May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month. We celebrate those members of the AAPI community who have contributed to our legal system and especially to access to justice initiatives. We are thrilled to spotlight three such individuals who also have a strong connection to PILI and our mission to engage, inspire and empower those advancing equal access to justice. They are Reena Bajowala, the Honorable Edmond Chang and Xiang Siow. We asked each of them the same questions to which their responses are below.

Reena Bajowala

Reena is a partner with Ice Miller, a former member of PILI’s Board of Director, and an Alumni of both PILI’s Law Student Internship Program and Graduate Fellowship Program (known as a “Double PILI”). Reena did her Internship at Chicago Volunteer Legal Services and her Fellowship at the Roger Baldwin Foundation of ACLU Illinois. She has been frequently recognized for her professional and pro bono leadership and service, including as a recipient of PILI’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2018. 

What does Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you?

AAPI Heritage month, to me, is a time to reflect on the amazing history and contributions of the AAPI community, and on a more personal level to remember the sacrifices made by my parents to give me the opportunities that are only possible in America. Also, especially given the current climate, it is an important time to support organizations that are working to address the social justice issues that affect the AAPI community, including hate crimes, mental health, poverty, and immigration challenges.

How has your identity informed you as a lawyer or in your legal career?

Growing up feeling like an outsider has helped me put myself in other people’s shoes, while also experiencing the world through my own eyes. That type of perspective-taking is crucial to our work as lawyers. It also allowed me to tap into the wonderful Asian legal community, where I have met some of my closest friends and client relationships.

How do you see the connection between Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the legacy of the AAPI community in the field of law, and your personal experience as a lawyer and your connection to public interest law/pro bono?

My family’s experience, and the experience of so many AAPI families, has informed my interest in pro bono at a fundamental level. The challenges faced by my family fleeing from Uganda and Idi Amin’s dictatorship, for example, let me to doing political asylum work. The experiences of AAPIs in trying to find employment, housing, and basic justice further provides me with inspiration to continue my work for those in the AAPI community, and other groups who have been restricted from access to those necessities.

Honorable Edmond Chang

The Honorable Edmond Chang is judge with the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, having been unanimously confirmed by the United State States in 2010.  At the time, he was the first Asian-Pacific American Article III federal judge in Illinois and in any of the states in the Seventh Circuit. Judge Chang was a 1994 Graduate Fellow at the Chicago-Kent College of Law’s legal clinic, ultimately joining Sidley Austin before becoming an Assistant United States Attorney. Judge Chang received PILI’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2012.

What does Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you?

It is significant that AAPI heritage has a dedicated, month-long celebration in our Nation. This recurring educational effort provides an opportunity for all Americans to focus on the long, arduous road traveled by Asian Americans in our country’s history; on the milestones and successes of this community; and on the path ahead. Our Nation’s strength is premised on its diversity, and every May we are reminded of the Asian American contribution to that strength.

How has your identity informed you as a lawyer or in your legal career?

It is a truism that the most effective lawyers and judges are those who are open minded and can view legal and factual questions from different perspectives. These traits can be fostered in countless ways, and each person draws on different experiences. For me personally, one animating cause that helps me maintain open-mindedness and a sense of balance is my AAPI identity. At times throughout my life, some have treated me as an outsider and displayed hostility because of my AAPI heritage. So I all too well remember what it feels like to be the target of discrimination, and that drives me to strive for understanding of a variety of viewpoints. That type of understanding is the hallmark of a persuasive lawyer and a fair judge.

How do you see the connection between Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the legacy of the AAPI community in the field of law, and your personal experience as a lawyer and your connection to public interest law/pro bono?

AAPI lawyers have a rich history of providing pro bono service for the common good, a tradition that inspired me to fulfill that obligation when I was in private practice and to enter into public service. One paragon of this history is William Marutani, a University of Chicago Law School graduate. Before law school, Mr. Marutani was forcibly removed from attending university during World War II and, under Executive Order 9066, imprisoned at the Tule Lake incarceration camp in California. During a distinguished legal career, he provided pro bono service to the Japanese American Citizens League, including the filing of an amicus brief in Loving v. Virginia. The Supreme Court granted oral-argument time to only one amicus—Mr. Marutani. He resisted the State’s attempt to further divide persons of color, and argued forcefully and eloquently against the State’s ban on interracial marriage. This is just one example of the pursuit of pro bono justice by AAPI lawyers.

