PILI Newsletters

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

Agency Series

PILI, in conjunction with The Chicago Bar Foundation, organizes and hosts two programs each year that bring together legal aid agencies to discuss pro bono program management best practices. The first program in the 2010 CBF & PILI Agency Series is entitled "Making the Most of Available Volunteers" and will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2010.  Click the above link for more details.

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. The 2010 PILI Annual Awards Luncheon will be held on Thursday, December 2nd at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago.  Click on the above link for more details.

Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) Interns and Fellows

Each year, PILI places law student Interns during the summer and school year and new law school graduate Fellows during the summer after graduation at affiliated legal aid and public interest law organizations in Chicago. Contact PILI Executive Director, Susan J. Curry by e-mail or at 312-832-5128 for more information.

Directory of Pro Bono Contacts at Illinois Law Firms and Corporations

PBI has compiled a directory of the pro bono contacts at Illinois law firms and corporations. This directory is available, upon request, to CBF-funded and/or PILI-affiliated agencies only. Contact PBI Director, Michael Bergmann, at by e-mail or at 312-832-5129 for more information.

Nonprofit Legal Assessment Project (NLAP) Offers Services to Nonprofit Organizations

The Community Economic Development Law Project is launching the Nonprofit Legal Assessment Project (NLAP), to provide a range of legal analysis, representation and technical assistance to established nonprofit organizations. PILI serves as a project partner in NLAP.  Contact CEDLP's NLAP Director, Jody Adler, at 312-939-3638 or by e-mail for additional details.

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.