2013 PILI Intern Alumni Award: Marjie Nielsen

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Marjie with her mother at our Annual Awards Luncheon

Marjie with her mother at our Annual Awards Luncheon

Marjie Nielsen has exhibited an unwavering dedication to serving the underserved throughout her legal career. Marjie was a PILI Intern at the Chicago Legal Clinic, and after graduating from Northwestern University School of Law, Marjie joined the staff at CLC and still works there today. She has helped thousands of low-income clients in cases involving family law issues, domestic violence, relief from criminal records, and more. Moreover, her willingness to support other attorneys and organizations has yielded new opportunities for collaboration that increase access to justice in Chicago.

Marjie created and directs the Ex-Offender Advocacy Program at Chicago Legal Clinic, which assists individuals with criminal records who have overcome the problems of their past and who have changed their lives, often in dramatic fashion. Marjie’s advocacy efforts have made relief from criminal records more accessible to those seeking second chances. She has drafted key pieces of legislation, testified as an expert witness before legislative committees, and argued precedent-setting cases. Marjie forged a strong partnership with Cabrini Green Legal Aid and, in collaboration with CGLA, created an expungement and sealing pro se advice desk at the Leighton Criminal Court Building. Marjie and the other attorneys and law students who staff the desk succeeded in eliminating a year-long backlog of cases, making this critical relief available to individuals within 90 days of filing. Marjie continues to supervise the desk weekly, assisting pro se individuals to obtain expungement and sealing.

In her day-to-day work at CLC’s Austin office, Marjie carries a full domestic relations case load, including many domestic violence cases. In late 2011, Marjie and CLC pro bono attorney Kevin Johnson developed the Family Law Info Session and Q & A, a free weekly seminar for pro se litigants at the Daley Center. Since January 2012, Marjie and Kevin have answered questions from hundreds of pro se individuals.

Marjie is also a dedicated law student intern supervisor at CLC, committed to supporting a new generation of effective public interest lawyers. As one of her nominators put it, “Marjie is deserving of this award for so many reasons. She is distinguished in the quality of her work, in her devotion to her low-income clients, in her training of law students and new attorneys, and in the investment she makes every day in trying to make the world a better place. Her PILI Internship was the beginning to a powerful career committed to changing lives.” PILI is proud to present this award to Marjie in recognition of her commitment to service and her passion for public interest law.

Past Award Recipients:

Amy Zimmerman (2012), Kathleen K. Clark (2011), Laurie I. Mikva (2010), Jesus Perez (2009), Laurie A. Wardell (2008), Joseph Margulies (2007), Jean Choi (2006), Jody R. Adler (2005), Sarah Vanderwicken (2004), Paul J. Gaynor (2003), Anita Weinberg (2002), Siobhan Albiol (2001), Richard F. Klawiter (2000), Jean Maclean Snyder (2000), Michael A. Parks (1999), Susan Wishnick (1999), Mary Wilkening (1998), Scott G. Golinkin (1997), Ellen Holden Clark (1995), Janet Wukas Ahern (1994), Robert L. Jones, Jr. (1993), Roy A. Petty (1993), Elizabeth Shuman-Moore (1993), James D. Wascher (1993), Cheryl M. Graves (1992), John R. Hammell (1992), Marjorie Press Lindblom (1992), Christina M. Tchen (1992)

Learn about all of PILI’s 2013 Award Recipients »

2013 Pro Bono Initiative Award: DLA Piper

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DLA_Piper_cmykAs one of the largest law firms in the world, DLA Piper develops, manages and delivers quality pro bono legal services in immense size, scale and scope. Their pro bono work supports expanding access to justice and the rule of law in the communities where they work and around the world. Pro bono is ingrained in the firm’s culture and their lawyers in Chicago are terrific examples of that culture, contributing nearly 23,000 hours of pro bono service in 2012 alone.

DLA Piper’s pro bono work in Chicago is both varied and strategic. While encouraging lawyers to take on matters in areas that interest them, they focus their work into signature projects to amplify their impact. For example, since 2009, DLA Piper has adopted the Woodlawn community, focusing its resources on serving the children and families who attend the nine schools in that neighborhood. The centerpiece of that project is a monthly legal clinic that the firm set up in 2010, along with LAF, for families in the area, which has served over 500 individuals since it opened its doors. DLA Piper also organizes literacy nights and book drives, tutors elementary school students, teaches Street Law Classes with their firm client Verizon and sponsors a high school debate team at the University of Chicago Charter School-Woodlawn Campus.