Xiang Siow

Xiang is an attorney with the law firm of Applegate & Thorne-Thomsen, P.C.. He is a member of PILI’s Young Professionals Board, serving as the YPB’s Community Engagement Chair. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Chinese American Bar Association of Greater Chicago and the Associate Board Co-Chair of the Chinese American Service League. Prior to joining his current firm, he was previously with Fox Swibel Levin & Carroll LLP and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP.

What does Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you?

Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month is an opportunity to share and celebrate the countless achievements and contributions of the AAPI community. At the same time, it is also a time to draw attention to the continuing struggles and challenges faced by the diverse communities that comprise the larger AAPI community. While there is an increased focus on the AAPI community this month, we (both AAPIs and non-AAPIs) need to share AAPI stories and raise visibility throughout the year, not just in May.

How has your identity informed you as a lawyer or in your legal career?

Being an AAPI lawyer is an opportunity to represent my community and to serve as a voice for others. Even when my work does not directly relate to advocating for AAPI communities, I am very conscious of my identity in the workplace, for better or worse. While being a person of color in the white-dominated spaces of the legal industry can sometimes feel like a burden, I also see it as an opportunity to serve as a voice and role model for other AAPIs, and to demonstrate leadership in my community. Being a lawyer affords the skills needed to amplify causes and issues that are important to me, including AAPI-focused ones.

How do you see the connection between Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the legacy of the AAPI community in the field of law, and your personal experience as a lawyer and your connection to public interest law/pro bono?

I stand on the shoulders of giants who have paved the way for AAPI lawyers today, and I hope that these professional ancestors would be proud of how far we have come. According to a 2018 report led by California Supreme Court Justice Goodwin Liu, the number of AAPI lawyers has almost tripled since 2000, and now comprise almost 5 percent of all lawyers. AAPIs are the largest minority group in large law firms. But we still have a long way to go. According to the same report, we also have the highest law firm attrition rates and the lowest ratio of partners to associates. Although there has been recent progress on this front, AAPIs comprised only 3 percent of the federal judiciary in 2016, and 2 percent of state judges in 2014. AAPIs are also the least likely group to work in government. Finally, AAPIs report experiencing inadequate access to mentoring and implicit bios and stereotyped perceptions as obstacles to promotion.[1]

While I have mostly felt supported at every stage of my legal career, I am keenly aware of these struggles, and as I advance in my career, I feel a responsibility to support other lawyers and aspiring lawyers, especially lawyers of color.

We must also remember that the law has been used throughout our history to oppress people of color, including AAPIs – historical examples include the Chinese Exclusion Act, Yick Wo v. Hopkins, Ozawa v. U.S., Thind v. U.S., Korematsu v. U.S., and anti-Muslim surveillance after 9/11.  By thinking critically about who and how the law serves, we can work to turn the extremely powerful tools of the law to serving those who have not historically had equal access to justice.  My commitment to public interest and pro bono stems largely from everything I have learned about the history of oppressed peoples in this country, including but not limited to AAPIs, and the way such communities have been subjugated by the law. We have to continue telling these stories.

[1] https://www.apaportraitproject.org/ 

Representatives from Prairie State Legal Services, DuPage County Bar Association, PILI, DuPage Legal Aid and Pro Bono Network receive the Proclamation from County Board President Daniel Cronin (far right) and Board Member Julie Renehan (second from left).

On Tuesday, May 17th, PILI was recognized for its work with its Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee by the DuPage County Board. This recognition was initiated by County Board Member Julie Renehan, who is an attorney and active pro bono volunteer. PILI along with its partners from the DuPage County Bar Association, DuPage Legal Aid, Prairie State and Pro Bono Network were presented with an official proclamation honoring them by Board President Daniel J. Cronin. PILI Executive Director Michael Bergmann attended the Board meeting to receive the proclamation on PILI’s behalf.

