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PILI Receives New Grant from LTF

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Honoring Justice Thomas Kilbride & Increasing Diversity in the Public Interest Law Sector

Justice Thomas L. Kilbride (Ret.)

The Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) is excited to announce additional funding for its Law Student Internship Program made possible by the Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois. This funding is given in honor of former Illinois Supreme Court Justice Thomas Kilbride to fund four additional Interns during the summers of 2022 through 2026. With these new Honorary Named Internships, PILI and LTF are specifically intending to highlight law students whose backgrounds and experiences allow the class of PILI Interns to be a closer reflection of the communities our Interns serve.

PILI’s Law Student Internship Program connects law students from across the country with public interest law agencies in Illinois and pays them for their work. Interns receive $6,000 for working 400 hours during the summer and $3,000 for working 200 hours over a semester. Interns can also receive law school credit for their Internship. In 2021, PILI sponsored 62 Law Student Interns who worked 21,600 hours and served 2,086 clients.

LTF is a major funder of civil legal aid services in Illinois and will distribute grants totaling approximately $12,250,000 in CY 2022. Established in 1983, LTF makes grants from revenue generated by the Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) program, as well as a legal aid fee assessed on Illinois lawyers as part of the annual attorney registration process.

“The Lawyers Trust Fund’s board of directors could think of no better way to honor Justice Kilbride’s remarkable legacy than helping to launch the legal aid careers of 20 diverse law students,” said Mark Marquardt, executive director of LTF. “The intention is that all will go on to have rewarding and impactful careers in public interest law. If one of them ends up on the Illinois Supreme Court someday, that would be a bonus.”

Especially over the past two years, both PILI and LTF have redoubled their efforts to increase justice, diversity, equity and inclusion in the public interest law sector.

“PILI is grateful to be chosen to receive this grant and to have the opportunity to celebrate the legacy of service of Justice Kilbride.” PILI Executive Director Michael Bergmann said. “Moreover, these additional Interns embody the focus of our DEI Working Group to ensure greater diversity within our Intern population and ultimately the larger public interest law sector.”

A dedicated public servant, Justice Kilbride has made numerous, substantial contributions to advancing access to justice within Illinois during his career. Beginning as a legal aid attorney, he developed a robust private practice before running for the Illinois Supreme Court and joining the bench in 2000. During his 20-year tenure, Kilbride spearheaded the initiation of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice which was established in 2012 with the intention to, “Promote, facilitate and enhance equal access to justice with an emphasis on access to the Illinois civil courts and administrative agencies for all people, particularly the poor and vulnerable.”

Since departing the state judiciary, Justice Kilbride has begun to serve as co-chair of the Illinois Judges Association (IJA) Pro Bono Committee. has been recognized by institutions across the state for his dedication to public service, including The Chicago Bar Foundation which honored him by creating an award in his name, The Justice Thomas. L. Kilbride Public Service Award. He also received the Lex Adjuvat Omnes Award from the Illinois Chapter of American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) in 2021, and the Distinguished Public Service Award from PILI in 2011, among others.

“I am truly grateful for this honor from the Lawyers Trust Fund,” said Justice Kilbride, “I am proud to have my name associated with PILI and with the future PILI Interns who will serve the public interest because of this funding. LTF and PILI are in my heart.”

For more information about PILI’s Law Student Internship Program, including how to apply, visit PILI’s website. The application system for summer 2022 Internships is now open.

PILI Welcomes New Alumni Class Representative Vanessa Weathersby

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The Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) is proud to announce Vanessa Weathersby as the newest Alumni Class Representative. She will serve as the Intern Representative for the 1986-1990 Class, succeeding Charles Wintersteen in the role. This special group serves as ambassadors for PILI’s mission and work personally to connect with their Intern and Fellow classmates to strengthen the community of 4,000 PILI Alumni. One former Intern and one former Fellow represent five-year groups of PILI Intern & Fellow Alumni.

Weathersby retired as a Senior Operational Risk Manager at BMO in 2019. She was a 1988 PILI Intern at the Leadership Council for Metropolitan Open Communities in Chicago.

