October 2024 PILI Post

Dear Michael,

Happy Pro Bono Week!

PILI will officially kick off our celebration later this week, which continues over the next week through October 30th with events across Illinois to Celebrate Pro Bono. Coordinated by the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service, Pro Bono Week is intended to inspire even greater pro bono participation by lawyers throughout the nation. We hope you will join us in celebration! Learn more about what we are planning »

It is also less than two months until our 2024 Annual Awards Luncheon on December 11th at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago. We are very thankful for our generous sponsors, including our Executive Level Sponsors: Chapman and Cutler LLP, Deere & Company, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, McDermott Will & Emery LLP, Sidley Austin LLP and Simmons Hanley Conroy. Tickets are on sale now and we hope to see you there!

We also have several other exciting pro bono and educational opportunities planned for 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

Tickets Available Now for PILI's Annual Awards Luncheon!

PILI’s Annual Awards Luncheon brings together the Illinois legal community every year to celebrate the very best aspects of the legal profession. This event is PILI’s largest annual fundraiser, providing critical support for our work across Illinois. At this event, we will also be presenting the recipients of PILI's Annual Awards. Join us in celebration on Wednesday, December 11th from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available! Learn more about sponsoring the Annual Awards Luncheon here. You may also contact PILI's Executive Director Michael Bergmann by email or at 312-832-5129.Learn More

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News & Updates

Take the 5 for 5 Illinois Free Legal Answers Pledge! PILI is celebrating 5 years since becoming the state administrator for ABA's Illinois Free Legal Answers. Celebrate with us by getting involved! Whether you are already a volunteer or new to Illinois Free Legal Answers, join PILI in celebrating this milestone and help those in need of civil legal assistance by taking our 5 for 5 Pledge and answering five questions on Illinois Free Legal Answers between now and October 31st. Learn more and pledge here »

Attend the Final Virtual Pro Bono CLE Series for 2024! Our last Virtual Pro Bono CLE Series program is titled, "Family Law FAQ: Navigating Common Family Law Issues Through Illinois Free Legal Answers." Join us by Zoom for this free CLE program from 12:00 to 1:00 pm on November 19th. Register now »

Attorney Volunteers Needed in Madison County for Wills & Powers of Attorney Clinic. Volunteer attorneys are needed to participate in a clinic to provide veterans and seniors with free assistance preparing a Will &Powers of Attorney for each client from 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on November 14th in Alton. A training will be offered for volunteers via Zoom on October 28th. Learn more »

PILI Receives Renewed Foundation Support. We are grateful to the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation and the Community Foundation of Central Illinois for their continued support of PILI and our work to engage, inspire and empower those advancing equal access to justice. Read more »

Application System for Spring Semester 2025 Law School Internships and Summer 2025 Graduate Fellows is Now Open! The application system for Spring 2025 school-year Internships and Summer 2025 Graduate Fellowships is now open and applications are being accepted on a rolling basis until all spots are filled. Those interested in summer PILI Law Student Internships will be able to apply on November 1st for 2Ls and November 15th for 1Ls. Learn more here »

Other Upcoming Programs & Events

October 18th - Eleventh Judicial Circuit Celebrate Pro Bono Happy Hour
October 21st - Tenth Judicial Circuit Celebrate Pro Bono Reception
October 22nd - Third Judicial Circuit Celebrate Pro Bono Luncheon
October 22nd - Twentieth Judicial Circuit Celebrate Pro Bono Reception
October 23rd - Twenty-Third Judicial Circuit Celebrate Pro Bono Reception
October 23rd - Fifth Judicial Circuit Celebrate Pro Bono Week Dinner
October 24th - Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Celebrate Pro Bono Reception
October 24th - Sixth Judicial Circuit Celebrate Pro Bono Week Happy Hour
October 29th - Second Judicial Circuit Celebrate Pro Bono Dinner
October 30th - First Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Week Celebrate: Illinois Free Legal Answers Clinic
November 4th - Fall Educational Seminar Series: Social Worker Support for Legal Aid Clients
November 8th - DuPage County Will & Powers of Attorney Clinic and CLE - Volunteers Needed
November 14th - Will & Powers of Attorney Clinic in Alton - Volunteers Needed
November 18th - Fall Educational Seminar Series: The First Amendment and Defending the Right to Protest
November 19th - Virtual Pro Bono CLE Series: Family Law FAQ: Navigating Common Family Law Issues Through Illinois Free Legal Answers
December 11th - Annual Awards Luncheon

Volunteer Spotlight

This month we want to highlight our pro bono award recipients who have dedicated their time and skills to expanding access to justice across Illinois. The following are being recognized for their pro bono service and leadership by some of PILI's Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committees during our 2024 Pro Bono Week celebration:

Third Judicial Circuit Judge Barbara Crowder Pro Bono Champion Award:

Stephanie McSparin

Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Service Award:

Deanna Litzenburg

Fifth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Service Award:

Billie Constant

Sixth Judicial Circuit Community Legal Service Awards:

Lauren Aronson, Marie Casteel & Mia Hernandez

Tenth Judicial Circuit Joseph A. Dailing Pro Bono Service Award:

Judge Michael Brandt (Ret.)

Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Service Award:

Jim Ryan