PILI established the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee in 2017, in cooperation with the DuPage County Bar Association. The committee is comprised of local lawyers, judges and legal aid partners who strive to enhance equal access to justice by encouraging and promoting pro bono work in the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit. Since its inception the Committee has organized an annual expungement clinic for local residents (including one coming up this fall), multiple Illinois Free Legal Answers Clinics, and other activities to increase and enhance pro bono in the circuit. The Honorable Bryan Chapman is the chair of the committee.

The proclamation noted that it is estimated that in half of all low-income households in Illinois, a member of that household will need to seek legal assistance and that 83% of those residents are unable to afford a lawyer. It further stated that “legal services impact basic human needs, including physical safety, access to healthcare, government benefits and adequate housing.” The proclamation further noted the work of the legal aid partners in addresses these needs as well as the many attorneys and legal professional from DuPage County who provide pro bono legal assistance.

Read the Proclamation »

Click here to see the April 2022 PILI Post »

In 2022, one of PILI’s partners in its work, Land of Lincoln Legal Aid is celebrating its 50th Anniversary and hosting celebratory events across its service territory. The first such event was held on April 7th in Champaign at the University of Illinois. At this event, several awards were presented by Land of Lincoln. PILI’s Executive Director Michael Bergmann received the Russell K. Scott Equal Justice Award, which is given to a judge or member of the bar who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in promoting and supporting legal aid and/or expanding and improving access to justice for low-income people. A careerlong public interest lawyer, Michael joined PILI in 2006 and has served as its Executive Director since 2010.

PILI Executive Michael Bergmann (center) with Land of Lincoln Legal Aid Executive Director Clarissa Gaff (left) and Eastern Regional Office Managing Attorney Susan Zielke (right).

In nominating Michael for this award, Land of Lincoln’s Eastern Regional Office Managing Attorney Susan Zielke said, “Our longstanding partnership has allowed me a firsthand view of Michael’s efforts to expand PILI’s work throughout Illinois. The circuit-wide pro bono committees he has spearheaded provide needed support to legal aid staff as they seek to engage private attorneys in pro bono practice and create new pro bono opportunities on a regular basis. The expansion in placing PILI Interns and Fellows across the state has led to more legal aid clients being served, more legal aid attorneys careers being launched, and more private attorneys finding their lifelong passion for pro bono work. His direction to move PILI into more direct service has expanded access to legal advice and representation throughout Illinois. He was an obvious choice for the Russell K. Scott Equal Justice Award for his outstanding leadership in promoting and supporting legal aid and expanding and improving access to justice for low-income people.”

Also honored by Land of Lincoln at the event were Illinois Supreme Court Justice Rita B. Garman who received the Lois Wood Lifetime Achievement Award, HOPE of East Central Illinois which received the Ethel Sylvester Community Award and the law firm of Heller, Holmes & Associates which received the M. Ann Hatch Award. In accepting her award, Justice Garman said, “We celebrate how far we’ve come, and I challenge you all to do even more to serve justice.”

In accepting his award, Michael said, “It is an honor to receive this recognition from such a vital and vibrant organization as Land of Lincoln. We at PILI could not ask for a better partner in our work and I know the clients served by Land of Lincoln couldn’t ask for better advocates. Thank you to Clarissa, Susan and all of the amazing and tirelessly hardworking people of Land of Lincoln.”

Land of Lincoln Legal Aid Executive Director Clarissa Gaff said this, “It was our pleasure to present Michael with the Russell K. Scott Equal Justice in recognition of his decades-long work to expand access to justice for Illinoisans, regardless of income. Michael and PILI have been an important partner of ours and instrumental in promoting pro bono work throughout our 65 counties.”

In March, PILI connected with three champions of PILI for their reflections on Women’s History Month. We are honored to spotlight Lee Ann Russo, Kyle Petersen and Davina DiPaolo.

