About the ISBA

Pro Bono Opportunities and Information for Lawyers

Welcome to the ISBA’s Standing Committee on Delivery of Legal Services webpage on Pro Bono Opportunities and Information for Lawyers. This page will inform members of pro bono opportunities available to Illinois lawyers through various legal service providers. It also contains stories about pro bono opportunities and the experiences other lawyers have had participating in pro bono. The Illinois State Bar Association encourages lawyers to participate in pro bono activities and give back to their communities.

Awards

  • John C. McAndrews Pro Bono Service Award
    The award is named in memory of Rock Island attorney John McAndrews, who chaired the ISBA Committee on Delivery of Legal Services and is awarded to individual lawyers, law firms and corporate law departments, and bar associations. Nominations must be received by March 15, 2013.
  • The Joseph R. Bartylak Memorial Legal Services Award
    This award is named in memory of legal services attorney Joseph R. Bartylak to annually honor his extraordinary commitment and dedication to civil legal services and his outstanding service to Illinois’ vulnerable and low-income population. Nominations are due January 18, 2013

Find the Pro Bono Program that is Right for You

Learn about the Illinois Supreme Court Rules on Pro Bono

How much Illinois Attorneys Contribute to Pro Bono Legal Services Already

In 2011 "[T]here were slight increases in the number of lawyers providing pro bono legal services as well as the number of lawyers making monetary contributions.  30,203 attorneys indicated that they had provided pro bono legal services, as defined by Rule 756, or 34.3% of Illinois lawyers, a 0.5% increase over the 33.8% figure in 2010.  Although there was a 3.2% decrease in the number of pro bono legal service hours reported, four out of the past five years saw steady increases in the number of pro bono services hours as well as the number of lawyers engaging in pro bono service.  The number of lawyers making monetary contributions increased from 17.3% of Illinois lawyers in 2010 to 17.4% of lawyers in 2011. The total amount contributed in 2011, increased by 1% over 2010.  Illinois lawyers also paid $2,758,192 as part of their required registration fee for Lawyers Trust Fund grants for civil legal aid programs. "Source: ARDC 2011 Annual Report.

 

Learn more about the Standing Committee on Delivery of Legal Services

National Pro Bono Week

The 2012 National Pro Bono Celebration Week is October 21-27.

In an effort to promote and expand awareness of this need for increased pro bono efforts, please consider some of the activities suggested by the ISBA Standing Committee on Delivery of Legal Service, including writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper highlighting the good works of local lawyers, asking that a proclamation be adopted in your community, or other activities to promote this event and recognize the efforts of current pro bono volunteers. Below is a sample letter and a proclamation you can download and use.

Just for Fun

Legal Trivia for National Pro Bono Week

 

Spotlight on Pro Bono

Informative and uplifting articles on pro bono opportunities and experiences