The office also has a longstanding commitment to juvenile justice, which firm lawyers adopted as a signature project in 2004. Since that time, DLA Piper has not only provided direct representation to juveniles in both juvenile and adult court, they have also done policy work on the issues of juvenile life without parole and re-entry into school after detention, and have helped spark a city-wide juvenile expungement project.

The firm’s global commitment to hunger relief began in the Chicago office with partner Bill Rudnick, who began a relationship with the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD) more than 25 years ago. That work has expanded beyond Chicago and the firm now represents food banks in many of the cities where they have offices, as well as promoting food banking through a nonprofit that they helped form, The Global FoodBanking Network. Thanks to the work that began in Chicago, some DLA Piper offices participate in food sort nights and all offices participate in the annual food drives. In 2013, the Chicago office collected $23,165.87 and 200 lbs. of food for the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

DLA Piper is honored by the work of its lawyers and staff who support local Chicago communities each and every year. Whether it’s providing legal services to the underprivileged or volunteering for local nonprofit organizations, the firm’s pro bono culture strives to make a positive impact on those it works with. PILI is pleased to present this award to DLA Piper in recognition of the firm’s substantial pro bono contributions, which have had a tremendous impact on those in need.

Past Award Recipients:

Deere & Company (2012) Mayer Brown LLP (2011), Accenture Legal Group (2010), Kirkland & Ellis LLP (2009), Caterpillar, Inc. (2008), JPMorgan Chase & Co. (2007), Jenner & Block LLP (2006), Winston & Strawn LLP (2005), Exelon (2004), Baker & McKenzie LLP (2003), Sears, Roebuck and Co. (2002), Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione (2001), McDonald’s Corporation (2000), Thomas H. Morsch (1999)

Learn about all of PILI’s 2013 Award Recipients »

Register now for PILI’s first Alumni Service Project

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PILI’s newly formed Public Service Team of the Alumni Network Leadership Council will be hosting its first-ever service project on November 13th, 2013. PILI is partnering with the Center for Disability & Elder Law’s Senior Center Initiative to provide pro bono legal assistance to seniors in preparing durable Powers of Attorney for Health Care and Property and Living Will Declarations. A CLE training and workshop are included in this service project and volunteers will receive 2 hours of CLE credit. Transportation to the workshop and lunch will be provided by PILI.

[button href=”/events/event/pili-alumni-service-project”]Register now »[/button]

Pro Bono Week with PILI

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Happy Pro Bono Week!

PILI is co-sponsoring and participating in several events across the city, state, and even the country during National Pro Bono Week, October 21-25.

On Monday the 21st, PILI is in Danville, IL for the Fifth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee‘s Pro Bono Celebration.

PILI Executive Director Michael Bergmann at the University of Illinois College of Law

PILI Executive Director Michael Bergmann at the University of Illinois College of Law

On Tuesday the 22nd, PILI is in Champaign, IL speaking to law students at the University of Illinois College of Law about public interest law and pro bono opportunities. Back in Chicago, we are hosting a lunch for our fall Interns.

On Wednesday the 23rd, PILI is joining the West Cook Pro Bono Network for their Pro Bono Week Celebration.

On Thursday the 24th, PILI is heading to Savoy, IL for the Sixth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee‘s CLE program and awards presentation. We’re also attending the 20th Annual CBA Young Lawyers Section’s Pro Bono and Community Service Fair, and we’re heading to DC for the Equal Justice Works Conference and Career Fair, which runs through Friday the 25th.

We hope to see you at one or more of these events!

Summer 2014 Law Student Internship Application Opens Today for 2Ls

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PILI-091-1930545512-OThe application system for PILI’s Law Student Internship opens today for 2Ls. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all agencies have completed their hiring, usually by March. Please note that each agency supervisor handles hiring differently: some make hiring decisions early in the application period, while others wait until later in the application period. You are encouraged to apply early to ensure the fullest consideration of your application.