Lee Ann Russo

Lee Ann is a PILI Life Director, past Board President and Giving Circle member.

Lee Ann Russo recently retired as a partner at Jones Day in Chicago, where she specialized as a securities, commodities and class action litigator with wide-ranging experience in complex business litigation matters. She was a 1980 graduate of University of Virginia School of Law. She received her a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Notre Dame.

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

To use a time worn phrase, Women’s History Month recognizes that women like me stand on the shoulders of giants, many of whom remain anonymous. They left us a grand legacy that women today must work to carry on so as to bring us ever closer to fulfilling the promise of the Declaration of Independence that all men (and women) are created equal.

How has your identity informed the work that you’ve done as a lawyer?

My identity informed the work I did as a lawyer from day one of my 40 years of practice. I quickly learned that women litigators were a distinct minority in the courtroom, and that I often would be expected to perform better than my male counterparts in order to achieve the same result. Over time, with the elevation of many women to the bench and general counsel positions, and the general increase in the numbers of women in the profession, the playing field leveled considerably. I was also fortunate to work for nearly 30 years at a law firm that was as gender neutral in providing opportunities to and advancing its lawyers as I could have hoped. I felt (and still feel in the pro bono work I do with my old firm) that I owed a responsibility to pay it forward with the junior women lawyers coming up behind me.

Do you see a connection between Women’s History Month, the legacy of women in the field of law, and your personal experience as a lawyer and your connection to public interest law/pro bono?

The women we recognize during Women’s History Month committed themselves to advancing the treatment of women as equals in the voting booth, the workplace and the community in general. Over the past 25 years, I have conducted pro bono representation of asylum seekers, including women from countries where they are treated as property by their male partners and suffer domestic abuse that goes unpunished. This work highlights for me how fortunate I am to live in a country and be of a generation where women are protected by our laws from discrimination and by government officials from domestic violence.

Is there anything you would tell a younger version of yourself about being a lawyer? Or, do you have advice for future woman lawyers?

Seek out as many women (and men) lawyers as practicable to mentor you. Also, have the confidence to be your authentic self in everything you do.

Kyle Petersen

Kyle Petersen was a 2001 PILI Fellow at Ascend Justice in Chicago and is a PILI Board Member.

Kyle Petersen is a partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP and specializes in employment defense advising and litigation. She was a 2001 graduate of IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Indiana University Bloomington.

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

For me, Women’s History Month is a time to reflect upon and celebrate the role of women in US history and the accomplishments of those who paved the way for women like me to have a successful career as a lawyer. It was not so long ago that Justices Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg graduated at the top of their class from the most prestigious law schools but were turned away by law firms simply because of their gender. In their lifetimes, much progress was made – as evidenced by their ascension to the highest court in the land and the fact that I am but one of many female partners in my firm. Despite that progress, the work is not done. Women still face significant gender bias at work. I view Women’s History Month as a time to acknowledge the work that is yet to be done and as a call to action that we must do better for women lawyers.

Do you see a connection between Women’s History Month, the legacy of women in the field of law, and your personal experience as a lawyer and your connection to public interest law/pro bono?

Absolutely. As a law student and now a lawyer, I have been inspired by the many women lawyers who came before me, both on the national stage and in my own networks, and know that my career is possible only due to the paths paved by those who fought for women in the law. I try to pay that forward to new women lawyers through mentoring and by actively seeking out opportunities on my case teams to give women attorneys significant projects and roles. Additionally, through my long-standing relationship with PILI, I have the opportunity to give back by connecting with law students and newly-minted lawyers as they embark on their careers. Being in a position to model and mentor is extremely rewarding.

Is there anything you would tell a younger version of yourself about being a lawyer? Or, do you have advice for future woman lawyers?

When the self-doubt creeps in, remember, you belong here! I would also tell my younger self something I regularly tell my current self: step outside of your comfort zone and seek out challenges that will enhance your professional development.

