This March, we celebrate Women's History Month and International Women's Day. We at PILI want to honor the changemakers who paved the way and the women shaping tomorrow's world.

Spring is also here, and PILI has so many exciting opportunities and events coming up to help the Illinois legal community be empowered to advocate!

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

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

Thank you to our generous sponsors to date!

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for this event. Learn more » 

News & Updates

• Self-certification is now open for our 2024 Pro Bono Recognition Roster. The Pro Bono Recognition Roster honors law firms and corporations that have made significant commitments and contributions to pro bono throughout the state of Illinois. Those named to the Recognition Roster will be honored at the Annual Pro Bono Reception on June 26th. Join approximately 50 law firms and corporations that are recognized every year by filling out this certification form. The submission deadline is Friday, May 3rd.

• PILI is a National Leader in ABA Free Legal Answers 2023 Summary Report. PILI is the State Administrator for the Illinois site. Illinois continues to lead in volunteer recruitment with 1,269 registered volunteer attorneys. In 2023, 3,565 civil legal questions were answered on the site. Learn more about volunteering on Illinois Free Legal Answers and read the report here »

• Join us on April 18th for the Legal Service Agency Roundtable. Every year, PILI invites representatives from its partner public interest law organizations to attend this program to share best practices and strategies for success. This year's topic is "From Interns to Volunteers: Working with Law Students & Law Schools." Advance registration is required for this program on Thursday, April 18th from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. hosted by Mayer Brown. Register Now »

• 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 »

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 »

Other Upcoming Programs & Events

• March 28th - NIU Illinois Free Legal Answers Clinic & Happy Hour
• April 10th - YPB's Arcade for Legal Aid
• April 12th - University of Chicago Free Legal Answers Clinic
• April 18th - Legal Service Agency Roundtable
• April 26th - Peoria Criminal Records Relief Clinic
• May 30th - PILI Law Student Intern & Graduate Fellow Orientation
• 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