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| PILI/CBF Pro Bono Initiative
Monthly E-newsletter |
September 2007 |
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Greetings!
After a complete overhaul of the Pro Bono Manual, we are pleased to release the new Pro Bono Program Reference Guide: A Resource for Law Firms. More information is available in the PBI & Pro Bono News section of the newsletter. We will be releasing a corporate version of this new Guide on October 1st.
Also, PBI has several upcoming programs that we are currently developing. In addition to the second Pro Bono Forum, PBI will also be hosting a two-part program for legal aid and public interest law organizations as part of our new Agency Series. The upcoming Series will focus on best practices in marketing agencies and their pro bono opportunities. More information can be found in the Upcoming Trainings & Events section of the newsletter.
There are two other important upcoming events of note. The CBA and CBF will host the third annual Pro Bono Week from October 8th to October 12th. More information about Pro Bono Week 2007 is available in the Upcoming Trainings & Events section. Also, the ARDC will begin mailing annual registration applications to attorneys in October. Since 2006, attorneys are required to report their pro bono hours and qualified financial contributions as part of the annual registration process. More information about the pro bono reporting requirement can be found by following the link in the Additional Links box to the left.
The involvement of PBI Participants in projects such as the writing and editing of the new Reference Guide and in developing PBI programs is critical to our success. I invite you to get more involved in the work of PBI today. Please contact me if you have questions or suggestions, or if you would like to become more involved in our work. I can be reached at 312/832-5129 or mbergmann@pili-law.org. Sincerely,
Michael G. Bergmann
Pro Bono Initiative Director |
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PBI & Pro Bono News
PBI Releases New Pro Bono Program Reference Guide
With the help of many PBI Participants, we have developed a new comprehensive resource for law firms developing or revitalizing their pro bono programs. Building on the former Pro Bono Manual, the Pro Bono Program Reference Guide: A Resource for Law Firms, provides information about starting and administering a pro bono program, pro bono resources and ways to contribute to equal access to justice efforts. The Reference Guide is now available electronically on our website. You may also contact PBI Director Michael Bergmann at 312-832-5129 or mbergmann@pili-law.org to receive a paper copy. We are currently finalizing the corporate version of the Reference Guide, which will be available by October 1st. PILI Thanks 2007 Class of Interns and Fellows
A record-breaking class of 130 law student interns and graduate fellows are concluding their summer service at fifty PILI-affiliated agencies. Students or graduates of forty different law schools around the nation, the 2007 class of PILI Interns and Fellows contributed 41,700 hours of legal services to their host agencies-which range from general legal aid agencies such as the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago, the Chicago Legal Clinic and Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, to client group specific agencies like AIDS Legal Council of Chicago, Chicago Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law or the Domestic Violence Legal Clinic.
In addition to their agency/clinic work, this year's class of PILI Interns and Fellows gathered each week for PILI's ten-week luncheon seminar program which featured kick-off speaker Professor Randolph Stone who spoke on Race and Criminal Justice. Other substantive seminar topics included Predatory Lending and Mortgage Rescue, Mediation & Conflict Resolution Issues for the Public Interest Lawyer, Evolving Issues in HIV/AIDS Law and a Supreme Court Review, sponsored by the American Constitution Society. Other career-based seminars focused on developing post-graduate clerkships and fellowships (for student interns) and integrating pro bono into private sector legal careers (for graduate fellows). The Interns and Fellows also found time to network with lawyers from firms, corporations, and other agencies and with each other at a series of social events sponsored by PILI, including several cocktail receptions and a pizza party.
PILI's application period for Summer 2008 begins next month; PILI will also fund school-year internships at a select number of agencies this fall and spring semester. For more information, go visit PILI's website at http://www.pili-law.org/PILIStudentInternships.htm. |
Upcoming Trainings & Events
PBI to Host Agency Series on Marketing Pro Bono Opportunities
The PBI Agency Series is a two-part program intended for CBF-funded and PILI-affiliated agencies that will focus on best practices in marketing of your agency and its pro bono opportunities. The first program in the series will focus on macro level strategies targeting a general audience and highlighting the use of technology to effectively market your program, opportunities and to encourage on-line giving. You can view the agenda for this program on our website. The second program, which will be held on Monday, December 10th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., will focus micro level strategies for delivering personal pitches for your program, opportunities and trainings to firms and corporations. Please call or e-mail PBI Director, Michael Bergmann, at 312-832-5129 or mbergmann@pili-law.org for additional information or to register for this program.
