Hello!

Happy Pro Bono Week!


PILI is thrilled to kick off our 2025 Pro Bono Week celebrations with events happening across Illinois throughout October and into early November! Coordinated by the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service, Pro Bono Week is a nationwide opportunity to celebrate the impactful contributions of lawyers and legal professionals who advance equal access to justice. We invite you to join us in celebrating the power of pro bono service. Learn more about our Pro Bono Week events»


We’re also less than two months away from our 2025 Annual Awards Luncheon on December 10th at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago. We’re deeply grateful for our generous sponsors, including our Executive Level Sponsors: ArentFox Schiff, Katten, McDermott Will & Schute, The Sidley Austin Foundation, and Simons Hanley Conory. 

Tickets are available now
—we hope to see you there! Purchase tickets here »


Finally, don’t miss our upcoming pro bono and educational opportunities happening this fall. Details are below, and a full list of events is always available on our website.


We look forward to celebrating with you!


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 10th 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.

 

News & Updates


Register for the Final Virtual Pro Bono CLE Series Program of 2025! Our last Virtual Pro Bono CLE Series program is titled, "Negotiation Training for Legal Aid and Pro Bono Attorneys, Part 2." Attendance at the first session is not required and attendees will receive 1.5 hours of MCLE credit for this session. Join us by Zoom for this free CLE program from 12:00 to 1:30 pm on November 12th. Register now »


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 »


Introducing the New Board of Directors' Alumni Representatives. PILI is thrilled to welcome Molly Levinson and Victoria Wang to our Board of Directors as this year’s Law Student Intern and Graduate Fellow Alumni Representatives. Each year, PILI selects recent program alumni to serve a two-year term on the Board, bringing fresh insight from their experiences in the field. Molly and Victoria will help strengthen the bridge between current Interns and Fellows as well as Alumni, ensuring PILI continues to evolve in meaningful, student-centered ways. Read more »


Applications Now Open for Spring 2026 Law Student Internships & Summer 2026 Graduate Fellowships. Applications are now being accepted for PILI’s Law Student Internship Program for Spring 2026 and the Graduate Fellowship Program for Summer 2026. Through these programs, law students and new graduates gain practical experience while serving those in need at public interest law agencies across Illinois. Learn more and apply here »


Other Upcoming Programs & Events

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 2025 Pro Bono Week celebration:


Third Judicial Circuit Judge Barbara Crowder Pro Bono Champion Award:

Sarah Wallace


Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Service Award:

Brittany Elliott


Fifth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Service Award:

Paul E. Wieck


Sixth Judicial Circuit Community Legal Service Awards:

John LaFond


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

Yolanda Riley


Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Service Award:

David Clark


Twenty-Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Service Awards:

Jack Slingerland and Daniel Transier


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