The air is cooling down, school is back in session and there’s a feeling of returning to routine after the hurriedness of the summer months. Fall brings the opportunity to reset and recommit to getting involved. Whether that be by volunteering time to answer a question on Illinois Free Legal Answers or attending a legal aid clinic, there are plenty of ways to contribute time and expertise through PILI.
Next month, we celebrate National Pro Bono Week, a time to recognize the impact of pro bono work in the United States. We are excited to celebrate the achievements and commitment of the pro bono community and ask that everyone does their part alongside us this month in preparation.
Sincerely,
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PILI welcomes new board members! This month, PILI brought on five new board members. You can read more about them and their impactful careers here.
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Save the date - Pro Bono Week 2021 is right around the corner. Next month, celebrate Pro Bono Week October 24th through October 30th with PILI. 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. PILI will be having virtual and in-person events to recognize the great legal aid work being done across the state. Read the itinerary here.
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Law Students, join us to discover a future in pro bono. Looking to secure a legal aid, public interest law or government position during or after law school? This complimentary program is for law students who are interested in learning more about opportunities as volunteers, interns, externs, fellows or staff in the public interest law sector. This free event will take place on October 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Register on our website.
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Mark your calendars for the Illinois Forum on Pro Bono – November 17th from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can review the event details and register on our website.
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Call for Nominations for PILI's Annual Awards! Nominations are open for PILI's awards to recognize attorneys and legal programs making outstanding contributions in pro bono and public interest law across the state of Illinois. These awards will be presented at PILI’s Annual Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, December 1st. Learn more and submit nominations. Learn more and submit nominations.
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The DuPage Expungement Clinic will provide free legal assistance to individuals seeking to clear their criminal record. PILI is pleased to partner with the Clerk of the Circuit Court of DuPage County, Prairie State Legal Services, the DuPage County Bar Association, and DuPage Legal Aid on this event. The generous support provided through the Illinois Access to Justice grant program makes PILI and Prairie State’s participation possible. Learn how to help out on October 2nd.
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Happy Anniversary to Illinois Free legal Answers for Civil Appeals! This month, PILI, the ABA, the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC), and the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice celebrate the one year anniversary of this new resource to help self-represented litigants in appellate cases. Read the article about the project on our website.
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Pro Bono Spotlight: Alexandra Sossa, Bilingual Executive Director of the Farmworker & Landscaper Advocacy Project (FLAP)
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In honor of Latinx/Hispanic Month, PILI had the privilege of interviewing Alexandra Sossa, the Bilingual Executive Director of the Farmworker & Landscaper Advocacy Project (FLAP) for the Pro Bono Spotlight. We spoke with Alexandra about the breadth of her work in the community, FLAP's Know Your Rights Workshops and opportunities to expand access to justice for Latinx and Hispanic Illinoisans. |
"No matter what the gender, no matter the religion, no matter immigration status, no matter what their sexual orientation is - legal protection is for everyone.”
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Expand Access to Justice with PILI
PILI has numerous volunteer opportunities for attorneys, retired attorneys and judges, and other legal professionals. We invite you to learn more about how to get involved with PILI's pro bono opportunities.
Interested? Find the right volunteer option for you on our website.
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In Illinois, PILI is the gateway through which the legal community serves. PILI converts gifts of time and money into system-wide positive impact—together, we not only directly serve those who need legal help, but also engage, inspire and empower those advancing equal access to justice.
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