Helping attorneys through the toughest times of their lives has been at the core of what the Illinois Bar Foundation (IBF) has done since 1951. Today, the IBF recognizes that the COVID-19 crisis has presented all of us with a new set of unforeseen, unpredictable challenges. With limited court access and futures uncertain for many, the IBF has established the COVID-19 Lawyers Care Relief Fund as an extension of the existing Warren Lupel Lawyers Care Fund. This initiative will enable the IBF to further its reach to even more attorneys in need throughout the state and will specifically provide financial aid to attorneys struggling to make ends meet as a result of this crisis. This special relief fund has been made possible by a generous cy pres award directed to the IBF by friends at Edelson PC.

The IBF COVID-19 Lawyers Care Relief Fund will provide one-time, non-renewable lump sum payments of $2,000 to attorneys facing financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Attorneys must be based in Illinois and in good standing with the ARDC to be eligible for a grant. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis through July 15. Please be assured that all information provided in the application process, as well as the identity of all applicants and recipients, will remain confidential.

Almost 70 years of providing aid to attorneys in crisis has proven time and time again how generous the profession is, and how committed attorneys from all walks of life and all parts of the state are to helping our own. If you know a colleague who is struggling, please share the IBF’s application and let them know the IBF and its supporters are here for them. If you are in a position to contribute and looking for a way to help those less fortunate, please consider making a donation of any amount to the IBF COVID-19 Lawyers Care Relief Fund.