a project of the Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI)

A project of the Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI), the Pro Bono Initiative works with law firms and corporations, legal aid and public interest law organizations, law students and the organized bar.  Our mission is to increase the availability of pro bono legal services throughout the State of Illinois for low-income and under-represented individuals who lack access to the justice system.  PBI promotes best practices for pro bono work, helps ensure effective communication about available pro bono opportunities, and acts as a clearinghouse and resource for pro bono issues.  We also work with individual attorneys and special pro bono user groups such as law students, government attorneys, paralegals and senior lawyers to broaden their pro bono experience. 

Here are just a few of the resources that PBI can provide to you to support your pro bono efforts:

• Monthly E-newsletter: Our monthly e-newsletter, the Pro Bono Advocate, provides information on major pro bono events at firms, corporations and legal aid agencies. The latest PBI and pro bono news, a listing of current pro bono opportunities, as well as stories from pro bono attorneys and clients are also included;

• PBI Pro Bono Publications: The PBI Pro Bono Prospectus is intended to aid law firm and corporate attorneys who are trying to encourage their organization to develop a formal pro bono program and to encourage fellow attorneys to participate in their organization's pro bono activities. PBI has also developed the Pro Bono Reference Guide to provide Illinois law firms and corporations with direction, best practices and relevant samples to aid the firm or corporation in developing or enhancing their pro bono program;

• Pro Bono Technical Consultations: PBI will organize a consulting team of pro bono leaders from firms or corporations similar in nature to yours, who will meet with you and other leaders at your firm or corporation to share their experiences and perspectives regarding each of their pro bono programs. The members of these teams often share samples of relevant materials to further assist you in your efforts. Based on your needs and interests, we will also help you identify the legal aid agencies that would be appropriate partners for your firm or corporation; and

• Semi-Annual PBI Pro Bono Forums: PBI organizes and hosts the PBI Pro Bono Forum twice each year to bring together pro bono leaders from law firms, corporations and legal aid agencies to discuss timely pro bono issues and share pro bono best practices.