Learn more about how to apply for PILI summer Internships »

More important dates:

Pro Bono Spotlight: Hinshaw & Culbertson

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hinshawThere are lessons to be learned from a firm that has spent years dedicated to addressing the needs of those who would not otherwise be able to afford legal services. Hinshaw & Culbertson, a Chicago-based firm with more than 500 attorneys in 23 offices across the United States, is on the PILI Pro Bono Recognition Roster, and is the 2013 recipient of the Chicago Legal Clinic’s Charles J. O’Laughlin Memorial Award. Behind institutional support and a culture of service, are individual trail blazers and champions. Josh Vincent, a partner in the Chicago office, and PILI Board Member, has been both for Hinshaw and has reflected with PILI on the process of building a meaningful pro bono program.

Hinshaw pro bono services started when Vincent took on four federal direct criminal appeals in 2002, following a rule change that allowed trial lawyers to withdraw at the time of appeal. Realizing there were many more appeals from criminal defendants than lawyers to take them on, Vincent began what can be an intimidating process of teaching himself where needed, watching court provided video tapes where available, and working on pro bono cases solo. After a couple years, Vincent connected the needs of the pro bono clients with the unique mentoring needs and enthusiasm of the incoming class of new lawyers at Hinshaw’s Chicago headquarters. The newly-hired lawyers were each assigned an appeal in August while waiting for their bar results. Working initially under Vincent’s supervision, and then under the supervision of partners in the firm’s Appellate Practice Group, the pro bono appeals allowed the new lawyers to gain practical experience in reading how real trials were conducted, issue identification, honing their research and writing skills, working directly with clients and presenting oral argument – typically the new attorney’s first significant court appearance. Attorneys traveled with Vincent to personally meet with clients located around the country, and came to experience first-hand the importance of every person getting access to a fair process. For many clients, the appeal, even if unsuccessful, was cathartic, because they came away feeling that they had a top-notch lawyer who got them the right to be heard.

The next evolution was to formalize the pro bono program at Hinshaw. The Executive Committee was tasked with the work, and PILI board members provided assistance by sharing their firms’ pro bono experiences, supplying templates on policies and more. Hinshaw embraced the process by adopting a Pro Bono Policy and establishing its Pro Bono Legal Services Committee (PBLSC) in 2008. Since that time, pro bono services have expanded from a focus on appellate cases to partnering with Cabrini Green Legal Aid (CGLA) in the preparation and presentation of clemency petitions, as well as support of the Life After Innocence (LAI) program. “There are many associates and junior partners who have now been with the firm for eight to nine years and for whom pro bono work was the first thing they did as a lawyer. As a result, pro bono work has evolved to become much more a part of the firm’s culture,” says Vincent.

Building trust with the client was one of the first lessons learned, and not having that relationship made stepping in as a pro bono attorney much more difficult at the beginning. According to Vincent, “a critical part of the experience, and one of the significant lessons learned, was that many criminal defendants have no in-person contact with their appellate lawyer. Many lawyers don’t take the time or cannot afford to do it, which creates a certain amount of distrust by the client, and results in difficulty getting clients to understand the importance of focusing on the key issues, as opposed to a kitchen-sink approach to the appeal. When that trust is absent, the relationship can break down. Clients will insist on including arguments that dilute the strength of their appeal, or they will ask for different counsel, or they elect to proceed on their own.” Another significant take-away from formalizing the pro bono process is that firms need to have a succession plan in place. Some cases may span years and associates working on cases may leave the firm. There is a need to anticipate how to fill the gap and accommodate other attorneys stepping in on pending matters. The next step for Hinshaw in its evolution of pro bono service will be to continue encouraging greater involvement by younger attorneys in taking on leadership roles, setting policies and procedures, and spreading the practices to offices across the country.