Can you tell me about your PILI Internship?

The Leadership Council was a prestigious fair housing organization that worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr. and other Civil Rights Movement leaders to defend tenants’ rights under the Fair Housing Act in Chicago. “The experience itself was very profound and moving,” Vanessa said. As an Intern, Vanessa engaged with clients in communities throughout the city to record instances of systemic discrimination in housing and informed individuals of their rights to empower decision-making.

“My favorite thing about being a PILI Intern was working with brilliant, like-minded individuals who had a similar passion about service to others, supporting others, fighting the good fight, challenging the status quo, and the courage to do so,” Vanessa recalled. “It was such a rich period in my career, and in my development as a person.”

Vanessa was a 1990 graduate of IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Michigan State University.

What have you been up to since your Internship concluded?

Vanessa is a courageous leader, with a track record for empowering others. When asked what she is most passionate about, Vanessa said, “Educating people, supporting people in using their voice, and shepherding them through the process. I really do believe in educating people, so they can stand on their own, and that I am there to be a support.”

After finishing her PILI Internship, Vanessa went on to complete an internship with the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington D.C., and thereafter completed a clerkship for the Honorable James R. Spencer (retired) of the federal district court for the Eastern District of Virginia. She returned to Chicago at the end of her clerkship and practiced, primarily in personal injury defense, at the firm now known as Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd.

Since retiring, Vanessa is very involved in her church, her sorority Delta Sigma Theta, and The Links organization. Most recently, Vanessa was appointed by the Fourth Ward Alderman to the newly created role of Chair, Community Safety Committee of the Grand Boulevard Advisory Council.

Vanessa is also looking forward to getting involved with PILI again and reconnecting with fellow Alumni. “I feel like, since I retired two years ago, now is a good time to get back to what I feel very passionately about,” she said.

What are you most proud of in your career so far?

“I am most proud of my willingness to challenge inequitable practices, even at great risk to myself. Everybody doesn’t always want to have practices challenged, for whatever reason, so being willing to do that, sometimes even when I have been afraid to do it, I am proud of that.” Vanessa went on to say, “When I see the other people find their voices, and the sense of empowerment that it gives them, I am very proud to be a part of that kind of transformation.”

What are you looking forward to as the new class rep for the ‘86 to ‘90 class?

As the Class Representative, Vanessa emphasized that she anticipates the opportunity to reengage with PILI and its mission, while simultaneously developing new professional skill sets. “Personally, that runs parallel to me reconnecting, reengaging and, again, working with brilliant, like-minded people. Also, I look forward to finding out what people are up to these days, especially for the class of ‘86 – ’90.” Vanessa added.

Finally, Vanessa emphasized the importance of working with organizations that address societal inequity, such as PILI.

“We are in this time of great division in our country and there is a need for people to step up, stand against the constant noise in the background, and to say, who do we want to be as a country? Does that include being my brother’s keeper and my sister’s keeper? I think the answer is yes,” Vanessa went on to say, “ I believe that is what PILI has done very well and will keep moving forward. I am my sister’s keeper and my brother’s keeper, and PILI is an opportunity or another avenue for me to act in that role.”

Vanessa commented on the impact PILI has had on her life, as an attorney and a person. “I don’t even remember how I learned about PILI, during my first year in law school. I really don’t remember. But I do know that it has impacted my life greatly. It’s funny how something like that can inform and influence me since 1988. For me, this is a lifelong organization.” Vanessa concluded.

Learn more about PILI’s Alumni Network on our website.

PILI Receives Amicus Award from Illinois Judges Association

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On December 10th, during the Illinois Judges Association (IJA) Annual Awards & 50th Anniversary Celebration, PILI received the IJA’s Amicus Award. The event was held as part of the Joint Midyear Meeting of the IJA and the Illinois State Bar Association. The Amicus Award is presented to a non-judge who has demonstrated a commitment to helping judges, litigants, attorneys and the entire legal system. PILI Executive Director Michael Bergmann accepted the award on behalf of the organization during the virtual event.

