Early commitments from several lawyers and law firms have met more than 85 percent of a $2.1 million campaign being conducted by Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation.

A total of $1.8 million has been pledged toward improved services for the poor in Madison and St. Clair Counties, and for a building and renovation project to house its East St. Louis administrative building.

Belleville attorney Bruce N. Cook has made “an exemplary leadership gift” of $625,000 to purchase a building at 8787 State St., said Land of Lincoln board chair Russell K. Scott, who also is president of the Illinois Bar Foundation.

Cook's commitment was made in memory of his mother, a former East St. Louis educator. The new building will be named the Dorothy O. Cook Community Law Center.

Among other commitments are $300,000 to the Critical Services Fund from Lance and Joan Callis, and $250,000 each from the law firms of Korein Tillery and SimmonsCooper, and Tom and Rita Keefe in memory of Thomas Q. Keefe Sr. Rex Carr has pledged $100,000.

Early commitments also were made by Burroughs, Hepler, Broom, McDonald, Hebrank & True; Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, and Reed, Armstrong, Gorman, Mudge & Morrissey in honor of Harry Armstrong and James Gorman.