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.
National Pro Bono Week
National Pro Bono Celebration Week was October 23-29, 2022
Coordinated by the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service, Pro Bono Week is intended to inspire even greater pro bono participation by lawyers throughout the nation. This initiative provides an opportunity for legal organizations across the country to collaboratively commemorate the vitally important contributions of America’s lawyers and to recruit and train the many additional volunteers required to meet the growing demand. The Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service undertook this initiative to provide a format for showcasing the incredible difference that pro bono lawyers make to our nation, to our system of justice, to our communities and, most of all, to the clients they serve. For more information, visit www.celebrateprobono.org.
The ISBA, through its Standing Committee on the Delivery of Legal Services, has commemorated this national celebration each year by encouraging its members to do pro bono and by recognizing those who meet the call. In 2015, the ISBA launched its Pro Bono Partner initiative, through which members commit to: (1) seek out the local pro bono legal services being supplied to individuals or charitable, religious or civic organizations in their community; (2) attend or support a recognition ceremony for those who participate in pro bono services in their community; (3) consider attending trainings provided to lawyers who provide pro bono services; and (4) commit to joining the efforts to increase access to the legal system. In 2021, we are relaunching this initiative and invite you to renew or make a pledge.
You are also encouraged to write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper highlighting the good works of local lawyers, ask that a proclamation be adopted by your local government, 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.
- Proclamation
- Sample Letter to the Editor
- Sample News Release for Pro Bono Week Proclamation and Event
Just for Fun
Legal Trivia for National Pro Bono Week
More information on National Pro Bono Week
Pro Bono Partners
Members of the Illinois State Bar Association are committed to delivering legal services to those who need to turn to the courts to solve their problems, whether the people who need legal services are able to pay for the services or are unable to do so. See the members who have committed to this and add your name on our Pro Bono Partners page.
Pro Bono Assistance to Review Ukrainian Humanitarian Parole Applications
The ISBA International and Immigration Law Section Council is seeking volunteers to review humanitarian parole applications for war-displaced Ukrainians.
Training for Pro Bono Assistance to Review Ukrainian Humanitarian Parole - View the recording of the August 10 training session and resource documents.
Read more about this opportunity in the Bar News
Spotlight on Pro Bono
Informative and uplifting articles on pro bono opportunities and experiences
How much Illinois Attorneys Contribute to Pro Bono Legal Services Already
In 2019, the ARDC reports that 32,866 lawyers performed over 2 million hours in pro bono legal services and 19,871 lawyers donated over $18 million dollars to pro bono legal service organizations. Although it is apparent there is widespread dedication among Illinois lawyers to pro bono causes, there is still an unmet need for more legal assistance. In fact, only about 1/3 of Illinois lawyers who are doing pro bono work. Your involvement is the greatest way in which we can increase equal access to justice for all.
Find the Pro Bono Program that is Right for You
- Legal Answers Pro Bono Clinic - Celebrate Law Day with bar associations and lawyers throughout Illinois by hosting a Legal Answers Pro Bono Clinic. Or, you don’t have to wait for Law Day, you can volunteer with il.freelegalanswers.org at any time – pro bono whenever and wherever you are!
- Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Foundation - acts as a general practice law firm for the low-income Chicagoans with the help of volunteer attorneys.
- Land of Lincoln Legal Aid - a legal service provider focusing on civil legal services for low-income individuals and senior citizens. Serves 65 counties in central southern Illinois.
- Legal Aid Chicago- a legal service provider focusing on civil legal service for low-income individuals and senior citizens in Chicago and Suburban Cook County.
- Prairie State Legal Services - a legal service provider focusing on civil legal services for low-income individuals and senior citizens. Serves 38 counties in central and northern Illinois.
- Dispute Resolution Institute, Inc. provides free mediation services throughout the state with help of volunteer mediators.
- Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) - a statewide public interest law organization with a mission to engage, inspire and empower those advancing equal access to justice.
- Or any of these organizations supported by the Illinois Bar Foundation.
Learn about the Illinois Supreme Court Rules on Pro Bono
- Rule 756(f) – Disclosure of Voluntary Pro Bono Service
- Rule 756 (j) – Pro Bono Authorization for Inactive and Retired Status Attorneys and House Counsel (See also Rule 756(a)(5) & Rule 716) See instructions for applying this status.
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.
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.