerships, and data that show how service through public interest law and pro bono work is making a difference statewide.

Read and download the 2025 Impact Report here »

Other Upcoming Programs & Events

March 27th - Spring Intern Seminar: Engaging with Your Community
March 31st - PILI Illinois Forum on Pro Bono
April 7th - Virtual Pro Bono CLE Series: How to Answer Probate Questions on Illinois Free Legal Answers
April 10th - Making the Most of Your PILI Internship or Fellowship
April 10th - Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School: Illinois Free Legal Answers Workshop
April 8th - Arcade for Legal Aid
May 1st - ISBA Law Day 2026 Illinois Free Legal Answers Virtual Workshop
May 8th - Virtual Pro Bono CLE Series: Handling Discharge Upgrades for Veterans
June 2nd - PILI Law Student Intern & Graduate Fellow Orientation
June 24th - Annual Pro Bono Reception

PILI Intern Spotlights

Each semester, PILI Interns bring passion, curiosity, and a deep commitment to public interest law to the organizations they serve across Illinois. Through their Internships, they gain hands-on experience supporting clients and communities while exploring how they can use their legal education to advance justice. This spring, we are proud to spotlight two Interns whose experiences reflect the impact and inspiration of public interest work.

Anna Cohen of Loyola University Chicago School of Law at Greater Chicago Legal Clinic, Inc.

“I’m drawn to public interest law to provide meaningful and accessible support for clients within a complex and often overwhelming system. This experience has reinforced my commitment to client-centered public interest legal work that is approachable, thoughtful, and attentive to clients’ real needs.”

Nicholas Hernandez of Indiana University - Maurer School of Law at the National Immigrant Justice Center

"Working in the public interest realm is crucial to expand justice for underrepresented communities. I knew I wanted to utilize my legal education to work with clients who needed protection from unjust laws and practices. Working at NIJC has been a great experience and their advocacy for the immigrant community is inspiring. I am committed to serving the community through a humanitarian approach where every individual receives safety and protection."

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