Davina DiPaolo

Davina was a 2019 Law Student Intern at the Roger Baldwin Foundation of the ACLU of Illinois and is a current member of PILI’s Alumni Network Leadership Council.

Davina DiPaolo is a Legal Fellow on the Women’s and Reproductive Rights Project at ACLU of Illinois. She served as a Visiting Scholar at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law as a 3L, and is a 2020 graduate from the University of Minnesota Law School. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in International/Global Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

Women’s History Month shines a much-needed light on the incredible accomplishments of different women—accomplishments that have historically been overlooked, ignored, or erased. In the United States, women make up about 50% of the population; and yet, we are significantly underrepresented in history textbooks. One study found that 20 women were mentioned for every 100 men in U.S. high school history textbooks. I hope that one day, Women’s History Month will no longer serve to teach people about women’s accomplishments, but rather, serve as a reminder of these accomplishments.

How does your identity inform the work that you do as a lawyer?

My identity as a woman has significantly informed the work I do as a lawyer. I currently work in the Women’s and Reproductive Rights Project at the ACLU of Illinois. In my current role, I have the unique privilege of helping young people during one of the most stressful experiences that could happen in their young lives—an unplanned pregnancy. When women, of any age, are denied the ability to choose their pregnancy outcomes, it can forever change the trajectory of their lives and futures. Through my work, I advocate for young people’s right to make this critical decision for themselves, which in turn allows them to continue pursuing their hopes and dreams. As a reproductive rights attorney, I’m acutely aware of the current threat to abortion rights in the United States. Many people are not aware that, in the U.S., nearly one in four women will have an abortion by the age of 45. If Roe v. Wade is overturned, 26 states are certain or likely to significantly restrict or outright ban abortion. As a woman, this possibility angers and frightens me, but it also fuels my desire to continue fighting for these rights for as long as I have to.

Do you see a connection between Women’s History Month, the legacy of women in the field of law, and your personal experience as a lawyer and your connection to public interest law/pro bono?

Yes, absolutely. Learning about the legacy of different women in the field of law is what inspired me to be a civil rights attorney who is deeply invested in protecting reproductive rights. As a new attorney, I’ve had the privilege to learn from and work alongside incredibly talented and passionate female attorneys. I’m heartened by the sense of community and solidarity I’ve experienced among women practicing law. I’m so grateful to all the women who have mentored me and supported my professional growth over the years, and I hope to do the same for future generations of young women.

Is there anything you would tell a younger version of yourself about being a lawyer? Or, do you have advice for future woman lawyers?

If I could talk to a younger version of myself about being a lawyer, I would start off by saying—you are capable. Women are often socialized to doubt and question their abilities in a way that men are not. I wish my younger self hadn’t spent so much time and energy questioning whether I was capable of becoming a lawyer. I also wish I could have told my younger self to not compare myself to others, especially while in law school. Intelligence, talent, compassion, and perseverance cannot be measured by a transcript or resume. These gifts manifest themselves in different ways for different people. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that introspection and self-awareness allow me to better identify these gifts not only within myself, but also others. My advice for future women in law is to hone your ability to recognize the ways in which your gifts manifest themselves, and to always remember that you are capable, and you are enough.

American Bar Association 2021 Summary Report indicates Illinois is a national leader for the virtual online legal clinic.

Nearly 200,000 civil legal questions have been submitted to the Free Legal Answers website since its launch in 2016 according to the ABA’s 2021 Summary Report. The site, which allows low-income people to post civil legal questions for lawyers to answer, was an especially important resource during the pandemic when typical legal clinics and help desks had to close during the shutdown. Since March 2020, the ABA Free Legal Answers site has received 92,837 submitted questions, representing a 58% increase over the same period in 2018-19.

“For those who cannot afford an attorney and have nowhere else to turn, Free Legal Answers serves as a critical resource,” ABA President Reginald Turner said in a news release. “Sadly, hitting the milestone 2of 00,000 questions underscores the need for expanding free and affordable civil legal services.”