The Honorable Barbara Crowder (Ret.) is the current IJA President and presented the award to PILI. Prior to retiring, Judge Crowder served as a Circuit Judge in Madison County in Illinois’ Third Judicial Circuit. Judge Crowder also served as the founding chair of PILI’s Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee and was in the role until her retirement. Madison County Judges Maureen Schuette and Sarah Smith succeeded Judge Crowder as co-chairs of the committee.

The award was presented to PILI, in part, for its work over the last few months with the IJA on a special project focused on expanding pro bono across Illinois. Judge Crowder announced this effort as part of her presidency and partnered with PILI to encourage IJA members of the judiciary to do whatever they can to support pro bono service while also encouraging retired judge members to perform pro bono service. Through this project and in partnership with PILI, the IJA held a judicial education program on the need for pro bono, have spotlighted Illinois Free Legal Answers as a way for retired judges to do pro bono work, and hosted a virtual Pro Bono Week celebration for its members. Learn more »

PILI was also lauded for its innovative approaches to expanding equal access to justice in Illinois, including the work it does through its eleven Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committees. PILI has established these committees in the First, Second, Third, Fifth, Sixth, Tenth, Eleventh, Fourteenth, Eighteenth, Twentieth and Twenty-Third Circuits. PILI’s Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committees strive to increase equal access to justice by promoting and enhancing pro bono legal services within a specific judicial circuit. Each Committee consists of members of the judiciary as well as pro bono leaders from local law firms, corporations, bar associations, and public interest law organizations. Learn more »

“It has been a pleasure to work with Judge Crowder and the IJA to spotlight the need for pro bono service in Illinois as a critical means to increase access to justice,” said PILI Executive Director Michael Bergmann. “We are very grateful and honored to receive the IJA’s Amicus Award in recognition of our work.” You can watch Michael’s recorded remarks from the virtual event below.

Watch the 2021 Annual Awards Luncheon

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PILI’s 2021 Annual Awards Luncheon was held on Wednesday, December 1st and brought together the Illinois legal community both in person and virtually to celebrate the very best aspects of the legal profession: the generosity, expertise and commitment of the countless law students, recent graduates, lawyers and legal professionals, law firms, corporations and law schools who dedicate themselves to providing legal assistance and advocacy to those in need. This event is PILI’s largest annual fundraiser, providing critical support for our work across Illinois.

You can watch the entire event below. Note that the live program begins at 1:02:55 and the video below will begin there once you play. You can also watch the recording on our YouTube channel.

View photos from the in-person event here »

Recipients of PILI’s 2021 Annual Awards

Every year, PILI presents several awards to acknowledge lawyers and legal programs whose dedication to service, fairness, and justice inspires us and makes us proud. Congratulations to this year’s award recipients:

Learn more about this year’s award recipients »

2021 Annual Awards Luncheon Sponsors

We are so grateful to the law firms, corporations and law schools who are making this event possible including these Executive Level Sponsors: 

View a full list of sponsors »

Thank you!

Thank you to all who joined us in celebration and who supported our work through this event!

Celebrate Giving Tuesday with PILI!

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Happy Giving Tuesday!

This week, PILI will be launching our 2021 Giving Tuesday Campaign. Organized by PILI’s Young Professionals Board (YPB), we are asking our networks, supporters and volunteers to help us reach our 2021 fundraising goal of $10,000.  As part of the campaign, we asked PILI staff and YPB members, “How are you advancing access to justice?”. You can watch their responses below.

 

If you want to be involved in the fight towards increasing access to justice, here are a few ways that you can help:

Thank you for your support of PILI’s work. Happy Giving Tuesday!

Congratulations to the 2021 Fall PILI Interns

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PILI would like to extend a formal congratulations to the eight law students upon their competition of their Fall 2021 PILI Law Student Internship. As the fall session wraps up, we wanted to ask the PILI Interns about their experiences working for public interest agencies throughout Chicago. Read more about them, and the what they’ve gained, through their various Internships through PILI.

Nayeli Cadenas

Nayeli is a 2L at the University of Illinois College of Law and the Andersen Named Intern at Legal Aid Society.