Driving a culture of service requires many behind the scenes champions committed to increasing access to justice. Hinshaw has many stars who are taking over where Vincent began over a decade ago. Kimberly Jansen, a partner at Hinshaw, has and continues to play a major role in the educational aspect of the pro bono experience, overseeing and mentoring young associates working on criminal cases. She assists new pro bono attorneys with their writing and confidence building, which plays a significant part in the opportunity for professional growth. Partner Scott Gilbert has put in considerable work with the LAI program and is filling an important role in the institutionalization of any pro bono firm program that of taking over as a next generation leader and go-to person for pro bono work opportunities. Leslie Richards-Yellen, the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer/Partner, is a key connector, using her personal network to expand pro bono opportunities with CGLA. Partners Dan Boho and Roy Pulvers, the chair and vice-chair of Hinshaw’s PBLSC, respectively, provide leadership that offers a pivotal next move for Hinshaw pro bono services. While located in Portland, Oregon, Pulvers has long demonstrated a commitment to the work being done by the Chicago office, and is poised to expand the PBLSC’s work throughout the country. The story of pro bono efforts at Hinshaw provides a model for other firms, and an example of how the efforts of one can lay the foundation for many leaders to emerge.

 

View all of PILI’s past Pro Bono Spotlights »

Alumni Spotlight: Marc Katz, 2009 PILI Fellow

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DSC02514Marc Katz leads the Alumni Service Team of PILI’s Alumni Network Leadership Council. He served as a PILI Fellow in 2009 at the MacArthur Justice Center of the Bluhm Legal Clinic at Northwestern University School of Law. During his Fellowship, Marc worked closely with the director of the clinic, Locke Bowman, on wrongful imprisonment and other civil rights claims. “Much of my research involved very careful, in-depth reviews of a couple of the most interesting, compelling cases in recent history,” he says. Marc tells the story of one client he worked with specifically, a man who was arrested and convicted of murder at age 18 based on speculation and questionable investigatory practices. “Alan’s story could have easily been mine, or anyone else I knew – just a young kid who was at the wrong place at the wrong time,” Marc explains. “Meeting him 20 years later, deprived of his freedom for much of his adulthood, was an impactful reminder of how flawed the justice system is.” For Marc, this case in particular and his summer PILI Fellowship experience overall reinforced how important it is for attorneys to engage in public service.

After completing his time at the MacArthur Justice Center, Marc joined Jenner & Block, the firm that sponsored his PILI Fellowship, as an associate. He worked with their corporate group on securities and mergers & acquisitions, and also took several pro bono cases, including criminal trials as well as civil and corporate matters on behalf of charitable organizations. “Jenner is a great place for young attorneys to gain pro bono experience,” he says. Marc has since left the firm and now works as Corporate Counsel at CareerBuilder, LLC where he handles international corporate matters, including acquisitions, corporate governance and structuring, and data privacy matters.

Now that he is in-house, Marc has found engaging in pro bono to be more of a challenge. That’s why he has stayed connected to PILI and is now excited to lead PILI’s new Alumni Service Team. “The Service Team was a great opportunity to incorporate more public interest into my career,” he says. “By organizing events where PILI Alumni and friends of PILI can engage with the community and provide legal aid, the Service Team and participants will get to make a difference in the community for those in need.” And, more than simply planning one-time service opportunities, the Alumni Service Team also helps train new pro bono leaders. As Marc explains, “each member of the team can gain experience in organizing similar projects for their own colleagues. In essence, service team members can contribute to the community exponentially.”

Marc credits his PILI Fellowship working with Locke Bowman at the MacArthur Justice Center with helping him learn early how to be creative in his legal work. “I was asked to research theories, defenses, and claims that were not well established,” he explains. “My experiences in law school did not allow for such creativity, but it’s a tool I use on a daily basis at CareerBuilder.” On top of this, he also says his PILI Fellowship helped him learn to take ownership of his work, to test new approaches and learn for himself how to efficiently complete tasks. “A lot of young attorneys struggle without experience, so having a summer before working at a firm where I was able to learn that skill was invaluable,” he says.

In addition to leading PILI’s Alumni Service Team, Marc is also founding member of PILI’s Giving Circles and attends PILI Alumni fundraising events to support the PILI Alumni Campaign. He will be at the PILI Alumni Reunion Reception next week and encourages everyone else to come too. Why? “Mostly because I’ll be there!” he says. “I can’t think of a better way to spend your Wednesday night.”

Read more PILI Alumni Spotlights »

Alumni Spotlight: Emily Seymore, 2009 PILI Intern

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ESeymoreEmily Seymore is the leader of the Alumni Fundraising Team of the PILI Alumni Network Leadership Council. The Fundraising Team heads up PILI Alumni fundraising efforts, raising money to support PILI Interns each summer. A former PILI Intern herself, Emily became involved as the Fundraising Team Leader to encourage other Alumni and attorneys to give back and support PILI’s mission. “I believe PILI is filling a key gap by uniting and rallying the Illinois legal community—both public interest and private practitioners—around the issue of enhancing services for people in Illinois in need of legal representation,” she says.

