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Delivery of Legal Services Spotlight on pro bono

  • May 26, 2010 | Practice News
    Spotlight on pro bono: Immigration and pro bono

    By Deborah Glaser Chagal

    Once again, the issue of immigration reform has been thrust to the forefront of American politics. Currently, much of the news is focused on the controversial legislation recently enacted by the Arizona legislature requiring police to stop any person they deem “reasonably suspicious” and demand proof legal residence. There has been no shortage of news coverage (and news parodies) regarding the problems of determining who is “reasonably suspicious”, and the questionable constitutionality of the law.

     

  • March 3, 2010 | Practice News
    Spotlight on pro bono: National Marfan Syndrome Awareness Month

    By Ramona M. Sullivan

    As you consider the importance of pro bono in your community, please remember that there are a number of other causes that need our awareness and help.  For my family, February means National Marfan Syndrome Awareness Month.

  • December 14, 2009 | Practice News
    Spotlight on pro bono: Pro bono in principle

    by Mike Fiello

    Encouraging lawyers to engage in pro bono work continues to occupy the time and energy of so many state bar associations and other organizations across the country. Why? Because there is no disputing that there is a lack of legal assistance available to the poor. Legal needs studies from across the country, including here in Illinois, consistently find that less than 20 percent of the legal needs of the poor are addressed by direct legal representation by a lawyer. Despite the efforts of many skilled and dedicated people, participation by attorneys as a whole in pro bono activity is still quite low.

  • December 14, 2009 | Practice News
    Spotlight on pro bono: Volunteering with legal aid

    By Ramona M. Sullivan

    Ronald Langacker first provided volunteer legal services through Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance when he was an attorney in Danville. He took one or two cases at a time, which he felt was not burdensome, and received the Pro Bono Attorney of the Year award for Vermilion County in 1999.

  • December 14, 2009 | Practice News
    Spotlight on pro bono: IllinoisProBono.org offers resources for specific types of pro bono attorneys

    by Lisa Colpoys

    For members of the Illinois legal profession, pro bono practice support resources are as easy as a click away, at www.IllinoisProBono.org. That website, which is hosted by Illinois Legal Aid Online, now offers web pages with resources targeted at specific types of pro bono practitioners, including senior attorneys, federal government attorneys, corporate counsel, paralegals, and law students.