CBA/CBF Pro Bono Week 2007 is October 8th to 12th
The CBA and CBF will sponsor the third annual Pro Bono Week in Chicago the week of October 8th to shine a light on pro bono in the Chicago area legal community. This year's Pro Bono Week, "Lawyering for the Soul," will be co-chaired by Julie Tappendorf of Holland & Knight and Rob Acton of Cabrini Green Legal Aid Clinic, and will feature several events for attorneys to highlight pro bono work and to showcase pro bono opportunities, including:
- Pro Bono Week Kickoff Event
Join members of Chicago's legal community to help celebrate pro bono and kick off 2007 CBA/CBF Pro Bono Week. Refreshments will be served. Speakers will include Justice Anne M. Burke, Supreme Court of Illinois. The reception is being hosted by Holland & Knight on October 9, 2007 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the firm's Chicago office (131 South Dearborn Street, 30th floor). Please RSVP to 1-866-466-9813 or to hkevents@hklaw.com.
Meet with representatives from over 40 of Chicago's legal aid, pro bono and community service organizations to network with likeminded professionals and uncover the volunteer opportunity you have been seeking. Refreshments will be served. The Fair is Thursday, October 11, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., and hosted by Jenner & Block LLP, 330 N. Wabash, 40th Floor. The Chicago Bar Foundation, Exelon, Jenner & Block and Public Interest Law Initiative are co-sponsors of the Fair.
- Complimentary MCLE Programs at The Chicago Bar Association
"Practical Tips for Handling Special Education Issues," Tuesday, October 9 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
"Immigration for the Non-Immigration Lawyer: What You Need to Know and How You Can Get Involved in Pro Bono," Wednesday, October 10, 2007 from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Visit the CBF website for a the full schedule for Pro Bono Week, or for more information, contact Dina Merrell at dmerrell@chicagobar.org or 312-554-1206.
Date Set for Fall PBI Semi-Annual Pro Bono Forum
On Monday, November 5, 2007 from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m., PBI will hold its second semi-annual PBI Pro Bono Forum at The Chicago Bar Association's Headquarters. The Forum is intended for pro bono leaders from law firms, corporations, legal aid and public interest law organizations and law schools. The topic for the November 5th Forum will be "Effectively Engaging Young Lawyers and Law Students in Pro Bono." More information will be available soon.
Save the Date for the 11th Annual CBF Fall Benefit
The Annual Fall Benefit is The Chicago Bar Foundation's biggest fundraiser of the year. This high-profile fundraiser caters to families while bringing together over 1,600 people from throughout Chicago's legal and corporate communities in a unique and fun-filled setting. A huge silent auction, food, drinks, a band, and entertainment for children are all part of the experience. The event includes access to the Museum's renowned exhibits, free and convenient garage parking, live band entertainment, a light buffet dinner, a full open bar, an outstanding silent auction, and special children's activities. This year's event will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2007 from 6:30 until 10:00 at the Museum of Science & Industry. For more information about this event, please contact Meredith Lovell, CBF Development Coordinator, at 312.554.1207 or mlovell@chicagobar.org.
PILI's Annual Awards Luncheon: Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke to Deliver Keynote
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke will address more than 450 members of the legal community who will gather on Thursday, December 6, 2007, to celebrate the best aspects of the profession at the Public Interest Law Initiative's Annual Awards Luncheon. It is a forum to recognize those performing remarkable public interest and pro bono work. The Luncheon features several awards to acknowledge those whose work epitomizes the ideal of access to justice for all. The Distinguished Public Service Award honors an individual whose commitment to public interest work has shaped a career dedicated to service. The Distinguished Alumni Awards recognize a former PILI intern and fellow for outstanding contributions of public interest and pro bono work. The Pro Bono Initiative Award acknowledges a single individual or organization (law firm or corporation) for unprecedented pro bono work in the community. This year's Luncheon will be held on Thursday, December 6, 2007 in the International Ballroom at the Fairmont Hotel. Contact Susan Curry for additional details at scurry@pili-law.org or 312-832-5128.
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| Pro Bono Opportunities
If you are a legal aid agency staff member and you would like to post a pro bono opportunity, please visit www.IllinoisLegalAdvocate.org. |
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Pro Bono Spotlight
Spotlight on Sidley Austin LLP  The Chicago office of Sidley Austin LLP was this year's law firm recipient of the American Bar Association Pro Bono Publico Award. The ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service presents these awards to individual lawyers and law firms in the legal profession that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to volunteer legal services for the poor and disadvantaged. The awards were presented at the Pro Bono Publico Awards Assembly Luncheon on August 13, 2007 at the ABA Annual Meeting in San Francisco, California. Watch the ABA's video about Sidley's pro bono work and read more. | |
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