The following are testimonials about the importance and impact of PILI by our program participants:

“I’ve absolutely loved being able to connect with clients and gain the experience of a practicing lawyer that I wouldn’t necessarily get from school. Being a PILI Intern has also allowed me to meet other public interest folks that share a passion for giving back to our communities.” - Maya Joseph, 2023 PILI Law Student Intern

"PILI provides a perfect segue into the type of balance that every attorney should strive to incorporate into their practice. I know that pro bono will be hugely important in my career as an attorney, and I truly believe that PILI provided an opportunity to glean how to balance legal opportunities in public interest work with a background in the private sector." - Kenedi McCormick, 2024 Graduate Fellow

“The continued expansion of the Law Student Internship and Graduate Fellowship Programs means PILI’s Alumni Network is growing tremendously. It is exciting to think about the possibilities of a great network of lawyers with a commitment to public interest law and pro bono service and how impactful we can all be.” - Jill E. Roberts, Chair, Alumni Network Leadership Council

“I volunteer with PILI as access to justice should be available for all regardless of an individual’s resources. PILI does a wonderful job encouraging and educating the legal community on equal access to justice. ” - Deanna L. Litzenburg, Mathis, Marifian & Richter, Ltd. and PILI Pro Bono Volunteer

“I am involved with PILI because equal access to justice should not be determined by one's socioeconomic standing.” - Bide Akande, Office of the Cook County Public Defender and Chair, PILI Young Professionals Board

"I don't believe a huge thank you will ever be enough to show you just how grateful I'm feeling at this moment. You've worked diligently AND patiently with me. Thank you! You've helped me in ways I've least expected. Your act of kindness expressed through your generosity towards my daughter and I shall NEVER go unrecognized. From my heart...thank you." - PILI Pro Bono Client

“I support PILI because no public interest law agency is better at promoting volunteerism among lawyers and empowering them to provide critical legal assistance to those in need.” - Lee Ann Russo, Retired Partner, Jones Day and PILI Life Director & Cornerstone Society Member

“My experience with PILI has always been rewarding and a great stepping stone into the world of pro bono for new attorneys or attorneys who are new to pro bono services.” - Abigail Fleming, Member, Tenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee

"It was a wonderful experience to do meaningful work and set a strong foundation of pro bono work at my law firm in the fall. I met so many wonderful people and helped clients every day of my summer program." - Lexi Wung, 2022 PILI Graduate Fellow

“Access to justice in the immigration space is crucial because these are clients that have no right to representation and having an advocate is often the difference between being granted protections or facing serious harm. Thanks to PILI, I get to assist advocates working on asylum cases, providing life-altering legal representation to people in our community.” - Maggie Miltko, 2024 Law Student Intern

"I was initially drawn to PILI through their participation in the Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid Network as my son is in the United States Air Force. PILI has reached out to us several times to assist with pro bono work for Veterans and we have been honored to assist. The networking and collaboration with PILI has been personally very rewarding and has facilitated new professional relationships." - Karen Mills, PILI Pro Bono Volunteer

“I am involved with PILI because I believe in a legal community with a deeply rooted culture of service, one that prioritizes pro bono and public interest work to bridge the justice gap.” - Mark C. Palmer, Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism and Chair, PILI Sixth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee

“I am so grateful to PILI as it has given me many wonderful opportunities over the years, starting from my PILI Graduate Fellowship to now providing me with resources to strengthen my own pro bono practice. PILI has created a strong platform whereby law students and lawyers can learn and grow as attorneys while also fostering a commitment to public interest and pro bono service.” - Nidhi Narielwala, Immediate Past Chair, Alumni Network Leadership Council

“I volunteer through PILI with Illinois Free Legal Answers because my advocacy helps empower self-represented litigants to navigate the legal system when a full-representation lawyer in their area is out of reach.” - Sara T. Ghadiri, Chapman and Cutler LLP and PILI Illinois Free Legal Answers Volunteer

“I don't have the financial resources to pay a lawyer for all the things that I have had to go through in my difficult situation after my husband passed away. This help was a blessing for me and my family. All I can say is thank you.” - PILI Pro Bono Client