“Through working with Legal Aid Society I have been able to directly serve those from the community that I was born and raised in. I’ve been working on the Domestic Violence Team aiding individuals who are victims of DV in their divorce cases. Being able to see our clients begin to move on with their lives once their cases are over makes the work worth it.”

Srishtee Dear

Srishtee is a 2L at the University of Minnesota and an Intern at Legal Aid Chicago.

“I connect with PILI’s mission to engage, inspire and empower those advancing equal access to justice because I believe everyone has a voice. Justice does not patronize or shout over others, but is determined to let people speak for themselves.”

Jihan Dubose

Jihan is a 2L at the University of Illinois College of Law and the Baker McKenzie Named Intern at the Center for Disability and Elder Law (CDEL).

“I came to law school after serving Illinois as a congressional staffer, knowing I wanted to change policies that maintain disenfranchisement. Working at CDEL has been an amazing opportunity to help many of the people I served before, but in a different way. Financial circumstances should not bar anyone from access to competent and compassionate attorneys. CDEL leads that charge everyday, and I am grateful to receive legal training from lawyers who carry a public service ethos.”

Olivia Harrison

Olivia is a 3L at Loyola University Chicago School of Law and an Intern at Chicago Volunteer Legal Services (CVLS). Olivia is a “Double PILI” having also done a PILI Internship this past summer.

“This fall I am a PILI Intern for Chicago Volunteer Legal Services in their Minor Guardianship division, serving as a Guardian Ad Litem for children on several cases. The reason I came to law school was to learn how to effectively advocate for the rights of children and families. Both of my PILI Internships have taught me tremendous skills in this area and has helped me to determine my future career path. I am so grateful to PILI, Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and everyone who has supported me along the way!”

Kaitlynn Milvert

Kaitlynn is 3L at Harvard Law School and an Intern at Equip for Equality.

“Working with Equip for Equality as a PILI Intern has reinforced my commitment to serving communities that face limited access to meaningful legal services. I’ve valued the opportunity to work with our clients in addressing the heightened barriers that people with disabilities experience in accessing legal services and enforcing their rights.”

Sarah Ryan

Sarah is a 3L at Loyola University Chicago School of Law and the Chicago Bar Foundation Named Intern at Greater Chicago Legal Clinic.

“The greatest take away from my PILI experience so far has been realizing the crucial role that lawyers play in the immigration process and the impact that our work can have on clients. In its current form, the immigration system is long and complicated, so it’s essential that clients have a patient and compassionate attorney to navigate this process with them and help them achieve their goals.”

Elvis Saldias

Elvis is a 3L at Loyola University Chicago and the LAGBAC Foundation Named Intern sponsored by DLA Piper at the National Immigrant Justice Center.

“I spent my Fall working at NIJC’s LGBT Immigrant Rights Initiative and was able to get a better understanding of the specific issues this community faces in immigration proceedings. I believe in pro bono and public interest work because many vulnerable individuals otherwise wouldn’t have legal representation, and in immigration matters, it’s of utmost importance.”

Nura Zaki

Nura is a 2L at University of Illinois Chicago School of Law and an Intern at Shriver Center on Poverty Law.

“I was encouraged to learn that law students don’t have to wait to contribute to public interest work in a meaningful way. Working with the Shriver Center has brought my coursework to life and fulfilled my hope of using my studies to respond to urgent needs of the most vulnerable in our community. I always hoped that law school could prepare me to use the law and policy to restore people’s sense of agency over their lives and this internship has given me that opportunity.”

Learn more about PILI Law Student Internships »

PILI to Recognize Four Awardees During the 2021 Annual Awards Luncheon

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On December 1st, PILI will recognize three outstanding individuals and one organization for their dedication to pro bono work within the community. PILI’s Annual Awards Luncheon brings together the Illinois legal community every year to celebrate the very best aspects of the legal profession: the generosity, expertise and commitment of the countless lawyers, law students, legal professionals, law firms and corporations who dedicate themselves to providing legal assistance to those in need. This year’s event will be a hybrid event allowing both virtual and in-person participation.

