a project of the Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI)

Amended Supreme Court Rule to Increase Pro Bono Service Among House Counsels, and Attorneys on Retired or Inactive Status
The Illinois Supreme Court recently amended Illinois Supreme Court Rule 756 to allow attorneys registered with the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) as retired, inactive or house counsel to provide pro bono legal services under certain circumstances in Illinois. The amended Rule was entered on March 26, 2008 and will become effective as of July 1, 2008.

PBI Semi-Annual Agency Series

PBI organizes and hosts two programs each year that bring together CBF-funded and PILI-affiliated legal aid agencies to discuss pro bono program management best practices.  The theme for the 2008 PBI Agency Series is "Engaging Pro Bono Volunteers."  The second program in the series entitled, "Inspiring Commitment," will be held from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, September 22, 2008.

PBI Monthly E-Newsletter: Pro Bono Advocate

Each month, the PBI Pro Bono Advocate features the latest project and pro bono news, highlight selected available pro bono opportunities, upcoming project and pro bono news and spotlight pro bono achievements in the community.  Past copies of the newsletter are available on-line by following the link above.

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PBI Semi-Annual Pro Bono Forum

PBI organizes and hosts two programs each year that bring together pro bono leaders from law firms, corporations, law schools and legal aid agencies to discuss timely pro bono issues and share pro bono best practices.  The Fall 2008 Pro Bono Forum will be held from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Monday, October 27, 2008.  The Fall Forum is being held in conjunction with the CBA/CBF Pro Bono Week 2008 and is being hosted by The Chicago Bar Foundation at CBA Headquarters.

PBI Annual Pro Bono Celebration

On Thursday, June 11, 2009, the annual PBI reception, "Celebrating Pro Bono," will be held at the Harold Washington Library's Winter Garden Room. 

Directory of Pro Bono Contacts at Illinois Law Firms and Corporations

PBI has compiled a directory of the pro bono contacts at Illinois law firms and corporations.  This directory is available, upon request, to CBF-funded and/or PILI-affiliated agencies only.  Contact PBI Director, Michael Bergmann, at by e-mail or at 312-832-5129 for more information. 

Nonprofit Legal Assessment Project (NLAP) Offers Services to Nonprofit Organizations

The Community Economic Development Law Project is launching the Nonprofit Legal Assessment Project (NLAP), to provide a range of legal analysis, representation and technical assistance to established nonprofit organizations.  PBI serves as a project partner in NLAP.

Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) Interns and Fellows

Each year, PILI places law student Interns during the summer and school year and new law school graduate Fellows during the summer after graduation at affiliated legal aid and public interest law organizations in Chicago.  Contact PILI Executive Director, Susan J. Curry by e-mail or at 312-832-5128, or visit www.pili-law.org for more information.

For  more information about PILI and its Pro Bono Initiative,

contact PBI Director Michael Bergmann by e-mail or at 312-832-5129.