About the Event
The Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee will host this event to commemorate Pro Bono Week, recognize the efforts of local pro bono volunteers and celebrate its pro bono service award recipients. Advance registration is required using the form below.
At this event, we will present the Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Service Award to one or more lawyers practicing in the Third Judicial Circuit who have provided outstanding pro bono services to low-income individuals and charitable organizations in the last year. We will also present the Judge Barbara Crowder Pro Bono Champion Award to a courthouse staff person or member of the judiciary who demonstrate their support for pro bono in the courthouse on a regular basis. Our special guest speaker at the event will be Illinois State Bar Association President Perry J. Browder of Simmons Hanly Conroy.
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 Pro Bono Service Award through Friday, September 4th. To see past award recipients, click here »
If you have any other questions, please reach out to Andrea Schrader by email or at 217-606-7644.
View all of PILI’s Pro Bono Week 2026 Events »
Can’t see the registration form? Click here »
REGISTER HERE FOR THE LUNCHEON
2025 Pro Bono Service Award Recipient
Brittany Elliott, of Embrich & Elliott Law, has become the most consistent volunteer with the Third Judicial Circuit’s Legal Advice Clinic, signing up to serve at least once a month. She is known for her willingness to take on complex and sensitive cases, both through the clinic and in matters referred by PILI, including those that are traditionally difficult to place. Brittany approaches her work with compassion and professionalism, supporting self-represented litigants facing significant challenges and ensuring they feel heard and supported. In addition to her casework, she is also an active member of the Pro Bono Committee, making her contributions to access to justice especially impactful.
2025 Judge Barbara Crowder Pro Bono Champion Award Recipient
Sarah Wallace, a clerk with the Madison County Circuit Clerk’s Office, is the recipient of the Judge Barbara Crowder Pro Bono Champion Award. Sarah has been an invaluable resource for self-represented litigants seeking expungement, offering guidance with warmth and understanding to individuals who may feel embarrassed or overwhelmed by their criminal records. She goes above and beyond by not only directing patrons to the Law Library but also personally connecting them with staff and helping them identify their next steps. Her compassionate approach and collaborative spirit embody the values of service and support that strengthen access to justice in the community.
Prior Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee Service Award Recipients:
- 2024 Judge Barbara Crowder Pro Bono Champion Award: Stephanie McSparin
- 2024 Pro Bono Service Award: Deanna Litzenburg
- 2023 Judge Barbara Crowder Pro Bono Champion Award: Brianna Pierson
- 2023 Pro Bono Service Award: MillerKing LLC
- 2022 Pro Bono Service Award: Christopher Hunter
- 2021 Pro Bono Service Award: Janel Freeman
- 2020 Pro Bono Service Award: Deborah Crouse Cobb
- 2019 Pro Bono Service Award: Dave Fahrenkamp
- 2019 Rising Pro Bono Star Award: Rebecca Hausman
- 2018 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award: Leonard F. Berg
- 2018 Pro Bono Community Award: Ted N. Gianaris
- 2017 Pro Bono Firm of the Year Award: HeplerBroom LLC
- 2017 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award: Terrence O’Leary
- 2017 Rising Pro Bono Star Award: Zachary Pashea
- 2016 Pro Bono Firm of the Year Award: Simmons Hanly Conroy
- 2016 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award: Leslie Wood
- 2015 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award: Jennifer Shaw
- 2015 Rising Pro Bono Star Award: Trent Cameron
- 2014 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award: Tanja M. Cook
- 2013 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award: Judge Ralph Mendelsohn (Ret.)
- 2012 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award: Elizabeth “Nikki” Carrion
- 2011 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award: Judge Lola Maddox (Ret.)
- 2010 Pro Bono Attorneys of the Year Award: Michael Meehan & Deborah Crouse Cobb
- 2009 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award: Gail Donnelly Bader
- 2008 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award: Erin Reilly