Congratulations to the awardees for their commitment to and leadership in ensuring equal access to justice for all!

Distinguished PILI Intern Alum: James Brady

James Brady was a 1990 PILI Law Student Intern at Legal Aid Chicago (then known as Legal Assistance Foundation) and has been there ever since. James began as a staff attorney in 1991 at the Englewood Office on Chicago’s southside. In 1995, he moved to the Southside office and in 2004, to the Homeownership Preservation Project. He is now a Supervisory Attorney in the Consumer Practice Group at Legal Aid Chicago. James’ practice focuses on bankruptcy, home ownership, and consumer fraud. In addition to having served many hundreds of clients over the years, Jim has a passion for mentoring younger attorneys, thus leveraging his own experience, and enabling others to better serve their clients. For several years, Jim has been on the Legal Aid Chicago Fall Class Hiring Committee, and has helped to coordinate the training of our new attorneys. He is a 1988 graduate of the University of Michigan and a 1991 graduate of the DePaul University College of Law.

Distinguished PILI Fellow Alum: Precious Jacobs-Perry

Precious Jacobs-Perry was a 2009 PILI Graduate Fellow at the Greater Chicago Legal Clinic (GCLC). She was sponsored by Jenner & Block, where she still works as an equity partner in the Litigation Department. Precious primarily represents clients in Class Action, Complex Commercial and Bankruptcy Litigation matters. She also counsels clients on a variety of legal issues related to data privacy. She now serves on GCLC’s board of directors and has a robust pro bono practice. Precious recently worked to create a pro bono partnership between Jenner & Block, a firm client, and the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund to help obtain legal name changes for transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary people. She has also advocated for women’s rights through the #MeToo Movement by representing women who have been subjected to sexual harassment and assault in the workplace. She graduated cum laude from New York University in 2005 and magna cum laude from the University of Illinois College of Law in 2009.

Pro Bono Initiative Award: Abbott

Abbott’s Legal Division has a long-standing commitment to service. In 2018, under the guidance of General Counsel Hubert Allen, Abbott Legal developed a pro bono program designed to provide legal assistance to disadvantaged and underserved communities and constituencies.  Essential to the success of Abbott’s pro bono program has been the development of strong partnerships with legal service organizations, including CDEL, Prairie State Legal Services, Ascend Justice, Lambda Legal and North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic, and significant collaboration and support from law firm partners, such as Kirkland & Ellis, Baker McKenzie, and Jenner & Block.

The scope of Abbott’s pro bono work is wide-ranging. Abbott has hosted clinics to assist low-income seniors obtain powers of attorney and living wills; helped victims of domestic violence obtain emergency orders of protection; counseled clients seeking to expunge their records to lift barriers to housing, employment, or education; conducted legal research to aid in the creation of an interactive online resource for LGBTQ+ youth, allies, and service providers; and provided legal name change services to low-income transgender individuals. Since the inception of the program, Abbott has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to pro bono service and Abbott volunteers have helped many people in need.

Distinguished Public Service Award: Michael O’Connor

Mike O’Connor has dedicated his entire legal career to the field of civil legal aid. He has been working at Prairie State Legal Services on behalf of low-income individuals since 1989. He advanced through the organization from a staff attorney to a managing attorney and has served as Executive Director for the past 15 years. In his roles, he has served and lead others in serving thousands of vulnerable Illinois citizens who needed civil legal aid to help maintain basic human needs. In addition to his work accomplishments and the impact he has had on client lives, he is a kind and warm-hearted individual who cares deeply about his coworkers and is a joy to be around. Mike received his J.D. from Loyola University and received a Bachelor of Music, Applied Piano from the University of South Dakota.

Learn more about the Annual Awards Luncheon »

What a Celebration! Wrapping Up Pro Bono Week 2021

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During the week of October 24th to 30th, PILI participated in the national celebration of Pro Bono Week. Celebrated annually and organized nationally by the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service, Pro Bono Week is intended to inspire even greater pro bono participation by lawyers throughout the nation.