In Illinois, Free Legal Answers is managed by PILI, the Public Interest Law Initiative. Illinois was one of the first states to adopt the Free Legal Answers website and is a leader in the number of volunteers registered (918) and questions answered (10,792). PILI has also seen an increase in questions on the site, but at a much higher rate than the national increase. Specifically, 6,507 questions have been answered since March 2020, representing a 154% increase over the same period in 2018-2019.

“PILI was proud of the work we did to help people during the shutdown and continue to be proud of the work we are doing to keep up with the growing number of questions asked,” said Michael Bergmann, PILI’s Executive Director. “We are especially grateful to our partners in the community and the volunteers who have made sure people in need receive answers to their civil legal questions.”

PILI was able to keep up with the increased demand by launching the COVID-19 Illinois Free Legal Answers Task Force and focusing on volunteer recruitment and training. PILI regularly works with law firms, corporations and law schools to set up virtual clinics to train volunteers to use the site and then answer questions together. This virtual model has proven to be a way to successfully engage more volunteers who then provide quality answers to clients.

“I am very grateful to have this resource! I cannot afford an attorney and wouldn’t know how to proceed without this free legal advice,” one of our Illinois Free Legal Answers clients said.

Illinois Free Legal Answers is a convenient way for attorneys to volunteer their skills in a way that best fits their schedule while assisting those who have nowhere else to turn. If you would like to volunteer to answer questions for those in need, please log on to il.freelegalanswers.org or reach out to PILI Managing Attorney Abigail Causer by email or at 217-693-6017.

February was another busy month for PILI! We hosted several CLEs, including one for our new Twenty-Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee, two information sessions about the Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid Network, and multiple Illinois Free Legal Answers’ clinics. Check out a summary of all things PILI and pro bono below!

Twenty-Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee Hosts Successful CLE Program

In September 2021, PILI launched the Twenty-Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee, which includes DeKalb and Kendall Counties. With the committee up and running, they have been busy planning a variety of activities to expand and enhance pro bono in the circuit. On February 22nd, the committee offered its first CLE program titled, “Beyond the Need: What’s New in the 23rd Circuit & Pro Bono Practice Virtual CLE”. The session focused on new efforts to expand and enhance pro bono in the Twenty-Third Judicial Circuit, reviewed ethical considerations in providing pro bono legal services, and explored a variety of ways in which local attorneys can help those in need. There was a robust attendance of 30 legal professionals with thanks to both the DeKalb and Kendall County Bar Associations.

Pro Bono Madness with PILI & the DuPage County Bar Association

On February 24th, PILI’s Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee and the DuPage County Bar Association hosted a virtual legal clinic where attendees received a demonstration of how to use Illinois Free Legal Answers to answer civil legal questions for those in need. Not only did the event bring Alumni and current students from Chicago-Kent College of Law, Loyola University School of Law, Northern Illinois University College of Law and University of Illinois Chicago School of Law together, but it gave them the opportunity to network and navigate Illinois Free Legal Answers together.

Learn more about Illinois Free Legal Answers »

IL-AFLAN Virtual Information Sessions

On February 17th and 23rd, PILI hosted virtual information sessions about the Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid Network (IL-AFLAN), helping to raise awareness in the Illinois legal community as to how veterans and active duty military as well as their spouses and dependents can access free legal service through the network. Information was also provided on how attorney can volunteer to provide pro bono legal assistance through the network, including through PILI. This event was co-sponsored by the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation/IL-AFLAN, the Illinois Judges Association, and the Illinois State Bar Association Standing Committee for Military Affairs and the Standing Committee on Delivery of Legal Services.

Check out the recordings from these sessions »

Illinois Free Legal Answers Clinics for IJA Members

The Illinois Judges Association (IJA) and PILI have teamed up this year to expand pro bono statewide. As part of that effort, PILI hosted five sessions held from January 11th through February 24th across the state for retired judges who are IJA members to learn more about Illinois Free Legal Answers and how they can help low-income Illinoisans with their civil legal problems.

Learn more about Illinois Free Legal Answers »