As part of our Annual Pro Bono Reception on June 25, 2025, we will celebrate those named to PILI’s Pro Bono Volunteer Honor Roll. Those recognized through our Honor Roll have been chosen by PILI staff for their volunteer contributions through the pro bono opportunities available through PILI’s Pro Bono Program. We are so grateful to these extraordinary volunteers whom we regularly rely on to help individuals, families and communities in need.
The four volunteers named to PILI’s 2025 Pro Bono Volunteer Honor Roll are:
Gregory B. Jumbeck
Reich, Jumbeck, Stole & Reeb, LLP
Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid Network (IL-AFLAN)
What motivates you to do pro bono?
In the realm of divorce, too many people go unrepresented. To be able to assist by engaging in pro bono work allows me to give back to the community that I live in, as well as work in.
Why do you think other people should do pro bono?
I believe that others should also perform pro bono services because the reward can be greater than that working on a case generating fees as the client is appreciative, as well as frankly the court. Plus, getting to use my expertise for someone who would not otherwise be able to afford my services, but clearly is in need of them, gives me great personal pleasure.
Why do you like to do pro bono through PILI and IL-AFLAN why is it important for you to have a pro bono role with PILI?
Working with PILI through its IL-AFLAN pro bono opportunity has allowed me to feel a true sense of giving back professionally, especially to a former service member, to help him do what is best for his family. To be able to give back and work with those who sacrificed and put themselves on the line is very personally rewarding.
Karen Kapela
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance
Illinois Free Legal Answers
What motivates you to do pro bono?
I’ve always done pro bono work but not on a set, regular basis. With the COVID pandemic, most of the in-person opportunities dried up. I was inspired by an internal email to commit to some amount of pro bono during Pro Bono Week. With Illinois Free Legal Answers, I committed to myself to answer one question a day for a week, then a month, then a year. That was October 2023, and I’m still going today. It’s both a habit at this point and an addiction almost in that I know people are waiting for someone to listen and provide guidance.
Why do you think other people should do pro bono?
I enjoy starting my day by answering one or two questions (sometimes I hit my limit and have to wait to answer more!). It’s a great way for others to dip their toes into the pro bono pool – it takes me 10-15 minutes most days and I love knowing I made a daily difference. At first, I was worried about helping people with really personal issues but realized we all have life experiences, and I would encourage someone to just try to answer one question, just one and then another.
Why do you like to do pro bono through PILI and Illinois Free Legal Answers and why is it important for you to have a pro bono role with PILI?
We all face challenges in life and have moments when we need help. I like that I’m giving back to others, just like others did for me. I hope to help people when they need it most and to make them feel seen and understood as they are going through a challenging time. I would love for one day to open the site and have no question waiting to be answered!
Paul Wieck
Bennett, Schroeder & Wieck
Pro Bono Clinics
What motivates you to do pro bono?
Coming from a family of teachers and preachers ingrained a commitment of service to those in need of help on life challenges. As I have grown older, I have recognized helping make someone’s life better is that “one thing” (from the movie “City Slickers”) that creates my joy and self-value.
Why do you think other people should do pro bono?
Not only is the need for it there but the reward of positive impact for another is surprisingly exponential.
Why do you like to do pro bono through PILI and why is it important for you to have a pro bono role with PILI?
PILI provides not just opportunity but also the structured assistance and support. The growth of PILI’s work and resources has grown substantially since my involvement, and I am so grateful to be able to assist that continued growth.
Angela Wille
Madison County Law Library
Self-Represented Litigant Help Desks
What motivates you to do pro bono?
I am motivated by the human impact of this work. Many of the self-represented litigants I assist each day are navigating what is likely one of the most difficult times of their lives. The appreciation they express for the work I do is a reminder of how meaningful even small efforts can be. Being able to provide support in these moments is both humbling and rewarding.
Why do you think other people should do pro bono?
Access to justice shouldn’t depend on a person’s financial situation, and pro bono service helps narrow the gap. Pro bono work has the potential to make a significant and lasting impact on someone’s life, not just in outcomes, but in how people experience the legal system.
Why do you like to do pro bono through PILI and why is it important for you to have a pro bono role with PILI?
PILI connects me with opportunities to serve more people who might otherwise struggle to navigate the legal system on their own. Through PILI, I’m able to contribute to the shared mission of equal access to justice.