We celebrated the week with a variety of virtual and in-person events across the state (virtual event links available below). We recognized five local attorneys for their outstanding pro bono work during events held throughout the week. And we even did some pro bono through Illinois Free Legal Answers, answering 124 civil legal questions during the week thanks to our Alumni Network Leadership Council and Young Professionals Board as well several law firms, corporations and law schools.

As we wrap things up we want to say an enthusiastic “THANK YOU!” to all of PILI’s pro bono volunteers from across the state through our pro bono opportunities, including our Self-Represented Litigant Help Desks, Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid Network, Illinois Free Legal Answers and Conflict of Interest Pro Bono Referral Panel. Though the efforts of these volunteers, PILI has helped over 3,000 low-income Illinoisans over the last year with their civil legal issues.

Please enjoy our Pro Bono Week Wrap Up Video below, with interview footage from pro bono leaders across the state of Illinois.

You can also check out the Celebrate Pro Bono Virtual Events following the links below:

Learn more about how to Get Involved with PILI and how to Support our Work.

PILI Recognized Five Attorneys During Pro Bono Week 2021

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During virtual celebrations as part of our 2021 Pro Bono Week celebration, PILI recognized the extraordinary pro bono contributions of five attorneys through its Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committees.

The recipient of the Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Service Award is Janel Freeman. Janel began her career working with victims of domestic violence for Land of Lincoln Legal Aid out of their Alton office. Currently, she runs a private practice in Edwardsville, Illinois. Janel is a reliable practitioner and can be called upon at any time to serve as Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) or mediator or counsel in the most challenging of family cases and juvenile abuse matters. She always makes time in her schedule and has never balked, even in the most difficult of circumstances. Colleagues have emphasized that Janel serves with kindness and compassion and has had a profoundly impactful career in Madison County.

The recipient of the Fifth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Service Award is Judy Baker. Judy is a devoted advocate within the community and has had a particularly strong impact in family law cases. Over the past three years, Judy has taken on numerous divorce cases from the circuit and closed them within the consecutive year, an impressive feat to say the least.  She doesn’t shy away from difficult cases and has taken the initiative to advocate for her clients and protect them from abuse and restore a sense of safety.  She is considered one of the most consistent pro bono attorneys in Coles County. When she has not had a recent referral, she reaches out for a new client to help.

The recipient of the Sixth Judicial Circuit Community Legal Services Award is Andrew Bequette. It is  nearly impossible to estimate the number of hours that Andrew has volunteered because he works in so many courtrooms in Champaign County and in so many courthouses in central Illinois. As a strong proponent of pro bono, Andrew accepts appointments as a Guardian Ad Litem in guardianship cases for minors and for disabled adults. He also accepts appointments to represent alleged disabled adults in contested guardianship cases. He recognizes the dignity of each person involved in the litigation, and handles each case respectfully and skillfully. In cases where the proposed guardian is an unrepresented litigant, he gathers necessary information and drafts necessary paperwork so that orders can be entered in the best interests of the client.

The recipient of the Tenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Service Award is Kerrianne Waters. Kerrianne is a dedicated public servant with a depth of experience in the field. Kerrianne has been a long-time volunteer in the Peoria area, taking on expungement cases, participating in clinics, and volunteering wherever is needed. She is committed to helping others and giving back to her community, and regularly takes cases from Prairie State Legal Services and PILI as well as volunteering at PILI’s Self-Represented Litigant Help Desk. In addition to her pro bono work, she promotes the importance of pro bono to other in the legal community.

The recipient of the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Service Award is Ted Donner. Ted has had an impactful presence in DuPage County as a leader and true champion of pro bono legal services and has led by example in the DuPage County Bar Association. He was instrumental in launching the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee. He is an adjunct professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Law and has helped set up regular Illinois Free Legal Answers clinics with their students and alumni as well as at NIU College of Law with their students and alumni, helping to engage the next generation of lawyers in volunteerism. Among his many other notable contributions, Ted is a pillar of the DuPage eviction mediation program that will help residents at this pivotal time at the end of the eviction moratorium.

Learn more about PILI’s Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committees »