The Twenty-Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Service Award will be presented to one or more lawyers practicing in the Twenty-Third Judicial Circuit who have provided outstanding pro bono services to low-income individuals or charitable organizations in the last year. Nominations for these awards are now open.

You may submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague, and you may also submit multiple nominations. The awards are intended to recognize pro bono legal services rendered in the last twelve months. The pro bono work may be performed through a legal aid agency or on your own so long as it meets the definition provided for in Illinois Supreme Court Rule 756*. It only takes 5-10 minutes to complete the nomination form.

Award recipients will be chosen by the Twenty-Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee and announced in late September. They will be recognized at the Celebrate Pro Bono Reception on October 28th at Oaks Grille in Bristol.

The nominations deadline is Friday, September 4th. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jessica Schneider by email or at 312-832-5125.

To view past years award recipients, scroll to the bottom of the page.

Can't see the nomination form? Click here »

*Illinois Supreme Court Rule 756(f) defines pro bono as: legal services without charge or expectation of a fee to persons of limited means; legal services to charitable, religious, civic, community, governmental or educational organizations in matters designed to address the needs of persons of limited means; legal services to charitable, religious, civic or community organizations in furtherance of their organizational purpose; or training intended to benefit legal aid organizations or lawyers who provide pro bono services. According to Rule 756(f), "persons of limited means" are not only those persons with household incomes below the federal poverty standard but also those persons frequently referred to as the “working poor."

PAST AWARD RECIPIENTS:

Jack C. Slingerland (2025)

Co-owner of Slingerland & Clark, P.C., Jack Slingerland has devoted more than 100 hours this year to pro bono service through CASA, Lawyer in the Lobby, and local legal clinics. He also mentors NIU law students, inspiring the next generation of public service lawyers. With over 30 years of experience, his compassion and leadership make a lasting difference in the lives of clients and colleagues alike.

Daniel Transier (2025)

Daniel Transier, of the Law Office of Daniel Transier, volunteers regularly with the Kendall County Courthouse’s Lawyer in the Lobby Program, providing more than 25 hours of service this year. In addition to his pro bono work, he serves as a Guardian ad Litem, conflict public defender, and Administrative Hearing Officer for the United City of Yorkville. His dedication to justice extends beyond the courtroom through mentorship, civic engagement, and community service.

Nicole Sartori (2024)
Rick Turner (2024)