2024 is off to a great start at PILI with so many exciting opportunities and events coming up so that we can ensure the Illinois legal community is empowered to advocate!

Last week, we hosted our Spring Intern Welcome Program to hear from our 2024 Interns about their agency and what they will be working on this semester. Meet our Spring Semester PILI Law Student Interns »

February is Black History Month and PILI celebrates and honors the achievements of Black Americans, past and present, who have had a significant impact on our nation. We are reminded that Black history is American history.

We're less than two months away from our annual Young Professionals Board fundraiser, Arcade for Legal Aid. Tickets are now available and we hope you will join us for this fun event and to support the work of PILI on Wednesday, April 10th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Hi-Point Game Lounge in Chicago.

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

Help is Needed to Address Immigration Crisis

The Illinois legal community is rising to the occasion once again, this time assisting migrants in our current immigration crisis. As new arrivals continue to come to Illinois from the U.S.-Mexico border, many legal aid organizations are assisting them to ensure they have access to the rights they are entitled to and empowering them with information. There are a variety of efforts underway and help is needed to assist those with no where else to turn. PILI has created a page that we will update as the response develops with pro bono opportunities to address this crisis. Volunteers are actively needed now! Learn more »

Join Us for Arcade for Legal Aid!

We hope you will join our Young Professionals Board at Arcade for Legal Aid on Wednesday, April 10th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Hi-Point Game Lounge in Chicago. This event is a great way to join the PILI community in supporting our work while having fun. Tickets are on sale now!

Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event. Learn more » 

News & Updates

• Dates Set for PILI's 2024 Pro Bono Roundtables. PILI holds several Pro Bono Roundtables to bring together pro bono leaders from law firms, corporations, legal service agencies and law schools. Attendees discuss timely pro bono issues, challenges and best practices and develop strategies to expand and enhance pro bono in Illinois. Learn more » 

• First Virtual Pro Bono CLE Series Sessions of 2024 Announced! Join us for free statewide virtual CLE to learn about timely pro bono legal topics. We will be hosting these virtual CLEs throughout 2024. Attendees are asked to make a small pro bono commitment in return for the free CLE. Learn more and sign up for our March 1st session now. Learn more »

• Meet Isabelle Rosado and Paul Drake-Stockard. The two have joined PILI's Board of Directors as our new Law Student Intern and Graduate Fellow Alumni Representatives. Each year, PILI selects representatives from the most recent class of Interns and Fellows to serve on the board for a two-year term. Learn more »

• PILI is hiring! Thanks to new funding from the Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois, PILI is looking for an attorney to join our Programs Team as an Attorney Program Manager in a newly created position. The role will be focused on our Pro Bono Program in the southern portion of the state and the ideal candidate would be based there. Learn more »

• Calling All Law Firms, Corporations, Law Schools & Bar Associations! PILI is looking for hosts for Illinois Free Legal Answers clinics in 2024. Clinics are a great way to introduce volunteers to Illinois Free Legal Answers and provide a team environment to answer civil legal questions for those in need of help. This is also a great partnership opportunity for these groups to come together for a joint clinic. Learn more »

• Intern & Fellow Applications Still Being Accepted. 2L and 1L law students can now apply for Summer 2024 Law Student Internships. And those interested in Graduate Fellowships next summer can also apply now. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all agencies have completed their hiring. Learn more »

• Volunteers Needed! PILI is in need of volunteers for a variety of ongoing and upcoming pro bono opportunities across the state. Learn more »

Other Upcoming Programs & Events

• March 1st - Virtual Pro Bono CLE Series - PILI Pro Bono Basics Part 1: Get to Know PILI Pro Bono Opportunities
• March 5th - Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Criminal Records Relief Clinic
• March 28th - NIU Illinois Free Legal Answers Clinic & Happy Hour
• April 10th - YPB's Arcade for Legal Aid
• April 18th - Legal Service Agency Roundtable
• June 26th - Annual Pro Bono Reception
• July 17th - Law School Pro Bono Roundtable
• October 1st - Joint Law Firm & Corporation Pro Bono Roundtable
• December 11th - Annual Awards Luncheon