PILI Newsletters

PILI publishes a regular newsletter with information about the latest PILI, public interest law and pro bono news.

Pro Bono Prospectus

The Pro Bono Prospectus is intended to aid law firm and corporate attorneys who are trying to encourage their organization to develop a formal pro bono program and to encourage fellow attorneys to participate in their organization's pro bono activities.

Pro Bono Reference Guide

PILI, in conjunction with The Chicago Bar Foundation, developed the Pro Bono Reference Guide to provide Illinois corporations with direction, best practices and relevant samples to aid members of the corporation in developing or enhancing its pro bono program.

Corporate Roundtable Series

The Corporate Pro Bono Roundtable Series provides corporate pro bono leaders with an opportunity to network, discuss the unique pro bono challenges facing corporate attorneys and to share best practices and strategies for successful pro bono programs. Click on the above link for additional information.

Pro Bono Technical Consultations

Another key service PILI provides is delivering technical consultations to corporations wishing to establish or reinvigorate their pro bono programs. As a service to the corporation, PILI gathers a consultation team that includes representatives from other Illinois corporations that have been successful in the development and/or management of a pro bono program. To arrange a pro bono technical consultation , contact PILI's Director of Programs, Michael Bergmann, by e-mail or at 312-832-5129.

Semi-Annual Pro Bono Forum

PILI, in conjunction with The Chicago Bar Foundation, organizes and hosts two programs each year that bring together pro bono leaders from law firms, corporations, law schools and legal aid agencies to discuss timely pro bono issues and share pro bono best practices. The 2010 Pro Bono Forum will be held on Thursday, April 29th from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at The Chicago Bar Association Headquarters.  Click on the above link for additional information.

PILI Annual Pro Bono Celebration

This is PILI’s annual opportunity to spotlight our community’s pro bono relationships and successes and the work of PILI's Pro Bono Initiative. Please join us at PILI's Annual "Celebrating Pro Bono" Reception on Thursday, June 17, 2010 at the Ivy Room at Tree Studios.  Click on the above link for more details.

PILI Annual Awards Luncheon

Each year PILI’s Annual Award Luncheon gathers more than 450 members of the legal community to celebrate the best aspects of the profession. Save the date for the 2010 PILI Annual Awards Luncheon on Thursday, December 2, 2010 at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago.  Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Amended Supreme Court Rule to Increase Pro Bono Service Among House Counsels, and Attorneys on Retired or Inactive Status
The Illinois Supreme Court recently amended Illinois Supreme Court Rule 756 to allow attorneys registered with the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) as retired, inactive or house counsel to provide pro bono legal services under certain circumstances in Illinois. The amended Rule was entered on March 26, 2008 and became effective as of July 1, 2008.

Pro Bono Opportunities for Attorneys in the Chicago Area

The Chicago Bar Foundation publishes information about volunteer opportunities in a guide entitled, “Pro Bono Volunteer Opportunities for Attorneys in the Chicago Area.”  This publication is also available in print by e-mailing PILI.

For more information about PILI and its Pro Bono Initiative, contact PILI's Director of Programs, Michael Bergmann, by e-mail or at 312-832-5129.