Emily did her PILI Internship at LAF in 2009, working on their Public Benefits Hotline and helping over 80 low-income seniors and families obtain critical health support services (Medicare and Medicaid), cash assistance (TANF), and food stamp benefits (SNAP). “Often, these families were not receiving the proper benefit amount, had difficulty completing their applications, or had conflicts with their case managers,” Emily explains. “It was very rewarding to help people navigate complex program requirements and policy manuals to ensure they received necessary basic services, such as food and healthcare.”

After completing her PILI Internship at LAF, Emily interned with the International Human Rights Clinic at the Bluhm Legal Clinic at Northwestern University School of Law. Through the clinic, she traveled to Malawi, Africa to advocate for the resentencing of prisoners serving mandatory death sentences, which were converted to life sentences after Malawi’s highest court struck down the death penalty. “Since most of the offenses were lower-tier manslaughter and petty theft crimes, we interviewed the prisoners and drafted mitigation memorandums that advocated for their release or for a more appropriate, reduced sentence,” Emily recounts. Before finishing law school, she also interned for the Deputy Regional Counsel for the U.S. EPA Region 5, where she researched state regulations on Hydraulic Fracturing in the Great Lakes area. Environmental issues are of interest to Emily given she was born and raised in Portland, Oregon.

Emily graduated from the Northwestern University School of Law in 2011 and joined the litigation department of Paul Hastings LLP, representing individuals and corporations on matters in the areas of complex commercial litigation, products liability, white-collar criminal defense, internal corporate investigations, and compliance counseling. Emily has found Paul Hastings to be very supportive of her personal commitment to pro bono. “Paul Hastings encourages me and supports me in representing individuals in adversary proceedings in bankruptcy court, asylum seekers in immigration court, and the parents of students with disabilities seeking special education services,” she says. As glad as she is for her firm’s support, Emily is also grateful to PILI for helping her get connected to causes she cares about: “I am so thankful to PILI for providing me with an introduction to Chicago’s public interest community and dedicated pro bono professionals.”

Emily encourages everyone to attend PILI’s upcoming Alumni Reunion Reception this Wednesday, October 16th at Haymarket, for drinks, appetizers, and good company in support of a great cause. “With our amazing group of alumni and supporters, I guarantee you’ll leave feeling honored to be part of the Illinois legal community,” says Emily, “and you may even leave with a fabulous raffle prize from our raffle donors at Divvy Bikes, Vosges Chocolates, Revolution Brewery, Big Onion Tavern Restaurants, Phil Stefani Restaurant Group, Penny Lane Hair Studios, SkyDeck, Lifeline Theatre, and many others!”

 

Read more PILI Alumni Spotlights »

PILI Executive Director Michael Bergmann named to “40 Under Forty”

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mbergmannMichael G. Bergmann, Executive Director of the Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) has been named to the Law Bulletin’s “40 Under Forty” list for 2013. This list recognizes forty exemplary young attorneys in Illinois every year from among hundreds of nominations. Honorees are selected for their “intelligence, passion, success in the office, desire to help the community, and, most importantly, willingness to work hard at one of the Country’s most important professions.”

[button href=”/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MGB-40-Under-Forty.pdf” target=”_blank”]Read our press release »[/button]

 

 

PILI Announces 2013 Award Recipients

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Congratulations to our 2013 award recipients! They were selected from among many nominations for their outstanding contributions to public interest law and pro bono in Illinois.

Distinguished Public Service Award:

Ann Hilton Fisher
AIDS Legal Council of Chicago

Distinguished PILI Alumni Awards:

Margie Nielsen, Chicago Legal Clinic
2001 PILI Intern

Max Stein, Boodell & Domanski
2001 PILI Fellow

Pro Bono Initiative Award:

DLA Piper US LLP

Awards will be presented at PILI’s Annual Award Luncheon on December 5 at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago. Sponsorship opportunities are available now and tickets will be on sale soon. Learn more about our Annual Awards Luncheon »